IPS full form, Indian Police Service Roles and Responsibilities

The Indian Police Service is a premier civil service responsible for maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety. IPS is the full form of the Indian Police Service, the officers play a crucial role in enforcing laws, investigating crimes, managing traffic, combating terrorism, addressing organized crime, and preventing offenses. Their responsibilities also include promoting fairness within society.

In addition, IPS officers serve as a critical link between state police and central agencies. Local police provide essential support to central agencies through local knowledge, media management, public relations, riot control, and grassroots policing. The IPS is one of the 24 services offered by the UPSC through the annually conducted Civil Services Examination.

IPS Full Form

The Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in India is responsible for upholding law and order, solving crimes, and ensuring justice across the nation. Aspiring IPS officers undergo rigorous training and face stiff competition at institutions like the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy(SVPNPA). They hold key roles in the police hierarchy, from Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to Director General of Police (DGP) at the state level and during deputation they hold positions like DG CRPF, DG ITBP, chief of central agencies like IB, RAW and CBI also they are appointed as advisors to government of India to prepare a robust plan to eliminate infiltration, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, communalism, extremism, naxalism, hinterland terrorism, terrorism, Fake Induced Currency Notes(FICN), radicalization, cyberterrorism and all dimensions related to India’s internal security.

UPSC Notification 2024

Indian Police Service (IPS)

The Indian Police Service (IPS) is a very 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:

• The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the three All-India Services (AIS) of  India. The other two AISs are the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Forest Service (IFoS).
• The IPS is responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crimes, and providing security to the public. IPS officers are posted in all states and union territories of India.
• A career in the IPS can be challenging but productive. Officers in the Indian Police Service (IPS) have the chance to impact people’s lives and advance the country positively. The IPS is a fantastic choice if you’re interested in a career in law enforcement.
• To become an IPS officer, candidates must pass the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The CSE is one of the toughest examinations in India, and only a small percentage of candidates who take the exam are successful.
• After passing the CSE, candidates are appointed to the IPS as probationary officers. They undergo a 3-month foundation course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration(LBSNAA) then for 1-year training program at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad, 6 months of district training after which officers return to the academy and discuss their experience and go for attachment training in which they are attached with the army, greyhounds, navy, air force, coastal navy and other important organizations for securing Indian citizens
• IPS officers are required to be physically fit and mentally alert. They must also be impartial and honest in their dealings with the public. They must also be able to work under pressure and make quick decisions.

IPS Eligibility Criteria 2024

To become an IPS Officer, candidates have to complete all the required eligibility criteria for Indian Police Services and clear the UPSC Examination 2024. In the below section, detailed eligibilities are mentioned.

Nationality

• To be eligible for the Indian Police Service (IPS), you must hold Indian citizenship.
• For candidates from Nepal or Bhutan, there are specific additional requirements related to nationality and eligibility, which should be adhered to as per UPSC guidelines.

Educational Qualifications: Candidate must hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

Number of Attempts: The number of attempts for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is limited as follows:

• General category candidates: Upto 6 attempts.
• OBC candidates: Upto 9 attempts.
• SC/ST candidates: An unlimited number of attempts within the prescribed age limits.
• Physical Fitness: You must meet the physical standards prescribed by the UPSC and the Ministry of Home Affairs. These standards encompass parameters such as height, chest girth, vision, and overall physical fitness.

Additional Conditions:

• You should not have a criminal record or have been dismissed from government service.
• You must possess the mental and physical aptitude necessary 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.

Further relaxation in age limit for other reserved categories:

IPS Selection Process 2024

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

• Preliminary Examination: This is a MCQ based examination that consists of two papers, paper 1- GS and paper 2- CSAT
• Main Examination: This is a written examination that consists of nine papers, covering a wide range of subjects, including language, general studies, essay and optional
• Interview: Personality test is conducted by a panel of senior officers.
•  The Preliminary Examination is a qualifying examination. Candidates who score the cut-off qualifying marks in the UPSC Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the Main Examination.

The Main Examination presents a greater challenge as it tests for how deep your knowledge is. Those who achieve the cut-off marks in the UPSC Main Examination are qualified to participate in the Interview.

The Interview holds significant weightage in the selection process. Candidates shortlisted for the Interview undergo thorough screening by a panel of senior experienced officers. This phase evaluates candidates’ personality, communication abilities, and suitability for the IPS role. 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. This includes preventing crime, investigating crimes, and apprehending criminals.
• Enforcing the Law: IPS officers are also responsible for enforcing the law. This includes issuing citations, making arrests, and conducting searches.
• Providing Security: IPS officers are often responsible for providing security to VIPs, sensitive installations, and other high-risk areas.
• Investigating Crimes: IPS officers are responsible for investigating crimes, including murders, rapes, and robberies. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and make arrests.
• Managing Disaster Relief Operations: IPS officers are often called upon to manage disaster relief operations. This includes coordinating with other agencies, providing security, and distributing aid.
• Countering Terrorism: IPS officers play a vital role in countering terrorism. They work to prevent terrorist attacks, investigate terrorist incidents, and apprehend terrorists.
• Modern Policing : IPS officer ensure connecting police and people to ensure people have faith and believe in the policing system instead of fear.
• National Integrity : As part of All India Service all IPS officers are bound to ensure national integrity in their jurisdiction and cadre by promoting feeling of nationalism in the people.

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

IPS Posts

In State –

when deputed, IPS officers can hold n number of positions in various departments and forces under central operations as they have adequate experience in handling ground situations while being posted in their respective districts and cardres.

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. All Civil Services aspirants must familiarize themselves with the salary, perks, and pay scale for the IPS officer position. 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, candidates must recognize that while the generous salary of an IPS officer is appealing, it should not be the sole driving force behind their UPSC preparation.

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