How to Become an IPS Officer: Role, Salary, Eligibility, Skills

How to Become IPS Officer: Embarking on the journey to become an IPS officer is a path paved with dedication, hard work, and a profound commitment to serve and protect society. IPS officers are government workers responsible for protecting the nation and ensuring law and order. For this, you must pass the UPSC Civil Services Examination, which has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. 

Being an IPS officer isn't just about traditional policing. It can lead to opportunities in Central Government Organizations like the Research and Analysis Wing, Intelligence Bureau, Border Security Force, and Central Reserve Police Force. Here, we will answer one of the most-asked questions 'How to become an IPS Officer,' discussing key aspects such as eligibility criteria, the step-by-step process, and the responsibilities associated with this esteemed position.

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Who is an IPS Officer?

An Indian Police Service, which is the IPS full form, officer holds a distinguished position as a senior police official, offering senior-level guidance to both state and central police forces. They command the state and union territories' police forces, along with overseeing agencies such as CAPFs, NSG, NIA, CBI, and similar forces. Entrusted with the crucial responsibility of upholding India's sovereignty, integrity, law, and order, as well as ensuring peace and security, the role is esteemed and prestigious. The IPS officer plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the internal security of India.

IPS officers shoulder diverse responsibilities, ranging from crime prevention and investigation to maintaining public order and handling emergencies. Collaborating closely with other law enforcement agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB), they play a pivotal role in combating organized crime, terrorism, and national security threats.

IPS officers, entrusted with maintaining law and order at every level, from districts to cities and states, play a crucial role in various departments. They handle diverse responsibilities, including border management, crime prevention, and disaster management. For those aspiring to make a meaningful difference in society, the path of an IPS officer beckons as a compelling and impactful career choice.

How to Become IPS Officer in India

To attain the prestigious position of an IPS officer, candidates must successfully navigate the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC). Despite approximately 8 lakh candidates applying annually, only a select few manage to secure the coveted role. Here's how to become IPS officer:

Apply to UPSC

Submit the UPSC application form, released by the Union Public Services Commission each year. Notification of the IPS Exam is disseminated through prominent publications such as Rozgar Samachar and Employment News.

Exam Process

The Civil Services Examination consists of three stages that include:

• Preliminary Examination: The initial phase involves a preliminary exam with a total of 400 marks divided into two objective-type papers. This serves as a qualifying exam for the subsequent stages.
• Mains Examination: The second stage is a descriptive-type examination, accessible only to those who clear the prelims.
• Personal Interview: Eligible candidates proceed to the interview or personality test, assessing general knowledge, subject expertise, mental ability, and critical thinking skills.
• Final Merit List: Following the interview, the Commission announces the final merit list based on the results of the Mains exam and the interview.

Effective Preparation

Thoroughly prepare for the IPS exam to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the topics. The journey to becoming an IPS officer requires diligence and adherence to the structured examination process outlined by UPSC.

How to Become IPS Officer After Graduation

Achieving the esteemed position of an IPS officer entails a comprehensive and structured process. For individuals with the aspiration of donning the prestigious IPS uniform and undertaking the UPSC exam after graduation, the sequential steps to 'how to become IPS officer' are given below:

Step 1: Initiate the Application Process for the Civil Services Examination

Commence your journey towards the Civil Services Examination by submitting an application. The Union Public Services Commission releases the application form annually, and aspiring candidates are advised to stay informed through daily newspapers or the official UPSC website for recruitment advertisements.

Step 2: Participate in the Civil Services Examination

The subsequent step involves taking the UPSC CSE Exams, starting with the preliminary exam of an objective nature. Upon clearing this phase, candidates progress to the main examination, characterized by subjective tests. Successful candidates in the main exam are then eligible for the interview or personality test round, assessing their general knowledge, mental ability, subject proficiency, and critical thinking skills.

The preliminary exam, held typically in June, is a qualifying test comprising two compulsory papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT). Both papers are objective, with a two-hour time limit each. Notably, the final ranking does not incorporate marks from this exam.

Step 4: Successfully Pass the UPSC Mains Exam

The subsequent stage is the UPSC Mains Exam, usually held in September/October. Candidates who pass the prelims must fill out an application form for the Mains exam. The Mains exam comprises compulsory Indian language, English paper, essay, four general studies papers, and two optional subjects, totaling nine papers.

Step 5: Personal Interview

The final stage of the Civil Services Exam involves the Personality Test, conducted by the Commission and carrying 275 marks. The interview is an extensive process, featuring subject matter experts, psychologists, bureaucrats, educationists, and the board chairperson.

Step 6: Undergo IPS Physical Training

Upon successfully navigating the preceding stages, candidates undergo rigorous physical training at LBSNAA (Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie). The training period spans approximately two years, divided into various phases. IPS Officer Trainees spend a year at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Academy for physical training and comprehensive instruction in policing and administration. After completing the training, they are assigned roles based on the needs of the state and central government.

How to Become IPS Officer: Eligibility

To qualify as an IPS officer, understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial. Before commencing your preparation, familiarize yourself with the following eligibility details, encompassing age limit criteria, physical requirements, nationality, and the required IPS officer qualifications. The following are the requirements needed to be considered eligible to become an IPS officer:

IPS Physical Requirements

• Minimum height for women: 150 cm.
• Minimum height for men: 165 cm.
• Minimum chest girth: Women: 84 cm, Men: 79 cm.
• Myopia should not exceed minus 4.00D.
• Hyper myopia should not exceed plus 4.00D.

Age Requirement

• Minimum Age: 21 years.
• Maximum Age: 32 years on the 1st of August in the examination year.

Nationality

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Can also be a subject of Nepal, a Tibetan refugee settled in India before January 1, 1962, or migrants from certain countries (Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, etc.) seeking permanent settlement in India.

Educational Qualification

• Minimum Requirement: Graduation degree from a recognized university.
• Applicants in anticipation of their final year results are also eligible to apply.
• Verifying the IPS officer qualification in advance is crucial to prevent potential application form cancellations in later stages.

How to Become an IPS Officer: What to Study?

Due to tremendous competition among UPSC aspirants, candidates must make sure that their preparation is top-notch to clear the exam and secure their desired post. In order to help candidates we have mentioned some important books to study below:

Aspirants must also be familiar with the subjects included in the UPSC CSE exam which they must clear in order to become an IPS officer in India. The subjects for the UPSC Prelims and Mains exam are mentioned below:

UPSC Prelims Subjects

UPSC Mains Subjects

1. Essay Writing
2. General Studies 1 (Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society)
3. General Studies 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations)
4. General Studies 3 (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security & Disaster Management)
5. General Studies 4 (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)
6. Optional Paper 1
7. Optional Paper 2

IPS Officer Training

Once a candidate clears the UPSC exam and secures the post of an IPS officer, they must complete the mandatory training at LBSNAA and SVPNPA. The top rankers in UPSC are recognized as IPS probationers and sent to Sardar Vallabhai Patel Police Academy for a year after passing all three phases of the Civil Services Examination, which include preliminary, main, and interview rounds. Probationers are now required to undertake rigorous physical training and get instruction in all facets of administration and police. Following a successful training program, the IPS officers are assigned to policy and investigative organizations based on the demands of the federal and state governments.

Skills Required to Become an IPS Officer

Apart from the mandatory requirements like entrance exam and IPS officer training, candidates must also possess certain skills to become successful IPS officers. The most important skills required to become IPS officers include:

• Communication Skills: Aspirants must have the ability to communicate especially while dealing with people.

• Decision Making: An IPS officer will be in the leadership position they must have the ability to make the right decision in tough situations.

• Physical Endurance: It is mandatory for IPS officers to maintain a basic level of physical fitness throughout their careers.

• Problem-Solving Skills: IPS officers must have the ability to approach problems and find solutions whenever required.

• Trust Building: It is essential to build trust in the community as an IPS officer as they need to be in constant communication with the citizens.

Types of IPS Officers

The IPS rank list comprises a total of 9 positions, commencing with the entry-level Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and culminating with the Director General of Police (DGP), recognized as the highest rank within the Indian Police Service.

After clearing all the stages of the CSE examination, qualified candidates are made to undergo physical training at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA). After the completion of the training, the recently recruited candidates receive their initial assignment as Assistant Superintendent of Police within their designated state cadres. The IPS Post List incorporates various positions that officers may ascend through during their careers. This list comprises the following ranks:

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)

• Initial rank for directly recruited IPS officers during training and probation (2 years).
• Officers belonging to the state cadre do not possess this position.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)

• Assigned after completing training.
• Functions similar to Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP).
• Belongs to the state police service.
• State cadre officers can be promoted to DSP after a few years of service.

Additional Superintendent of Police

• Higher than DSP rank.
• ASP may be designated as Additional Superintendent of Police.
• Acts as second-in-command in a district.
• Can perform SP’s duties in SP’s absence.

Superintendent of Police (SP)

• Senior rank in IPS.
• Heads police forces in smaller districts.
• Insignia includes a star and an Ashoka emblem on epaulettes, with ‘IPS’ below.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) 

• Also called Assistant Inspector General of Police
• Higher rank heading police force in a larger district.
• IPS officers remain SP for the first 13 years, then eligible for SSP.
• Insignia includes Gorget patches on collars with a dark blue background and a white line stitched.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)

• Higher rank held by IPS officers.
• Wears Gorget patches on collars with a dark blue background and a white line stitched.

Inspector General of Police (IGP)

• Third-highest rank in state cadre hierarchy, exclusive to IPS officers.
• Wears Gorget patches on collars with an oak leaf pattern stitched.

Additional Director General of Police (ADG)

• Additional Director General of Police (ADG) is a Senior IPS rank
• Wears Gorget patches on collars with a dark blue background and an oak leaf pattern stitched.
• Often appointed as zonal heads, equivalent to Commissioner of Police in some states.

Director General of Police (DGP)

• The top-ranking law enforcement official in a state or union territory.
• Appointed by the cabinet, holds a three-star rank.
• Insignia includes the national emblem over a crossed sword and baton.
• Wears Gorget patches on collars with a dark blue background and an oak leaf pattern stitched.

Can be appointed to various important positions like Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Director General of Prisons, Director General of Fire Forces and Civil Defense, CID, and Police Housing Society.

As the head of the state police force, the DGP oversees administration, formulates policies, implements law enforcement strategies, and maintains public order. Other ranks, such as ACP, are also allotted a 3-Star after completing IPS training, each with unique insignia and responsibilities.

Power and Responsibilities of an IPS Officer

The Indian Police Service (IPS) falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The duties and obligations of IPS officers include:

• Border duties, Counter-terrorism
• Border policing, public peace and order maintenance
• Crime prevention, Investigation, detection, and intelligence collection
• VIP security and ailway policing
• Anti-smuggling and drug trafficking
• Tackling Economic Offences, Corruption prevention
• Disaster management, Biodiversity and Environmental Law Enforcement
• Socio-economic legislation enforcement
• High-level positions in Intelligence Agencies (CBI, R&AW, IB, CID)
• Leading Federal Law Enforcement Agencies
• Heading Civil and Armed Police Forces in union territories and states
• Overseeing Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Central Police Organizations (CPO), and Central Paramilitary Forces (CPF)
• Serving in key policymaking positions in Ministries and Departments of Central and State Governments
• Holding leadership roles in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) at both central and state levels
• Interacting and coordinating closely with other All India Services, as well as the Indian Army and Armed Forces.

Salary of an IPS Officer

IPS officers' salaries vary based on rank and years of service, with approximate ranges as follows:

The path to becoming an IPS officer is not just a career choice; it's a calling to contribute significantly to the nation's well-being. Aspiring individuals must approach this journey with determination, and unwavering commitment. The above article is aimed at guiding aspiring individuals in pursuit of becoming an IPS officer. The power, roles, and responsibilities that come along with this career bear testimony to the strong desire to protect as well as make a meaningful difference in society. 

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We hope the above information underlining the key aspects of becoming an IPS officer helps interested individuals with the much needed guidance to embark on this career path. For any further queries, you can post your question in our CollegeDekho QnA section or give us a call at 1800-572-9877.