Indian Police Service (IPS): Eligibility, Selection Process, Training, and Career Opportunities 2025

 

Indian Police Service (IPS)

Indian Police Service (IPS) – Complete Details: Eligibility, Training, Duties & Career Growth

Learn everything about the Indian Police Service (IPS) – eligibility, physical standards, UPSC selection process, training, roles, promotions, and career growth opportunities in 2025.

Introduction: What is the Indian Police Service (IPS)?

The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the three All India Services, alongside the IAS and IFS. It plays a crucial role in maintaining public order, internal security, and law enforcement in India. Established in 1948, the IPS replaced the Imperial Police of British India.

An IPS officer serves both the State and Central Governments, taking up key leadership positions in law enforcement agencies such as CBI, IB, NIA, BSF, CRPF, and others.

Selection Process for IPS Officers

Recruitment to the IPS is conducted annually through the Civil Services Examination (CSE) organized by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Steps in the Selection Process:

1. Preliminary Examination – Objective type screening test

2. Main Examination – Descriptive written papers

3. Personality Test (Interview) – Conducted by UPSC

Candidates who secure the highest ranks based on their final merit and indicate IPS in their service preference list are allotted to the Indian Police Service.

Due to its prestige, power, and public impact, lakhs of aspirants appear every year to secure a place in this elite service.

Educational Qualification

To apply for the IPS, a candidate must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or institution. Final-year students are also eligible to apply.

Physical Eligibility Criteria

Since IPS officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, physical fitness is a key requirement.

Parameter	Male Candidates	Female Candidates
Height (General/OBC)	Minimum 165 cm	Minimum 150 cm
Height (ST Category)	Minimum 160 cm	Minimum 145 cm
Chest (Unexpanded)	84 cm	79 cm
Vision	6/6 or 6/9 (normal eye)	6/12 or 6/9 (weaker eye)

Training of IPS Officers

IPS training is regarded as one of the toughest and most comprehensive in the world. It focuses on discipline, leadership, investigation, and physical endurance.

Stages of IPS Training:

1. Foundation Course (4 months) –
   Conducted at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie.

2. Professional Training Phase I (12 months) –
   Conducted at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad. Officers learn criminal law, IPC, CrPC, evidence laws, and the Constitution.

3. District Practical Training (8 months) –
   Officers are posted in their allotted cadre to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of senior police officials.

4. Professional Training Phase II (3 months) –
   Conducted again at SVPNPA, Hyderabad, after field experience.

After completing training, probationers are appointed as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in their respective cadres.

Specialized Training Components

During their time at the Police Academy, IPS probationers undergo rigorous training in:

• Weapons handling (at Central School for Weapons & Tactics, Indore)

• Law and criminal investigation procedures

• Physical drills and fitness

• Crowd control and riot management

• Counter-terrorism operations

• VIP protection and security

• Map reading and field tactics

• Horse riding, swimming, and mountaineering

• Disaster management and public communication

This multi-dimensional training prepares them for diverse challenges in modern policing.

Appointment and Posting

After successful completion of training, IPS officers are allotted State Cadres.

They start as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), then progress to:

• Superintendent of Police (SP)

• Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)

• Deputy Inspector General (DIG)

• Inspector General (IG)

• Additional Director General (ADG)

• Director General of Police (DGP) – Head of State Police Force

IPS officers may also serve on deputation to Central Government organizations such as CBI, IB, RAW, NIA, BSF, CRPF, and ITBP.

In major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, officers hold ranks such as ACP, DCP, Joint CP, and Commissioner of Police.

Mid-Career & In-Service Training

Throughout their careers, IPS officers undergo periodic refresher training at:

• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (Hyderabad)

• Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA, New Delhi)

• National Police Academy (Mount Abu)

These programs cover human rights, public relations, communal harmony, crisis management, cybercrime, and modern policing techniques.

Duties and Responsibilities of an IPS Officer

An IPS officer is a key figure in the maintenance of law and order and internal security.

Their core responsibilities include:

• Maintaining public peace and safety

• Crime prevention and investigation

• Ensuring traffic regulation and road safety

• Counter-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations

• Intelligence gathering and coordination

• Managing VIP security and disaster response

• Overseeing human rights and ethical policing

• Building public trust and transparency within the police force

IPS officers also contribute to policy-making, police reforms, and community policing initiatives.

Promotion and Career Growth

An IPS officer can rise from Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to the Director General of Police (DGP) – the topmost rank in a state.

Some officers also serve as Heads of National Security Agencies, such as:

• Director, CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation)

• Director, Intelligence Bureau (IB)

• Director General, CRPF, BSF, CISF, or NIA

Promotion depends on seniority, performance, integrity, and leadership qualities.

Significance of the IPS in Modern India

The Indian Police Service is not just a uniformed force but a pillar of democratic governance.

IPS officers play a vital role in:

• Upholding justice and the rule of law

• Combating corruption and organized crime

• Promoting human rights and equality

• Ensuring safety in an ever-evolving socio-economic environment

Their contribution to national security, public safety, and governance makes IPS one of the most prestigious services in India.

Conclusion

The Indian Police Service (IPS) embodies courage, discipline, integrity, and leadership.

It offers not only an opportunity for nation-building and justice delivery but also a rewarding career with immense respect and responsibility.

For aspirants who dream of serving the country, upholding law, and protecting citizens, the IPS is truly a path of honor, challenge, and impact.

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