IB Recruitment 2025: Complete Guide to Assistant Central Intelligence Officer Grade-II/Executive Posts – MHA.gov.in

Introduction

The Intelligence Bureau (IB), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has announced a major recruitment drive for 2025. With 3,717 vacancies for Assistant Central Intelligence Officer Grade-II/Executive (ACIO-II/Exe) positions, this represents one of the largest recruitment opportunities in India’s intelligence services. Applications are open from July 19, 2025, to August 10, 2025, exclusively through the official MHA website.

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Key Highlights of IB Recruitment 2025

Quick Facts Table

Complete Vacancy Breakdown

The 3,717 positions are distributed across different categories as follows:

Salary and Benefits Package

Pay Structure

• Pay Scale: Level 7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400) in the pay matrix
• Special Security Allowance: 20% of basic pay
• Additional Benefits: All Central Government allowances
• Holiday Compensation: Cash compensation for duty on holidays (up to 30 days ceiling)

Service Classification

• Category: General Central Service, Group ‘C’
• Type: Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial
• Transfer Liability: All India Transfer

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

Essential Qualification

• Graduation or equivalent degree from a recognized university
• Candidates must have completed their degree by August 10, 2025

Desirable Qualification

• Knowledge of computers

Age Limits and Relaxations

Important Note: The post is not suitable for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBDs).

Examination Pattern and Selection Process

Three-Tier Selection Process

Tier-I: Online Objective Examination

• Duration: 1 hour
• Total Marks: 100
• Question Format: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Subject Distribution: 20 questions each from:
  • Current Affairs
  • General Studies
  • Numerical Aptitude
  • Reasoning/Logical Aptitude
  • English
• Negative Marking: -0.25 marks for each wrong answer

Tier-II: Descriptive Examination

• Duration: 1 hour
• Total Marks: 50
• Paper Components:
  • Essay Writing (20 marks)
  • English Comprehension (10 marks)
  • Long Answer Questions (20 marks) – 2 questions of 10 marks each on Current Affairs, Economics, Socio-political issues

Tier-III: Interview

• Total Marks: 100
• Format: Personality Test/Interview

Cut-off Marks for Tier-I

Selection Criteria

• Tier-II Shortlisting: 10 times the number of vacancies (subject to Tier-I cut-off)
• Interview Shortlisting: 5 times the number of vacancies (minimum 33% in Tier-II required)
• Final Selection: Based on combined performance in all three tiers

Application Process

How to Apply Online

Step 1: Registration

1. Visit official website: cdn.digialm.com
2. Fill personal and contact details
3. Receive Login ID and password via SMS/email

Step 2: Complete Application

1. Login with received credentials
2. Fill qualification details, personal information
3. Upload photograph and signature
4. Pay application fees
5. Submit application

Required Documents for Upload

Photograph Requirements

• Size: 35mm (width) × 45mm (height)
• Format: JPG/JPEG only
• File Size: 100-200 KB
• Background: Light grey/white
• Age: Not older than 12 weeks
• Type: Colored photograph only

Signature Requirements

• Medium: Black ink on white paper
• Format: JPG/JPEG only
• File Size: 80-150 KB
• Area: Signature area only (not full page)

Application Fees

Fee Structure

Payment Methods

• Online: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI
• Offline: SBI Challan (valid for 4 days from generation)
• Last Date for Challan Payment: August 12, 2025 (banking hours)

Examination Centers

Available Cities (148 Centers Across India)

The examination will be conducted in 148 cities across all states and union territories. Candidates can choose 5 preferred cities during application. Some major centers include:

North India

• Delhi/NCR, Chandigarh, Srinagar, Jammu, Shimla, Dehradun

West India

• Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Goa

South India

• Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Coimbatore

East India

• Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Patna

Central India

• Bhopal, Indore, Raipur, Nagpur

Important: Once selected, examination city cannot be changed under any circumstances.

Important Dates Timeline

Required Certificates and Documents

For Document Verification (After Tier-I)

1. Educational Certificates:
   • Class 10th certificate (for name and DOB)
   • Class 12th certificate
   • Graduation degree and marksheets
2. Category Certificates:
   • OBC certificate (in prescribed format – Appendix-1)
   • EWS certificate (Appendix-2)
   • SC/ST certificate
   • Ex-servicemen discharge certificate
3. Other Documents:
   • NOC from current employer (if applicable)
   • Age relaxation certificates
   • Identical photographs (as uploaded)

Tips for Success

Preparation Strategy

1. Focus on Current Affairs: Stay updated with national and international events
2. Strengthen General Studies: Cover history, geography, polity, economics
3. Practice Numerical Aptitude: Regular practice of quantitative problems
4. Develop Reasoning Skills: Logical and analytical reasoning practice
5. Improve English: Grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension

Application Tips

1. Apply Early: Avoid last-minute rush
2. Double-check Information: Verify all details before submission
3. Keep Documents Ready: Prepare all certificates in advance
4. Maintain Email Access: Keep registered email active throughout the process
5. Take Printouts: Save application form and payment receipts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply for IB ACIO-II/Exe if I’m in the final year of graduation?

A: No, you must have completed your graduation by the closing date (August 10, 2025). Final year students are not eligible.

Q2: Is there any physical fitness test in the selection process?

A: The document doesn’t mention any physical fitness test. The selection is based on written examination and interview only.

Q3: Can I change my examination center after submitting the application?

A: No, the examination center once selected cannot be changed under any circumstances.

Q4: What is the service liability for this post?

A: The post involves All India Transfer liability. Selected candidates must be willing to serve anywhere in India.

Q5: Is computer knowledge mandatory for this post?

A: Computer knowledge is listed as a desirable qualification, not essential. However, it’s advantageous to have basic computer skills.

Q6: Can I apply multiple times for this recruitment?

A: No, candidates should submit only one application. Multiple applications may result in cancellation of candidature.

Q7: What happens if I don’t score the minimum cut-off in Tier-I?

A: You will not be eligible for Tier-II examination. The cut-off marks are mandatory to qualify for the next stage.

Q8: Are there any interview coaching sessions provided by IB?

A: No, candidates are responsible for their own preparation. Be cautious of fraudulent elements claiming to provide inside help.

Q9: Can ex-servicemen get both age relaxation and reservation benefits?

A: Ex-servicemen get age relaxation as per rules. Reservation benefits depend on whether they have already availed ex-servicemen quota in previous government employment.

Q10: What is the probation period for selected candidates?

A: The appointment will be temporary initially. Permanent appointment depends on various factors governing such posts at the time.

Final Words

The IB Recruitment 2025 offers an excellent opportunity to serve the nation in one of its premier intelligence agencies. With 3,717 vacancies and a comprehensive selection process, this recruitment provides a fair chance for eligible candidates across all categories.