The IB ACIO Syllabus 2026 is available on the official Intelligence Bureau website for candidates preparing for the Assistant Central Intelligence Officer Grade II examination. It encompasses five major subjects: current affairs, general studies, quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and the English language. Aspirants must understand the topic-wise breakdown and exam pattern to structure their preparation.
The selection process for IB ACIO 2026 consists of three stages: Tier 1 (online objective test), Tier 2 (offline descriptive paper), and a personal interview. The complete exam timeline, marking scheme, and subject weightage are detailed in the official notification published on https://www.mha.gov.in. Candidates should download the official syllabus PDF to finalize their study plan.
IB ACIO Syllabus 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IB ACIO Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Organisation | Intelligence Bureau (IB) – Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Post Name | Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) Grade II/Executive |
| Exam Mode | Online (Tier 1), Offline (Tier 2) |
| Total Marks | Tier 1: 100, Tier 2: 50, Interview: 100 |
| Exam Duration | Tier 1: 1 Hour, Tier 2: 1 Hour |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks per wrong answer in Tier 1 |
| Selection Process | Tier 1 + Tier 2 + Interview |
| Official Website | https://www.mha.gov.in |
Selection Process
The IB ACIO recruitment exam follows a three-stage selection process designed to assess the knowledge, analytical skills, and communication abilities of candidates:
- Tier 1: Online objective-type multiple-choice question test (100 marks, 1 hour duration)
- Tier 2: Offline descriptive paper covering essay writing and answer-based questions (50 marks, 1 hour duration)
- Interview: Personal interview round evaluating personality, communication, and suitability for intelligence operations (100 marks)
Exam Pattern 2026
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| General Studies | 20 | 20 |
| Numerical Aptitude | 20 | 20 |
| Reasoning & Logical Aptitude | 20 | 20 |
| English Language | 20 | 20 |
Tier 1 Details: Each correct answer carries 1 mark. Negative marking of 0.25 marks is deducted for each incorrect response. Unattempted questions do not attract any marks. The question paper is available in both English and Hindi.
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 20 |
| English Comprehension | 10 |
| Long Answer Questions (Current Affairs, Socio-Political, Economic Issues) | 20 |
Tier 2 Duration: 1 hour. This descriptive paper tests written communication, subject knowledge, and analytical ability.
IB ACIO Syllabus 2026
Current Affairs & General Awareness
- National and international events from the last 6 to 12 months
- Government schemes, policies, and initiatives
- Sports achievements, awards, and honours
- Science and technology developments and innovations
- Defence and security-related news
- Books, authors, and important national/international days
- Economy, budget announcements, and financial developments
General Studies
- Indian history covering the ancient, medieval, and modern periods
- Indian polity, constitution, and governance structure
- Geography, including physical, economic, and social aspects
- Indian economy and economic policies
- General science encompasses physics, chemistry, and biology
- Environmental issues, ecology, and sustainability
Quantitative Aptitude (Numerical Ability)
- Number system and simplification techniques
- Percentage, ratio, and proportion calculations
- Profit, loss, simple interest, and compound interest problems
- Time and work, time and distance problems
- Average, mensuration, and geometric calculations
- Data interpretation from tables, graphs, and charts
- Algebra and basic geometry concepts
Reasoning & Logical Aptitude
- Analogies, classification, and series completion
- Coding-decoding and blood relations problems
- Puzzles and seating arrangement questions
- Syllogism and statement-based conclusions
- Direction sense, order, and ranking problems
- Input-output pattern recognition
- Data sufficiency and visual reasoning
English Language
- Reading comprehension passages and questions
- Grammar topics including tenses, articles, and prepositions
- Vocabulary covering synonyms, antonyms, and one-word substitutions
- Error detection and sentence correction exercises
- Cloze test and fill-in-the-blanks questions
- Idioms, phrases, and para jumble arrangements
Preparation Strategy
Effective preparation for IB ACIO 2026 demands a methodical approach across all five subjects. Since Tier 1 carries equal weightage of 20 marks for each subject, allocate dedicated time to strengthen weaker areas. Current affairs and reasoning typically require consistent focus. Begin practising essay writing and long-answer responses for Tier 2 alongside Tier 1 preparation to develop clarity of expression. Time management is critical during Tier 1 as each subject allows approximately 12 minutes per section. Practice solving mock tests within strict time limits to build speed. Reference standard books and solve at least 5 to 10 years of previous question papers to identify recurring topics.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where can I download the IB ACIO Syllabus 2026 PDF?
Ans. You can download the official syllabus PDF directly from the Intelligence Bureau’s portal at https://www.mha.gov.in. Look under the recruitment or examination section for the latest document.
Q2. What is the total duration of the IB ACIO exam?
Ans. You’ll get exactly 1 hour for the Tier 1 test (100 questions) and another 1 hour for the Tier 2 descriptive paper. The final interview round doesn’t have a strict time limit, but it usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Q3. Is there negative marking in the IB ACIO Tier 1 exam?
Ans. Yes, the exam deducts 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer in Tier 1. However, you won’t lose any points if you leave a question blank.
Q4. How many subjects are included in the IB ACIO Syllabus 2026?
Ans. The syllabus covers five core areas: Current Affairs & General Awareness, General Studies, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning & Logical Aptitude, and the English Language.
Q5. What topics should I prioritize for IB ACIO preparation?
Ans. Based on past trends, you should focus heavily on the last 6-12 months of current affairs, data interpretation, reasoning puzzles, Indian polity, history, and reading comprehension.
Q6. Is the IB ACIO question paper available in Hindi?
Ans. Yes, the Tier 1 question paper is bilingual, meaning it’s available in both English and Hindi. You can select your preferred language during the application process.
Q7. What is the selection process for IB ACIO 2026?
Ans. The recruitment involves three stages. First, you must pass the Tier 1 objective test (100 marks). Next is the Tier 2 descriptive paper (50 marks). Finally, candidates face a personal interview worth 100 marks. You have to qualify each stage to move forward.
