The Indian Police Service is a dream job for many young people in India. Getting into the IPS requires the candidates to take the Civil Services Examination which is tough and very competitive. It needs a lot of hard work and motivation.
The IPS offers a great career with big responsibilities, leadership chances, and the ability to make a big difference in society. Before starting to prepare for the IPS exam, it is important for an aspirant to know complete details about the IPS exam like IPS full form, IPS salary, IPS eligibility, IPS educational qualification, and IPS function & responsibilities.
Let us cover all these topics in this blog now, so keep reading on!
What is the role of an IPS officer in Indian society?
IPS plays a huge role in keeping Indian society safe. IPS officers prevent crimes and maintain peace among people by carefully inspecting crime scenes. The IPS is an integral part of Indian democracy, working towards protecting the sovereignty, integrity, and law and order of the country.
Upon entering as an entry-level officer in IPS, you become an Additional Superintendent of Police. In 3-4 years of this job, you get promoted to the next level. This period is very crucial in an officer’s career since he gets ample time to be in the field and gain considerable practical experience.
What is the full form of IPS?
Knowing what is the full form of an IPS officer is important if you are preparing for the IPS exam. The full form of IPS officer is the Indian Police Service. This service is a prestigious part of the Indian Civil Services. An IPS officer plays a key role in maintaining law and order in the country. From preventing crimes to ensuring peace among people, the job of an IPS officer is both challenging and rewarding.
If you dream of becoming an IPS officer, it’s important to understand what this role involves. An IPS officer’s duty includes investigating crime scenes, maintaining public safety, and upholding the sovereignty and integrity of India. With dedication and hard work, you can make a significant impact on society as an IPS officer.
What are the eligibility criteria for IPS?
Besides knowing the IPS full form, it is also suggested to know the required eligibility criteria to become an IPS officer. Here are a few details that an aspirant must know beforehand.
Nationality
The candidate appearing for the examination must be a citizen of India.
Age limit
Generally, the individual should be between 21 to 32 years old. There are certain age relaxations for certain categories.
| Category | Age limit |
| General | 21 to 32 years |
| OBC | 21 to 35 years |
| SC/ST | 21 to 37 years |
| Ex-servicemen | 21 to 37 years |
| Physically disabled | 21 to 42 years |
Educational qualification
You must have a degree from a recognized university and even a final-year student can apply.
Physical standards
Each individual should be physically fit according to certain standards and you can look at the required standards in the table below:
| Criteria | Male | Female |
| Height (General category) | 165 cm | 150 cm |
| Height (ST/OBC category) | 160 cm | 145 cm |
| Chest | 84 cm (expandable by 5 cm) | 79 cm (expandable by 5 cm) |
| Vision | 6/6 or 6/9 distant vision for good eye | 6/12 or 6/9 for worse eye |
| Color vision | High grade color vision | High grade color vision |
| Hearing | Normal hearing capabilities | Normal hearing capabilities |
What Is the IPS Exam Pattern?
The IPS test is divided into three important stages. It is best for the candidates to know beforehand about the IPS full form. Each level examines different skills and knowledge. Here is an easy breakdown of them:
Preliminary exam
- It has two papers: General Studies and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
- For both papers, they are objective in nature; that is, multiple-choice questions
- Each paper is for 200 marks
- You should clear this first to enter the next level
Main exam
- It comprises nine papers, but only seven are counted for your final ranking
- The nine papers are descriptive (that is, essay-type)
- The papers in question are:
- 1 Essay(250 marks)
- General Studies I-IV (each 250 marks)
- Optional Subject Paper I and II (each 250 marks)
- Language papers in two languages: qualifying ones (not to be counted in ranking)
Interview
- This is also called the Personality Test
- Testing stage for personality, communication skills, and also know whether you are fit for service in IPS
- Maximum marks for this is 275
Roles and responsibilities of an IPS officer
There are many significant duties held by an IPS officer. They maintain law and order in the society and ensure public safety. Understanding the full form of IPS officer helps aspirants to prepare and write the exam well. Here is a detailed explanation of their roles:
Prevention and investigation of crime
- Prevent happening of crimes in their appointed area
- The IPS officer has to investigate and gather evidence from the crime scenes
- Ensure that the culprits are caught, imprisoned, and brought into the face of justice
Sincerely maintaining the orders from the public
- Manage overloaded crowds and control riots whenever large events are happening
- Ensure peace and calmness during the election periods and other major events
Proper management of the traffic
- Take care of entire traffic, control, and manage it to avoid accidents
- Strictly follow and implement the traffic rules and regulations
Tight security in the country’s border
- Sincerely protecting our entire nation with their duties at the country’s border
- Prohibit and eradicate smuggling activities and other illegal acts
Providing secured VIP security
- Each and every IPS officer has to protect the bigger personalities from threats
- Whenever foreigners visit our nation, an IPS officer has to secure them
Active participation in disaster management
- During the natural calamities, IPS officers have to assist the rescue team and relief operations
- Coordinate with other agencies for the relief operations of the affected people
Top career opportunities for IPS Officers
Knowing the complete details about the IPS full-form salary helps the candidates to top the exam and settle in various career roles. The Indian Police Service (IPS) has a hierarchical structure. IPS officers move through different ranks in their careers, starting from entry-level positions to the highest ranks.
| Rank | Description | Approx. salary (INR) |
| Director General of Police (DGP) | Highest rank in the state police force | 2,25,000 |
| Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) | Heads specialized units within the state police | 2,05,400 |
| Inspector General of Police (IGP) | Manages multiple police districts or divisions | 1,44,200 |
| Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) | Oversees law and order in specific zones | 1,31,100 |
| Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) / SP | In charge of districts or urban areas | 78,800 |
| Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) | Entry-level officer, progressing with experience | 56,100 |
| Additional Director or Commissioner of Police or Special Commissioner | Head of city police departments in metro cities | Varies |
Dress code of an IPS officer
The uniform of an IPS officer is a symbol of honor and authority. Candidates who wish to become an IPS officer, need to thoroughly review what is the full form of IPS officer and the eligibility criteria. After becoming an officer, you will be given a certain uniform that makes you feel pride in protecting the nation. Here is a quick explanation about the IPS officer dress code:
- Khaki uniform: IPS officers are also dressed in a khaki uniform that includes a khaki shirt with trousers
- Badges and insignia: IPS officers wear badges and insignias on their shoulders and chests. It represents a rank and a position
- Belt and shoes: These include a strong belt and polished black shoes as part of the uniform
- Head cap: A peaked cap with an IPS badge should be worn while doing the duty
- Other medals and decoration: In terms of dress and uniform, IPS officers are authorized to wear their personal medals and other decorations on different occasions of significance
Here’s how the ranks with stars and other positions fit in the Indian Police Service
| Stars | Rank | Description |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Director General of Police (DGP) | Highest rank in the state police force |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Additional Director General (ADGP) | Heads specialized units within the state police |
| ⭐⭐⭐ | Inspector General of Police (IGP) | Manages multiple police districts or divisions |
| ⭐⭐ | Deputy Inspector General (DIG) | Oversees law and order in specific zones |
| ⭐ | Senior Superintendent / SP | In charge of districts or urban areas |
| No Stars | Superintendent of Police (SP) | Head of district police |
| No Stars | Assistant Superintendent (ASP) | Entry-level rank for IPS officers |
| No Stars | Deputy Superintendent (DSP) | Entry-level officer, progressing with experience |
And here are some more ranks:
| Rank | Position | Description |
| Inspector | Head of police station | Supervises Sub-Inspectors and Constables |
| Sub-Inspector (SI) | Below Inspector | Head of smaller police units |
| Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) | Assists SI in various tasks | Supports in investigations and field duties |
| Head Constable | Senior constable | Supervises constables and supports SI |
| Constable | Entry-level police officer | Performs basic duties like patrolling and maintaining order |
Conclusion
Understanding the IPS full form is a necessity for anyone aspiring to join the Indian Police Service. The full form of IPS officer is very significant and prestigious because of the importance and prestige this role carries in maintaining law and order, and the safety and security of the nation.
Becoming an IPS officer involves meeting certain eligibility criteria, passing a rigorous exam, and rising through a well-defined hierarchy. It is challenging yet rewarding. It offers more significant responsibilities with opportunities to bring about a more positive impact on society
Google