IB ACIO Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Qualification and Relaxation

IB ACIO eligibility is simple at the base: you need a graduation degree, you must be an Indian citizen and you must fall in the age range given in the notification. The recruitment is for Assistant Central Intelligence Officer Grade II/Executive posts in the Intelligence Bureau, conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

As on 21 October 2026, the MHA vacancies page shows no new ACIO notification. The rules below come from the latest completed cycle, ACIO-II/Exe 2025, and are indicative for the next one. The age reference date and any relaxations can change, so read the fresh notification before you apply. This page covers qualification, age, nationality, other conditions and common disqualifiers.

Table of Contents

IB ACIO Eligibility at a Glance

Educational Qualification

You must hold a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university. Any discipline is acceptable, so arts, science, commerce and engineering graduates can all apply. The notification lists knowledge of computers as a desirable skill, not a mandatory one.

Final-year students should read the notification carefully for the result deadline, which is usually the last date of application or another date given there. If your degree is from an overseas or open university, check that it is recognised before you apply. Percentage or CGPA conversion is not a stated requirement in the 2025 cycle, because no minimum percentage was listed.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The age limit in the 2025 cycle was 18 to 27 years as on 10 August 2025, the last date of online registration. The reference date moves with each notification, so your age is always counted on the date given there, not on the exam date.

Other relaxations, such as those for ex-servicemen, meritorious sportspersons and women who are widowed, divorced or judicially separated, are given in the notification, and the figures reported by different websites do not match. Rely only on the table in the official notification, and ask your category certificate authority if you are unsure which certificate applies.

Nationality and Other Conditions

• Citizenship: Only Indian citizens can apply.

• Posting: Selected candidates must be willing to serve anywhere in India.

• Medical and character checks: Final selection depends on a medical examination and verification of character and antecedents.

• Attempts: The 2025 notification, as reported, did not limit the number of attempts. Confirm this in the next notification.

• Disability: Check the notification to see whether the post is identified as suitable for persons with benchmark disabilities.

Who Is Not Eligible

• Over or under age: Candidates outside the age range on the reference date, after relaxation.

• Without a recognised degree: A diploma or a degree from an unrecognised university does not qualify.

• Wrong category claim: A claim without a valid certificate can lead to rejection at any stage.

• Adverse verification: A negative character or antecedent report, or an unfit medical result, ends the candidature.

Fee and Documents

In the 2025 cycle, male candidates in UR, EWS and OBC paid Rs. 650, while SC/ST, women and eligible ex-servicemen paid Rs. 550. Keep your degree marksheet, a photo ID, your category certificate and a recent photograph ready. Fees, dates and document specifications are in the IB ACIO exam overview, and the official notice is on the MHA vacancies page.