INDIAN POLICE SERVICE

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.

Indian Police Service – IPS Officer

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.

  1. Preliminary exam
  2. Main exam
  3. A 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 eligibility for the IPS officer services is 21-32 years
  • Age relaxation for the candidates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC is there
  • A bachelor’s degree in any discipline
  • Physical standards for men and women should be as per the rules of the examination
  • Number of attempts allowed for candidates is 6 attempts applicable for the general category
  • No Limits for SC/ST ( up to 37 years)
  • 9 attempts for OBC ( Up to 35 years)
  • 9 attempts for physically handicapped for general and OBC, and unlimited for SC/ST
  • 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

  • Committed to meeting the responsibilities in countering terrorism. They are responsible for preventing terrorist attacks
  • Responsible for guiding and commanding the Elite Central Police Organizations such as the Central Bureau of Investigation, Intelligence Bureau, RAW, National Security Guard etc.
  • Manage disaster relief operations that cover collaborating with other agencies, distributing aid and providing security.
  • To guide and command the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) that cover the Central Police Organizations (CPO) like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Vigilance Organizations, and Indian Federal Law Enforcement Agencies.
  • Effectively manage the crisis by finding out the disaster causes and ensuring people’s security.
  • Ensure no physical or economic harm to people or assets in the specific allotted area. They will collaborate with the local police services for proactive measures and thus avoid any mishaps
  • Maintain the overall peace of the allotted area and also have a crucial role in making informed decisions for such activities 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) 2,25,000.00 INR
Additional Director General of Police 2,05,400.00 INR
Inspector-General of Police 1,44,200.00 INR
Deputy Inspector General of Police 1,31,100.00 INR
Senior Superintendent of Police 1,18,500 INR
Superintendent of Police (SP) INR 78,800
Additional Superintendent of Police 67,700.00 INR
Deputy Superintendent of Police 56,100.00 INR

 

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.

  • Officers posted as DCP will be allocated a bungalow, along with a personal assistant, house staff and gardener
  • Will get his/her official vehicle with two armed security guards and two drivers
  • Dearness Allowance (DA) to compensate for the inflation impact
  • They are entitled to Travel Allowance (TA) that covers their official travel expenses
  • Given a special Staff who helps with administrative and operational responsibilities
  • Entitled to a gratuity, which is provided as a lump sum payment upon retirement.
  • Those not provided with accommodation are given an HRA allowance
  • Free medical facilities, Annual education allowance
  • Pension facility, based on their 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.