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Introduction to the IB ACIO – Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer
The IB ACIO, or Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer position, is one of India's best and most popular groups, functioning inside the internal intelligence organ of India's security apparatus. The IB ACIO position is under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, providing a critical layer of internal security for India's population.
What is IB ACIO?
IB ACIO is a Group C, non-gazetted position of General Central Service, but due to the nature of the job and responsibilities, it is of great importance. The IB ACIO is recruited by the Intelligence Bureau (IB), which is India's principal domestic intelligence agency, working as the backbone of field intelligence collection and surveillance.
Importance
- National Security: involved in monitoring all threats related to terrorism, espionage, cyber warfare, internal insurgency, and organized crime.
- Intelligence Operations: the job entails covert operations, collecting information, monitoring suspicious persons/suspicious activity, and submitting intelligence reports.
- Coordination: The IB ACIO also often coordinates with state police, paramilitaries, or local state agencies for security-related activities.
Key Responsibilities of IB ACIO (Assistant Central Intelligence Officer)
The position of IB ACIO has many facets and is of immense importance to our organization, both from a field reporting viewpoint, and providing strategic analysis. As an officer of India’s premier internal security agency, the Intelligence Bureau (IB),the role of the ACIO directly impacts our ability to protect the country from security threats.
1. Collecting Intelligence
- To collect and collate information on various national security threats including terrorism, insurgency, espionage, and anti-national activities.
- Monitor sensitive places, people, organizations or online activity.
- Establish and manage a source of informants and field collection sources.
2. Analytical and Reporting
- Analyze information contained in raw intelligence reports and develop analytical products.
- Prepare classified analytical reports, security assessments, and find briefings for more senior intelligence officers.
- Utilizing data analytical tools, geo-maps, and surveillance logs to support investigation.
3. Field Related Work
- Conduct surveillance missions, stakeouts, field visits, and discreet inquiries.
- Conduct covert operations as directed by senior officers of the IB.
- Work discreetly and adaptively in potentially dangerous environments.
4. Threat Assessments
- Continuously assess potential threats, current trends (like radicalization), internal disturbances, and foreign influence.
- Contribute to risk assessment reports for law enforcement and security force prevention during operational tasks.
5. Inter-Agency Collaboration
- Work with State Police, RAW, NIA, CBI and paramilitary forces.
- Provide for secure sharing of information and to plan for joint operations.
- Be in touch with local informants and other sister agencies.
6. Administrative & Support Functions
- Keep daily logs, reports, case files and intelligence databases.
- Support senior officers in documentation, logistics and communication.
- Follow confidentiality and security protocols are maintained in all documentation and internal communication.
IB ACI Job Profile Highlights
Here’s a quick overview of the key responsibilities and highlights of the IB ACIO job Profile
Responsibility | Description |
Intelligence Collection | Gathering ground-level intelligence and information on security issues. |
Surveillance & Fieldwork | Conducting surveillance and field operations as needed |
Report Writing | Preparing and submitting intelligence reports to higher authorities |
Threat Analysis | Assessing and resolving threats to national security |
Collaboration | Coordinating with other agencies and maintaining liaison. |
Confidentiality | Handling sensitive and classified information securely. |
Crisis Management | Providing support during security crises and emergencies. |
Career Growth and Promotion Path of IB ACIO
A career as an IB ACIO (Assistant Central Intelligence Officer) can provide potential for steady growth, prestigious postings, and a career for life within India’s internal intelligence structure. The Intelligence Bureau is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) promotes its officers based on performance, experience, and departmental conduct.
Entry-Level Position
- Assistant Central Intelligence Officer Grade-II/Executive (ACIO-II/Exe)
- This is the first posting for selected candidates after officer training.
- At induction level, most officers will start with field assignments, reporting assignments, and surveillance assignments.
Promotion Hierarchy
The promotional ladder for an IB ACIO is as follows:
Post | Level | Eligibility/Criteria |
ACIO Grade-II/Executive | Entry Level | Selection through IB ACIO Exam |
ACIO Grade-I/Executive | First Promotion | 3–5 years (based on performance/seniority) |
Deputy Central Intelligence Officer (DCIO) | Mid-Level Officer | Experience + departmental promotion |
Assistant Director (AD) | Senior Officer Role | Selection based on exceptional service record |
Joint Deputy Director/Joint Director | Top-Tier Leadership | By deputation or internal seniority |
Factors Affecting Career Path
- Seniority: Duration in current position is a key component
- Annual Performance Reviews (APAR)
- Vacancy Availability: Promotions are dependent on vacancies
- Clean Service Record: No disciplinary record
- Departmental Exams/Interviews (if applicable)
Higher-Paying Posts
At senior levels, officers may:
- Lead strategic operations, intelligence oversight, and policy development
- Represent IB in inter-agency coordination, national taskforces, or dedicated intelligence teams
Work Environment & Posting of IB ACIO
Working IB ACIO (Assistant Central Intelligence Officer) involves a constantly changing environment with immense responsibility. The job involves primarily office work with critical field work. The job is mobile, requires flexibility and is based on discretion and accountability while geographically mobile and assigned differently.
All India Service Liability (AISL)
IB ACIOs are liable to be posted in any part of India. These positions could include:
- Sensitive border areas
- Urban intelligence unit or rural intelligence unit
- Remote districts exposed for internal threat
- Posting will be done for national security reasons and no findings will be looked into for personal reasons.
- Initial posting can be frequent during the initial years.
Compulsory Training
Before going to active duty selected candidates receive a compulsory intensive training at IB training institutes that are designated.
The focus of training will include:
- Surveillance Techniques
- Intelligence collection and analysis
- Cyber and Counter-intelligence operations
- Legal and security procedures
Probationary Period
All new recruits will undergo a probation period (usually of two years).
Performance during probation receives detailed assessment around:
- Adaptability to the field
- Accuracy of the reporting
- Discipline and conduct
- Any unsatisfactory performance can lead to contract extension or termination of contract.
Skills and Qualities Essential for IB ACIO
ACIO is an important position requiring utmost professionalism, emotional restraint and effective critical thinking to maneuver through stressful situations and make informed judgements.
Skills essential for Success as IB ACIO:
- Analytical Thinking & Observation
- Capable of distinguishing suspicious patterns
- Ability to easily connect intelligence sequences from lack of evidence
Discretionary & Integrity
- Complete discretion to handle classified information
- Ethics to prevent external pressures.
Crisis Management
- Ability to responsible act under difficult, hazardous, or fast pace conditions
Communication & Report Writing
- Intelligence report must be clear, concise, and objective
- Must communicate information smoothly and efficiently with upper management and outside agencies
Physical and Mental Conditioning
- Ability to work outside for extended hours, times of travel, etc.
- Mental toughness to manage difficult assignments in extreme conditions
IB ACIO Salary and Benefits (2025) - Complete breakdown
The IB ACIO designation has status and comes with a high salary structure, good allowances, and various government perks. The pay and allowances are on par with the 7th Pay Commission, which makes it one of the best jobs in the central security services.
Pay Scale and Basic Pay
- Pay Band: Level 7 as per the 7th CPC
- Basic Pay: ₹44,900 per month
- Pay Band: ₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400
- Grade Pay (before 7th CPC): ₹4,600
Allowances and Perks
IB AICO are entitled to several central government allowances,including some exclusive security-related benefits
Allowance | Details |
Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~46% of basic pay (as revised periodically) |
House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 8% to 24% depending on city classification (X, Y, Z) |
Special Security Allowance | 20% of basic pay – exclusive to IB & other security personnel |
Transport Allowance (TA) | Fixed + DA on TA component, based on posting area |
Uniform/Kit Allowance | Provided for field-related duties, if applicable |
Children’s Education Allowance | Up to ₹27,000 per child annually (as per norms) |
Other Advantages
Aside to the monthly salary and allowances, IB ACIOs get long-term job security, retirement benefits, and welfare schemes:
- CGHS Medical Cover for self and dependants
- LTC (Leave Travel Concession) for domestic travel
- Government Accommodation (according to availability and posting areas)
- Pension Scheme under NPS (National Pension System)
- Yearly Increment at the rate of 3% of Basic Pay
- Insurance and Risk Cover while working in high-risk security posts
