How to Become an IPS Officer After Graduation? What to Study to Become an IPS Officer?
How to become an IPS officer in India is the dream of every patriotic Indian. But, not everyone’s dream comes true. Adding a little effort and immense energy will help you achieve any of your goals. The main duty of an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer is to safeguard the public and maintain harmony amongst them.
The duty of an IPS officer is not limited to that of the state or the central, they serve at both levels. However, the IPS is not a police force on its own. Rather, it is a pool of specially-trained officials from which senior officers are recruited for various arms of the police force at the Central, State, and, at times, international levels. With a challenging role to play by keeping crime rates low through law enforcement, an IPS officer is looked upon as someone who is smart and capable, with the power to make a difference. This article will tell you what to study to become an IPS officer and how to become an IPS officer after graduation.
How to Become an IPS Officer?
To become an IPS officer, a candidate has to pass the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC). The Civil Services Examination is also the qualifying exam for other services such as IAS, IRS, and IFS. The UPSC conducts the Civil Services Examination every year. The dates and other details are notified on its website, usually in February. Around 8 lakh candidates apply for the IPS each year, of which only around 150 are finally selected. Eligibility criteria for IPS are:
- Only Indian nationals between the ages of 21 and 32 years can apply for the Civil Services Examination. Relaxation in the IPS exam age limit is applicable to some categories.
- Candidates who are graduates from a recognized university, or in the final year of their course, are eligible to appear in the Civil Services Examination.
- General Category candidates are allowed a total of six attempts to pass the Civil Services Examination. There is some relaxation in this regard for those belonging to categories eligible for reservation.
Physical Eligibility Criteria for IPS
Since an IPS officer has to be fit and healthy, apart from meeting the age and educational criteria, IPS aspirants have to meet the physical standards too. Male candidates should not be shorter than 165 cm, while for women, the cut-off height is 150 cm (there is a relaxation of 5 cm for candidates belonging to the scheduled tribes and certain ethnic groups such as Gorkhas, Assamese, and Kumaonis). Chest measurement for men is pegged at a minimum of 84 cm and it is 79 cm for women. Eyesight requirements are also specified. Candidates with corrective measures, including spectacles and Lasik surgery, are permitted. However, those who have undergone refractive surgery are referred to a special board of ophthalmologists for clearance.
What to Study To Become an IPS Officer?
For your graduation, you can take any stream that interests you. It can be arts, commerce, sciences, and anything else. However, subjects that best suit your purpose are those that are a part of the UPSC syllabus. These subjects are:
- History
- Sciences
- Political Science
- Geography
- Economics
That is why you might find that many students opt for humanities and also major in one of these subjects. This will help you in the mains exams wherein you have to give written tests for 3 to 4 days straight in the morning and evening.
Also Read: How to become an IPS officer after the 12th?
IPS Officer Salary and Career Path
| IPS ranks in State Police/Central Police force | Equivalent position in Delhi Police | IPS Salary – 7th Pay Commission Pay Scale |
| Director-General of Police/ Director of IB or CBI | Commissioner of Police | 2,25,000.00 INR |
| Director-General of Police | Special Commissioner of Police | 2,05,400.00 INR |
| Inspector-General of Police | Joint Commissioner of Police | 1,44,200.00 INR |
| Deputy Inspector General of Police | Additional Commissioner of Police | 1,31,100.00 INR |
| Senior Superintendent of Police | Deputy Commissioner of Police | 78,800.00 INR |
| Additional Superintendent of Police | Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police | 67,700.00 INR |
| Deputy Superintendent of Police | Assistant Commissioner of Police | 56,100.00 INR |
Also Read: Political Science Optional Subject for UPSC 2021: The Essential Guide to Crack UPSC 2021
Conclusion
Leadership, initiative, fearlessness, abiding respect for mankind, and most importantly, selflessness – the ability to put the country and society before self – are some of the qualities of sterling IPS officers. If you think you have it in you, then work towards your dreams. You will surely be successful.
