The full form of IPS is Indian Police Service (भारतीय पुलिस सेवा). IPS officers hold very powerful positions responsible for maintaining internal security, law and order state and centre level in India. They ensure public safety and effective law enforcement. This article will provide detailed essential information related to IPS Full Form and its role in UPSC Civil Services Examination.
About & Background
- The Indian Police Service was established in 1948, during the British government in India.
- The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the three All India Services constituted under Article 312 of the Constitution of India.
- The IPS officers provide senior level leadership to Police Forces both in the States and at the Centre.
- The Police Division in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is responsible for Cadre management of IPS and Policy Decisions such as cadre structure, recruitment, training, cadre allocation, confirmation, empanelment, deputation, pay and allowances, disciplinary matters of IPS Officers.
- The Service is organized in 25 State cadres, reviewed every 5 years.
IPS Qualification
In order to become eligible for the IPS officer post, the candidates have to fulfill some basic qualifications, which are as follows:
- Citizenship: Citizen of India.
- Education: Graduate in any field from a recognized university.
- Age limit: 21 to 32 years (relaxation for reserved category: 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST).
- Exam: Passing the UPSC civil services exam in all its three stages (preliminary, mains, and interview).
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Physical standards:
- For men - Height must be minimum 165 cm (160 cm for ST)
- For women - Height must be minimum 150 cm (145 cm for ST).
Training in Indian Police Service
- After selection, IPS probationers sent for the training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad.
- This 1 year comprehensive program includes physical fitness, weapons handling, legal training, intelligence gathering, cybercrime investigations, leadership skills, and field exercises.
- Some special modules driven for the officials to train in specific crime related such as forensic science, human rights, community policing, and crisis management.
- This training provide trainee to manage challenges of policing in diverse and complex Indian society.
Exam Pattern for IPS Exam
There are a total of 3 stages in the complete examination process. The marks in the Preliminary test are not taken into the final marks. This stage is only a screening test. In the second stage of the exam, there are 2 qualifying language papers. The marks of the Mains stage are added into the final merit list. The 3rd stage is the Personality Test or Interview of the recommended candidates.
| S.No. | Stage | Nature | Papers | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preliminary Examination | Objective type or MCQ test | 2 papers | 400 |
| 2 | Main Examination | Descriptive type exam | 9 papers | 1,750 |
| 3 | Personality Test | Interview | - | 275 |
| 4 | Total Marks | - | - | 2,025 |
Salary and Allowances
- The salary of an IPS officer ranges from 70,000 to 2,25,000 per month. However, the timely increments are given based on the scale i.e Junior, Senior, Super Time, Additional Director General (ADG), Director General of Police (DGP).
- These allowances include Dearness Allowance(DA), House Rent Allowance(HRA) based on city level (metro, urban and rural), Travelling Allowance(TA). It includes other benefits such as official residence, government vehicle with driver, security cover, pension schemes, healthcare, and risk allowances.
| S.No. | Designation | Pay Level | Estimated Monthly Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) | Level 10 | Rs. 1,05,000 to Rs. 1,18,000 |
| 2 | Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP) | Level 11 | Rs. 1,25,000 to Rs. 1,38,000 |
| 3 | Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Commissioner (DCP) | Level 12 | Rs. 1,45,000 to Rs. 1,60,000 |
| 4 | Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) or Selection Grade | Level 13 | Rs. 2,10,000 to Rs. 2,35,000 |
| 5 | Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) | Level 13A | Rs. 2,25,000 to Rs. 2,50,000 |
| 6 | Inspector General of Police (IG) | Level 14 | Rs. 2,45,000 to Rs. 2,75,000 |
| 7 | Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) | Level 15 | Rs. 3,05,000 to Rs. 3,40,000 |
| 8 | Director General of Police (DGP) or Director (IB or CBI) | Level 16 or Level 17 (Apex Scale) | Rs. 3,45,000 to Rs. 3,85,000 |
Roles and Responsibilities of an IPS Officer
These officers follow various roles in enforcing laws, prevent crimes, and protect citizens. They head of the state police in the role of Directors General of Police (DGP) and at the district level as Superintendents of Police (SP). Also leads the various agencies such CBI, NIA, etc.
Responsibilities of an IPS officer include:
- Maintaining law and order during elections, riots, or VIP security.
- Investigating economic offences, cybercrimes, and intelligence gathering.
- Border security through forces like the BSF and the ITBP.
- Disaster management and public safety coordination.
Police Ranks or Hierarchy
| S.No. | Rank | Abbreviation | Posting and Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assistant Superintendent of Police (Probationary) | ASP |
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| 2 | Assistant Superintendent of Police | ASP |
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| 3 | Deputy Superintendent of Police | DSP |
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| 4 | Additional Superintendent of Police | Addl. SP |
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| 5 | Superintendent of Police | SP |
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| 6 | Senior Superintendent of Police | SSP |
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| 7 | Deputy Inspector General of Police | DIG |
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| 8 | Inspector General of Police | IG / IGP |
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| 9 | Additional Director General of Police | Addl. DGP |
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| 10 | Special Director General of Police (in some cadres) | Special DGP |
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| 11 | Director General of Police | DGP |
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| 12 | Director, Intelligence Bureau / CBI / NIA, etc. | DIB / Director CBI, etc. |
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Career Progression and Promotion Hierarchy
An IPS officer's career progressed in hierarchical progression based on seniority, merit, and vacancies.
- First joins as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) during probation under the guidance of senior officers.
- IPS Officers are also recommended for central govt. roles like IB Director or Cabinet Secretary-level posts.
- Promotion hierarchy for Indian Police Service is as follows: ASP → SP → DIG → IG → ADG → DGP, generally over 30-35 years.
Some Famous IPS Officers
The famous IPS officers in India are
- Kiran Bedi, the 1st woman IPS officer, she is famous for prison reforms.
- Julio Ribeiro played important role in Punjab militancy.
- Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor, led various anti-insurgency operations.
- Sanjukta Parashar, the "Iron Lady of Assam" . She is famous for tackling militants.
- Shivdeep Lande, also famous as "Bihar's Singham", reduces crime.
FAQs
What is the Process of becoming an IPS officer?
They are recruited through UPSC CSE. This is 3 stage exam includes Prelims, mains and Interview.
What are the main roles of an IPS officer?
They maintain Law and order and also conducts important search and inquiries related to crime.
What is the Full form of IPS?
The full form of IPS is Indian Police Service.


