IPS Full Form: Eligibility, Qualification, & Salary

IPS Full Form: Indian Police Service is one of India’s most prestigious civil services entrusted with maintaining law and order in the nation. This detailed IPS Full Form guide will explore the many details of the IPS salary in India, and what it means to serve as an IPS officer.

IPS Full Form

Besides these, we will understand the salary structure of IPS officers in India, including basic pay and allowances such as DA, HRA, and TA. Let, learn more about the prestigious career of an IPS officer.

Table of Content

What is Full Form of IPS?
IPS Eligibility Criteria
IPS Officer Educational Qualifications
IPS Salary in India
Career Progression and Indian Police Service Salary Growth
The Role of an IPS Officer: Duties and Responsibilities
Challenges of an IPS Career
IPS Exam Details: A Comprehensive Overview
The IPS Training Process: Shaping India’s Law Enforcement Leaders

What is Full Form of IPS?

Indian Police Service is the Full form of IPS, which is one of the three arms of All India Services along with IAS and IFOS. The IPS Officer needs to ensure the safety of citizens by taking care of the law and order. They also command and provide leadership to states and UT’s police forces, CAPF forces, National Security Guard and more.

IPS Eligibility Criteria

Here are the IPS officer eligibility criteria for becoming an IPS officer:

Nationality: You must be a citizen of India.
Age limit: The minimum age is 21 years and the maximum age varies depending on the category and benchmark physical disability.
Unreserved and EWS: 21 to 32 years
OBC: 21 to 35 years
SC/ST: 21 to 37 years
Persons with benchmark physical disability: 21 to 42 years
Educational qualification: You must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Number of attempts: The maximum number of attempts allowed is 6 for the Unreserved and EWS categories, 9 for the OBC category, and unlimited for the SC/ST category.
Physical standards: You must meet the physical standards set by the UPSC. These standards include height, weight, chest, and vision.
Character and conduct: You must have a good character and conduct. You must not have been convicted of any crime or have any pending criminal cases against you.

IPS Officer Educational Qualifications

To become an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in India, you need to meet specific educational qualifications. The educational requirements for IPS officers are as follows:

Bachelor’s Degree: You must hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. There is no specific requirement regarding the field of study, so candidates from various academic backgrounds are eligible. Common bachelor’s degrees held by IPS officers include Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Engineering (BE), Bachelor of Technology (BTech), and more.
Minimum Passing Marks: You must have obtained a minimum percentage of marks in your bachelor’s degree, typically at least 50%. However, this percentage requirement may vary, so it’s essential to refer to the official notification issued by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the specific year in which you plan to appear for the Civil Services Examination (CSE).
Final Year Students: Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply for the Civil Services Examination, but they must produce proof of passing the bachelor’s degree before the specified date in the year of the exam.

IPS Salary in India

The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of India’s All-India Services, boasting an elite cadre of officers tasked with upholding law and order, safeguarding the nation, and ensuring the security of its citizens. As a reflection of these officers’ critical roles, the IPS salary is structured to acknowledge their significance and responsibilities.

IPS Salary Structure: A Closer Look

A detailed description of the compensation earned by officers working for the Indian Police Service (IPS) is provided in the IPS Officer Salary Slip. The base pay, allowances, and additional perks that make up an IPS officer’s income are all listed in a comprehensive manner.

To truly grasp the value of an IPS salary, it is essential to dissect its components, including allowances and benefits. The IPS salary structure consists of the following key elements:

Basic Pay: The basic pay is the bedrock of an IPS officer’s salary. This foundational sum is contingent on the officer’s rank and experience. Under the 7th Pay Commission, entry-level officers (Assistant Superintendent of Police or ASP) commence their service with a monthly pay of INR 56,100. Before the introduction of 7th Pay Commission, the starting salary of an IPS officer was nearly 30,000.
Dearness Allowance (DA): To counter inflation and rising living costs, IPS officers receive DA, which is periodically adjusted with changes in the Consumer Price Index.
House Rent Allowance (HRA): HRA is granted to cater to an officer’s housing expenses. The amount varies based on the location of the officer’s posting.
Transport Allowance (TA): Designed to alleviate transportation costs, TA’s value hinges on the officer’s posting location.
Special Allowances: IPS officers are entitled to various special allowances. These encompass uniform allowances, hardship allowances (for service in challenging or high-risk regions), and kit maintenance allowances.
Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA): For officers with a medical background (IPS(M)), NPA supplements their salary.
Sumptuary Allowance: Provided for the upkeep of uniforms worn by IPS officers.
Additional Perks: Beyond the core salary and allowances, IPS officers are privy to various perks. These include medical benefits, subsidised housing, and educational allowances for their children.

Career Progression and Indian Police Service Salary Growth

The IPS paves the way for professional advancement and subsequent salary increments. With accumulating experience and upward mobility in rank, IPS officers witness substantial salary growth.

The IPS hierarchy comprises ranks like Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Inspector General of Police (IG), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Superintendent of Police (SP), Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Director General of Police (DG), and Director of Intelligence Bureau (DIB).

Let us look at the table comprising of the ranks in hierarchy and the salary structure according to the 7th Central Pay Commission-

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) – Assistant Commissioner of Police – Rs. 56,100/-
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) – Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police – Rs. 67,700/-
Superintendent of Police (SP) – Senior Deputy Commissioner of Police – Rs. 78,800/-
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) – Additional Commissioner of Police – Rs. 1,31,100/-
Inspector General of Police (IGP) – Joint Commissioner of Police – Rs. 1,44,200/-
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) – Special Commissioner of Police – Rs. 2,05,400/-
Director General of Police (DGP) – Commissioner of Police – Rs. 2,25,000/-

Assistant Superintendent of Police is the entry level rank whereas Director General of Police is the highest rank of them all. With each promotion, the basic pay augments with increased allowances. Additionally, officers may become eligible for empanelment to superior government positions with supplementary perks and allowances.

Basic Pay of an IPS Officer when they are under training:

Most of you might be unaware of the fact that IPS officers get paid while they are in their training phase as well. The 7th Pay Commission estimates that the total IPS Salary during the training phase is at least Rs 55,000, according to the 10th level of the pay matrix. But, the IPS Officer Salary varies from state to state, after they start their training in the state they have been allocated. The IPS officer’s compensation has grown since the introduction of the 7th pay.

The Role of an IPS Officer: Duties and Responsibilities

Introduction to the Role of an IPS Officer: The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the three All India Services of the Government of India. IPS officers play a crucial role in maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and upholding the rule of law across the country.

Key Responsibilities:

Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention: IPS officers are primarily responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crimes, and ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
Public Safety and Security: They are involved in managing public safety operations, including crowd control during events and managing disasters or emergencies.
Traffic Management: In urban areas, IPS officers often oversee traffic management, ensuring smooth traffic flow and road safety.
VIP Security: Senior IPS officers are also involved in the security arrangements for VIPs, including politicians, foreign dignitaries, and other high-profile individuals.
Counter-Terrorism and Anti-Insurgency Operations: IPS officers may be involved in specialized units like the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) or be part of operations against insurgencies in various parts of the country.
Community Policing: They play a significant role in community policing, fostering a positive relationship between the police and the public.

Leadership and Administration:

As leaders of police forces at various levels (from sub-divisional to state level), IPS officers are responsible for the administration and management of the police force.
They are involved in policy formulation, strategic planning, and resource management to ensure effective policing.

Training and Capacity Building:

IPS officers are also responsible for the training and capacity building of the police force, ensuring that personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Challenges and Opportunities:

The role of an IPS officer is challenging yet rewarding. Officers often work in demanding conditions but have the opportunity to make a significant impact on society and public welfare.
They must exhibit high levels of integrity, impartiality, and commitment to the principles of justice and equality.

Challenges of an IPS Career

While the enticement of an IPS salary and the opportunity to serve the nation magnetize many aspirants, it is vital to acknowledge the weighty challenges and responsibilities tied to this career:

Heavy Workload: IPS officers frequently labor for extended hours and remain on-call around the clock to address emergencies and incidents.
Emotional Stress: Confronting crimes, disasters, and sensitive scenarios can take a toll emotionally, necessitating officers to maintain composure under intense pressure.
Physical Rigors: Policing often demands physical exertion, and officers may encounter physical risks in certain situations.
Accountability: IPS officers are held to exacting standards of accountability. Any deviations from their duty can entail severe consequences.
Transfers and Postings: Frequent transfers and postings are customary in the IPS, which can disrupt personal and familial life.

Despite these formidable challenges, the sense of duty and the chance to drive positive societal change persistently motivate individuals to pursue a career in the Indian Police Service.

IPS Exam Details: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction to the IPS Exam: The Indian Police Service (IPS) exam is part of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) annually. It’s one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India, attracting candidates aspiring to serve in law enforcement and public safety roles.

Eligibility Criteria:

Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. There are no specific subject requirements.
Age Limit: The age limit for general category candidates is 21-32 years, with age relaxations applicable for OBC, SC/ST, and other reserved categories.
Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.

Exam Pattern: The IPS exam, as part of the UPSC CSE, consists of three stages:

Preliminary Exam: This stage has two objective-type papers (General Studies and CSAT) designed to test a candidate’s general awareness and aptitude.
Main Exam: It consists of nine papers, including two qualifying papers and seven papers counted for ranking. These are descriptive in nature, covering a wide range of subjects from Indian heritage, ethics, technology to current affairs.
Interview/Personality Test: Candidates who clear the Main exam are called for an interview, which assesses their personality traits, decision-making skills, and suitability for a career in the civil services.

Syllabus:

The syllabus for the IPS exam is extensive, covering subjects like Indian Polity, Economy, History, Geography, Environment, Science and Technology, Ethics, and International Relations.
Candidates are advised to regularly follow current affairs and read newspapers and magazines for updates on national and international issues.

Preparation Tips:

Start early and understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
Regularly read newspapers and stay updated with current events.
Practice previous year question papers and take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Focus on building a strong foundation in core subjects and developing analytical and writing skills.

Career Prospects:

Successful candidates are appointed as IPS officers, starting their careers as Assistant Superintendents of Police and progressing to higher ranks like Superintendent of Police, Deputy Inspector General, Inspector General, and Director General of Police.

The IPS Training Process: Shaping India’s Law Enforcement Leaders

Introduction to IPS Training: The training process for Indian Police Service (IPS) officers is designed to prepare them for the diverse challenges they will face in their careers. It is a rigorous and comprehensive program that combines physical training, academic learning, and practical fieldwork.

Phase 1: Foundation Course at LBSNAA:

The training journey for IPS officers begins with the Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie.
This course, common to all civil services, focuses on building a sense of camaraderie among officers and provides an overview of various aspects of governance and administration.

Phase 2: Basic Training at SVPNPA:

After the Foundation Course, IPS trainees move to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad for basic training.
This phase is intensive and includes physical training, weapon handling, law, criminology, public administration, and police management.
Trainees undergo rigorous physical exercises, drills, and learn various forms of combat and self-defense.

Field Training:

IPS trainees are assigned to a district in a state cadre for practical field training.
During this period, they get hands-on experience in various facets of police work, including law and order management, crime investigation, traffic management, and community policing.

Phase 3: Advanced Training at SVPNPA:

After completing field training, officers return to SVPNPA for advanced training, which includes specialized modules on modern policing techniques, leadership development, and advanced law studies.
This phase also includes exposure to various policing scenarios through simulations and mock drills.

Specialized Training:

Depending on their interest and the needs of the service, officers may undergo specialized training in areas like cybercrime, counter-terrorism, intelligence, and VIP security.

Continuous Learning and Development:

The learning process for IPS officers does not end with their initial training. Throughout their careers, they are expected to keep updating their skills and knowledge through various in-service training programs and courses.

Conclusion

The Indian Police Service offers a platform for individuals driven by a passion to make a positive difference in society, uphold justice, and preserve law and order. This career path demands unflinching commitment, resilience, and an unyielding sense of duty. For those willing to embrace these challenges, the IPS offers not just a stable and rewarding salary but also a distinctive opportunity to serve the nation and etch an indelible mark on the lives of its citizens.

Useful Resources:

Starting Your UPSC Journey

How to Start Preparing for UPSC from Scratch

PSC Exam Resources and Materials

UPSC Syllabus and Exam Pattern

UPSC Prelims and Mains Preparation

UPSC Interview Preparation and Insights

FAQs on IPS (Indian Police Service) Full Form

1. What is the full form of IPS?

The full form of IPS is Indian Police Service, a prestigious branch of the Indian civil services.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for the IPS exam?

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and meet the age and attempt limits set by the UPSC for civil services exams.

3. What is the role of an IPS officer?

IPS officers lead and command the Indian Police Forces at the state and central levels, ensuring law and order, crime prevention, and traffic management.

4. How does the IPS differ from the IAS?

While both are part of the Indian civil services, the IPS focuses on public safety and law enforcement, whereas the IAS is more about administrative functions.

5. Can IPS officers be promoted to IAS?

Yes, IPS officers can be promoted to IAS based on their service record and vacancies in the IAS cadre.

6. What is the training process for IPS officers?

Selected candidates undergo rigorous training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, which includes physical training, law, criminology, and other relevant subjects.

7. Are there any physical requirements for the IPS?

Yes, there are specific physical standards and fitness tests that candidates must meet to be eligible for the IPS.

8. What is the career progression like in the IPS?

IPS officers can progress from Assistant Superintendent of Police to Director General of Police, with various roles and responsibilities at each level.