ACIO Full Form

<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>h2>ACIO: A Comprehensive Guide

ACIO stands for Assistant Central Intelligence Officer. It is a Group ‘B’ officer post in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) of India. The IB is responsible for gathering intelligence within India and reporting it to the government. ACIOs play a crucial role in this process, working on various aspects of intelligence gathering and analysis.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ACIO exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
• Age: Between 18 and 27 years of age (relaxations are available for reserved categories).
• Educational Qualification: A graduate degree from a recognized university.
• Physical Standards: Candidates must meet the physical standards prescribed by the IB.

Selection Process

The selection process for ACIO consists of the following stages:

1. Tier I Exam: A computer-based exam consisting of four sections:

   • General Intelligence and Reasoning: This section tests the candidate’s ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make logical deductions.
   • Quantitative Aptitude: This section tests the candidate’s ability to solve mathematical problems.
   • English Language: This section tests the candidate’s proficiency in English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
   • General Awareness: This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, and other general topics.

2. Tier II Exam: A descriptive paper consisting of an essay and a comprehension passage. This exam tests the candidate’s writing skills and ability to express themselves clearly and concisely.

3. Physical Standard test (PST): Candidates who qualify in Tier II exam are required to undergo a Physical Standard Test. This test includes height, weight, chest measurement, and other physical parameters.

4. Interview: Candidates who clear the PST are called for an interview. The interview panel assesses the candidate’s Personality, Communication skills, and suitability for the role.

5. Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the interview are required to undergo a medical examination. This examination ensures that the candidate is physically and mentally fit for the job.

6. Final Selection: Candidates who clear all the stages of the selection process are finally selected for the ACIO post.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Tier I Exam

Tier II Exam

• Essay: 100 marks (2 hours)
• Comprehension Passage: 50 marks (1 hour)

Syllabus

General Intelligence and Reasoning:

• Analogies
• Similarities and Differences
• Spatial Visualization
• Problem Solving
• DECISION MAKING
• Logical Reasoning
• Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Quantitative Aptitude:

• Number Systems
• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Data Interpretation

English Language:

• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Comprehension
• Composition
• Error Detection

General Awareness:

• Current Affairs
• History
• Geography
• Polity
• Economics
• Science and Technology
• Culture

Essay and Comprehension Passage:

• Topics related to current affairs, social issues, and general knowledge.

Preparation Strategy

• Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus and exam pattern.
• Refer to Relevant Study Material: Use standard textbooks, online Resources, and previous year papers for preparation.
• Practice Regularly: Solve mock tests and previous year papers to improve your speed and accuracy.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and work on them diligently.
• Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers, magazines, and online resources to stay updated on current affairs.
• Develop Writing Skills: Practice writing essays and comprehension passages to improve your writing skills.
• Maintain Physical Fitness: Prepare for the Physical Standard Test by engaging in regular exercise.
• Stay Calm and Confident: Stay calm and confident during the exam.

Job Profile and Responsibilities

ACIOs are responsible for a wide range of activities, including:

• Intelligence Gathering: Collecting information from various sources, including open sources, human intelligence, and technical surveillance.
• Intelligence Analysis: Analyzing collected information to identify threats and opportunities.
• Reporting: Preparing reports and briefs for senior officials.
• Counter-Intelligence: Identifying and neutralizing threats to national security.
• Liaison with Other Agencies: Coordinating with other intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies.
• Undercover Operations: Conducting undercover operations to gather intelligence.

Career Progression

ACIOs have a good career progression path within the IB. They can be promoted to higher positions such as:

• Deputy Central Intelligence Officer (DCIO)
• Assistant Director (AD)
• Joint Director (JD)
• Additional Director (ADG)
• Director General (DG)

Salary and Benefits

ACIOs receive a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes:

• Basic Pay: Rs. 44,900 per month
• Dearness Allowance (DA): As per government rules
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): As per government rules
• Transport Allowance (TA): As per government rules
• Medical Benefits: Medical insurance for self and family
• Leave Encashment: Encashment of earned leave
• Pension: Pension after retirement
• Other Benefits: Other benefits as per government rules

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the age limit for the ACIO exam?

A: The age limit for the ACIO exam is between 18 and 27 years of age. Relaxations are available for reserved categories.

Q2: What is the educational qualification required for the ACIO exam?

A: Candidates must have a graduate degree from a recognized university.

Q3: What is the exam pattern for the ACIO exam?

A: The ACIO exam consists of two tiers: Tier I (computer-based exam) and Tier II (descriptive paper).

Q4: What is the syllabus for the ACIO exam?

A: The syllabus for the ACIO exam includes General Intelligence and Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, Essay, and Comprehension Passage.

Q5: How can I prepare for the ACIO exam?

A: You can prepare for the ACIO exam by referring to standard textbooks, online resources, and previous year papers. Practice regularly and focus on your weak areas.

Q6: What are the job responsibilities of an ACIO?

A: ACIOs are responsible for intelligence gathering, analysis, reporting, counter-intelligence, liaison with other agencies, and undercover operations.

Q7: What is the career progression path for an ACIO?

A: ACIOs can be promoted to higher positions such as DCIO, AD, JD, ADG, and DG.

Q8: What is the salary and benefits package for an ACIO?

A: ACIOs receive a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes basic pay, DA, HRA, TA, medical benefits, leave encashment, pension, and other benefits.

Q9: How can I apply for the ACIO exam?

A: You can apply for the ACIO exam online through the official website of the IB.

Q10: What are the important dates for the ACIO exam?

A: The important dates for the ACIO exam are announced by the IB on its official website.

Table 1: ACIO Exam Pattern

Table 2: ACIO Salary and Benefits