IB Security Assistant / Executive 2026
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recruits Security Assistants/Executives for its Subsidiary Intelligence Bureaus across India. One of the very few central intelligence jobs open to 10th pass candidates — a Group 'C' post with strong salary and clear career growth.
1What is IB Security Assistant / Executive 2026?
The IB Security Assistant/Executive (SA/Exe) post is a Group 'C', Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial position under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Selected candidates are posted to Subsidiary Intelligence Bureaus (SIBs) spread across all major states and UTs. The job involves field-related intelligence duties requiring vigilance, alertness, and proficiency in the local language of the assigned region.
The 2025–26 recruitment cycle announced 4,987 vacancies — the largest IB SA batch in recent years. The Tier 1 exam was held in September 2025, Tier 2 in February 2026, and the Tier 2 result was released on 8 May 2026. The Tier 3 Interview / Personality Test was conducted from 1 to 29 June 2026 — the Final Merit List (based on all three tiers, 200 marks) is now awaited on mha.gov.in.
The next recruitment cycle (IB SA 2026–27) has not been notified yet. The previous cycle's notification was released on 26 July 2025, so a fresh notification is widely anticipated in the coming weeks — watch mha.gov.in and ncs.gov.in. Candidates preparing for the next cycle should start now; the syllabus stays consistent across years.
2Latest Updates — July 2026
3Important Dates — 2025–26 Cycle
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 📅 26 July 2025 | ✅ Done |
| Online Application Opens | 📅 26 July 2025 | ✅ Done |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 📅 17 August 2025 | ✅ Done |
| Tier 1 (CBT) Exam Date | 📅 29–30 September 2025 | ✅ Done |
| Tier 1 Result Released | 📅 November 2025 | ✅ Done |
| Tier 2 (Descriptive) Exam | 📅 22 February 2026 | ✅ Done |
| Tier 2 Result Released | 📅 8 May 2026 | ✅ Done |
| Tier 3 Interview Call Letters | 📅 22 May 2026 | ✅ Done |
| Tier 3 Interview / Personality Test | 📅 1 – 29 June 2026 | ✅ Done |
| Final Merit List | 📅 To Be Notified (TBN) | ⏳ TBN |
| Next Cycle Notification (Expected) | 📅 To Be Notified (TBN) | ⏳ TBN |
⚠️ TBN = To Be Notified by MHA. Dates based on official notifications and verified sources. Always confirm at mha.gov.in.
4Eligibility Criteria 2026
Indian citizen. Must hold a domicile certificate of the state/UT against which they are applying. Knowledge of the local language/dialect of that region is mandatory.
Matriculation (10th Class Pass) or equivalent from a recognised board. No higher qualification required — this is explicitly a 10th pass post.
Paid via SBI EPAY LITE (UPI, Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking) or SBI Challan.
5Vacancy Details — 2025–26 (4,987 Posts)
| Category | Vacancies | Share |
|---|---|---|
| UR (General) | 2,471 | 49.5% |
| OBC (NCL) | 1,015 | 20.4% |
| EWS | 501 | 10.0% |
| SC | 574 | 11.5% |
| ST | 426 | 8.6% |
| Total | 4,987 | 100% |
💡 Vacancies are distributed region-wise across various Subsidiary Intelligence Bureaus (SIBs). The largest SIBs include Delhi/IB HQ (1,124 posts), Trivandrum (334), Chennai (285), and Mumbai (266). Each SIB requires a specific local language — candidates must apply to the SIB matching their domicile state.
6Exam Pattern 2026
Tier 1 — Online CBT (Objective)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 20 | 20 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 |
| Numerical / Analytical / Logical & Reasoning | 20 | 20 |
| English Language | 20 | 20 |
| General Studies | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Tier 1 cut-off (2025 cycle): UR/EWS – 30 | OBC – 28 | SC/ST – 25 (out of 100). Top 10× vacancy candidates shortlisted for Tier 2.
Tier 2 — Written Descriptive (Qualifying)
⚠️ Tier 2 is qualifying — minimum 33% (17/50) required to be shortlisted for Tier 3. Tier 2 marks also contribute to the final merit list (see below).
Tier 3 — Interview / Personality Test
A structured personality and intelligence assessment by a panel. Evaluates communication skills, presence of mind, suitability for intelligence field work, and knowledge of local language. Only 5× the vacancy count of candidates are called for Tier 3.
Final Merit = Tier I (100) + Tier II (50) + Tier III Interview (50) = 200 marks
Per the official MHA notification: final merit list is based on combined performance across all three tiers. Minimum 33% (17/50) in Tier 2 is mandatory to proceed to Tier 3.
7Syllabus 2026
General Awareness
- Current events — national & international
- Indian history, polity, economy, geography
- Scientific discoveries & inventions
- Awards, sports, cultural events
- Static GK — capitals, currencies, HQs
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number systems, HCF, LCM
- Percentages, profit & loss, discount
- Simple & compound interest
- Ratio & proportion, averages, time & work
- Time, speed & distance; mensuration
Numerical / Analytical / Logical Ability & Reasoning
- Series completion — number & letter
- Coding-decoding, blood relations, directions
- Analogies, classifications, Venn diagrams
- Data interpretation — tables, charts, graphs
- Syllogisms, logical deduction, puzzles
English Language
- Reading comprehension
- Fill in the blanks — grammar / vocabulary
- Synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution
- Sentence correction & rearrangement
- Error spotting, cloze test, idioms & phrases
General Studies
- Indian constitution, fundamental rights & duties
- Five Year Plans, economic policy, budget concepts
- Science & technology in everyday life
- Environment & ecology basics
- Government schemes — PM Awas, Ujjwala, etc.
Tier 2 syllabus: Translation of a 500-word passage (local language ↔ English) + Spoken ability assessment in local dialect. Prepare the regional language of your applied SIB.
8Salary & Benefits 2026
| Component | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹21,700 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ₹13,020 (60% of basic, w.e.f. 1 Jan 2026) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹2,170–₹6,510 (10–30% city-wise) |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | ₹1,350 + DA thereon |
| Special Security Allowance | ₹4,340 (20% of basic) |
| Gross Salary (approx.) | ₹43,000–₹51,000/month |
| Deductions (NPS, tax, etc.) | ₹3,500–₹4,500/month |
| In-Hand Salary (approx.) | ₹39,000–₹46,000/month |
Additional Perks & Career Growth
💊 Medical benefits under CGHS for self and family
🏖️ Earned leave, casual leave, and paid holidays
💰 Cash compensation for holiday duty (up to 30 days/year)
📈 Annual increments within Level 3 pay matrix
🎯 Career path: Security Assistant → Senior Security Assistant → Junior Intelligence Officer (JIO) → Intelligence Officer (IO) → Senior Intelligence Officer (SIO)
🏠 Promotion to Group B posts possible through departmental exams
93-Month Study Plan
Month 1: Foundation — GK, English & Quant
- •Start with Lucent's GK — cover history, polity, geography chapters. Read one topic per day.
- •Begin Quantitative Aptitude with RS Aggarwal — percentages, profit/loss, time & work first.
- •English: Focus on grammar rules, vocabulary, and daily newspaper reading (The Hindu / Dainik Jagran).
- •Current affairs: Read daily news digest apps (Inshorts, AffairsCloud) for 15 minutes every day.
Month 2: Speed Building — Reasoning & Local Language
- •Complete Reasoning from RS Aggarwal — series, coding-decoding, directions, Venn diagrams.
- •Practice 50 Quant questions daily to build calculation speed. Focus on accuracy first.
- •Local Language preparation: Practice translation of newspaper passages (300–500 words) every day.
- •Take subject-wise online tests. Review weak areas and re-study before moving forward.
Month 3: Full Mock Tests & Interview Prep
- •Attempt 1 full-length Tier 1 mock test daily (60 mins, 100 Qs). Target 65+ out of 100 to be safe.
- •Analyse each mock — identify where you lose time and where errors cluster by subject.
- •Translation practice — write 3 paragraphs daily in both directions (English ↔ local language).
- •For Tier 3: Prepare local language spoken practice, general knowledge about your region, and work suitability answers.
10Best Books for IB Security Assistant 2026
| Book | Author | Subject | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB Security Assistant Recruitment Exam Guide | Ramesh Publishing House | All Subjects | — |
| 15 Practice Sets for Intelligence Bureau (IB) | Disha Publication | Mock Tests | — |
| IB SA & Executive Group C Exam Book | Sura Books | All Subjects | — |
| Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent Publications | General Awareness | Buy |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal | Quant | Buy |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Reasoning | Buy |
| Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) | English | Buy |
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11Free Online Resources
12Expert Preparation Tips
13Frequently Asked Questions
What is the educational qualification for IB Security Assistant 2026?
What is the age limit for IB Security Assistant?
Is the IB Security Assistant Tier 2 exam qualifying or merit-based?
What is the salary of IB Security Assistant after selection?
What is the current status of IB Security Assistant 2025-26 recruitment?
Disclaimer: All information on this page is for general guidance only. Vacancy numbers, dates, exam patterns, and eligibility criteria are sourced from official MHA/IB notifications and may change. Last Updated: 17 July 2026. Always verify the latest details at mha.gov.in before applying. TaiyarHo is not affiliated with the Intelligence Bureau, MHA or any government body.