Intelligence Bureau ACIO Grade-II/Executive Recruitment 2026
Sarkari Result: IB ACIO 2026 Latest Updates
Update: The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to release the official IB ACIO Grade-II 2026 notification shortly. Candidates searching for the Sarkari Result details can find all exact vacancies, Tier-1 exam dates, and eligibility updates consolidated below.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is expected to release the highly anticipated notification for direct recruitment to the post of Assistant Central Intelligence Officer Grade-II/Executive (ACIO-II/Exe) in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) by mid to late 2026. This is one of the most prestigious opportunities for graduates seeking a challenging and dynamic career in India's premier internal security apparatus.
Aspirants looking for the ib acio 2026 notification PDF, syllabus updates, and the online application link can find the complete verified details below.
1. IB ACIO 2026 Overview
| Examination | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IB ACIO Grade-II/Executive 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) |
| Post Category | General Central Service, Group 'C' (Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial) |
| Selection Stages | Tier-1 (Objective), Tier-2 (Descriptive), Tier-3 (Interview) |
| Official Website | mha.gov.in or ncs.gov.in |
2. Important Exam Dates
When will the acio notification 2026 be out? Based on previous recruitment cycles and recent trends, the timeline is projected as follows:
- Release of Official Notification: Anticipated in October 2026
- Start Date for Online Registration: October 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: First Week of November 2026
- IB ACIO Exam Date 2026 Tier 1: Mid-December 2026 (Expected)
- Tier 2 Exam Date: February 2027 (Expected)
Note: These dates are highly anticipated. Candidates are advised to keep a close watch on the official MHA website.
3. Vacancy Details
The exact number of vacancies will be disclosed with the official 2026 notification. In the previous recruitment cycle (2023-24), the MHA announced a massive 995 vacancies distributed across UR, EWS, OBC, SC, and ST categories as follows:
- UR: 377
- EWS: 129
- OBC: 222
- SC: 134
- ST: 133
A similar or higher trend is expected for the 2026 recruitment cycle given the ongoing expansion of intelligence frameworks.
4. Salary and Perks
ACIO Grade-II/Exe is a highly rewarding post classified as a General Central Service, Group 'C' position with extensive benefits.
- Pay Scale: Level 7 (₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400) in the pay matrix plus admissible Central Govt. allowances.
- Special Security Allowance (SSA): A unique perk of 20% of basic pay in addition to other Government allowances.
- Cash Compensation: In lieu of duty performed on holidays, subject to a maximum ceiling of 30 days per year.
5. Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
A candidate must securely possess Graduation or an equivalent degree from a recognized university. Basic computer knowledge and IT skills are highly desirable given the modern approach to intelligence gathering.
Age Limit (As on Closing Date of Application)
The prescribed age limit is 18 to 27 years. Age relaxations are fully applicable as per Government of India norms:
- OBC: 3 years relaxation (Upper age limit 30 years)
- SC/ST: 5 years relaxation (Upper age limit 32 years)
- Departmental Candidates: Up to 40 years of age who have rendered 3 years of regular and continuous service.
6. How to Apply & Fee
Candidates must submit their ib acio 2026 application form strictly through online mode at the MHA website. The fee structure typically includes an examination fee and recruitment processing charges:
- General/EWS/OBC (Male): ₹550/- (Exam Fee ₹100 + Processing Charges ₹450)
- SC/ST/Female/Ex-Servicemen: ₹450/- (Only Processing Charges) Payments can be made via Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Net Banking, or UPI.
7. Selection Scheme & Detailed Syllabus
The IB ACIO recruitment is highly competitive and involves three rigorous tiers:
Tier-I Exam (Objective CBT - 100 Marks)
Online Computer Based Test consisting of 100 Objective type MCQs divided into 5 parts containing 20 questions each. Total time is 1 hour. There is a strict negative marking of 1/4th mark (0.25) for each incorrect answer.
| Subject Section | Comprehensive Syllabus Focus | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Current Affairs | National/International news, security issues, defense, treaties. | 20 |
| General Studies | Indian History, Polity, Economy, Geography, Science basics. | 20 |
| Numerical Aptitude | Number System, Percentages, Ratio, Averages, Profit/Loss, Mensuration. | 20 |
| Reasoning/Logical Aptitude | Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Syllogisms, Non-Verbal series. | 20 |
| English Language | Grammar, Vocabulary, Synonyms/Antonyms, Comprehension passages. | 20 |
Tier-II Exam (Descriptive - 50 Marks)
A descriptive type paper testing writing skills and analytical thought process. Total time is 1 hour.
- Essay Writing (30 marks): Topics usually cover internal security, emerging technologies, socio-political issues, or environmental challenges.
- English Comprehension & Precis Writing (20 marks): Testing the ability to understand complex texts and summarize them effectively.
Tier-III (Interview - 100 Marks)
Candidates qualifying Tier-1 (minimum qualifying marks required per category) and Tier-2 (minimum 33% i.e., 17/50) will be called for the final Interview/Personality test. The interview heavily assesses a candidate's suitability for intelligence gathering, alertness, psychological stability, and communication skills. Sometimes, Psychometric tests are also administered prior to the interview panel.
Important Dates
Exam Timeline
Eligibility Criteria
18 to 27 Years (Relaxations: OBC +3, SC/ST +5)
Graduation or equivalent from a recognized University.
No Limit (Age criteria applicable)
How to Apply
Follow this step-by-step guide to fill the IB ACIO Grade-II/Executive 2026 application form correctly.
Documents Required
- Scanned Passport Size Photo (20-50kb, JPG)
- Scanned Signature (10-20kb, JPG)
- Class 10th & 12th Marksheets
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
Syllabus & Pattern
Download Official Syllabus
The detailed syllabus and exam pattern are available in the official notification PDF.
Download Notification PDF