IB ACIO — Every Question,
Answered.

IB ACIO stands for Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer. The complete designation is Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) Grade-II/Executive.

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is India's domestic intelligence agency, functioning directly under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India. The ACIO is an entry-level officer recruited to carry out intelligence-gathering, analysis, and surveillance work at the ground level across the country.

An IB ACIO (Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer) is a Group C government officer who serves as the frontline operative of India's domestic intelligence network. These officers work covertly and are responsible for collecting, verifying, and reporting intelligence that is critical to India's internal security.

Their day-to-day work spans multiple sensitive domains including counter-terrorism, border security, cyber surveillance, tracking anti-national activities, and monitoring socio-political developments. They are also involved in background verification of candidates applying for sensitive government roles.

The role is demanding, dynamic, and carries a strong sense of national purpose. Unlike most government jobs, ACIO work is often field-based and sensitive in nature, making it one of the more unique central government career paths available to graduates.

The IB ACIO exam is conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India. The Intelligence Bureau, which operates under MHA, releases the recruitment notification and manages the entire selection process — from application to interview.

The official website for all IB ACIO-related notifications, admit cards, answer keys, results, and updates is mha.gov.in. Applications are also accepted via the National Career Services (NCS) portal at ncs.gov.in.

Unlike SSC or UPSC exams, the IB ACIO exam is entirely managed by MHA itself, without delegating to any separate exam conducting body.

The IB ACIO Grade-II/Executive post is classified as General Central Service, Group C (Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial) as per the official notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In India's civil services structure, Group C posts are typically entry-to-mid-level positions where officers are recruited directly via competitive exams. They are "non-gazetted" because their appointments are not required to be published in the Government Gazette — this is typically a feature of Group A or senior Group B officers.

Despite being classified as Group C, the ACIO position is highly respected, financially competitive, and carries significant responsibility. The "non-ministerial" tag simply means that the role is operational and field-based, not tied to ministerial or secretarial administrative duties.

IB ACIO Grade-II falls under Pay Level 7 of the 7th Central Pay Commission, which is broadly equivalent to posts like SSC CGL Grade B officers, Sub-Inspectors in central forces, or Junior Section Officers in other ministries — all recognized as prestigious Group C central government posts.

In terms of overall package, the IB ACIO role stands out because of the Special Security Allowance (20% of basic pay) — a unique benefit not found in most other Group C jobs — which substantially boosts the in-hand salary.

Many officers and aspirants on forums like Reddit's r/UPSC and Quora rate IB ACIO as one of the best Group C central government jobs because of the pay, the nature of work, job security, and career growth potential within the intelligence apparatus. The job comes with All India Service Liability, meaning you may be posted anywhere in the country.

Yes, IB ACIO is a permanent central government job. Once selected and confirmed after the probation period, it comes with full job security, pension benefits (via NPS), and all associated government service protections.

It is primarily a field job, not a desk job. ACIOs are deployed to gather ground intelligence, conduct surveillance, visit locations for field inquiries, verify backgrounds, and report on local security situations. There is an element of office-based report writing, but the core nature of the work is operational and fieldwork-heavy.

Since the Intelligence Bureau operates across all Indian states and union territories — including border-sensitive regions — officers must be prepared for transfers and postings in any part of the country. This is part of the All India Service Liability that candidates acknowledge at the time of joining.

There is no minimum percentage requirement for the graduation degree — any passing graduate from a recognized university is eligible. Final-year students awaiting results are generally not eligible; the degree must be completed before the application deadline.

The age limit for IB ACIO Grade-II/Executive is 18 to 27 years for General (Unreserved) category candidates. The cut-off date for age calculation is the last date of application (which was August 10, 2025 for the 2025 recruitment cycle).

Yes, female candidates are fully eligible to apply for the IB ACIO exam. There is no gender restriction on applying or appearing for any tier of the exam.

In terms of fees, female candidates are exempt from the examination fee of Rs. 100, though they are required to pay the recruitment processing charges of Rs. 550. This makes the total fee Rs. 550 for female applicants, compared to Rs. 650 for male General/OBC/EWS candidates.

Women are recruited into the Intelligence Bureau and serve in various operational and administrative capacities. There is no separate female quota, but women compete alongside all other candidates in the common merit list.

Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are eligible to apply for IB ACIO as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, subject to meeting the physical standards specified in the official notification for the specific disability category.

Regarding spectacles: wearing corrective eyewear is generally permitted at the written examination stages (Tier 1 and Tier 2). However, the final medical examination during Document Verification sets specific vision standards that candidates must meet. The official notification for each cycle specifies the acceptable vision parameters. Candidates with corrected vision within acceptable limits typically qualify.

For the most accurate and binding information, always refer to the physical and medical standards detailed in the official IB ACIO notification PDF from mha.gov.in.

Absolutely. The IB ACIO eligibility requires any graduation degree from a recognized university — there is no restriction on the discipline or stream. B.Tech, B.Sc, B.Com, BA, BCA — all are equally valid. The exam tests general aptitude, reasoning, and awareness, not discipline-specific knowledge.

There is a separate IB ACIO Gr-II/Tech recruitment (announced in October 2025) specifically for candidates with GATE-qualifying scores in Computer Science or Electronics and Communication. That is a different recruitment process. The mainstream IB ACIO Grade-II/Executive exam is open to all graduates regardless of background.

IB ACIO selection is a three-stage process. All three stages must be cleared to get a final appointment:

Total marks: 250. Final merit is based on the combined performance across all three stages.

In Tier 1, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks (1/4 mark) for each wrong answer. Unanswered questions carry no penalty. Tier 1 is conducted online (Computer Based Test) across multiple centres and usually in 3 shifts per day.

Tier 2 is an offline, pen-and-paper descriptive test. It includes essay writing, English comprehension and precis writing, and two long-answer questions. There is no negative marking in Tier 2. Candidates must score at least 33% (17/50) in Tier 2 to qualify for the interview.

The Interview (Tier 3) assesses personality, awareness of national and global issues, communication skills, and suitability for intelligence duties. A Psychometric/Aptitude Test may also be conducted as part of this stage.

Tier 1 of IB ACIO has 5 sections, each carrying 20 marks (20 questions each), totalling 100 questions in 1 hour.

Tier 2 is a 50-mark offline descriptive paper of 1 hour duration. It must be written in English. The three components are:

Essay topics in previous years have included subjects like Internal Security Challenges, Role of Technology in Intelligence, Urbanization and Crime, and India's Neighbourhood Policy. Writing coherent, factual, and well-structured answers is key — examiners value clarity and relevance over flowery language.

IB ACIO Tier 1 is rated as moderate to moderately difficult based on past exam analyses and candidate feedback. The 2025 Tier 1 exam (September 16–18, 2025) was described by candidates as moderately tough with Current Affairs and English being slightly time-consuming sections.

Key difficulty factors:

• The exam packs 100 questions into 60 minutes — time management is critical.
• Current Affairs questions can be from any domain across the year, requiring consistent preparation.
• Reasoning can contain tricky puzzles that consume disproportionate time.
• Negative marking (0.25 per wrong answer) means reckless guessing is risky.

Tier 2 (Descriptive) is considered moderately challenging — writing quality essays and comprehension answers under time pressure requires practice. Candidates who are unused to formal English writing often struggle here.

Overall, candidates with SSC CGL or UPSC Prelims preparation background find IB ACIO Tier 1 manageable. A dedicated preparation of 3–4 months with daily current affairs, mock tests, and previous year papers is generally considered sufficient.

The IB ACIO interview is a 100-mark personality and intelligence assessment. It typically lasts 15–30 minutes and is conducted by a panel of senior Intelligence Bureau officers.

What the panel assesses:

• Awareness of national and international current affairs, security issues, and government policies
• Analytical and logical thinking — ability to reason under pressure
• Communication skills — clarity, confidence, and composure
• Personality traits: integrity, alertness, quick thinking, and suitability for intelligence fieldwork
• Knowledge of your home state, region, and local security landscape

A Psychometric / Aptitude Test may also be administered as part of the interview process to assess psychological suitability for sensitive intelligence roles.

The final result (after interviews) is expected to be announced in mid-2026 on the official MHA website.

Yes, based on the historical recruitment pattern of the Intelligence Bureau, the IB ACIO 2026 notification is expected to be released between June and August 2026 on the official MHA website (mha.gov.in).

As of April 2026, the IB ACIO 2026 notification has not yet been officially released. The 2025 recruitment cycle (3,717 vacancies) is still ongoing — interviews are being conducted through April 30, 2026.

Anticipated 2026 timeline (based on past patterns):

The IB ACIO Tier 1 Result 2025 was declared on November 21, 2025. Candidates can check their result on the official MHA portal.

Steps to check IB ACIO result:

1. Visit the official website: www.mha.gov.in
2. Navigate to the "What's New" or "Recruitment" section on the homepage
3. Click on the link for "IB ACIO Grade II/Executive Result 2025"
4. A PDF will download or open showing Roll Numbers of shortlisted candidates
5. Search your Roll Number in the list using Ctrl+F

For the Tier 1 result, candidates can also log in using their registration credentials to view their individual scorecard. Individual scorecards and official category-wise cut-off marks are released along with or shortly after the result PDF.

The IB ACIO admit card is released approximately 7–10 days before the examination on the official MHA website. For the 2025 Tier 1 exam, the admit card was released on September 13, 2025 (exam was on September 16–18).

Steps to download the IB ACIO admit card:

1. Go to www.mha.gov.in
2. Click on "What's New" section on the homepage
3. Find the "IB ACIO Admit Card" link and click on it
4. Log in using your Registration Number and Date of Birth
5. Your admit card will be displayed — download and print it

The admit card contains your name, roll number, exam date, reporting time, exam centre address, and exam day instructions. Carry both your printed admit card and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport) to the exam centre.

The IB ACIO salary is governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission, Pay Level 7.

The Special Security Allowance at 20% of basic pay is a significant bonus unique to intelligence service roles. Additionally, officers receive cash compensation for duty on holidays, subject to a maximum ceiling of 30 days per year.

In addition to the competitive salary, IB ACIOs receive a comprehensive benefits package typical of central government employees, plus some intelligence-service-specific perks:

• CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme): Cashless medical treatment at empanelled hospitals across India for the employee and dependent family members
• LTC (Leave Travel Concession): Travel allowance for visiting hometown or travelling within India every two to four years
• Special Security Allowance: 20% of basic pay — exclusive to IB/intelligence service employees
• Holiday Duty Compensation: Cash payment for duties on gazetted holidays up to 30 days per year
• NPS (National Pension System): Government contribution to your pension fund
• Study Leave: Provisions for sponsored higher education under certain conditions
• Job Security: Permanent central government employment with standard service protections
• Career Growth: Structured promotion pathway with salary increments and increasing responsibilities

The IB ACIO recruitment notification does not specify a formal financial service bond similar to some state PSUs. However, selected candidates are subject to the standard Central Government service rules that govern the probation period and confirmation of service.

During the probation period (typically 2 years), candidates are expected to serve and perform satisfactorily to receive permanent confirmation. Leaving during probation without completing formalities may involve recovery of training costs as per applicable service rules.

Given that the IB is a sensitive security organization, joining and then resigning early may also be subject to internal scrutiny. Candidates should always refer to the official appointment letter terms for the exact service obligations at the time of joining.

As a frontline intelligence operative, an IB ACIO is entrusted with a diverse and sensitive range of responsibilities:

• Intelligence Gathering: Collecting secret and open-source information about individuals, organizations, and events that may pose a threat to national security
• Surveillance: Conducting covert and overt surveillance of terrorist suspects, disruptive elements, and anti-national activities
• Source Development: Building a network of local contacts and informants to provide timely intelligence inputs
• Intelligence Analysis: Assessing and evaluating intelligence inputs received from various sources and preparing structured reports
• Report Writing: Submitting intelligence reports to senior IB officers for action or escalation
• Background Verification: Conducting character and antecedent checks on candidates seeking employment in sensitive government positions
• Tracking Financial Intelligence: Monitoring illegal currency exchange, hawala transactions, and suspicious financial activity
• Inter-Agency Collaboration: Working with state police, RAW, NTRO, IB subsidiaries, and other intelligence units for integrated operations
• Disaster/Emergency Roles: During national emergencies or communal sensitivities, ACIOs may be deployed to assess and report ground situations

IB ACIOs are subject to All India Service Liability — meaning the Government of India (through the MHA) can post you anywhere in the country. This is explicitly mentioned in the notification. IB operates offices and field units across all states, union territories, and sensitive border regions.

Typical postings include state IB units in state capitals, field postings in border areas (Jammu and Kashmir, North East, coastal zones), metro postings (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc.), and district-level deployment in sensitive areas.

Regarding home posting: While the posting authority lies entirely with the Intelligence Bureau and MHA, officers may apply for transfer to their home state after completing a mandatory minimum posting period. However, there is no entitlement to a home posting, and approval depends on organizational requirements, vacancies in that zone, and officer seniority. Many forum discussions on Quora and Reddit by serving IB officers confirm that home state transfers are possible but not guaranteed, typically after 3–5 years of service.

Upon joining, selected IB ACIOs undergo a structured induction training program designed to equip them with the skills needed for intelligence work. The training has two main phases, each approximately 60 days long:

Phase 1 — Foundational Training: Covers the basics of intelligence theory, national security frameworks, legal provisions for intelligence operations, report writing, source management, and physical fitness. This is primarily classroom-based.

Phase 2 — Practical and Field Training: Candidates are attached to active field units and learn surveillance techniques, source handling, area assessment, and operational skills under senior officer mentorship.

Training is conducted at the Intelligence Bureau's training establishments and selected field units. The specific training centre locations are not publicly disclosed for security reasons. Officers who perform well during the probation/training phase receive permanent appointment. The entire probation period, inclusive of training, is typically 2 years.

IB ACIO is not a clandestine (covert) agent role in the Hollywood spy sense, but there are important confidentiality obligations. Officers generally do not publicize their posting within the Intelligence Bureau to outsiders, particularly regarding the specific operations or units they work with.

IB recruits are typically advised not to discuss their exact work, operations, or postings with unauthorized persons. The Official Secrets Act, 1923 applies to all IB personnel, restricting disclosure of sensitive information obtained in the course of duty.

In terms of day-to-day social life, IB employees are known to declare themselves as government/Ministry of Home Affairs employees when asked casually. Many hold identity cards that confirm their government service. However, the specific intelligence nature of their work is something they are trained to keep discreet.

This is distinctly different from RAW officers, whose identities may be more classified. IB ACIO is a visible government recruitment, published in Employment Newspapers, and the service is acknowledged in official government records.

IB ACIO Grade-II/Executive is primarily an intelligence and analysis role, not a uniformed or paramilitary role. At the entry (Grade-II) level, officers are generally not routinely armed as part of their standard operational duty.

However, intelligence officers operating in high-risk or sensitive field environments may be provided with official firearms based on threat assessment and operational requirements as approved by senior authorities. Some senior IB officers (at the level of DCIO and above) may be authorized to carry service weapons.

This is distinct from central armed police forces like CRPF, BSF, or CISF, where personnel are uniformed and armed as part of their standard role. IB ACIO work is intelligence-based — covert observation, source-running, analysis — rather than direct armed enforcement.

The IB ACIO application is entirely online. For the 2025 cycle, the application window was July 19 to August 10, 2025 at mha.gov.in. Here is the standard step-by-step process that will apply to future cycles:

1. Check notification: Visit mha.gov.in and download the official IB ACIO notification PDF. Read it completely.
2. Check eligibility: Verify your age, educational qualification, nationality, and category before applying.
3. New registration: Click on the "Apply Online" link on the MHA portal. Register with your valid email ID and mobile number. You will receive an OTP for verification.
4. Fill the application form: Log in with your registration credentials and fill in all personal details — name, DOB, educational background, category, and preferred exam centres (usually 3 choices).
5. Upload documents: Upload a scanned passport-size photograph (recent) and your signature in the specified format and size.
6. Pay the application fee: General/OBC/EWS males pay Rs. 650 (exam fee Rs. 100 + processing fee Rs. 550). SC/ST/Female/Ex-servicemen pay Rs. 550 (only processing fee). Payment is made online via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
7. Submit and save: Submit the form and save/print the confirmation page with your registration number for future reference.

For the 2026 cycle, the application link will be activated at mha.gov.in as well as the National Career Services portal (ncs.gov.in) once the notification is released.

Note: Ex-servicemen who are already employed in a civil central government Group C post (and are availing reservation benefits) are required to pay the full fee including the examination fee of Rs. 100. Banking charges, if applicable, are borne by the candidate.

During online application (uploads required):

• Scanned passport-size photograph (recent, colour, white background — typically JPG, 20–50 KB)
• Scanned signature (black ink on white paper — typically JPG, 10–20 KB)

During Document Verification (original + self-attested copies):

• Birth certificate / 10th Marksheet (as age proof)
• Graduation Degree / Final Marksheet
• Category certificate (OBC/SC/ST/EWS) — must be in the prescribed central government format
• Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, Voter ID)
• Experience or qualifying certificates (if any)
• Ex-servicemen: Discharge Certificate from defence forces
• PWD certificate (if applicable) from a competent authority
• Original Admit Card for reference

The IB ACIO cut off is the minimum score required to qualify each tier. Official cut offs are released by MHA along with the result at mha.gov.in.

Expected IB ACIO Tier 1 Cut Off 2025 (Category-wise, out of 100):

Tier 2 Minimum Qualifying Marks: Candidates must score at least 33% (17 out of 50 marks) in Tier 2 to be eligible for the interview. This is a mandatory minimum, not a competitive cut off.

Previous year cut offs (for reference):

Factors affecting cut off include total vacancies announced (3,717 for 2025), total applicants, exam difficulty level, and normalization across multiple shifts.

Here is the current status of the IB ACIO 2025 recruitment cycle as of April 21, 2026:

Candidates who cleared Tier 2 and are called for interviews should check their registered email IDs and the official MHA website for the interview call letter and schedule details.

The IB ACIO Tier 1 Answer Key 2025 was released on September 22, 2025 — four days after the exam — along with each candidate's Response Sheet PDF on mha.gov.in.

Steps to download and check the answer key:

1. Go to www.mha.gov.in
2. Look for "IB ACIO Answer Key 2025" under the "What's New" section
3. Click the link — it will open or redirect to the answer key PDF
4. To see your response sheet, log in with your registration credentials and download your personalized response PDF
5. Match your answers against the official answer key to estimate your score

If you believe any answer in the official key is incorrect, you can typically raise an objection within the specified time window (usually 3–5 days after key release) through the portal, paying a nominal fee per challenge. Objections are reviewed by subject experts, and if upheld, the key is revised.

Coaching is not mandatory for IB ACIO — candidates with self-discipline and access to good study material can clear the exam without it. The syllabus largely overlaps with SSC CGL, so SSC-preparation students are well-positioned to attempt IB ACIO without additional coaching.

That said, structured coaching can accelerate preparation if you are starting from scratch or need accountability. Popular options include:

• Online platforms: Adda247, Testbook, PW (Physics Wallah), Oliveboard, Unacademy — all offer IB ACIO-specific courses and mock test series
• For Tier 2 (descriptive) specifically: many online courses now include essay writing feedback modules, which is very useful since most aspirants are weak in descriptive writing

If you prefer self-study, focus on: (1) daily current affairs, (2) 2–3 mock tests per week, (3) solving previous year papers, (4) targeted subject-wise practice. Mock tests are non-negotiable — they build the crucial speed-accuracy balance for Tier 1.

3 to 6 months of dedicated preparation is generally ideal for most candidates. Here is a practical study plan:

Candidates who already have SSC CGL or any central exam background can compress this to 2–3 months of focused preparation.

The Intelligence Bureau has a clear promotional ladder based on seniority, performance appraisals, and departmental exams. The progression from entry-level ACIO to senior ranks looks like this:

Promotions from ACIO to DCIO are primarily merit and seniority-based, with departmental competitive exams (DPC — Departmental Promotion Committee) playing a key role. Performance reviews and confidential reports significantly influence the pace of promotions. Many serving IB officers on forums note that promotions can be slow at lower levels (3–5 years per grade) but the All-India seniority list rewards consistent performers.

IB ACIOs serve under the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Intelligence Bureau. Inter-agency transfers are not a standard feature at the ACIO level.

Regarding RAW (Research and Analysis Wing): RAW operates under the Cabinet Secretariat and recruits its own officers through separate, non-public channels. Direct lateral transfer from IB ACIO to RAW is not a standard route. RAW does occasionally absorb experienced intelligence officers through internal mechanisms at senior levels, but this is not a structured career path available to junior ACIOs.

Regarding NIA (National Investigation Agency): IB officers may be considered for deputation to the NIA, which handles counter-terrorism investigations. However, NIA primarily draws its personnel from state police cadres and CBI rather than from IB directly. At senior levels, cross-posting for specific operations or investigations may occur.

In practice, most IB officers build their entire career within the IB ecosystem, progressing through the ranks. The IB itself provides sufficient career variety — field postings, headquarters roles, deputation to state intelligence units, and leadership positions at the senior end.

Discussions on forums like Reddit (r/UPSC, r/india), Quora, and various government job communities reveal a nuanced picture of life as an IB ACIO. Here are the most commonly cited reasons why some officers leave — and why many stay:

Common reasons for leaving:

• Posting in remote or border areas: All India posting liability means officers may be sent to sensitive, remote regions far from family for extended periods
• Slow promotions at entry level: The jump from ACIO-II to ACIO-I and then to DCIO can take 8–15 years, which some find slower than they expected
• Confidentiality constraints: Officers cannot discuss their work openly, which some find socially isolating
• Better opportunities elsewhere: Some officers leave after clearing UPSC CSE, RBI Grade B, or other higher-grade exams

Why many consider it very worthwhile:

• Highest in-hand salary among most Group C central government jobs (thanks to SSA)
• Genuinely meaningful, interesting, and patriotic work
• Strong career progression to Group A if you are a consistent performer
• Excellent CGHS health coverage, job security, and retirement benefits
• Respect and prestige that comes with being an IB officer

Overall, IB ACIO is widely considered one of the best Group C government jobs available in India. Whether it suits you depends significantly on your lifestyle preferences (particularly regarding transfers and confidential work environments).

Grade-II/Executive is the entry-level ACIO designation for directly recruited candidates. It is the position filled through the open competitive IB ACIO exam that lakhs of graduates apply for each year.

Grade-I is the next level up — it is not recruited directly from outside but is filled through promotion from Grade-II officers after completing requisite years of service and passing the departmental promotion criteria.

The "Executive" suffix indicates that the role involves operational and field-based intelligence duties, distinguishing it from technical cadre variants like the ACIO Gr-II/Technical, which requires GATE qualifications in CS or Electronics and Communication.

In summary: Grade-II/Executive = Direct recruitment via competitive exam (open to all graduates). Grade-I = Promotion from Grade-II (internal). ACIO Gr-II/Tech = Separate technical cadre via GATE scores.

In summary, IB ACIO is the higher-level role with greater responsibility and pay, suitable for graduates with ambitions for a career in core intelligence work. IB SA is a support role available to Class 10 pass candidates.

For candidates weighing options: If you want the highest-paying Group C central government job with unique intelligence field work, IB ACIO is excellent. If you prefer banking and finance, SBI PO is competitive. If national leadership and prestige at the highest level is the goal, clearing UPSC CSE for IPS or IAS is the ultimate path — but significantly harder.

IB ACIO does not mandate a formal dress code for the Tier 1 written exam. Candidates are advised to wear simple, comfortable clothing. However, the following general guidelines are standard:

• Avoid clothing with large metal buttons, zippers, or decorations that may trigger security scanners
• Footwear should be simple (avoid heavy boots)
• For female candidates: large jewellery, heavy bindis, and hairpins with metal should be avoided at entry

What to carry to the exam:

• Printed IB ACIO Admit Card (mandatory)
• Original photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence)
• Two recent passport-size photographs (as specified in the admit card instructions)
• A transparent water bottle (no labels if possible)
• Blue/black ballpoint pen (for signature/form filling at the centre)

Do NOT bring: Mobile phones, smartwatches, bluetooth earphones, electronic devices, calculators, bags, or any prohibited items listed in the admit card. Rough sheets are provided at the centre for Tier 1.