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. Shortlisted candidates are now awaiting Tier 3 (Interview) call letters.
The next recruitment cycle (IB SA 2026–27) is expected to open in mid-2026, following the pattern of annual recruitment. Candidates preparing for the next cycle should start now — the syllabus stays consistent across years.
2Latest Updates — May 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 | 📅 To Be Notified (TBN) | ⏳ TBN |
| Tier 3 Interview / Personality Test | 📅 To Be Notified (TBN) | ⏳ TBN |
| Final Merit List | 📅 To Be Notified (TBN) | ⏳ TBN |
| Next Cycle Notification (Expected) | 📅 Mid-2026 (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) | ₹9,765 (45% of basic) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹1,085–₹4,340 (city-wise) |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | ₹1,350 + DA thereon |
| Special Security Allowance | ₹4,340 (20% of basic) |
| Gross Salary (approx.) | ₹34,000–₹38,000/month |
| Deductions (NPS, tax, etc.) | ₹2,000–₹4,000/month |
| In-Hand Salary (approx.) | ₹30,000–₹35,000/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 |