Before joining the intelligence bureau, candidates need to qualify for the examination. The examination is conducted in three levels, and the candidates need to pass them. Follow the article to know more about the IB ACIO and the IB ACIO selection process.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) conducts the IB ACIO, commonly known as the Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officers Examination. This exam is organised for ACIO (Assistant Central Intelligence Officer) and IB (Intelligence Bureau). IB ACIO selection process is primarily held in three phases; Tier I, which is computer-based examination (CBT); Tier II is a descriptive examination; and, finally, tier III is a personal interview.
Moreover, this exam is organised once every year. Therefore, candidates need to check the eligibility criteria and apply accordingly. In addition, candidates must have passed their graduation from any recognised university or parallel and possess basic computer knowledge. The age limit is set between 18 to 27 years.
- IB ACIO Selection Process
- IB ACIO Selection Process - Tie-Breaking Rules
- IB ACIO Selection Process - Eligibility Criteria
- Important Points to Remember for IB ACIO Selection Process
- IB ACIO Exam Pattern
- FAQs Related to IB ACIO Selection Process
IB ACIO Selection Process
IB ACIO selection process is based on three stages. Thus to qualify for the exam, candidates need to clear the three tiers. Tier I and tier II are 60 minutes exams each. Also, there is negative marking for incorrect answers. Let us learn about the IB ACIO selection process in detail.
IB ACIO Selection Process Tier I
IB ACIO tier I exam is divided into five sections. Each section carries MCQ type questions that are set for 20 marks each. 0.25 marks is deducted for each incorrect answer. No marks are deducted or awarded for unanswered questions. The minimum cutoff is set for 33%, and candidates need to qualify this round to move forward to tier II.
| Subjects | Sections | Marks |
| General Awareness | 20 | 20 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 |
| General Studies | 20 | 20 |
| Reasoning & Logical Ability | 20 | 20 |
| English Language | 20 | 20 |
IB ACIO Selection Process Tier II
The conducting authority releases the usual exam details such as date, timings, and schedule just before the examination. The candidates who successfully clear tier I will be allowed to appear for tier II.
Besides, the IB ACIO selection process for tier II is carried out according to the examination's performance. Tier II consists of questions that are descriptive, such as essays, comprehension questions or precis. It is to test candidates' English writing skills and knowledge.
| Syllabus | Marking Scheme |
| Essays | 60 |
| English Comprehension and Precis Writing |
IB ACIO Selection Process Tier III
IB ACIO selection process for tier III is based on the performance of candidates in tier I and tier II. Tier III is an interview round wherein the candidates are questioned regarding their educational background, current events, and the geopolitical situation. Moreover, the candidates are judged based on personality and intelligence.
In addition, the interview round carries 100 marks. Candidates who successfully qualify for these rounds are further character and antecedent verification followed by medical examination.
IB ACIO Selection Process - Tie-Breaking Rules
In any case, if the results are tied between the candidates, certain criteria are specifically followed for resolution.
- Higher marks in Tier I will get priority.
- In case both candidates have the same marks, tier II is considered.
- If the tier II marks are tied, then marks based on performance in tier III will be considered.
- Next, if the tie situation persists, the candidate's date of birth will be considered. The one found elder will be prioritised.
- Furthermore, if the condition is still hanging, the candidate who comes earlier in the alphabetical series will be shortlisted.
IB ACIO Selection Process - Eligibility Criteria
To apply for IB ACIO, candidates must fulfil the following criteria. These are very important and a primary necessity for the selection process. Therefore, all candidates must check these criteria and only if they satisfy the needed criteria they may apply.
- The candidate must be an Indian citizen.
- The candidate must be a graduate of any stream. The UGC must recognise the university or college.
- Additionally, candidates must possess knowledge of computers.
- The age limit is bracketed within 18-27 years, although there are certain relaxations.
- Five years of age relaxation is granted for SC/ST candidates. Three years is granted in the case of OBC's.
- Departmental candidates who have served for three consecutive years receive an age relaxation of upto 40 years.
- In the general category, widows, divorced women and women judicially separated from their husbands and not remarried; the relaxation period is upto 35 years.
- Besides, 40 years is the age relaxation period for widows, divorced women and women judicially separated from their husbands and not remarried from SC/ST category.
Important Points to Remember for IB ACIO Selection Process
As mentioned above, all the necessary information will be published by the conducting authority, including the examination's date, time, and venue. In addition, there are some important parameters for the IB ACIO selection process. Those are as follows:
- The IB ACIO selection process from tier I to tier II will be based on performance and normalisation. Moreover, candidates for tier II will be shortlisted at 10 times the number of vacancies and the scoring of the minimum cutoff.
- Further, based on tier I and tier II performance, candidates will be shortlisted for the interview round in tier III. Additionally, the shortlisting will be 5 times the number of vacancies subject to the condition that the candidate secures a minimum of 33% marks (17 out of 50) in the Tier-II exam.
- The cutoff for tier I and II exam may vary in different categories. The cut off may be set higher depending on the performance of the candidates as vacancies.
- The date and time of the tier III interview round will be mailed to the candidates.
IB ACIO Exam Pattern
IB ACIO exam is conducted in three stages: Tier I exam, Tier II exam and an interview. A candidate can only advance to tier II only after completing tier I. Further, a candidate will only progress to the interview round by clearing the initial two rounds.
| Particulars | Tier I | Tier II | Tier III |
| Subjects |
|
|
Interview Process |
| Total Marks | 100 | 50 | 100 |
| Total Time | 60 | 60 | - |
FAQs Related to IB ACIO Selection Process
Q. How many sections are there in the IB ACIO selection process tier I?
A. The IB ACIO selection process tier I is divided into five sections. Each section carries 20 marks; thus, the cumulative total of the candidates are considered.
Q. Is there any negative marking for IB ACIO selection process tier I?
A. Yes, there are 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer.
Q. How many levels are there in the IB ACIO selection process?
A. There are three stages in the IB ACIO selection process: tier I is MCQ type questions, tier II is descriptive type questions, and tier III is an interview process.
Q. Are there any age limits for IB ACIO?
A. Yes, the age limit for IB ACIO is 18-27 years. Of course, some exceptions are mentioned above.
Q. What is the time limit for the IB ACIO selection process tier I?
A. The time limit for IB ACIO selection process tier I is set at 60 minutes.
