IB ACIO SYLLABUS 2025
The IB ACIO (Assistant Central Intelligence Officer) exam is conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for the recruitment of Grade II Executives in the Intelligence Bureau (IB). It is a highly competitive exam, attracting thousands of candidates each year for a limited number of vacancies. For 2025, the IB ACIO exam is expected to follow a similar structure to previous years, though slight updates may be introduced in the official notification. Below is a detailed breakdown of the IB ACIO syllabus and exam pattern for 2025, along with preparation tips to help you succeed.
IB ACIO Exam Pattern 2025
The IB ACIO selection process consists of three stages:
- Tier 1: Objective-type written exam
- Tier 2: Descriptive-type written exam
- Tier 3: Interview
Each stage is essential, and candidates must qualify in each to move forward. The final selection is based on the combined performance across all three stages.
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
- Mode: Online (Computer-based test)
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
The Tier 1 exam is divided into five sections, each with 20 questions of 1 mark each:
- General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Logical/Analytical/Numerical Ability & Reasoning
- English Language
- General Studies
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
- Mode: Offline (Pen-and-paper based)
- Type: Descriptive
- Total Marks: 50
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Sections:
- Essay Writing: 30 marks
- English Comprehension & Precis Writing: 20 marks
Candidates need to score at least 33% in Tier 2 to qualify for the interview.
Tier 3: Interview
- Total Marks: 100
- Purpose: To evaluate the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and suitability for the role.
IB ACIO Syllabus 2025
Tier 1 Syllabus
The Tier 1 exam tests a candidate’s foundational knowledge and aptitude across five areas. Here’s the detailed syllabus for each section:
1. General Awareness
- Current affairs (national and international)
- Indian polity and constitution
- Economy and finance
- Science and technology
- Geography (India and world)
- History (ancient, medieval, modern)
- Static GK (important dates, events, etc.)
2. Quantitative Aptitude
- Number system
- Simplification
- Percentage
- Ratio and proportion
- Average
- Time and work
- Speed, distance, and time
- Algebra
- Mensuration
- Data interpretation
3. Logical/Analytical/Numerical Ability & Reasoning
- Series (number, letter, and alphanumeric)
- Analogy
- Classification
- Blood relations
- Coding-decoding
- Direction sense
- Syllogism
- Seating arrangement
- Puzzles
- Non-verbal reasoning (figures, patterns)
4. English Language
- Reading comprehension
- Cloze test
- Error spotting
- Sentence improvement
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Idioms and phrases
- One-word substitution
- Fill in the blanks
- Active and passive voice
5. General Studies
- Indian history and culture
- World geography
- Indian economy
- Science (physics, chemistry, biology)
- Environmental studies
- Basic computer knowledge
Tier 2 Syllabus
The Tier 2 exam assesses a candidate’s writing and comprehension skills in English.
1. Essay Writing
- Candidates must write an essay of 400-500 words on a given topic.
- Topics typically cover current affairs, national security, internal security, technology, governance, or socio-political issues.
- The essay should have a clear structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.
2. English Comprehension & Precis Writing
- Candidates will read a passage and answer comprehension questions or summarize it.
- Precis writing involves condensing the passage into a shorter version while retaining its main ideas.
- This section tests understanding, interpretation, and concise expression.
Preparation Tips for IB ACIO 2025
To excel in this competitive exam, follow these preparation strategies:
- Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Review the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly. Focus on high-weightage topics and plan your study schedule accordingly.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: General awareness is critical for both Tier 1 and Tier 2. Read newspapers, follow credible news sources, and maintain notes on key events.
- Practice Mock Tests and Previous Papers: Solve mock tests and past question papers to boost speed, accuracy, and familiarity with the exam format.
- Enhance Writing Skills for Tier 2: Practice essay writing on diverse topics and work on precis writing to improve summarization skills.
- Master Time Management: With only 60 minutes for 100 questions in Tier 1, practice solving questions under timed conditions.
- Revise Regularly: Create concise notes for quick revision, especially for current affairs, formulas, and key concepts.
- Prepare for the Interview: If you reach Tier 3, work on your communication skills and stay informed about national and international issues.
Conclusion
The IB ACIO exam offers a prestigious opportunity to serve in India’s Intelligence Bureau, but it demands thorough preparation due to its competitive nature. With a solid grasp of the syllabus and exam pattern, along with consistent effort, you can improve your chances of success. The official notification for IB ACIO 2025 is expected soon, so regularly check the MHA’s official website for the latest updates and any changes to the syllabus or pattern.
Note: The details provided here are based on the typical structure of the IB ACIO exam from previous years. Always refer to the official 2025 notification for the most accurate and updated information.
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