IB ACIO Exam Pattern 2025 – What You Need to Know

If you’re eyeing a career in the Indian Banks’ ACIO service, the first thing you should master is the exam pattern. Knowing how the test is structured saves you time, reduces anxiety, and lets you focus on what really counts. Below is a straightforward rundown of the 2025 layout, marks distribution, and a few practical study hacks.

Exam Sections and Marks

The IB ACIO written exam is split into three papers. All three are objective type, with four options per question. The total marks add up to 300, and you have 150 minutes for each paper.

• Paper I – General Awareness & Current Affairs: 100 questions, 100 marks. This covers banking news, economics, finance, and general awareness of the world.
• Paper II – English Language: 100 questions, 100 marks. Expect grammar, comprehension, fill-in-the-blanks, and sentence improvement.
• Paper III – Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning: 100 questions, 100 marks. Topics include data interpretation, advanced arithmetic, logical reasoning, and puzzles.

Every correct answer gives you one mark and there is no negative marking. That means you can guess if you’re stuck – just make sure you eliminate the impossible choices first.

How to Prepare Effectively

Now that you know the layout, here’s a simple plan to turn the pattern into your advantage:

1. Build a timetable: Divide your week so that each paper gets dedicated slots. Two days a week for GA, two for English, two for Quant‑Reasoning, and one for revision.
2. Focus on high‑frequency topics: In GA, keep a daily habit of reading banking news and a monthly current affairs magazine. For English, practice verb tense exercises and reading comprehension passages. For Quant‑Reasoning, prioritize data interpretation and probability – they appear most often.
3. Take mock tests: Simulate the real environment – 150 minutes, no breaks. Review every mistake and note why you missed it. Over time you’ll spot patterns in the questions.
4. Analyze your score: After each mock, calculate your accuracy per section. If you’re scoring below 70% in any paper, tweak your study plan to give it more attention.
5. Use shortcuts wisely: Learn quick methods for solving percentages, profit‑loss, and time‑speed problems. Shortcuts shave off minutes and keep you calm during the actual test.

Remember, consistency beats cramming. Even 30‑40 minutes of focused practice each day adds up to solid preparation by the exam date.

Lastly, keep your health in check. A good night’s sleep, regular breaks, and light exercise keep your mind sharp. The IB ACIO exam rewards clear thinking more than raw memorization.

Follow this guide, stick to the pattern, and you’ll walk into the test hall with confidence. Good luck!