How to join the Intelligence Bureau (IB)? Eligibility, Application Process, Exam pattern

The Intelligence Bureau is the internal security and counter-intelligence agency of India that operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Established in 1887, the Intelligence Bureau is considered one of the oldest security organizations in the world. Selection of the candidates for different posts under the IB is done on the basis of entrance tests followed by interviews. For those wondering how to join the Intelligence Bureau (IB), this article provides all the important information regarding the same.

Overview of the Intelligence Bureau (IB)

Check out below some important information regarding the Intelligence Bureau (IB):

Also Check: How to Join NIA

Intelligence Bureau Exam Important Dates

The table below presents the important dates related to the Intelligence Bureau Exam selection process:

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Eligibility Criteria

Here are the basic eligibility criteria for different posts under the Intelligence Bureau (IB):

For Security Assistant/ Executive & Multi-Tasking Staff (General):

• The candidates should have passed matriculation/ class 10th or equivalent exam from a recognized board.
• The applicants should possess the domicile certificate of the state against which he/ she has applied.
• It is important for the applying candidates to have knowledge of any one of the local languages.
• Field experience in intelligence work is not an essential but desirable qualification.
• The age of the candidate should not exceed 27 years for Security Assistant/ Executive and should be 18 to 25 years for Multi-Tasking Staff (General) as on 25.11.23. see How to join Territorial Army

For Junior Intelligence Officer:

• Candidates with a diploma in engineering in Electronics/ Electronics & Telecommunication/ Electronics & Communication/ Electrical & Electronics/ Information Technology/ Computer Science/ Computer Engineering/ Computer Applications from a recognized University are eligible to apply.
• Those with a bachelor’s degree in science with Electronics/ Computer Science/ Physics/ Mathematics from a recognized university can apply too.
• Applicants holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Applications (BCA) from a recognized University are eligible as well.
• The age of the candidate should be between 18 and 27 years.

For Assistant Central Intelligence Officer:

• Graduation or equivalent qualification from a recognized university is required to apply for the Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) post.
• Applying candidates should have knowledge of computers.
• The age of the candidate should be between 18 and 27 years.

Application Process for Intelligence Bureau (IB)

Candidates interested in joining the Intelligence Bureau need to fill out and submit their application form first. The application form will be different for different posts and they all can be availed from the official website of the Minister of Home Affairs www.mha.gov.in. Application forms can also be obtained from the official website of the National Career Service https://www.ncs.gov.in/.

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• The candidates will first have to register themselves by providing their personal and contact details.
• After successful registration, a login id and password will be generated after which candidates can log in to their account and fill out the application form.
• To fill out the application form, the candidates will have to provide the rest personal information, academic details, etc.
• The candidates also need to upload scanned copies of their photographs and signatures into the form.
• Once all the details are entered as asked, the candidates can submit their form with the prescribed application fee.
• Payment of the application fees can be done through an online payment gateway or via offline Challan.
• The exam fee plus processing charges are Rs. 500/- for Security Assistant/ Executive, Multi-Tasking Staff (General), and Junior Intelligence Officer, and Rs. 600/- for Assistant Central Intelligence Officer.

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Intelligence Bureau (IB) Selection Process

Below here is given the basic selection process for the Indian Intelligence Bureau:

For Security Assistant/ Executive & Multi-Tasking Staff (General):

• Tier I: Online-based test
• Tier II: Descriptive exam and spoken ability test (later one for SA/ Executive only)
• Tier III: Interview/ Personality test

For Junior Intelligence Officer:

• Tier I: Online-based test
• Tier II: Skill test
• Tier III: Interview/ Personality test

For Assistant Central Intelligence Officer:

• Tier I: Online-based test
• Tier II: Descriptive exam
• Tier III: Interview

Exam Pattern for IB Entrance Test

Check out the basic exam pattern for the IB entrance test for different posts:

For Security Assistant/ Executive & Multi-Tasking Staff (General):

Tier I:

• Mode of exam: Online
• Duration of exam: 1 hour
• Number of questions: 100
• Type of questions: Objective type
• Total marks: 100
• Marking scheme: Each question will carry one mark.
• Negative marking: One-fourth marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.

Tier II:

• Mode of exam: Offline
• Duration of exam: 1 hour
• Total marks: 50

Tier III

• Total marks: 50

For Junior Intelligence Officer:

• Mode of exam: Online
• Duration of exam: 2 hours
• Number of questions: 100
• Type of questions: Objective type
• Total marks: 100
• Marking scheme: Each question will carry one mark.
• Negative marking: One-fourth marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.

Tier II

• Total marks: 30

Tier III

• Total marks: 20

For Assistant Central Intelligence Officer:

Tier I:

• Mode of exam: Online
• Duration of exam: 1 hour
• Number of questions: 100
• Type of questions: Objective type
• Total marks: 100
• Marking scheme: Each question will carry one mark.
• Negative marking: One-fourth marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.

Tier II:

• Mode of exam: Offline
• Duration of exam: 1 hour
• Total marks: 50

Tier III

• Total marks: 100

Frequently Asked Questions