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.

Table of Contents

Toggle

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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