π Overview of IB ACIO 2025
Exam Name: Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (IB ACIO)
Conducting Body: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Post: ACIO (Grade II/Executive)
Selection Stages:
Tier 1 (Objective Test)
Tier 2 (Descriptive Test)
Interview
Mode of Exam: Online (Tier 1), Descriptive (Tier 2)
Result Declaration: To be announced at mha.gov.in
π― Importance of Cut Off in IB ACIO
The cut-off marks act as a benchmark score that candidates must secure to qualify for the next stage of the exam.
Tier 1 Cut Off β Determines eligibility for Tier 2.
Tier 2 Cut Off β Shortlists candidates for the interview round.
Final Cut Off β Declares the final merit list based on Tier 1, Tier 2, and interview marks.
Thus, aspirants must not only clear the cut-off but also score significantly above it to increase their chances of final selection.
π Expected IB ACIO Tier 1 Cut Off 2025 (Category-wise)
Based on difficulty level of the 2025 paper, candidate responses, and previous year analysis, the expected cut-off for IB ACIO Tier 1 (out of 100 marks) is:
| Category | Expected Cut Off (2025) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 68 β 74 |
| OBC | 64 β 70 |
| EWS | 63 β 69 |
| SC | 55 β 60 |
| ST | 50 β 55 |
π Note: This is only an indicative range. The official cut-off may vary depending on normalization and number of candidates.
π Previous Year IB ACIO Cut Off Trends
Understanding past cut-offs gives a clear picture of what to expect.
IB ACIO Tier 1 Previous Cut Offs (Out of 100 Marks)
| Year | General | OBC | EWS | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 71 | 66 | 65 | 55 | 50 |
| 2022 | 70 | 65 | 64 | 56 | 51 |
| 2021 | 68 | 62 | 60 | 55 | 50 |
The cut-off usually remains around 70 marks for General and slightly lower for reserved categories.
π IB ACIO Tier 2 Cut Off (Descriptive)
Tier 2 is a 50-mark descriptive paper (Essay & Precis Writing). Candidates must score above the minimum cut-off to qualify for the interview.
Expected Tier 2 cut-off (2025):
| Category | Expected Cut Off (Out of 50) |
|---|---|
| General | 25 β 28 |
| OBC | 23 β 26 |
| EWS | 23 β 25 |
| SC | 20 β 22 |
| ST | 18 β 20 |
π Final IB ACIO Cut Off (After Interview)
The final merit list is prepared by combining Tier 1, Tier 2, and Interview scores. The cut-off is usually higher because only a limited number of posts are available.
Expected Final Cut Off (2025):
| Category | Final Cut Off (Out of 200) |
|---|---|
| General | 105 β 115 |
| OBC | 100 β 110 |
| EWS | 98 β 105 |
| SC | 90 β 95 |
| ST | 85 β 90 |
π Factors Affecting IB ACIO Cut Off 2025
Several factors determine the final cut-off:
Number of Vacancies: Higher vacancies may lower cut-off, and fewer seats push it higher.
Difficulty Level of Exam: If the paper is tough, cut-offs are generally lower.
Number of Candidates Appearing: Higher participation increases competition, raising the cut-off.
Normalization Process: Since exams are conducted in multiple shifts, scores are normalized.
Category Reservations: Separate cut-offs are released for General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS.
π Minimum Qualifying Marks
The minimum qualifying marks are different from the cut-off. Every candidate must secure these to be considered for further stages:
General/EWS: 35%
OBC: 34%
SC/ST: 33%
π Key Takeaways for Aspirants
Cut-offs fluctuate every year depending on difficulty and number of applicants.
Candidates should aim at least 10β12 marks above the expected cut-off for safe chances.
Preparing equally well for Tier 2 (descriptive) and interview is crucial, as Tier 1 alone does not ensure selection.
Staying updated with the official website (mha.gov.in) is important to check official results and cut-offs.
π Conclusion
The IB ACIO Cut Off 2025 is a deciding factor for aspirants aiming to join Indiaβs intelligence services. While the expected Tier 1 cut-off ranges between 68β74 marks for General category, reserved categories can expect slightly lower thresholds. With only a limited number of posts available, competition is extremely tough.
Aspirants are advised to stay focused on Tier 2 and Interview preparation while keeping an eye on official announcements. Scoring above the cut-off not only ensures progression but also increases the chances of securing a position in this highly prestigious and challenging role.
