UPSC DCIO (Tech) Admit Card 2025: Exam Date, Syllabus & Pattern

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued an important notice regarding the e-Admit Cards for the Pen and Paper Based Recruitment Test (OMR based RT) for the post of Deputy Central Intelligence Officer (Technical) (DCIO/Tech) in the Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs. This recruitment drive is for 13 vacancies under Advertisement No. 07/2025, Vacancy No. 25060716614. Candidates appearing for the exam on October 05, 2025, must download their admit cards and adhere to the detailed instructions provided.

Admit Card & Exam Overview

This section provides a quick glance at the crucial details regarding the UPSC DCIO (Tech) Recruitment Test and its admit card.

How to Download UPSC DCIO (Tech) Admit Card 2025

Candidates are advised to download and print their e-Admit Cards well in advance to avoid last-minute rush. No paper admit cards will be issued by the Commission.

1. Visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission: www.upsc.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the ‘Admit Cards’ section on the homepage.
3. Look for the link related to ‘e-Admit Card for DCIO (Tech) Recruitment Test 2025’.
4. Click on the download link.
5. You will likely be prompted to enter your Registration Number/Roll Number and Date of Birth/Password.
6. After entering the credentials, your e-Admit Card will be displayed on the screen.
7. Verify all the details mentioned on the admit card carefully.
8. Download and take a printout of the e-Admit Card. It is advisable to take multiple printouts for safety.

Details to Verify on Your Admit Card

Once you download your e-Admit Card, ensure all the information is accurate. In case of any discrepancy, contact the UPSC Facilitation Counter immediately.

• Candidate’s Name
• Roll Number / Registration Number
• Father’s Name
• Date of Birth
• Category (SC/ST/OBC/UR/EWS)
• Exam Date and Time
• Exam Venue / Center Address
• Candidate’s Photograph and Signature
• Important Instructions for the Exam

If you find any discrepancy, immediately contact UPSC Facilitation Counter at Telephone No. 011-23381125, 23385271 and 23098543 between 10:00 A.M to 05:00 P.M on all working days.

Documents Required on Exam Day

Candidates must carry the following mandatory documents to the test venue:

• Printed Copy of e-Admit Card: A clear printout of your downloaded e-Admit Card. Without this, entry will be denied.
• Two Passport Size Photographs: If your photograph on the e-Admit Card is not clear, you must carry two recent passport-size photographs along with an undertaking.
• Original Photo Identity Proof: Any one of the following original photo ID proofs with a clear photograph:
  • Aadhar Card
  • Driving License
  • Passport
  • Voter ID

Note: Photocopies of ID proofs will not be accepted. You must carry the original.

UPSC DCIO (Tech) Exam Centers

The Recruitment Test will be conducted at fifteen centres across India:

• Ahmedabad
• Bhopal
• Chennai
• Delhi
• Dispur (Guwahati)
• Jaipur
• Jammu
• Kochi
• Kolkata
• Lucknow
• Mumbai
• Nagpur
• Ranchi
• Vishakhapatnam
• Port Blair

Note: No request for change of test centre will be entertained.

UPSC DCIO (Tech) Exam Pattern 2025

Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The Recruitment Test (RT) will be an OMR-based Pen and Paper Test.

UPSC DCIO (Tech) Syllabus 2025

The Recruitment Test will cover various technical and aptitude subjects. A strong grasp of these topics is essential for success.

Detailed Syllabus

• Engineering Aptitude: Covering logical reasoning and analytical ability.
• Electronic Devices and Circuits
• Digital Electronics
• Computer Programming and Data Structures
• Analog and Digital Communications
• Microwave Engineering, RADAR Systems
• Satellite Communications
• Signals and Systems, Digital Signal Processing
• Computer Organization and Operating Systems
• Computer Networks and Cyber Security
• Wireless Communications and Networking
• Artificial Intelligence
• Internet of Things

Selection Process & Weightage

The selection process for the DCIO (Tech) post will involve two stages:

1. Recruitment Test (RT): An OMR-based Pen and Paper Test.
2. Interview: Only candidates shortlisted from the Recruitment Test and fulfilling all eligibility conditions will be called for an interview.

Weightage Distribution

The final selection will be based on a combined weightage of the Recruitment Test and Interview:

• Recruitment Test (RT): 75% weightage
• Interview: 25% weightage

Minimum Suitability Marks for Interview

Candidates must achieve certain minimum marks in the Recruitment Test to be considered for the interview:

Exam Day Instructions & Checklist

Adhering to exam day instructions is critical to ensure a smooth testing experience and avoid disqualification.

Do’s on Exam Day

• Reach on Time: Report at the test center 90 minutes before the scheduled commencement (by 08:00 A.M.). Entry closes 30 minutes before the test (09:00 A.M.).
• Bring Admit Card: Carry a hard copy (printout) of your e-Admit Card.
• Carry Photo ID: Bring an original photo identity proof (Aadhar/DL/Passport/Voter ID).
• Carry Photographs: If your photo on the admit card is unclear, bring two passport-size photographs with an undertaking.
• Use Black Ballpoint Pen: Candidates are advised to bring their own Black Ball point pen and use only this for marking responses on the OMR sheet.
• Follow Invigilator’s Instructions: Abide by all instructions given by the Supervisor/Invigilator.
• Fill OMR Sheet Carefully: Encode all details (Centre, Subject, Subject Code, Series of Test Booklet, Roll Number) clearly and correctly on the OMR Sheet. Any error may lead to rejection.
• Rough Work: Use the specific space provided in the answer copy for rough work.
• Stay Seated: Remain seated until the OMR Sheet is collected and you are allowed to leave by the Invigilator.

Don’ts on Exam Day

• No Mobile Phones/Gadgets: Do NOT bring mobile phones, IT gadgets, books, bags, valuables, or costly items to the venue. No safekeeping arrangements will be made.
• No Copying/Unfair Means: Do not engage in any form of copying or unauthorized assistance.
• No Extraneous Marking: Do not make any extra markings on the OMR sheet other than the required responses.
• No Leaving Early: Candidates are not permitted to leave the TEST Hall until the expiry of the allotted time.
• No Toilet Breaks in Last 30 Mins: Going to the toilet is not allowed during the last 30 minutes of the test.
• Do Not Tamper OMR: Do not fold, mutilate, tear, or take away the OMR Sheet.
• Do Not Engage in Conversation: After the test, do not engage in conversation with other candidates until allowed to leave.

Preparation Strategy & Tips

To excel in the UPSC DCIO (Tech) Recruitment Test, a well-structured preparation strategy is key, especially given the diverse technical syllabus and aptitude component.

Study Plan

A balanced approach covering both the technical subjects and engineering aptitude is essential. Dedicate specific days or time slots to each subject.

• Phase 1 (Concept Building): Focus on understanding the core concepts of each subject mentioned in the syllabus. Make concise notes for quick revision.
• Phase 2 (Practice & Application): Solve a wide variety of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for each topic. Practice logical reasoning and analytical ability questions regularly.
• Phase 3 (Revision & Mock Tests): Revise all subjects thoroughly. Take full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions, identify weak areas, and improve time management. Analyze your performance in mocks to refine your strategy.

Subject-wise Tips

• Engineering Aptitude: Practice daily to improve speed and accuracy in logical reasoning, data interpretation, and quantitative aptitude. R.S. Aggarwal’s books are highly recommended.
• Electronic Devices and Circuits / Digital Electronics: Focus on fundamental principles, circuit analysis, and common applications.
• Computer Science & IT (Programming, Data Structures, Networks, AI, IoT): Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Understand algorithms, data structures, network protocols, and basic AI/IoT concepts.
• Communications (Analog, Digital, Wireless, Satellite): Grasp the basics of modulation, multiplexing, antenna theory, and satellite communication principles.
• Microwave Engineering, RADAR Systems: Understand the working principles and applications of these specialized areas.

Time Management during Exam

• Allocate time wisely for each section.
• Start with questions you are confident about to build momentum.
• Be cautious with negative marking; avoid guessing if unsure.
• Regularly check the clock to manage your pace.

Recommended Books

Based on the UPSC DCIO (Tech) Syllabus, here are highly recommended books that cover the breadth of topics:

Note: These are standard recommended books for the mentioned subjects. Always refer to the official syllabus for specific topics and prioritize your study material accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When will the UPSC DCIO (Tech) Admit Card 2025 be released?

A1: The e-Admit Cards are expected to be released approximately one week prior to the examination date, which is October 05, 2025. So, expect them around September 28, 2025.

Q2: How can I download my admit card?

A2: You can download your admit card from the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in) using your Registration Number/Roll Number and Date of Birth/Password.

Q3: What if I forget my Registration Number or Password?

A3: The UPSC website usually provides an option to retrieve your Registration Number or reset your password. Look for ‘Forgot Registration ID’ or ‘Forgot Password’ links on the admit card download page.

Q4: What documents do I need to carry to the exam center?

A4: You must carry a printout of your e-Admit Card, an original photo identity proof (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Passport, or Voter ID), and if your photo on the admit card is unclear, two passport-size photographs.

Q5: Is there negative marking in the UPSC DCIO (Tech) Recruitment Test?

A5: Yes, there is negative marking. One-third (1/3rd) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer.

Q6: Can I change my exam center after downloading the admit card?

A6: No, the official notification clearly states that no request for change of test center will be entertained.

Q7: What is the weightage of the Recruitment Test and Interview in the selection process?

A7: The Recruitment Test (RT) carries 75% weightage, and the Interview carries 25% weightage for the final selection.

Q8: What should I do if there is a discrepancy in my admit card details?

A8: You should immediately contact the UPSC Facilitation Counter at the provided telephone numbers (011-23381125, 23385271, 23098543) between 10:00 A.M. and 05:00 P.M. on working days.

Q9: Are mobile phones allowed inside the exam hall?

A9: No, mobile phones and all other IT gadgets, along with books, bags, valuables, etc., are strictly banned inside the test venue. No arrangements for safekeeping will be made.

Q10: What is the minimum qualifying mark for the interview for OBC candidates?

A10: OBC candidates need to score 45 and above (on relaxed standards) in the Recruitment Test to be considered suitable for the interview stage. General/EWS candidates need 50 and above, and SC/ST candidates need 40 and above (on relaxed standards).