If you are preparing for the IB ACIO 2025 exam, it is very important to know the IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) will select 3,717 candidates for ACIO Grade-II/Executive posts through three stages: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3.
Tier 1 is the first stage. It is an online test with 100 multiple-choice questions, and you get 60 minutes to finish it. There is no negative marking, so you can try all questions fearlessly.
Knowing the IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025 is very important because it tells you the minimum marks you need to reach Tier 2. This helps you focus on the right topics, practice better, and plan your preparation effectively to improve your chances of qualifying for Tier 2.
IB ACIO Exam 2025 – Key Overview
The IB ACIO 2025 exam has three stages. Tier 1 conducts first and is very important. You have 100 questions to solve in 60 minutes. The questions cover General Awareness, Aptitude, Reasoning, and English.
There is no negative marking, so you can try all questions without worry. The expected cut-off for each category shows how much you need to score to move to Tier 2.
After Tier 1, you have to appear for a descriptive test in Tier 2 and then a personal interview in Tier 3. Final selection depends on marks from all three stages.
There are 3,717 ACIO Grade-II/Executive posts, so the competition is tough and you have to prepare accordingly.
| Key Overview of IB ACIO Exam 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Intelligence Bureau (IB) |
| Official Website | www.mha.gov.in |
| Post | ACIO Grade-II / Executive |
| Total Vacancies | 3,717 |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | 16th – 18th September 2025 |
| Tier 1 Total Marks | 100 |
| Tier 1 Duration | 60 minutes |
| Tier 1 Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Tier 1 Negative Marking | None |
| Tier 1 Sections | General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical/Analytical Reasoning, English Language |
| IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025 | UR: 70-78, OBC: 70-76, EWS: 64-70, SC: 62-66, ST: 66-72 |
| Tier 2 | Descriptive Test (Essay, Comprehension) |
| Tier 3 | Personal Interview |
| Selection Process | Combined marks of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 |
IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025
The IB ACIO Tier 1 Cut Off for 2025 is likely to be higher compared to recent years. For the Unreserved (UR) category, it is likely to be between 70 and 78 marks. For OBC, the range is 70 to 76, EWS 64 to 70, SC 62 to 66, and ST 66 to 72. This rise is due to increased competition, so you should aim to score above these marks to comfortably qualify for Tier 2.
| IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Category | Expected Cut Off Marks (2025) |
| UR | 70 – 78 |
| OBC | 70 – 76 |
| EWS | 64 – 70 |
| SC | 62 – 66 |
| ST | 66 – 72 |
Note: The IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025 (based on previous years’ trends and the current competition level) is given above. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will officially release the actual cut off. Candidates should check the official notification for final confirmation.
What Happens After the Tier 1 Exam?
After clearing the IB ACIO Tier 1 Objective Test, candidates are shortlisted for Tier 2. To qualify, you must score above the IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025, which varies by category.
Tier 2 is a descriptive test that checks your writing and analytical skills. Those who secure at least 33% marks in Tier 2 will move forward to the Interview stage (Tier 3).
The interview tests your personality, communication, and suitability for the role of IB ACIO Grade-II/Executive. The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks of Tier 1, Tier 2, and the Interview.
If you know the selection criteria in detail, it will help you to plan your preparation strategy after the Tier 1 exam.
| IB ACIO Selection Process 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Description | Shortlisting Criteria |
| Tier 1 | Online Objective Test | Minimum marks to qualify for Tier 2 (category-wise) |
| Tier 2 | Descriptive Test | Minimum 33% marks required to qualify for the interview |
| Tier 3 | Interview | Shortlisted based on combined Tier 1 & 2 marks |
IB ACIO Tier 1 Previous Year Cut-Off Trends
To understand the IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025, you should check the previous year’s cut-offs. The cut-off changes depending on the difficulty of the exam, the total candidates, and the number of vacancies. Studying past trends helps you estimate the marks you may need for your category and plan your preparation.
IB ACIO Tier 1 Cut Off 2015
In 2015, the cut-offs were quite high for most categories. General category candidates needed 75 marks to qualify, OBC candidates required 70, and SC/ST candidates had to score at least 65. The exam was very competitive, so strong preparation was necessary to clear Tier 1.
| IB ACIO Tier 1 Cut Off 2015 | |
|---|---|
| Category | Cut Off Marks |
| UR | 75 |
| OBC | 70 |
| EWS | – |
| SC | 65 |
| ST | 65 |
IB ACIO Tier 1 Cut Off 2017
In 2017, the cut-offs went down compared to 2015. General candidates had to score 65 marks, OBC candidates needed 60, and SC/ST candidates required 50 to qualify. This made it easier for candidates to pass the Tier 1 exam that year.
| IB ACIO Tier 1 Cut Off 2017 | |
|---|---|
| Category | Cut Off Marks |
| UR | 65 |
| OBC | 60 |
| EWS | – |
| SC | 50 |
| ST | 50 |
IB ACIO Tier 1 Cut Off 2022
In 2022, the cut-offs dropped sharply. General category candidates needed only 35 marks, OBC candidates 34, EWS 35, and SC/ST 33. The lower cut-offs were due to the exam being tougher and fewer candidates scoring high marks.
| IB ACIO Tier 1 Cut Off 2022 | |
|---|---|
| Category | Cut Off Marks |
| UR | 35 |
| OBC | 34 |
| EWS | 35 |
| SC | 33 |
| ST | 33 |
IB ACIO Tier 1 Cut Off 2023
In 2023, cut-offs increased again from the previous year. General category cut-offs ranged from 53 to 58, OBC from 44 to 55, EWS from 46 to 52, SC from 38 to 47, and ST from 37 to 42. These changes depended a lot on different exam shifts and overall candidate performance.
| IB ACIO Tier 1 Cut Off 2023 | |
|---|---|
| Category | Cut Off Marks |
| UR | 53-58 |
| OBC | 44-55 |
| EWS | 46-52 |
| SC | 38-47 |
| ST | 37-42 |
IB ACIO Tier 1 Cut Off 2024
In 2024, the cut-offs stayed almost the same as in 2023. General candidates had to score between 52 and 57, OBC between 49 and 54, EWS between 49 and 54, SC between 44 and 49, and ST between 40 and 45. Candidates needed consistent preparation to clear Tier 1.
| IB ACIO Tier 1 Cut Off 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Category | Cut Off Marks |
| UR | 52-57 |
| OBC | 49-54 |
| EWS | 49-54 |
| SC | 44-49 |
| ST | 40-45 |
Factors Affecting IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025
The IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025 can change every year. You should know that many things affect it. The total number of candidates appearing for the exam matters a lot. The total vacancies also affect your chances. The difficulty of the exam paper can change the cut-off marks. Category-wise reservations are also important. If the paper is tough, the cut-off may be lower. If more candidates appear or fewer vacancies exist, the cut-off may go higher. Understanding these points helps you plan your preparation better and you can aim to score above the IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025.
How to Check IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025
Step 1: Visit the official Ministry of Home Affairs website at mha.gov.in once the cut-off is released.
Step 2: Navigate to the “Notifications” section on the website.
Step 3: Find and click the link named “IB ACIO Tier 1 2025 Cut-Off.”
Step 4: Open the PDF file that appears to view the category-wise cut-off marks and details of candidates shortlisted for Tier 2.
Step 5: Compare your score with the official cut-off to confirm if you have qualified for the next stage.
Until the Ministry of Home Affairs publishes the official cut-off, use the IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025 as a reference to set your preparation goals and boost your confidence for Tier 2.
My Suggestion
The IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025 is the first important step for you in the selection process. If you score above it, you move to Tier 2 and then Tier 3. By knowing the exam pattern, past years’ trends and factors affecting the cut-off, you can plan your preparation properly. You just need to set your target according to your category and try to score above the expected cut-off. In this way, you will increase your chances of selection in the ACIO Grade-II/Executive posts.
FAQs for IB ACIO Tier 1 Expected Cut Off 2025
Q1: What is the expected cut off for IB ACIO Tier 1 exam in 2025?
The expected cut off for the IB ACIO Tier 1 exam 2025 varies by category. Generally, it ranges between 70-78 for UR, 70-76 for OBC, 64-70 for EWS, 62-66 for SC, and 66-72 for ST candidates.
Q2: How many questions are there in the IB ACIO Tier 1 exam, and is there any negative marking?
The Tier 1 exam has 100 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes. Since there is no negative marking, you can attempt all questions confidently.
Q3: What are the next stages after clearing the IB ACIO Tier 1 exam?
After passing Tier 1, candidates move to Tier 2, which is a descriptive test. Those who score the minimum qualifying marks in Tier 2 appear for Tier 3, a personal interview. The final selection depends on marks from all three stages.
