What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service

What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service, The full form of IPS is Indian Police Service, IPS is one of the most prestigious government services in India. Its main role is to maintain law and order, prevent crimes, and strengthen national security. IPS was established in 1948 after India gained independence, replacing the British government’s “Imperial Police” with a new, independent, and democratic police service. IPS is one of the All India Services, along with IAS and IFS, which allows officers to work under the central and state governments. To become an IPS officer, one needs to clear the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service.

What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service

This exam has three stages—Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview. The selected candidate has to face a physical test after passing the examination to examine his or her height, running ability, etc. They also have to check the physical standard. Candidates chosen are then enrolled in SVPNPA Hyderabad, where they will be given formal training in terms of crime investigation, law and order, work of intelligence, national security, human rights, and disaster management. IPS officials are provided for all top-tier posts throughout India. At the state level, they are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Inspector General (IG), Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), and Director General of Police (DGP), What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service.

They are also deployed in agencies such as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Moreover, they serve crucial positions in the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Railway Protection Force (RPF). IPS officers have to carry out some of the most responsible jobs in the country.

They work on preventing crimes, catching criminals, fighting terrorism and cybercrime, controlling riots, providing VIP security, and investigating drug trafficking cases. They play an important role in disaster management, traffic control, and stopping international crimes. IPS officers have a wide range of benefits, including high social respect, government facilities (housing, vehicles, security), good salary, and various allowances. For IPS officers, as with other officials, the 7th Pay Commission has determined that there should be a minimum and maximum salary: the minimum being Rs 56,100, and the maximum is Inr 2,25,000. However, on the downside, the IPS officer has to deal with the constant pressure at work, political interference, corruption, and sometimes even facing danger to their life, What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service.

The Indian Police Service traces its history right from the rule of the British to modern India.

After the outbreak of 1857, the British government passed the Indian Police Act in 1861 for organizing the police system. According to this law, posts such as Inspector General of Police (IGP) in states and Superintendent of Police (SP) in districts were designed. The primary motivation for such a legislation was to reinforce British rule, but the law still forms the core of India’s police system.

In 1905, the British government instituted the service of the Imperial Police (IP), which consisted of high-ranking police officers. Most of the rank and file were British officers, but Indians were slowly inducted. The method of selection of officers was through examinations held in Britain.

For the first time, in the 1920s, Indians were provided with the chance to hold more senior positions in the Imperial Police. They were required to qualify by passing an examination in Britain. This way, Indian officers could become Superintendents of Police and Inspectors General of Police.

After the country gained independence in 1947, there were administrative reforms. In 1948, the Imperial Police was abolished, and the Indian Police Service (IPS) was formed. It was declared as an All India Service like IAS and IFS. From then onwards, IPS officers were selected through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

On 26th January 1950, the Indian Constitution came into existence, which declared IPS an All India Service. According to Article 312 of the Indian Constitution, IPS officers were to be a joint responsibility of the central and state governments, which made the service much more structured and effective, What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service.

For IPS officers, training is imparted by the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, located in Hyderabad, established in 1972. Officers are here trained in the areas of law, crime investigation, internal security, weapon handling, and leadership skills.

It was in 1985 when the government sanctioned IPS officers for commanding the various paramilitary forces like BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, and NSG. The same officers began to play an important role in tackling terrorism, insurgency, and border security issues.

On 26th November 2008, a major terrorist attack occurred in Mumbai (26/11), and many people were killed. The government established the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and increased security forces after this attack. The police were given better weapons, training, and technology to enhance their capability to fight terrorism and crime, What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service.

In 2014, the government initiated the SMART Policing initiative. The aim was to make the police more Sensitive, Modern, Accountable, Reliable, and Tech-Savvy. This included digital policing, CCTV surveillance, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

After 2020, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), forensic science, drone surveillance, and cybersecurity in policing increased. This has helped the police catch criminals faster and prevent crimes more effectively.

What is the job of an IPS officer

IPS officers are in charge of law and order maintenance, preventing crimes, and protecting the citizens. The job of an IPS officer is very crucial and full of responsibility, maintaining peace, investigation, and solving terrorism and Naxalism-related issues.

IPS officers head the police department and work at various levels of the state and central governments. Besides enforcing law, they run intelligence operations, crime prevention measures, and security arrangements to keep society peaceful, What is the job of an IPS officer.

IPS officers lead major intelligence and security agencies, such as CBI, NIA, IB, and RAW. They carry out various operations against criminal gangs, terrorists, and other heinous crimes, What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service.

What facilities do IPS officers get which are useful to them while on duty

During IPS (Indian Police Service) officers’ duty, they receive several important facilities to do their job properly and with no hassle. First of all, they are paid a proper salary along with various allowances that include duty allowance, security allowance, vehicle allowance, and medical allowance. Government accommodation or a house is provided to them by the government; they get a government vehicle with a driver as well. They can travel with ease and even work properly without any kind of hassle.

IPS officers are trained with special courses on police work, physical fitness, and mental preparation, so they can tackle any tough situation. In addition, they are also provided with health services, insurance, and accident benefits to safeguard them. They also get opportunities to serve in significant posts like Superintendent of Police (SP), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), and Inspector General of Police (IGP) along with numerous other responsibilities, What facilities are given to a IPS officer.

IPS officers get opportunities to attend national and international conferences, seminars, and training programs, which make them more efficient in their job. They receive respect both from society and the government if they are up to the mark. They also get leaves, traveling allowances for vacations, and facilities related to their health and fitness. After serving, they get pension, gratuity, and various other benefits, providing them with an excellent life thereafter.

The aim of all these facilities is to support IPS officers in their duties and encourage them to serve society with excellence, What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service.

Where is the training of IPS officers conducted

IPS Indian Police Service is so very important and challengingly hardcore training so they can face their jobs. The focus of this training is on strengthening their body, mind, and administrative skills so they can maintain law and order and peace and security in society.

First, they are trained in the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. In this place, they learn how to do administrative work, which includes laws and governance. Additionally, they train in physical fitness, writing, and other such abilities that a person needs in order to serve as an officer.

They then go to the National Police Academy, Hyderabad, and receive detailed training on policing-related matters. Their training at NPA takes one year and covers matters such as crime investigation, law enforcement, physical training, and the proper use of weapons, Where is the training of IPS officers conducted.

Officers are then put through field training, which helps them to apply the skills acquired in the theoretical aspect of the police work on real life activities, including control of crime, investigation, and tactical operations. The field training is normally held at local police stations and police training centers.

Other special training includes terrorism, cybercrime, and organized crime. Military training is also acquired by some officers. Workshops with international police forces are attended to acquire international policing practices.

Through this entire process, IPS officers not only learn how to perform their duties effectively but also develop the skills and strategies required to maintain peace, security, and law and order in society, What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service.

Which ranks are given to IPS Officers, which posts come under IPS

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP)

The rank at which a person enters into the Indian Police Service is Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). It is an entry rank for IPS officers. ASP supervises special police operations and ensures police functions are carried out effectively.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)

He does supervision of police activities in the district. He ensures law and order in the district. The main responsibilities of a DSP include the tasks of inspection of police stations, investigation of crimes, and conducting the operations for the apprehension of criminals. An IPS officer, who is newly trained, is promoted to the rank of DSP before taking on bigger responsibilities.

Superintendent of Police (SP)

SP is an above ASP and DSP rank officer. An SP head the police forces in the district. He makes sure there are no criminal offenses, people carrying out criminals don’t get to escape easily. He looks for criminals who take part in certain crimes like robbing money bags. An SSP monitors the stations and in a case of some emergency or very important cases, Which ranks are given to IPS Officers, which posts come under IPS.

Superintendent of Police SSP

SSP is a rank above SP, and SSP is posted in big districts. An SSP performs all the duties of an SP, but with greater authority and responsibility for maintaining law and order in the district.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)

A DIG is a senior officer responsible for overseeing a large area or police range within a state. The main duties of a DIG include coordinating police work, preventing crimes, conducting special operations, and ensuring that police officers follow policies correctly. A DIG also advises the state government on security matters.

Inspector General of Police (IG)

The rank of IG is above DIG and is a high-ranking official in the state police force. The IG is in charge of overseeing many police zones, planning crime prevention, and making certain that the police runs smoothly. The IG also offers advisory services to the state government in security policy matters and acts as an advisor to police officers in maintaining law and order.

Director General of Police (DGP)

The Additional Director General of Police is a rank above the IG and holds a higher position in the state police management. ADGP is involved in the overall management of police operations and making policies while ensuring the coordination of police activities in the state.

Director General of Police

The Director General of Police is the highest-ranking officer in the state police department. The DGP is responsible for maintaining law and order across the state, leading the police force, and ensuring the security of the public. The DGP monitors the work of all police officers, develops crime prevention policies, and advises the state government on security matters. They also set the direction for the police force and oversee all major police operations in the state, What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service.

Who is the top IPS officer

The highest IPS officer is the DGP, which stands for Director General of Police. He is the head of the state police force and is responsible for all police operations in the state. The DGP’s main responsibility is to maintain law and order, prevent crimes, and ensure that the police force functions effectively.

A DGP not only commands the state police but also counsels the state government regarding police and law enforcement policies. The DGP also plays an important role in the policing service by way of reforms and other measures on improving the force and its policing operations through re-structuring strategies. To serve as a DGP, a member of police ranks must be trained in every grade, particularly for senior-most officers like the IG and ADGP before advancing to the higher grade, Who is the top IPS officer.

The role of a DGP is not limited to solving crimes; they play a crucial part in national security, such as handling terrorism and border security issues. They make sure that the police force is equipped with the right equipment and technology to carry out their jobs effectively.

Therefore, the DGP is considered the very highest and responsible position in the Indian Police Service and primarily plays a very important role in maintaining security within the states and nation.

What qualification is required for IPS

To become an IPS (Indian Police Service) officer, certain qualifications are required, which are set by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). First of all, the candidate must be an Indian citizen. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, as well as Tibetan refugees who settled in India before January 1, 1962, can also apply for IPS.

The educational qualification must be a graduation degree in any subject from a recognized university. Now, as far as the age limit is considered, it’s between 21 to 32 years for General Category. For OBC, there is 3-year relaxation (21-35 years), and SC/ST candidates get 5 year relaxation (21-37 years). Similarly, candidates with disabilities also enjoy some relaxation, What qualification is required for IPS.

For physical eligibility, male candidates must have a minimum height of 165 cm (160 cm for SC/ST) and a chest measurement of at least 84 cm (with a minimum 5 cm expansion). Female candidates must have a minimum height of 150 cm (145 cm for SC/ST) and a chest measurement of at least 79 cm (with a minimum 5 cm expansion).

In the race test, for males, completion of 800 meters in just 5 minutes is required for male candidates whereas for females just 6 minutes. Moreover the candidate must also have 6/6 eye sight and in sound physical condition as well as mentally fit, What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service.

What is the selection process of IPS

IPS Selection Process

Selection for IPS is made by the Civil Services Examination conducted by UPSC, which is divided into three stages: Preliminary Examination (Prelims), Main Examination (Mains), and Interview. The Preliminary Exam is objective-type, whereas the Main Exam is descriptive. For the Interview, mental ability as well as the behavior of a candidate is assessed. Once the selection process is over, they undergo training in institutions like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad. When all qualifications are completed, a candidate becomes an IPS officer.

Application Procedure

The very first step for one to become an IPS officer is by applying for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The civil services examination has various services. The list of services includes the IPS, IAS, IFS, etc. Applications are available on the UPSC website (https://www.upsc.gov.in/), typically between February and March. The application fee is ₹100 for the general category, while female candidates and SC, ST, and PWD candidates are exempted. Once the application is submitted, exam dates are released, and the selection process begins, What is the selection process of IPS.

Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Exam is the first level of the UPSC exam. It has two papers:

  • Paper I deals with General Studies, which carries 200 marks.
  • Paper II is the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test), which also carries 200 marks. For a candidate to qualify, they must score at least 33% in CSAT.

This exam tests general knowledge, reasoning ability, and problem-solving skills. The Prelims is objective-type and carries a negative marking system.

Main Examination

Only those candidates qualify for the Main Exam who clear the Prelims. The Main Exam has nine papers:

  • Paper A & Paper B (Indian Language & English) -These are qualifying papers, thus, their marks don’t go towards the merit
  • Other papers involve subjects such as Political Science, Geography, History, Sociology, etc
  • Essay Paper 250 marks The essay paper deals with the candidature writing on any given topic

The Main Exam tests depth of knowledge, analytic ability and skill in the field of writing. This is a written test with negative marking too.

Interview (Personality Test)

After clearing the Main Exam, candidates are shortlisted for an Interview (Personality Test), which carries 275 marks. The Interview is to judge the personality, thinking, and administrative ability of a candidate. Questions may be related to personal experiences, opinions, decision-making capabilities, and social or political issues. The idea is to test whether the candidate can communicate his thoughts effectively or not.

Final Selection and Merit List

The final merit list is prepared considering the marks of the Main Exam and Interview. Candidates who have ranked high in the merit list are allotted services (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.) according to their preferences. Once selected, candidates receive their appointment and start their training and duties, What is the selection process of IPS.

IPS Training

After selection, IPS officers undergo intense training at the Indian Police Academy (IPA), Hyderabad, for about a year. This training includes physical fitness, police operations, legal knowledge, and skills in leadership. Officers are trained to handle law enforcement, crime investigation, physical endurance, and administrative leadership.

Posting or Job Assignment

After the completion of training, IPS officers get their first posting. They are posted by the state or central government to a district or region. The first postings include Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). Officers have to deal with crime investigations, law enforcement, and public safety responsibilities. They also have to manage situations such as riots, emergencies, and high-risk operations.

Promotion

Officers from IPS get promotion to higher posts over time, depending upon performance, experience, and seniority. They start as SP (Superintendent of Police) or DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) and further get an elevation to the post of DIG, IG, or even DGP. With every elevation, they become responsible for more tasks, have bigger authority, and bigger opportunities, What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service.

What is the identity of an IPS

An IPS (Indian Police Service) officer can be characterized through their uniform, badge, authority, vehicle, ID card, discipline, and social reputation. Their most distinguishable first identity is that of their khaki uniform which marks police service. The rank badges or insignia on the uniform show his position. For instance, one star for ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police), two stars for SP (Superintendent of Police), and three stars along with the Ashoka emblem for DIG (Deputy Inspector General). IG (Inspector General) and DGP (Director General of Police) have crossed swords and batons along with the Ashoka emblem on their uniform. They also have an “IPS” monogram on their shoulders, which differentiates them from other police officers. Also, their nameplate has their name written on it, so they can be easily identified. An IPS officer carries a government-issued ID card with his name, photo, and designation.

Their official vehicle has a plate with “IPS” written on it, and some senior officers have red and blue beacon lights. They have a nameplate in their office with their name and designation. The biggest identity of an IPS officer is his power and authority. They maintain law and order, prevent crimes, and take administrative decisions. They are gazetted officers of the Indian government and receive special privileges and security from the state and central government. One aspect of an IPS officer’s personality is also his identity.  They are full of confidence and discipline and prompt decision-makers, What is the identity of an IPS. 

They command a special stature in society; sometimes PSOs or other security personnel are appointed for their safety.  Whatever document, FIR, or any order bears the signature and stamp of an IPS officer, proves his authority. The IPS officers of the rank SP, DIG, IG, and DGP also gain recognition in the form of their office and official responsibility. The IPS officer is not merely responsible for enforcing law and order but is a role model for society as an inspiration. Identity comes with their khaki uniform, rank badges, authority, discipline, and reputation.

How can i get IPS rank without UPSC

Most candidates join Indian Police Service, by clearing Civil Services Examination held by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Still, the UPSC clear ones are not the only method through which an IPS rank is reached. In fact, apart from UPSC clear ones, a large proportion of IPS recruits pass through another pathway, the State Police Services.

This is a method by which you pass the state government’s police service exam and join as an officer in the state police department. Once you attain a good rank, like DSP or SP, you can get promoted to IPS based on experience and performance. This takes quite a long time, but this is a means of getting IPS without UPSC, How can i get IPS rank without UPSC.

In some states, direct recruitment to IPS is also there, where candidates can be recruited by the police force in senior positions and for IPS, but very few opportunities are available. Apart from this, officers holding posts in other government services like State Administrative Services also get promoted to IPS depending upon their performance.

Another possible route is through the Indian Army’s Short Service Commission. If a candidate does well in the army, they are likely to get an opportunity to move into the police service. Similarly, judicial officers with extensive experience and a good service record can also be promoted to IPS, but that is not a common practice.

The route through State Police Services leads to a long journey to reach IPS, while clearing the UPSC exam remains the most direct and effective way.

What powers do IPS officers have in an emergency

IPS officers, in an emergency situation, have several powers they use to maintain peace and ensure public safety. Special authority is given to the IPS officers by the government when it declares a serious crisis or emergency. One of the most important powers is preventive detention, which means that they can arrest someone without any charges if they believe that person is a threat to public safety.

If the situation escalates, the IPS officers are empowered to employ force like lathi-charge (baton charge) or tear gas for the control of the crowd. They can also seek military aid in case of uncontrollable situation. The power of arrest lies in the IPS officers, which further enables them to arrest someone suspected of some activity without warrant in case he/she is causing public danger. They can also issue orders for the seizure of property if needed. In the event of massive protests or movements, they can control or ban public gatherings to stop violence, What powers do IPS officers have in an emergency.

Additionally, IPS officers have the right to collect confidential information that may help them prevent crimes or terrorist activities well in advance. They can serve legal orders in their area of jurisdiction to prevent any suspicious activity. In case the situation gets worse, they also have the right to retard or temporarily stop legal procedures. When there is a threat at the borders, they can enhance border security and keep strict vigilance.

All these powers are used by IPS officers to protect citizens and maintain law and order. However, they must always act within legal limits to ensure that no one’s rights are violated, What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service.

What is the difference between IPS and general police

Indian Police Service, (IPS), is different in numerous ways compared to general police. First and foremost, for recruiting into an IPS officer one must pass Civil Services Examination by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) but generally, people of the respective states are recruited either through government level exams that of constables recruitment, and a sub-inspector exam.

There is a rank-wise difference and position—IPS officers are of high ranks such as Superintendent of Police (SP), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Inspector General (IG), Additional Director General (ADG), and Director General of Police (DGP). As opposed to this, the other general police personnel have ranks such as Constable, Head Constable, Sub-Inspector (SI), and Inspector.

Training: IPS officers are trained in the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) at Hyderabad, and general police is trained in the state police academies. Area of working: IPS officers are allowed to work anywhere in India and can be posted to any central agencies, such as CBI, RAW, IB, and NIA. General police usually work within their states or districts, What is the difference between IPS and general police.

Promotion and career growth: The IPS officers get promoted to the higher ranks and can even hold the topmost position of DGP. Their promotion in general police is a bit slow and they are more or less placed under the IPS officers. In terms of authority and decision-making power, also varies; the IPS officers form policies for the maintenance of law and order, and take key administrative decisions. The general police are responsible for the investigation of crimes and for enforcing the laws.

About salary and benefits, there are better pay, government accommodation, vehicles, security guards, and several other privileges received by IPS officers. Whereas general police get limited benefits according to their rank. For transfers and administrative control, IPS officers can be transferred by both central as well as state governments, while the transfer of general police is managed by the state government and police department.

Overall, IPS officers manage police administration, strategy, and management, while general police are directly involved in crime prevention and law enforcement, What is IPS, What is the full form of Indian Police Service.