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The Intelligence Bureau (IB) conducts the Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) exam to recruit candidates for one of the most prestigious roles in the intelligence services. For effective preparation, it is essential to understand the detailed IB ACIO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025.
The syllabus includes subjects like General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical/Analytical Ability, English Language, and General Studies, while the exam pattern outlines the number of questions, marking scheme, and time duration for each stage. This article provides the complete IB ACIO Syllabus 2025 along with the latest exam pattern for Tier 1 and Tier 2, helping candidates prepare with a clear strategy.
IB ACIO Syllabus 2025
The IB ACIO 2025 exam is held in two stages—Tier 1 (Objective Type) and Tier 2 (Descriptive Type) followed by an interview. Tier 1 comprises 100 multiple-choice questions, each carrying 1 mark, with a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect response. Tier 2 is a descriptive paper worth 50 marks, aimed at assessing candidates’ writing and comprehension skills through essay writing, long answers, and comprehension passages. The detailed syllabus for each tier is provided below.
IB ACIO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025 Highlights
For a clearer understanding, candidates can also refer to the highlights provided in the table below.
| Particular | Details |
| Recruitment Authority | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Organization Name | Intelligence Bureau (IB) |
| Post | ACIO Grade II/Executive |
| Category | IB ACIO Syllabus 2025 |
| Mode of Examination | Tier 1: Objective Type Tier 2: Descriptive Type |
| No. of Questions | Tier 1: 100 questions |
| Marks | Tier 1: 100 marks Tier 2: 50 marks |
| Official Website | mha.gov.in |
Follow the IB – ACIO 2025 channel on WhatsApp
IB ACIO Exam Pattern 2025
The IB ACIO Exam Pattern for Tier 1 and Tier 2 is explained separately below. Candidates should review the subject-wise marks distribution, total questions, negative marking scheme, and minimum qualifying marks carefully to plan a focused and effective preparation strategy.
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
- The Tier I Exam is a Written Exam of 100 Marks.
- For every wrong answer, there will be a negative marking of 1/4 mark.
- Objective type Questions
- The time duration for this exam is 60 minutes.
- Sections: Current Affairs, General Studies, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English
| IB ACIO Tier-1 Exam Pattern | |||
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
| Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
1 Hour
|
| General Studies | 20 | 20 | |
|
Numerical Aptitude
|
20 | 20 | |
|
Reasoning and Logical Aptitude
|
20 | 20 | |
|
English Language
|
20 | 20 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 | |
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
- The phase 2 exam is descriptive.
- The paper is divided into two sections: Essay Writing, English Comprehension, and Long Answer Type Questions.
- The total mark for this paper is 50 marks.
- The exam duration is 60 minutes.
| IB ACIO Tier-2 Exam Pattern | ||
| Papers | Maximum Marks | Time |
| Essay | 20 | 1 Hour |
| English comprehension | 30 | |
| 2 Long Answer Questions on Current Affairs, Economics, Socio-political issues (10 marks each) | 20 | |
| Total | 50 | |
IB ACIO Tier 1 Syllabus 2025
The IB Assistant Central Intelligence Officer 2025 Tier 1 exam covers five main topics, which include:
- General Studies – 20 Questions, 20 Marks
- Numerical Ability – 20 Questions, 20 Marks
- Quantitative Aptitude – 20 Questions, 20 Marks
- English Language – 20 Questions, 20 Marks
- Current Affairs (National & International) – 20 Questions, 20 Marks
General Studies Syllabus
The General Studies section includes topics such as Indian History, Geography, Economy, Innovation in Science and Technology, Sports, and Current Affairs etc. Check the sub topics below:
- History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History of India, Indian National Movement, Freedom Struggle, Important Revolutions
- Geography: Physical Geography (India & World), Rivers, Mountains, Climate, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Industries, Environmental Geography
- Polity & Governance: Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights & Duties, Parliament & State Legislature, Judiciary, Panchayati Raj, Important Articles & Amendments, Government Policies & Schemes
- Economy: Basic Economic Concepts, Indian Economy, Budget, Banking System, Inflation, Economic Planning, Five-Year Plans, Poverty & Unemployment, Recent Economic Developments
- Science & Technology: Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics, Space Research, Defence Technology, Computer & Information Technology, Innovations
- Environment & Ecology: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Policies, Sustainable Development, Current Environmental Issues
- Static GK: Important National Parks, Dams, Rivers, Stadiums, Books & Authors, Important Dates & Events, Capitals & Currencies, Organisations (UN, WTO, IMF, etc.)
- Current Affairs (linked to GS): Latest Developments in Politics, Economy, Science, Sports, Awards, Defence, Summits & Conferences
Numerical Ability & Reasoning Syllabus
The Reasoning section tests candidates’ logical thinking, problem-solving ability, and decision-making skills. Below are the major topics:
- Alphanumeric Series
- Artificial Language
- Calendars
- Clocks
- Data Sufficiency
- Directions
- Odd One Out
- Order & Ranking
- Statement and Conclusions
- Reasoning Analogies
- Blood Relations
- Cause and Effect
- Coding-Decoding
- Decision Making
- Input-Output
- Puzzles
- Statement and Assumptions
English Language Syllabus
English is one of the easiest sections to score. The English section evaluates candidates’ vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills. Important topics include:
- Spellings
- Correction and Improvement
- Adjectives
- Idioms and Phrases
- Verbs
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Grammar
- One Word Substitution
- Verbal Comprehension Passage
- Detecting Misspelt Words
- Reading Comprehension Passage
- Clauses
- Spot the Error
- Vocabulary
- Sentence Structure
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
The Quantitative Aptitude section, if practised well, can be one of the easiest and best-scoring sections in the IB ACIO Exam. This section tests candidates’ numerical ability, problem-solving skills, and mathematical concepts. Key topics include:
- Number Systems
- LCM & HCF
- Mensuration
- Percentage
- Averages
- Problems on Age
- Fundamental Arithmetical Operations
- Missing Numbers
- Use of Tables and Graphs
- Prices and Expenditure Problems
- Relationship Between Numbers
- Time and Work
- Time and Distance
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Profit and Loss
- Ratio and Proportion
- Ratios
- Discount
- Fractions & Decimals
- Computation of Whole Numbers
- Series Completion
- Algebra
- Statistics
- Volume & Geometry
- Mensuration (2D & 3D)
- Calculus
- Analytical Geometry
- Differential Equations
- Differential Geometry
- Dynamics
- Real Analysis
- Factoring
- Essential Mathematics
- Operations Research & Linear Programming
IB ACIO Tier 2 Syllabus 2025
The IB ACIO Tier 2 exam is a descriptive test consisting of two parts: Essay Writing (20 marks) and English Comprehension with Long Answer Writing (30 marks). Essay topics generally relate to current affairs or significant news events. To get familiar with the question style, candidates should review previous year papers. Important topics to focus on include:
- Current Affairs
- Economics
- Socio-Political Issues
IB ACIO Syllabus PDF Download
Candidates preparing for the exam can download the complete IB ACIO Syllabus 2025 in PDF format for easy reference. The syllabus PDF includes subject-wise topics for both Tier 1 and Tier 2, along with the latest exam pattern as per the official notification. The direct link to download the official IB ACIO Syllabus PDF 2025 is provided below
Download IB ACIO Syllabus 2025 PDF
IB ACIO Interview 2025
Candidates who clear the cut-off marks in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the IB ACIO Exam will be shortlisted for the final Interview round in 2025. This stage carries 100 marks and assesses a candidate’s suitability for working in the Intelligence Bureau, with emphasis on personality, communication skills, and overall presentation.
IB ACIO Selection Process 2025
The IB ACIO 2025 selection process consists of three stages: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 (Interview). Candidates must clear each stage to move forward, and final selection is based on combined performance and overall eligibility for the role.
| Tier | Details |
| Tier 1 |
Objective (MCQ-based)
|
| Tier 2 |
Descriptive Written Exam
|
| Tier 3 |
Interview
|
Important Note For Candidates
- Candidates will be shortlisted for Tier-II based on their performance and normalised marks in Tier-I. Around 10 times the number of total vacancies will be selected.
- Based on combined scores in Tier-I and Tier-II, candidates will be shortlisted for Tier-III (Interview) at 5 times the number of vacancies. To qualify for the interview, candidates must score at least 33% marks (17 out of 50) in Tier-II.
- The final merit list will be prepared based on the total marks obtained in Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III (Interview), according to the number of available vacancies.
IB ACIO Chapter-Wise Weightage
To help you prepare efficiently, we’ve shared the IB ACIO Chapter-Wise Weightage 2024 below. These tables highlight the topics that have frequently appeared in past exams. Focusing on these high-weightage chapters can boost your score more effectively in less time.
| Subject | Chapter | Question |
|
CURRENT
AFFAIRS (20) |
Science and Technology | 1-2 |
| Sports | 1-2 | |
| Government Policies and Schemes | 3-4 | |
| National Affairs | 2-3 | |
| Defence | 1-2 | |
| States Affairs | 1-1 | |
| Indexes and Reports | 1-2 | |
| Awards and Honours | 1-2 | |
| Business and Economy | 0-1 | |
| Days and Events | 0-1 | |
| Summits and Conferences | 1-1 | |
| Appointments and Resignations | 0-1 | |
| Art and Culture | 0-1 | |
| Environment | 0-1 | |
| International Affairs | 0-1 | |
| Agreements and MoUs | 0-1 | |
| National Organisations | ||
|
LOGICAL
REASONING (20) |
Series | 3-3 |
| Analogy | 2-3 | |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | 1-2 | |
| Puzzle | 1-2 | |
| Classification | 1-2 | |
| Syllogism | 1-2 | |
| Assertions and Reasons | 1-2 | |
| Seating Arrangement | 1-1 | |
| Ordering and Ranking | 1-1 | |
| Data Sufficiency | 1-1 | |
| Coding Decoding | 1-1 | |
| Alphabet or Word Test | 1-1 | |
| Statements and Conclusions | 0-1 | |
| Venn Diagram | 0-1 | |
| Statements and Arguments | 0-1 | |
| Course of Action | 0-1 | |
| Clock and Calendar | 0-1 | |
|
GENERAL
KNOWLEDGE (20) |
Polity | 4-5 |
| Indian Geography | 3-3 | |
| Economy | 3-3 | |
| Ancient History | 2-3 | |
| Medieval History | 2-3 | |
| Art and Culture | 1-2 | |
| Modern India (National Movement ) | 0-1 | |
| Geography (World Geography) | 0-1 | |
| Government Policies and Schemes | 0-1 | |
| Modern India (Pre-Congress Phase) | 0-1 | |
| Ecology and Environment | 0-1 | |
| Books and Authors | 0-1 | |
|
QUANTITATIVE
APTITUDE (20) |
Profit and Loss | 3-4 |
| Ratio and Proportion | 2-3 | |
| Speed, Time and Distance | 2-2 | |
| Interest | 1-2 | |
| Percentage | 1-2 | |
| Number System | 1-2 | |
| Algebra | 1-2 | |
| Average | 1-2 | |
| Mixture Problems | 1-1 | |
| Time and Work | 1-1 | |
| Simplification | 0-1 | |
| Progression | 0-1 | |
| Problem on Age | 0-1 | |
| Mensuration | 0-1 | |
|
ENGLISH
(20) |
Sentence | 2-2 |
| Error Spotting | 1-2 | |
| Synonyms or Antonyms | 4-5 | |
| Phrase or Idiom Meaning | 3-4 | |
| Match the Following | 2-3 | |
| Odd Man Out | 1-2 | |
| Cloze Test | 0-1 | |
| Sentence Jumbles | 1-2 | |
| Fill in the Blanks | 1-2 | |
| One Word Substitution | 0-1 | |
| Parts of Speech | 0-1 | |
| Para Jumbles | 0-1 |
Tips To Prepare for IB ACIO 2025 Exam
Candidates must know the IB ACIO Preparation Tips 2025 before starting it. It will help in understanding the demand for the exam and in making a personalised strategy:
- Start your preparation with a mindset to crack the exam.
- Check what topics are covered in each section – General Studies, Current Affairs, Numerical Aptitude, Reasoning, and English.
- Now, gather your resources and only keep 2 different sources for each subject.
- Assess Your Strengths & Weaknesses and make a study plan that provides more time for hard topics.
- In the initial stages, take weekly mock tests or solve previous papers to see where you stand.
- Keep time every week for revision and full-length mock tests. Analyse your mistakes and improve.
- For General Awareness, make reading news or current affairs a daily habit.
| Links Related to IB ACIO | |
| IB ACIO Apply Online 2025 | IB ACIO Previous Year Question Paper |
| IB ACIO Salary | IB ACIO Cut Off |
| IB ACIO Eligibility | |
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