IPS Full Form, Officer Works, Responsibility, and More

IPS is a prestigious service opted by UPSC candidates to serve the nation with pride. This article helps you better understand the IPS Full Form, Officer Works, Responsibility, and More.

IPS Full Form
Indian Police Service (IPS)
IPS Eligibility Criteria 2024
IPS Age Limit 2024
IPS Selection Process 2024
IPS Officer Role and Responsibility
IPS Posts
IPS Salary in India
FAQs

IPS Full Form

IPS stands for the Indian Police Service. It is a prestigious group that collaboratively oversees the security and maintenance of law and order in India. The primary responsibility of IPS officers is to uphold the law, prevent and investigate crimes, and ensure fairness in society. IPS officers play a significant role in safeguarding citizens, overseeing state police forces, and combating crime and terrorism. Their role is instrumental in ensuring effective law enforcement throughout India.

IPS officers, known for their commitment and ethical behavior, are essential for protecting public safety and addressing problems like traffic control, terrorism, organized crime, and more. They interlink state police to central agencies, manage media, public relations, riots, and grassroots policing.

Indian Police Service (IPS)

The Indian Police Service (IPS) is a highly responsible job that requires focused candidates to serve the nation. Here are some points explaining their importance to help you understand these prestigious positions better:

All-India Service: The IPS is one of the three All-India Services (AIS) of India, alongside the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Forest Service (IFoS).
Law and Order: IPS officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crimes, and providing security to the public. They are posted in all states and union territories of India.
Impactful Career: A career in the IPS can be challenging but rewarding. Officers have the chance to positively impact people’s lives and advance the country.
Rigorous Selection: To become an IPS officer, candidates must pass the Civil Services Examination (CSE), conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This is one of the toughest examinations in India.
Training: After passing the CSE, candidates are appointed to the IPS as probationary officers. They undergo a 3-month foundation course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), followed by a 1-year training program at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad, and 6 months of district training. Officers also undergo attachment training with various security agencies.

IPS officers must be physically fit, mentally alert, impartial, honest, and able to work under pressure and make quick decisions.

IPS Eligibility Criteria 2024

To become an IPS Officer, candidates must meet the required eligibility criteria for the Indian Police Services. Below are the detailed eligibilities:

Nationality

Indian Citizenship: Candidates must hold Indian citizenship.
Nepal or Bhutan Nationals: Specific additional requirements related to nationality and eligibility as per UPSC guidelines.

Educational Qualifications

Degree: Candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

Number of Attempts

General Category: Up to 6 attempts.
OBC Candidates: Up to 9 attempts.
SC/ST Candidates: Unlimited attempts within the prescribed age limits.

Physical Fitness

Candidates must meet the physical standards prescribed by the UPSC and the Ministry of Home Affairs, including parameters such as height, chest girth, vision, and overall physical fitness.

Additional Conditions

No Criminal Record: Candidates should not have a criminal record or have been dismissed from government service.
Mental and Physical Aptitude: Candidates must possess the necessary aptitude to undergo the demanding training and responsibilities associated with the IPS.

IPS Age Limit 2024

Candidates interested in the IPS exam should fulfill the age limits:

Minimum Age: 21 years
Maximum Age: 32 years as of 1st of August in the year of examination.

Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories

SC/ST Candidates: Up to 5 years
OBC Candidates: Up to 3 years
Candidates from the State of Jammu & Kashmir: Up to 5 years
Defence Services Personnel: Up to 5 years
Ex-Servicemen: Up to 5 years
ECOs/SSCOs: Up to 5 years
Blind, Deaf-Mute, and Orthopaedically Handicapped Persons: Up to 10 years

IPS Selection Process 2024

The selection process for the Indian Police Service (IPS) is overseen by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and comprises three distinct stages:

Preliminary Examination

This is an MCQ-based examination consisting of two papers:

Paper 1: General Studies
Paper 2: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

Main Examination

This is a written examination consisting of nine papers, covering a wide range of subjects, including language, general studies, essay, and optional subjects.

Interview

The personality test is conducted by a panel of senior officers. It holds significant weightage in the selection process and evaluates candidates’ personality, communication abilities, and suitability for the IPS role.

Candidates who score the cut-off qualifying marks in the Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the Main Examination. Those who achieve the cut-off marks in the Main Examination are qualified to participate in the Interview. The ultimate selection of IPS candidates is determined by their performance in the Main Examination and Interview.

IPS Officer Role and Responsibility

Below are several essential responsibilities of an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer:

Maintaining Law and Order: IPS officers are responsible for maintaining law and order in their respective jurisdictions, preventing crime, investigating crimes, and apprehending criminals.
Enforcing the Law: They are responsible for enforcing the law, issuing citations, making arrests, and conducting searches.
Providing Security: IPS officers often provide security to VIPs, sensitive installations, and other high-risk areas.
Investigating Crimes: They investigate crimes, including murders, rapes, and robberies, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and make arrests.
Managing Disaster Relief Operations: IPS officers manage disaster relief operations, coordinating with other agencies, providing security, and distributing aid.
Countering Terrorism: They play a vital role in countering terrorism by preventing attacks, investigating incidents, and apprehending terrorists.
Modern Policing: IPS officers ensure connecting police and people to instill faith in the policing system.
National Integrity: As part of the All India Service, IPS officers promote national integrity and nationalism in their jurisdictions.

IPS officers play a critical role in maintaining law and order and protecting citizens' lives and property. They are dedicated and professional individuals committed to serving their country.

IPS Posts

In the state, IPS officers hold various positions:

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
Superintendent of Police (SP)
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
Inspector General (IG)
Additional Director General (ADG)
Director General (DG)

When deputed, IPS officers can hold numerous positions in various departments and forces under central operations due to their extensive experience handling ground situations in their respective districts and cadres.

IPS Salary in India

The salary of an IPS officer is determined by the 7th pay commission, with pay scales differing depending on the division, subdivision, or services. The initial salary for an IPS officer starts at INR 56,100 per month and can increase to INR 2,25,000 per month. However, while the generous salary of an IPS officer is appealing, it should not be the sole driving force behind UPSC preparation.

FAQs

Which is bigger, IAS or IPS?

IAS is considered the topmost position among all the administrative services.

What is the IPS Salary?

The initial salary for an IPS officer starts at INR 56,100 per month and can increase to INR 2,25,000 per month.

Who is more powerful, CBI or IPS?

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions. While IPS officers can hold key positions within the CBI, the agency as a whole operates under a different mandate than the general police forces

IPS Full Form, Officer Works, Responsibility, career progression