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IB ACIO Grade II 2026

Ministry of Home Affairs (Intelligence Bureau)

Mode

Online

Level

Graduate

Vacancies

1,500+

Fee

₹100 (Gen/OBC/EWS), Nil (SC/ST/Ex-SM)

Key dates

Notification

15 Jul 2026

Application Last Date

10 Aug 2026

Tier I Exam

05 Oct 2026

Tier II Exam

15 Nov 2026

Interview

Jan 2027

About this exam

IB ACIO Grade II 2026 recruits 1,500+ Assistant Central Intelligence Officers for India's Intelligence Bureau under MHA. Eligibility: graduation in any discipline, age 18-27 years. Three-stage selection: Tier I CBT (Oct 2026, 100 MCQs), Tier II Descriptive (Nov 2026), Interview (Jan 2027). Pay Level 7, salary Rs. 65,000–75,000/month in-hand. Application fee Rs. 100 (Gen/OBC). Last date Aug 2026.

Eligibility

  • Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university
  • Age limit: 18 to 27 years with relaxation for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years)
  • Must be an Indian citizen
  • Candidates must be willing to serve anywhere in India

Syllabus

  • General Awareness and Current Affairs
  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • Logical/Analytical Ability
  • English Language
  • Essay and Precis Writing (Tier II — Descriptive)

Exam Pattern

  • Tier I: Online CBT — 100 objective MCQs in 60 minutes (General Awareness 25, Quantitative Aptitude 25, Logical Ability 25, English 25)
  • Tier II: Descriptive Paper — Essay (40 marks) + English Comprehension and Precis (60 marks), 60 minutes
  • Tier III: Interview/Personality Test for shortlisted candidates
  • Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer in Tier I

Exam overview

IB ACIO Grade II/Executive recruits Assistant Central Intelligence Officers for India's domestic intelligence agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

ACIOs work in intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism, VIP security coordination, and national security operations across India.

Selected candidates are eligible for grade pay promotion to ACIO Grade I and higher IB cadre positions over time.

Preparation tip

Start with the syllabus topics listed above, then practice timed mock tests and revise previous year questions weekly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an IB ACIO do?▼
An IB ACIO (Assistant Central Intelligence Officer) Grade II works for India's Intelligence Bureau under MHA. Duties include intelligence collection, assessment, counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism support, and VIP security coordination. It is a field-and-desk combination role across India.
What is the salary of IB ACIO 2026?▼
IB ACIO Grade II salary is at Pay Level 7 (Rs. 44,900 basic per month). With DA, HRA, TA, and other allowances, the total in-hand salary is approximately Rs. 65,000–75,000 per month. Field-duty allowances may also apply.
Is there an interview in IB ACIO 2026?▼
Yes. After Tier I (objective CBT) and Tier II (descriptive paper), shortlisted candidates appear for a Tier III Interview/Personality Test. Final selection is based on combined performance in all three tiers.
What is the age limit for IB ACIO 2026?▼
The age limit for IB ACIO Grade II is 18 to 27 years for General category. SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation, OBC (NCL) get 3 years. Ex-servicemen get relaxation as per Government rules. Age is calculated as of the closing date of application.
Is IB ACIO a gazetted post?▼
No, IB ACIO Grade II/Executive is a Group C Non-Gazetted post. However, upon promotion to ACIO Grade I, the post becomes Group B Non-Gazetted. Further promotions lead to Group B Gazetted positions within the IB cadre.
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Official Website

https://mha.gov.in

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