Indian Police Service (IPS)

1. What is Indian Police Service (IPS) in Government?

The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the three All India Services, along with the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). It is responsible for maintaining law and order, enforcing laws, and investigating crimes at the national and state levels. IPS officers hold key leadership positions in various police departments, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and state police forces. They play a crucial role in ensuring the security and safety of the country.

2. Education Eligibility

To be eligible for the IPS, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. There is no specific stream requirement, so candidates from various academic backgrounds can apply.

3. Handicapped Eligibility

Candidates with disabilities (such as visual, hearing, or locomotor disabilities) can apply for the IPS exam. However, there are physical and medical standards that must be met, especially for physically demanding roles. The eligibility criteria for differently-abled candidates may vary, and there are specific relaxations available based on the category and disability.

4. Age Eligibility

The minimum age for applying to IPS is 21 years.
The maximum age limit is 32 years for the general category.
Age relaxations are provided for reserved categories:
- OBC: 35 years
- SC/ST: 37 years
- Differently-abled candidates: 42 years
- Ex-servicemen: 35 years (with certain relaxations)

5. Physical Eligibility

There are specific physical requirements for IPS officers. These requirements include:

Height: Male candidates should be at least 165 cm, while female candidates should be 150 cm (for general category).
Chest: For males, the chest should be 84 cm with a minimum expansion of 5 cm. There are relaxations for certain categories (SC/ST).
Vision: Good eyesight is required, with corrections allowed (e.g., glasses).
Physical Fitness: Candidates must meet certain standards of fitness, which include running, swimming, and other physical activities.

Candidates who are unable to meet the physical requirements may not be eligible to join the IPS, but relaxations may be given in some cases (e.g., for women or differently-abled candidates).

6. Pay Grade

IPS officers are paid as per the government pay scales, which vary based on their rank and seniority:

Junior Scale (Level 10): ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
Senior Time Scale (Level 11): ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700
Junior Administrative Grade (Level 12): ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200
Selection Grade (Level 13): ₹1,18,500 – ₹2,14,100
Super Time Scale (Level 14): ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200

In addition to the basic salary, IPS officers receive various allowances, such as house rent, dearness, and travel allowances.

7. Ex-soldier Eligibility

Ex-servicemen are eligible to apply for the IPS, and they receive age relaxation. However, they must meet the physical standards, especially for height, weight, and chest measurements. Ex-soldiers may also receive certain relaxations in terms of physical fitness requirements.

8. Reservation

IPS recruitment follows reservation policies:

Scheduled Castes (SC): 15%
Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5%
Other Backward Classes (OBC): 27%
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10% reservation is provided in recent years.
Physically Handicapped (PWD) candidates also receive some relaxation and special provisions based on their disabilities.

9. Sportsperson Eligibility

Sportspersons with outstanding achievements in recognized competitions may be granted relaxation in the eligibility criteria. This includes relaxation in age limits and sometimes in physical standards, depending on the category they belong to. They may also be given a higher preference in certain roles or postings.

10. Promotion in Career

The career progression for IPS officers generally follows a hierarchical structure:

Junior Scale (Entry-level): After clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam.
Senior Scale: After about 4-5 years of service.
Super Time Scale: After several years of experience and seniority.
Higher Ranks: With promotions, IPS officers can rise to positions like Director General of Police (DGP), Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), or even head national-level police organizations like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

Promotions are based on merit, seniority, and vacancies in higher positions.

11. Special Eligibility for Persons

Certain individuals, such as those with physical disabilities or ex-servicemen, may receive special eligibility criteria, including age relaxations, additional attempts, and adjustments to physical standards. Differently-abled candidates can apply, but they must meet the specific criteria set by the UPSC.

12. What work will I have to do at my workplace?

As an IPS officer, your duties will vary depending on your role and the department you are posted in. Common responsibilities include:

Law enforcement: Maintaining law and order, managing crime investigations, and overseeing police operations.
Managing police stations and districts: Ensuring smooth functioning of the police department at the local or state level.
Handling major investigations: As an IPS officer, you might handle high-profile criminal investigations or work with agencies like the CBI or Intelligence Bureau.
Public security and safety: Ensuring the safety of citizens during large public events, riots, or emergencies.
Supervisory roles: Overseeing police training, recruitment, and various aspects of police administration.

IPS officers are often posted in high-profile locations and are responsible for coordinating large-scale law enforcement operations.

13. Which department does this recruitment with notification original website link?

IPS recruitment is handled by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). You can find official notifications and details about the IPS exam, including eligibility criteria, syllabus, and application procedures on the UPSC’s official website: www.upsc.gov.in.

14. In which department do you join?

Upon selection, IPS officers can be allocated to various departments based on their preferences and rank. Common departments include:

State Police Forces: Working as a district police officer, or in specialized units like the CID (Criminal Investigation Department).
Central Agencies: Such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), or National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs): Such as the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), etc.
National Security Guard (NSG): Specializing in counter-terrorism and specialized operations.

You could also be posted in prestigious positions, such as Director General of Police (DGP) or Inspector General (IG).