IPS full form is Indian Police Services. It is considered India’s premier police service and is one of the three arms of the All India Services of the Government of India. The Police Division in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is responsible for IPS Cadre Management and Policy Decisions. This includes Cadre Structuring, Recruitment, Training, Allocation, Confirmation, Empanelment, Deputation, Pay and Allowances, and Discipline of IPS Officers.

IPS is a dream job for many young aspirants who wish to serve the country and its people actively. It is one of the 24 services offered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) through the annual Civil Services Examination.

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Origin of Indian Police Service

During the British Raj, the Indian Councils Act of 1861 established a Superior Police Service in India, later renamed the Indian Imperial Police. The modern Indian Police Service was established under Article 312(2) of Part XIV of the Indian Constitution. The Indian Police Service (IPS) is a part of the executive branch and is one of three All India Services established by the Indian Parliament through the All India Services Act of 1951. An IPS officer ensures public safety by upholding law and order. They are also in charge of state and union territory police departments, CAPF forces (such as the CRPF, BSF, SSB, CISF, and ITBP) and the National Security Guards.

Who is an IPS Officer?

An IPS officer is a senior police officer who provides senior-level leadership to police forces in the states and at the Centre.

• An IPS officer is responsible for maintaining India’s sovereignty, integrity, law and order, and peace & security.
• It is a highly dignified and prestigious service, and the IPS officer is responsible for maintaining the internal security of India.

IPS Dress Code

IPS officers are required to wear their uniforms while on duty. The clothing is a traditional Khaki colour. Every role has responsibilities and rewards. You must pass the UPSC exam with a high mark to hold the top IPS positions. The highest positions above are only given to those with in-depth knowledge in their respective fields.

Highest IPS Post

The DGP (Director General of Police) is the top post in the IPS. In any State/UT police, it is a three-star rank and the highest IPS post. An IPS officer is eligible for central government positions such as Director of CBI, IB, and RAW. Furthermore, an IPS officer also serves as a National Security Advisor (NSA).

What is the Role of an IPS Officer?

Here are some of the roles and responsibilities of an IPS officer:

• IPS officers are responsible for maintaining law and order in their assigned area. They do this by patrolling the streets, responding to calls for service, and investigating crimes.
• IPS officers also work to prevent crime by conducting community outreach programs. They also work with other law enforcement agencies in this regard.
• IPS officers are responsible for arresting the criminals and bringing them to justice.
• IPS officers also protect citizens from harm. They do this by responding to emergencies and by providing security for public events.
• IPS officers enforce laws related to traffic, drugs, immigration, and so on.
• IPS officers investigate crimes to gather evidence and identify suspects.
• IPS officers may also work as prosecutors. They are responsible for presenting evidence in court and arguing for the conviction of criminals.
• IPS officers may also be responsible for managing police stations. This includes overseeing the day-to-day operations of the station, as well as managing the staff.
• IPS officers may also be responsible for providing training to new and experienced police officers. This training can cover a variety of topics. It includes law enforcement tactics, weapons handling, and first aid.

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Eligibility Criteria for IPS

• The following conditions are a crucial part of the Eligibility Criteria to become an IPS Office
  • The candidate should be an Indian national.
  • Candidates should have a minimum age of 21 years.
    • Maximum Age:
      • General: 32
      • OBC: 35
      • SC/ST: 37
      • Ex-Servicemen: 37
  • Candidate must be a graduate of a recognized university/institute.
  • Candidates should meet the physical fitness standards for this exam.
  • There are six attempts for the Unreserved and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) categories.

Training of an IPS officer

The training of an IPS (Indian Police Service) officer in India is a rigorous and comprehensive process that equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to serve as leaders in law enforcement. Selected IAS and IPS applicants initially go through a three-month joint training programme. The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration conducts this fundamental general training. IPS officials must later attend specialised training. They are sent to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Training Academy in Hyderabad, where they receive arduous instruction in law enforcement and physical preparation. This training lasts for over a year.

Recruitment Process of an IPS Officer

At present, there are three modes of recruitment to the Indian Police Service. These are as follows:

Mode 1: Recruitment of IPS by Means of UPSC CSE

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year, and this exam has three phases:

• Preliminary Examination
• Civil Services (Main) Examination
• Personality Test or Interview

Mode 2: Recruitment of IPS by Means of UPSC LCE

• In 2010, the Ministry of Home Affairs proposed the formation of the Indian Police Service Limited Competitive Examination (LCE), which would be conducted by the UPSC.
• In 2012, the IPS Limited Competitive Examination was held for the first time.
• However, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has struck down the examination after a challenge by some state cadre police officers, and the case is now in the Supreme court.

Mode 3: Recruitment of IPS by Means of Promotion

• By way of the promotion of State Police Service officers, some IPS officers are recruited.

Cadre Controlling Authority for IPS

The Cadre Controlling Authority for IPS officers is as follows:

• The concerned state government is the Cadre Controlling Authority for IPS officers allotted to that state cadre.
• The state government handles the following functions with regard to IPS officers of that cadre:
• It conducts the IPS recruitment process for filling vacancies in that cadre.
• It decides the training institutes and duration of training for newly recruited IPS officers.
• It decides the initial and subsequent postings of officers within the state.
• It controls the promotions of officers to various ranks within the state cadre.
• It deals with all service-related disciplinary matters concerning IPS officers of that cadre.

However, the central government exercises overall supervision regarding IPS officers.

Salary and Perks of an IPS Officer

In India, an IPS officer’s salary ranges from Rs 56,100 (without TA, DA, and HRA) to Rs 2,25,000 for a DGP under the seventh pay structure. However, An IPS officer’s starting salary is the same, and it increases with seniority and tenure. Other benefits or entitlements enjoyed by IPS officers include

• Rent-free accommodation & allowance.
• Government transportation services.
• Cooks, gardeners, and other household facilities are provided.
• There are no charges for staying in government hotels or bungalows while on duty.
• Reimbursement of mobile phone, telephone, and internet service charges.
• Security and other personnel may be required depending on the situation.
• IPS officers also receive a lifetime pension and other retirement benefits.
• After retirement, IPS Officers can be appointed to commissions or tribunals.
• Additionally, the IPS officer receives a number of other benefits, such as the Dearness Allowance, Travel Allowance, etc.

The table below shows the IPS salary in India from entry level to the highest level:

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Conclusion

The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the three all-India services of the Government of India and is considered one of India’s premier services. An IPS officer is a senior police officer in the State/UT police responsible for maintaining the country's law and order and peace and security. The Ministry of Home Affairs manages service-related matters, such as cadre allocation, training, confirmations., etc.

We hope all your doubts regarding the Indian Police Services (IPS) are addressed after going through this article. Testbook provides comprehensive notes for different competitive examinations. It has always assured the quality of its products, like content pages, live tests, GK and current affairs, mocks, and so on. Ace your preparation with the Testbook App!