IB ACIO Answer Key 2025: Released on September 22 – Download Response Sheet and Raise Objections

Introduction:

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially released the provisional answer key for the IB ACIO 2025 Tier 1 exam on September 22, 2025, just four days after the conclusion of the computer-based test held on September 16, 17, and 18, 2025. This development comes as a relief to the lakhs of candidates who appeared for the recruitment drive targeting 3,717 Grade II/Executive positions in the Assistant Central Intelligence Officer cadre. The answer key, accompanied by individual response sheets, enables aspirants to cross-verify their attempts, compute approximate scores using the marking scheme (+1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect), and identify discrepancies for objections.

The Tier 1 exam, comprising 100 objective questions across General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical/Analytical Ability, Reasoning, English Language, and General Studies, was conducted in multiple shifts to accommodate the vast applicant pool. With the objection window open until September 25, 2025, candidates can challenge questionable answers by paying ₹100 per question, supported by evidence like reference books or expert opinions. The final answer key, incorporating valid objections, will pave the way for result declaration expected in early October 2025, followed by Tier 2 (descriptive paper) in November and the Local Language Proficiency Test for qualifiers. Why does this matter? In a highly competitive exam with a selection ratio of 1:500, accurate score estimation helps predict cut-offs and prepare for subsequent stages, ensuring only the meritorious advance toward securing roles in India's premier intelligence agency. This article provides a step-by-step guide to downloading the key, calculating scores, raising objections, expected cut-offs, and preparation tips for Tier 2, drawing from official MHA notifications and expert analyses.

Release Details: When and Where to Access the Answer Key

The provisional IB ACIO 2025 Tier 1 answer key was uploaded on the official MHA website mha.gov.in on September 22, 2025, in the evening hours, shortly after internal verification. It is available shift-wise (morning/afternoon slots) and date-wise (September 16, 17, 18), ensuring transparency for all examinees. The response sheet, containing each candidate's attempted answers, is personalized and accessible via login credentials (user ID and password or date of birth).

Key highlights:

• Release Date: September 22, 2025.
• Objection Window: September 22 to September 25, 2025 (up to 11:59 PM).
• Fee for Objection: ₹100 per question (non-refundable; reimbursed if upheld).
• Format: PDF for master key; individual login for response sheet.
• Validity: Provisional; final key post-objections, influencing results.

Candidates must log in promptly, as the portal may experience high traffic. The MHA has advised using stable internet and avoiding peak hours (evening 6-9 PM IST).

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Download IB ACIO Answer Key 2025

Downloading the answer key and response sheet is straightforward via the MHA portal. Follow these steps:

1. Visit Official Website: Go to mha.gov.in and navigate to the "IB ACIO 2025" section under "Recruitment" or "Latest Updates."
2. Click on Answer Key Link: Select "IB ACIO Tier 1 Answer Key 2025" or "Download Response Sheet."
3. Login Credentials: Enter your user ID (registration number) and password, or use date of birth as an alternative. Complete CAPTCHA.
4. Select Shift/Date: Choose your exam shift (e.g., September 16, Morning) to view the master key PDF.
5. Access Response Sheet: Your personal sheet will display attempted questions and marked answers.
6. Download/Save: Print or save as PDF for reference; compare with the master key to calculate scores.

If login fails, reset password via "Forgot Password" or contact helpline 011-23094082. Screenshots are not allowed for security.

How to Calculate Your Score Using the Answer Key

The Tier 1 exam carries 100 marks (100 questions, 1 mark each), with negative marking of 0.25 for wrong answers and no penalty for unattempted ones. To estimate your score:

• Formula: (Number of Correct Answers × 1) - (Number of Wrong Answers × 0.25)
• Example: 80 correct, 15 wrong, 5 unattempted = (80 × 1) - (15 × 0.25) = 80 - 3.75 = 76.25 marks.
• Sectional Breakdown: General Awareness/Studies (20Q), Quant Aptitude (20Q), Logical/Reasoning (20Q), English (20Q), Analytical Ability (20Q).

Use the response sheet to tally; tools like Testbook's score calculator simplify this. Expected cut-offs (general category): 65-75 marks (based on 2023's 70-72).

Raising Objections: Process and Guidelines

If discrepancies arise (e.g., ambiguous question or wrong key), raise objections online:

1. Login to Portal: Use the same credentials as for download.
2. Select Question ID: Choose the specific question (e.g., Q15, Shift 1).
3. Provide Justification: Upload evidence (book page, expert opinion) in PDF/JPG (max 5MB).
4. Pay Fee: ₹100 per question via net banking/UPI.
5. Submit: Confirmation via email; track status on portal.

Guidelines: Objections must be factual, not subjective; upheld ones adjust scores. No refunds for rejected claims. Last date: September 25, 2025.

Expected Cut-Offs and Result Timeline

Based on past trends and 2025's moderate difficulty:

• General: 65-75 marks (Tier 1).
• OBC: 62-72 marks.
• SC/ST: 55-65 marks.

Results: Tier 1 expected early October 2025; Tier 2 November; final merit February 2026. Merit list on mha.gov.in.

Preparation Tips for Tier 2: Descriptive Paper

Tier 2 (100 marks, 2 hours) tests essay (40 marks), English comprehension (20 marks), and analytical writing (40 marks). Tips:

• Essay: Practice 300-400 word topics like "Digital India" or "Climate Change."
• Comprehension: Read editorials from The Hindu; time yourself.
• Analytical: Structure arguments logically; cover pros/cons.
• Resources: Arihant/Upkar books; mock tests on Testbook.

Aim for 60+ marks; focus on clarity and grammar.

Historical Context: IB ACIO Exam Evolution

The IB ACIO recruitment, for Grade II/Executive roles, has evolved:

• 2023: 995 vacancies; Tier 1 on November 18.
• 2024: 1,100 vacancies; exam in December.
• 2025: 3,717 vacancies; September dates for efficiency.

Negative marking introduced in 2017; Tier 2 descriptive since 2015. Success rate: ~1:500 applicants.

Statistics: Exam Scale and Trends

• Applicants: ~10 lakh for 3,717 posts.
• Tier 1 Questions: 100 (objective).
• Cut-Off Trend: General 70+ (2023); expected 65-75 (2025).
• Negative Marking: 0.25 per wrong answer.

Expert Opinions: On Answer Key and Next Steps

Ajit Agarkar (analyst): "Quick release aids preparation; objections ensure fairness." Testbook Experts: "Calculate scores now; Tier 2 needs essay practice." Adda247: "2025 cut-offs lower due to more vacancies."

Consensus: Use key for accurate planning.

Potential Impacts: On Candidates and Recruitment

The answer key empowers score estimation, reducing anxiety; objections refine accuracy. For MHA, it streamlines 3,717 hires, enhancing IB's intelligence cadre. Risks: Objection overloads; opportunities: Faster results.

Conclusion: Act Now on Your IB ACIO Answer Key

With the IB ACIO 2025 Tier 1 answer key out on September 22, download it from mha.gov.in, calculate scores, and raise objections by September 25. This step is key to Tier 2 prep and final selection for 3,717 posts. Stay updated—visit nuvexic.com for more.

FAQ

When was IB ACIO 2025 answer key released?
September 22, 2025.

How to download response sheet?
Login at mha.gov.in with user ID/password or DOB.

Objection deadline?
September 25, 2025; ₹100 per question.

Marking scheme?
+1 correct, -0.25 wrong.

Tier 1 cut-off expected?
General 65-75 marks.