Introduction
The IB ACIO (Intelligence Bureau, Assistant Central Intelligence Officer) exam is one of India’s most coveted recruitment tests. While Tier 1 tests your aptitude and awareness, Tier 2 (Descriptive English) can make or break your chance if you are not confident in writing. With the 2025 notification confirming the descriptive exam pattern (Essay 20 marks, Comprehension 10 marks, two Long Answers 20 marks) , this post provides a battle-tested roadmap to ace your writing round. Whether you struggle with structuring, time management, or generating content under pressure, this guide will help you sharpen every aspect.
Understanding the 2025 Descriptive Pattern
Before diving into strategy, know exactly what you’re up against.
| Section | Marks | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 20 | Test your ability to present a coherent argument on a topic |
| English Comprehension | 10 | Evaluate reading, inference, vocabulary, and concise answering |
| Two Long Answer Questions | 20 (2 × 10) | Assess your knowledge of current affairs, socio-economic, political issues |
Key Takeaways:
- You must strike a balance — essay is important, but the long answers carry equal weight.
- Time pressure is real: you have only 1 hour to complete all parts.
- Practice must simulate this format repeatedly so you don’t overrun in one section.
Strategy & Preparation Framework
1. Build a Foundation: Reading & Vocabulary
- Read quality editorials (The Hindu, Indian Express, Economist) daily.
- Maintain a daily vocabulary log of words with usage sentences.
- Note themes: environment, governance, health, security, technology.
2. Mock Essays (20-25 min)
- Use the classic structure: Introduction → Body (2–3 arguments) → Counterpoint (optional) → Suggestions → Conclusion
- Always include examples, statistics, or current issues to strengthen.
- After writing, self-check: Are transitions smooth? Is the flow logical?
3. Analytical / Long Answer Practice
- Maintain a topic bank (50–100 likely topics) from recent news/analysis.
- Use “PEEL” — Point, Explain, Example, Link back — for each subanswer.
- Practice writing two ~8-minute long answers under timed conditions.
4. Comprehension / Short Questions
- Train yourself on passages of 200–300 words with 4–6 sub-questions.
- Focus on main idea, inference, tone, vocabulary in context.
- Also practice brief answers (30–50 words) with clarity and directness.
5. Full Mocks in Tier 2 Format
- Each mock: Essay (20 m), Comprehension (10 m), 2 Long answers (20 m)
- Time yourself strictly. Reserve 3–5 minutes for review.
- Post mock: self-evaluate — flow, repetition, weak logic, language errors.
6. Maintain Error & Improvement Logs
- For every mock or piece you write, note recurring mistakes (grammar, redundant phrases, weak transitions).
- Revisit these logs weekly and consciously avoid earlier errors.
Sample Outline & Mini Examples
Essay Prompt (example): “Digital surveillance vs privacy: what’s the balance?”
Outlines
- Intro: define digital surveillance & privacy, context (post 5G, Aadhar etc)
- Benefits of surveillance (law enforcement, security, public good)
- Dangers / risks (abuse, data leaks, rights violation)
- Safeguards & principles (transparency, oversight, consent)
- Conclusion: cautious adoption, legal boundaries
Sample line in body:
“While surveillance can detect threats early and strengthen law enforcement, unchecked data collection without transparency erodes citizens’ trust and undermines democratic rights.”
Long Answer (sample):
Q: “How can governments ensure equitable healthcare access in rural India?”
- Point: strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure
- Explain: doctors, mobile clinics, telemedicine
- Example: eSanjeevani / Ayushman Bharat
- Link: healthier rural India contributes to national productivity and reduces urban burden
Comprehension / Short Answer Tips:
- Always restate the question briefly (“The prime reasons for obesity are …”)
- Use linking words: moreover, however, conversely
Conclusion & Call to Action
Descriptive English in IB ACIO 2025 is not just about grammar or flair — it’s about structured thought, evidence-based arguments, and clarity under time. By combining disciplined reading, mock simulations, error analysis, and focus on current affairs, you can transform this section from “fear zone” to your scoring zone.