The Elite Intelligence Bureau ACIO Grade-II Profile
The Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO Grade-II / Executive) is a premier Group 'C' (Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial) post under the Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Entrusted with domestic counter-intelligence, border surveillance, and strategic security intelligence, it is among the most sought-after careers for competitive exam aspirants.
7th CPC Salary Structure & Special Security Allowance (SSA)
Unlike standard central government clerical or executive posts, IB ACIO officers receive specialized fiscal perks:
Salary Component
7th Pay Commission Calculation
Estimated Monthly Amount (X City)
Basic Pay
Level 7 Entry Scale
₹44,900
Special Security Allowance (SSA)
20% of Basic Pay (Mandatory IB Allowance)
₹8,980
Dearness Allowance (DA)
50% of Basic Pay
₹22,450
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
27% for X Category Metro Cities
₹12,123
Transport Allowance (TPTA)
Higher TPTA Cities (₹3,600 + DA)
₹5,400
Total Estimated Gross Pay
Subject to City Classification
₹93,853
*Note: ACIO officers also receive cash compensation in lieu of duty performed on holidays, capped up to 30 days of salary annually (effectively creating a 13th month salary).
Document Upload Compliance on MHA Online Portal
The Ministry of Home Affairs registration portal enforces strict image constraints:
Photograph: Color passport photo taken within 12 weeks against a white background. Must be sized strictly between 20 KB and 50 KB in JPG format. Glasses with reflections or caps lead to cancellation.
Candidate Signature: Must be signed in running handwriting on clean white paper using black ballpoint ink. File weight must be between 10 KB and 50 KB with 140 × 60 pixel resolution.
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Resize your photo and signature to exact Ministry of Home Affairs specifications.
100 Multiple Choice Questions across 5 sections: Current Affairs (20), General Studies (20), Numerical Aptitude (20), Reasoning (20), and English (20). Negative marking is 1/4th mark per wrong attempt.
2
Tier-2 Descriptive Paper (50 Marks / 60 Mins)
English Essay on Contemporary Geopolitical / Internal Security themes (30 Marks) and English Comprehension & Precis Writing (20 Marks). Minimum qualifying score is 17 out of 50.
3
Tier-3 Personal Interview & Psychometric Test (100 Marks)
In-depth personality assessment, situational intelligence puzzles, and background security verification conducted by the MHA Special Board.
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Q1 What is the monthly in-hand salary of an IB ACIO Grade-II officer?
Under the 7th Central Pay Commission, IB ACIO-II is placed in Pay Level 7 with a basic pay of ₹44,900. With 50% Dearness Allowance (DA), 27% HRA (in X-category cities), and a mandatory 20% Special Security Allowance (SSA = ₹8,980), gross monthly pay reaches approximately ₹88,000 to ₹94,000, yielding a net in-hand salary of approximately ₹78,000 to ₹82,000.
Q2 What are the photo and signature specifications for the MHA IB ACIO portal?
The candidate photo must be a recent color passport image (35 mm × 45 mm, 20 KB to 50 KB in JPG) against a plain light/white background. The signature must be in black ballpoint ink on white paper, sized strictly between 10 KB and 50 KB with 140 × 60 pixel resolution.
Q3 What is the Tier-2 examination pattern for IB ACIO?
Tier-2 is a 1-hour descriptive paper carrying 50 marks. It includes an Essay on security/geo-political topics (30 marks) and English Comprehension & Precis Writing (20 marks). Candidates must score at least 33% (17 out of 50) to qualify.
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Resize Documents for Intelligence Bureau (IB ACIO Grade-II) Signature
Official Specs: 140×60 px (4×2 cm), file size strictly 10 to 50 KB (Black Ink Only).