IB ACIO Answer Key 2025: What Candidates Must Know
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has released the Phase‑1 Answer Key 2025 for the Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) Grade II / Executive examination, and it marks an important step in the selection process. As thousands of aspirants await the final results, the provisional answer key gives them a chance to assess performance, spot potential errors, and anticipate what comes next. This article will guide you through what the answer key is, how to check it, the process for objections, and tips on estimating scores and preparing for subsequent phases.
What is the Answer Key & Why It Matters
The Answer Key is a document published by the exam conducting authority—in this case, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)—listing correct answers to all questions asked in the exam. For the IB ACIO 2025 Phase‑1 exam, this is a provisional / tentative key.
Key Purposes:
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Allows candidates to compare their responses with official answers and estimate their scores.
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Enables raising objections or challenges if some answers seem wrong or ambiguous.
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Ensures transparency in the evaluation process.
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Forms the basis for preparing the final answer key and results.
Without this key, candidates are left guessing their standing. With it, they can take corrective action (objections) and emotionally and strategically plan for next stages.
How to Check & Download IB ACIO Answer Key 2025
Knowing how to access the answer key correctly is crucial. Below is a clear walkthrough.
Step‑By‑Step Process
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Official Portal | Go to mha.gov.in, the Ministry of Home Affairs website. |
| 2 | Navigate to Notifications / Latest Updates | Locate link titled “IB ACIO Phase‑1 Answer Key 2025” |
| 3 | Login with Credentials | Use Registration ID / User ID & Password or Date of Birth to log in. |
| 4 | View Response Sheet & Answer Key | Once logged in, see your responses vs correct answers in PDF / interactive format. |
| 5 | Download and Save | Download / save PDF for offline comparison. |
Key Features of the Released Key & Important Dates
Understanding the timeline and details helps manage expectations and plan ahead.
Features & Deadlines
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam Dates | Phase‑1 held on 16th, 17th, 18th September 2025. |
| Answer Key Release Date | Released on 22nd September 2025. |
| Status | Provisional / Tentative key. Final will be after reviewing objections. |
| Objection Window | From 22nd September to 25th September 2025 (inclusive). |
| Objection Fee | Specified fee per question to challenge. |
| What Follows | Final key → Result declaration → Shortlisting for Phase‑2 (Descriptive Test) & further rounds. |
What You Should Do After Key Release
Here are actions candidates should take immediately after the answer key release:
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Download and Compare
Compare your answers with those in the provisional key; mark which ones you got wrong or are unsure about. -
Calculate Estimated Score
Use the marking scheme (e.g. +1 for right, −0.25 for wrong responses—if applicable) to estimate your score. This gives you an idea of your standing. -
Check for Discrepancies
If you find any question where the official answer seems wrong or ambiguous, note it carefully (question ID, your response, what you believe to be the correct answer). -
Raise Objections (If Necessary)
Use the objection window (22‑25 Sept) via the MHA site. Provide valid rationale and supporting references. Pay the required fee per question. Objections after deadline or without evidence may not be accepted. -
Wait for Final Key & Results
After objections are processed, the final answer key is published. Results for Phase‑1 will be based on that. Then successful candidates will move to Phase‑2 (Descriptive Test) + subsequent rounds like interview/document verification. -
Plan for Phase‑2
While awaiting results, start preparing for the next stage (descriptive writing, comprehension) if past papers or syllabus is available.
Scoring, Cut‑offs, & What to Expect
Knowing approximate cut‑offs and how scoring works helps reduce anxiety and plan realistically.
Scoring & Expected Cut‑off Trends
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Marking Scheme appears to include negative marking (−0.25 for wrong answers) though candidates should verify exact instructions.
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Expected Cut‑offs (Phase‑1) are not yet officially released but based on past exams and difficulty level, general category may expect somewhere in the 65‑72 range (out of full marks), with somelower for reserved categories.
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Factors Influencing Cut‑off: difficulty of GK / Reasoning sections, number of good attempts, total number of candidates, normalization (if different shifts).
Conclusion
The release of the IB ACIO Answer Key 2025 for Phase‑1 is a crucial moment for aspirants. It gives transparency to the process, allows self‑assessment, and offers an avenue for justice through objection. While it is still provisional, what you do in this period—validate your answers, compute estimations, raise objections properly—can help determine your next steps and mental preparation for the later stages.
Stay focused, don’t panic if some answers seem unclear—this is the reason for the objection window. Monitor mha.gov.in for updates, especially about the final key, result declaration, and Phase‑2 syllabus and schedule. And importantly: use this time to work on areas you think you missed, so you’re ready for what comes next.
