IPS – Indian Police Service Guide

IPS – Indian Police Service All India Service

Indian Police Service – IPS Officer

IPS, Indian Police Service is one of the esteemed civil services. For those who are with the ambition of becoming an IPS officer, the details below will help you get adequate information about the rank required, pay scale, roles & responsibilities and more. To make your entry into the Indian Police Service, you should clear the Civil Services Exam (CSE) with high marks. This exam is conducted by the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) and recruits candidates for various services such as IPS, IAS, IFS, IRS, and many more.

If you look at the security of a nation, IPS posts have their glory and inevitable part. IAS and IPS are considered as the more powerful and admirable services. The police service department has a crucial role in reducing and preventing crimes in society. Their responsibilities are very obvious in maintaining peace among the public. To retain the Sovereignty, Integrity, and "Law and Order" of India, the Indian Police Service will have its unique stand.

If you look into the hierarchy, IPS has its exclusive position after IAS.

How to Become an IPS Officer?

As said before, the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is required to become an IPS officer in India. This process covers 3 major steps.

Preliminary Exam

Main Exam

Personal Interview

On an average, 5–8 lakh aspirants appear for the Civil Services Exam conducted by the UPSC. The aspirants for IPS posts should fulfil the criteria set out by UPSC and successfully clear the Civil Services exam.

Eligibility for Indian Police Service

Age: 21–32 years

Age Relaxation: SC/ST/OBC as per rules

Education: Bachelor's degree in any discipline

Physical Standards: As per examination rules

Number of Attempts Allowed

Category	Attempts	Age Limit
General	6	Up to 32 years
SC/ST	No Limit	Up to 37 years
OBC	9	Up to 35 years
Physically Handicapped (Gen/OBC)	9	As per rules
Physically Handicapped (SC/ST)	Unlimited	As per rules

Officers already appointed to the IAS or IFS posts have restrictions on applying. They are not eligible to apply.

IPS Officer Ranks

The Indian Police Service (IPS) comprises different positions and ranks. Typically it covers a total of 8 positions. This ranges from the entry-level Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to the Director General of Police (DGP), the highest rank among the positions.

List of Ranks

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)

Superintendent of Police (SP)

Additional Superintendent of Police

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)

Inspector General of Police (IG)

Additional Director General of Police (ADG)

Director General of Police (DGP)

In general, the ranks of the IPS officers will be based on the time of service and cumulative seniority of the person. The ranks are hierarchically categorized on the basis of police posts in the department.

Branches in IPS

IPS service is divided into different functional departments that include:

Crime Branch

Criminal Investigation Department (CID)

Home Guards

Traffic Bureau

Challenging Roles and Responsibilities of IPS Officers

Countering terrorism – preventing terrorist attacks

Guiding and commanding Elite Central Police Organizations (CBI, IB, RAW, NSG)

Manage disaster relief – collaborating with agencies, distributing aid, providing security

Guide and command Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) – CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP

Effectively manage crises – finding disaster causes and ensuring people's security

Collaborate with local police – proactive measures to avoid mishaps

Maintain overall peace – making informed decisions within the city

IPS Rank Wise Salary

The salaries for IPS officers are determined based on the 7th pay commission announcement. This pay scale will include basic pay, grade pay and other perks or allowances if any.

IPS Ranks	IPS Salary
Director-General of Police (DGP)	₹2,25,000
Additional Director General of Police	₹2,05,400
Inspector-General of Police	₹1,44,200
Deputy Inspector General of Police	₹1,31,100
Senior Superintendent of Police	₹1,18,500
Superintendent of Police (SP)	₹78,800
Additional Superintendent of Police	₹67,700
Deputy Superintendent of Police	₹56,100

Other Perks and Benefits for Various IPS Ranks

It should be noted that the perks and allowances offered for the IPS officers will vary depending on their level and the state.

Bungalow – with personal assistant, house staff, and gardener (for DCP level)

Official vehicle – with two armed security guards and two drivers

Dearness Allowance (DA) – to compensate for inflation impact

Travel Allowance (TA) – covers official travel expenses

Special staff – helps with administrative and operational responsibilities

Gratuity – lump sum payment upon retirement

House Rent Allowance (HRA) – for those not provided with accommodation

Free medical facilities – and annual education allowance

Pension facility – based on last drawn salary and total years of service

Conclusion

The Indian Police Service is an esteemed and challenging post and it demands a profound commitment to public service and law. Aspiring candidates should focus on eligibility and other requirements and clear the UPSC Civil Services exam with the highest marks.

INDIAN POLICE SERVICE