The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is India’s domestic and internal intelligence, security, and counter-intelligence agency. Unlike most of the other branches of intelligence and security, IB is renowned as one of the oldest internal intelligence agency in the world today. While most of the work they do and their role is unknown to the public, most people do not know about them. Intelligence Bureau of India comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
However, the role of IB has been mentioned in several books and some prominent cases. Today, there are IB and RAW are two of the intelligence agencies in India that have a lot of hardcore fans. Most of them even dream of perusing a career in IB. But, getting a job in IB is not easy, as it is an intelligence agency, there are so many formalities and factors that are considered. If you are a person planning to peruse a career in Intelligence Bureau, then this article would help you.
Intelligence Bureau (IB): Eligibility criteria –
Like Indian police and military, Intelligence Bureau also has a management structure and there are different job roles available, the eligibility criteria for each job role might be different. However, here are some of the common eligibility criteria we have commonly found in most of the notifications.
- The applicant should be have completed a UG or PG course, final year students are not eligible.
- The graduating university or college should be government of India recognized.
- The applicant should be an Indian
- The applicant should be between the age limit of 18 and 27-years.
- The applicant should not have any criminal case history.
Intelligence Bureau (IB): How to get a job in Intelligence Bureau –
The recruitment process for each post in IB is different, as any other law and order or intelligence system, IB also requires a lot of different employees. One of the most common and prominent job titles in IB is the ACIO (Assistant Central Intelligence Officer). The role of an ACIO extends beyond the four walls of any office, it might include both office and fieldwork, you could live the life of a spy. However, if you need a job as ACIO, you need to attend the IB ACIO exam. Most of the recruitment process in IB is almost close to this process.
What is the IB ACIO exam?
The IB ACIO exam is the short form for, Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officers Examination. This exam is conducted by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs to recruit candidates for the post of ACIO. This job is a Grade-II, Group-C executive post in IB. The IB ACIO exam is conducted just once every year. This exam is always held at the national level.
Three stages of IB ACIO exam
Stage 1 – written test
Stage 2 – essay writing and comprehension
Stage 3 – personal interview
Each year around 1000 to 2000 vacancies would be open and candidates could apply for them. The application process is entirely online and no recommendation or backdoor recruitment is possible.
IB ACIO selection process –
To get recruited to IB ACIO or any other IB executive or above post, the candidate has to appear for an exam. In the case of IB ACIO, the candidate have to appear for IB ACIO Tier 1 exam, which is a multiple-choice question paper and is divided into four sections. Once you have cleared the exam with a cutoff score, the candidate would be able to attend the IB ACIO Tier 2 test. Tier 2 test is all about essay and comprehension, the candidate needs to attend the essay and comprehension question and complete the exam within one hour.
The outcome of Tier 1 and 2 exams will decide the candidate’s basic eligibility to join IB ACIO. If you are qualified in these two exams, then you would become eligible for a personal interview. Once, you appear for the interview, you would be evaluated and the merit list would be generated afterward.
If your name is listed, you could move on to the training.
IB ACIO Tier 1 exam pattern –
- 25 general awareness question
- 25 English language questions
- 25 logical and analytical questions
- 25 quantitative aptitude questions
All the question carry one mark each and there will be 100 questions which need to be answered in 60-minutes. For every wrong answer, ¼ marks would be deducted.
IB ACIO Tier 2 exam pattern –
- 30 marks for essay writing on any topic
- 20 marks for English comprehension and précis writing
Total of 50 marks and the total time allocated is 60-minutes.
How to apply for the IB ACIO exam?
Step 1: The candidate needs to visit the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs or click here https://www.mha.gov.in/
Step 2: If the recruitment process is going on, a notification would be provided on the website. Click this notification.
Step 3: From the notification, you could get the application form. Fill in the application form.
Step 4: You need to pay a registration fee for the application, fill in the details and pay the fee.
Step 5: Once the fee payment is complete, you need to scan your photograph and signature and then upload it.
Step 6: Submit the application form once you have completed filling it.
Once the application is processed, an admit card would be issued in the name of the candidate. You need to download the admit card from the same website. This admit card allows you to appear for the exam. Remember, admit card and a photo ID card is necessary to attend the exam.
As already mentioned, once the written test and personal interview are over, a merit list would be generated, if you are on the merit list, you will be enrolled for the training.
The training would last for at least 180 days, and it is divided into three stages. 60-days training for each stage. Each stage of training would be done in different places and it is not based on the candidate’s preference. Once the training is completed successfully, a final evaluation test would be conducted, if you pass this test, you will be posted.
FAQs
Q. What is the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and what is its role in India?
Ans: The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is India’s internal intelligence agency. It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is responsible for intelligence gathering within the country. Its primary role is to ensure national security and thwart threats to the nation’s internal stability.
Q. What are the different positions available within the Intelligence Bureau?
Ans: The Intelligence Bureau offers various positions ranging from Intelligence Officers, Intelligence Assistants, to Analysts, Linguists, and Technical Officers, among others.
Q. What are the eligibility criteria for joining the Intelligence Bureau?
Ans: Eligibility criteria may vary based on the specific position, but generally, candidates must be Indian citizens aged between 18 to 27 years. They should hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Additionally, certain positions may require specific educational qualifications or expertise in areas such as languages or technical skills.
Q. How can I apply for a position in the Intelligence Bureau?
Ans: Applications for positions within the Intelligence Bureau are typically advertised through the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs (mha.gov.in) or through employment newspapers and online job portals. Candidates need to fill out the application form provided by the IB and submit it along with the required documents within the specified deadline.
Q. What is the selection process for joining the Intelligence Bureau?
Ans: The selection process usually involves a written examination, followed by interviews, and sometimes, physical fitness tests. The written examination assesses candidates’ knowledge in subjects such as general awareness, reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and English language skills. Candidates who clear the written exam are then called for an interview, where their suitability for the position is evaluated.
Q. Is there any training involved after selection?
Ans: Yes, candidates who are selected undergo rigorous training at specialized training institutes designated by the Intelligence Bureau. The training encompasses various aspects of intelligence gathering, analysis, and operational techniques, along with physical fitness drills and workshops on relevant subjects.
Q. What are the career prospects and growth opportunities within the Intelligence Bureau?
Ans: The Intelligence Bureau offers promising career prospects with opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Successful candidates can progress through the ranks based on their performance, expertise, and leadership abilities. Additionally, the IB encourages its employees to undertake specialized training programs and pursue higher education to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Q. Is there any bond or service agreement associated with joining the Intelligence Bureau?
Ans: Yes, selected candidates are usually required to sign a bond or service agreement with the Intelligence Bureau, committing to serve the organization for a specified period. This ensures that candidates invest their time and effort in developing their careers within the IB and contribute effectively to its objectives.
Q. Are there any restrictions or disqualifications for joining the Intelligence Bureau?
Ans: Yes, candidates with a criminal record, involvement in anti-national activities, or any adverse background may be disqualified from joining the Intelligence Bureau. Additionally, individuals with dual citizenship or foreign nationals are not eligible to apply for positions within the IB.
Q. Where can I find more information or updates about recruitment in the Intelligence Bureau?
Ans: Candidates can stay updated about recruitment notifications, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and other related information by regularly visiting the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs (mha.gov.in) or subscribing to employment news portals and job alert services.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
