How To Join Indian Secret Services: A Complete Guide

How to join India’s secret services (RAW & IB). Learn eligibility, recruitment, training, and more in this detailed guide!

Indian Secret Services

India’s secret services, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB), are the backbone of the country’s intelligence and security framework.

RAW focuses on external intelligence and counterterrorism, while IB handles internal security and counterintelligence.

For those inspired to serve the nation discreetly, joining these agencies is challenging and rewarding.

This blog post provides a step-by-step guide to entering RAW and IB, updated with the latest recruitment insights for 2025, ensuring you have accurate and actionable information.

Understanding India’s Secret Services

Before diving into the how-to, let us clarify what these agencies do:

• Research and Analysis Wing (RAW): Established in 1968 after the Sino-Indian War and Indo-Pakistani War, RAW is India’s primary foreign intelligence agency. It gathers military, economic, and political intelligence, monitors terrorist activities, and supports India’s foreign policy. Headquartered in New Delhi, RAW is known for its covert operations and professionalism.
• Intelligence Bureau (IB): Founded in 1887, the IB is India’s oldest intelligence agency. It focuses on internal security, counterintelligence, and domestic threats. It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and is critical in safeguarding national stability.

Both agencies offer diverse roles, from field operatives to analysts, linguists, and technical experts, making them appealing to candidates with varied skill sets.

However, their secretive nature means recruitment details are often limited, requiring aspirants to stay proactive and informed.

Eligibility Criteria for RAW and IB

Each agency has distinct eligibility requirements, reflecting its unique roles and operational needs.

Below is a detailed breakdown:

Notes:

• RAW: Emphasizes experience and language skills due to its international focus. Candidates with expertise in geopolitics or technical fields (e.g., cybersecurity) are highly valued.
• IB: More accessible to fresh graduates, with roles like Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) open via competitive exams.

Recruitment Process: How to Get Started

The recruitment processes for RAW and IB differ significantly, reflecting their operational structures.

Here is a detailed look at each:

Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)

RAW does not advertise vacancies publicly, and direct applications are not accepted.

Instead, it recruits from existing government employees or, in rare cases, directly from universities.

1. Initial Recruitment:
   • From Government Services: RAW primarily selects candidates from civil services (e.g., Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS)) or armed forces. Candidates must first clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination and serve for at least 20 years in a government role.
   • University Recruitment: Since the 1980s, RAW has occasionally recruited graduates directly from reputed universities, particularly those with skills in foreign languages or technical fields. These candidates undergo rigorous screening, including psychological tests and interviews.
   • Research and Analysis Service (RAS): Established in 1983, RAS allows RAW to absorb talent from other Group A civil services after a one-year lien period, during which candidates can return to their parent service if desired.
2. Selection Process:
   • Candidates from the civil services must clear the RAW examination after qualifying for Group A services via UPSC.
   • Shortlisted candidates undergo psychological assessments and interviews to evaluate their suitability for covert operations.
   • The highly competitive selection focuses on analytical skills, loyalty, and discretion.
3. Current Updates (2025):
   • As of May 20, 2025, no public recruitment notifications for RAW were found on the Ministry of Home Affairs website or other official sources.
   • Recent news highlights RAW’s involvement in high-profile operations, such as the arrest of Khalistan Tiger Force members in the Philippines (March 2023), indicating active recruitment for specialized roles.

Intelligence Bureau (IB)

IB offers a more accessible entry point through the Combined Graduate Preliminary Exam (CGPE) conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and specialized recruitments like ACIO and technical roles.

1. Application Process:
   • CGPE via SSC: The primary route for entry-level roles like ACIO Grade-II/Executive. Candidates apply through the SSC website.
   • Online Registration: Visit mha.gov.in or ncs.gov.in, register with basic details (name, contact, education), upload documents, and pay the application fee (Rs. 100 for examination, additional processing charges for some categories).
   • Recent Vacancies: In 2024, IB announced 995 ACIO Grade-II/Executive vacancies and 226 ACIO-II/Technical posts (79 for Computer Science, 147 for Electronics & Communication). The 2025 notification is expected soon, with an estimated 2559 vacancies for ACIO Grade-II/Executive.
2. Selection Process:
   • Tier-I Exam: A 100-mark objective test covering General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and English Language. Duration: 60 minutes.
   • Tier-II Exam: A 50-mark descriptive test requiring at least 33% to qualify, focusing on essay writing and comprehension.
   • Tier-III (Interview): A 100-mark personal interview assessing intelligence, personality, and communication skills. A psychometric/aptitude test may be included.
   • Document Verification and Medical Test: Final steps to confirm eligibility and fitness.
3. Current Updates (2025):
   • The IB ACIO 2025 Notification is expected soon, and applications will likely open in late 2025. The previous cycle (2024) had application deadlines from December 23, 2023, to January 12, 2024.
   • IB announced five Deputy Central Intelligence Officer/Technical posts in March 2025. These posts require a B.Sc or B. Tech/B.E. degree, and applications will close on March 21, 2025.
   • Candidates can check mha.gov.in for the latest notifications and apply promptly to avoid missing deadlines.

Training: Preparing for the Mission

Training is a cornerstone of both agencies, ensuring recruits are equipped for the demands of intelligence work.

RAW Training

• Basic Training (10 Days): Conducted in Delhi, this phase introduces recruits to espionage, tradecraft, and classified information handling. Topics include financial analysis, space technology, and geostrategic analysis.
• Advanced Training (1–2 Years): At the Field Intelligence Bureau (FIB), recruits gain hands-on experience in clandestine operations, infiltration, exfiltration, and interrogation resistance. Training includes self-defense (e.g., Krav Maga) and technical espionage skills.
• Final Polishing: Before field deployment, recruits receive additional Training in administrative disciplines to blend discreetly into foreign missions.

IB Training

• Post-Selection Training: While less detailed publicly, IB training focuses on operational and analytical skills, tailored to roles like ACIO or technical officers. Training includes intelligence gathering, surveillance, and counter-terrorism tactics.
• On-the-Job Learning: IB recruits often undergo practical Training during initial postings, guided by senior officers.

Roles and Career Opportunities

Both agencies offer diverse roles beyond traditional field agents, catering to various skill sets:

• RAW: Known for roles like linguists, analysts, and field officers, with opportunities to work globally.
• IB: This company offers roles like ACIO, Security Assistant, and Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), with a focus on domestic operations.

Salary

• IB ACIO Grade-II/Executive: Rs. 44,900–1,42,400 monthly, plus allowances (DA, HRA, TA).
• RAW: Salaries vary by role and seniority and are typically aligned with Group A civil services pay scales (Level 10–14).

Challenges and Considerations

Joining India’s secret services is not for the faint-hearted. Here are key challenges to consider:

• Secrecy and Stress: Both agencies demand high discretion and resilience, with operatives often under intense pressure.
• Competitive Selection: RAW’s reliance on experienced professionals and IB’s rigorous exams make entry highly competitive.
• All-India Service Liability: IB roles require a willingness to serve anywhere in India, which may involve frequent relocations.
• Limited Public Information: RAW’s secretive recruitment process means candidates must network within government circles or stay alert for rare university recruitments.

How to Prepare for IB ACIO Exam

For those targeting IB’s ACIO role, preparation is key. Here is a structured plan:

1. Understand the Syllabus:
   • Tier-I: General Awareness (current affairs, history, geography), Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English Language.
   • Tier-II: Essay writing, comprehension, and précis writing.
   • Interview: Focus on personality, communication, and awareness of national security issues.
2. Study Resources:
   • Books: NCERTs for basics, Lucent’s General Knowledge, R.S. Aggarwal for Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning.
   • Online Platforms: Use resources like Adda247, Testbook, or Chegg India for mock tests and coaching.
   • Previous Papers: Practice past IB ACIO question papers to understand exam patterns.
3. Current Affairs: Read newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express) and follow monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan.
4. Mock Tests: Take regular online mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
5. Interview Preparation: Enhance communication skills and stay updated on national and international issues.

Staying Updated in 2025

Recruitment opportunities for RAW and IB are dynamic, with notifications often released periodically.

Here is how to stay informed:

• Official Websites:
  • Ministry of Home Affairs: mha.gov.in
  • Staff Selection Commission: ssc.nic.in
  • National Career Service: ncs.gov.in
• Job Portals: Websites like Careerpower.in, Testbook.com, and Adda247 provide timely updates on IB recruitments.
• Employment Newspapers: Regularly check publications like Rozgar Samachar for government job announcements.
• Social Media: Follow verified accounts of MHA or SSC on platforms like X for real-time updates.

Interesting Trivia

Did You Know? Ravindra Kaushik, one of RAW’s most legendary spies, infiltrated the Pakistan Army in the 1970s, reaching the rank of Major. Known as the “Black Tiger,” he provided critical intelligence to India until his capture in 1983, showcasing the bravery and sacrifice required in secret service roles.

Conclusion

Joining India’s secret services, whether RAW or IB, is a noble yet challenging career path that demands dedication, skill, and patriotism.

RAW offers opportunities for experienced professionals to engage in high-stakes international missions, while IB provides a more accessible entry for graduates through competitive exams like the ACIO.

You can take the first steps toward this prestigious career by meeting eligibility criteria, preparing diligently, and staying updated via official channels.

As of May 20, 2025, keep an eye on mha.gov.in for the latest recruitment notifications, especially for IB’s expected 2559 ACIO vacancies.

Ready to serve the nation?

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THOUSIF Inc. - INDIA

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