<<–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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| English Language | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 180 minutes |
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
| Tier | Section | Number of Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier I | General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes | |
| English Language | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes | |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes | |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 180 minutes | |
| Tier II | Essay | 1 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Comprehension Passage | 1 | 50 | 1 hour |
Table 2: ACIO Salary and Benefits
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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 |