How to Become an IPS Officer: Careers, Courses, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Colleges, Skills, Benefits, Salary

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Ahana Bhaduri

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IPS Officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing crimes and investigating them, and ensuring the safety and security of the public. To become an IPS Officer, candidates have to pursue a bachelor’s degree in any discipline after class 12. They have to prepare for the prelims and main stages of the UPSC CSE exam and then appear in the interview to get selected as an IPS officer. The base salary of an IPS officer is INR 56,100 per month. The highest salary of an IPS officer is that of a DGP who earns up to INR 2.25 L per month. 

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How to Become an IPS Officer: Quick Facts

Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Starting Salary (INR) 56,100 per month
Highest Salary (INR) 2,25,000 per month

What are the Qualifications to Become an IPS Officer?

Candidates are generally required to meet certain educational qualifications to become IPS Officers which are discussed below.

  • Candidates must pass clear class 12th board exams with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognised board. 
  • Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in any discipline to appear in the CSE exam.
  • They must clear the prelims and mains stage of the UPSC CSE exam in order to be eligible for a personal interview. 

What is the Eligibility to Become an IPS Officer?

There are certain eligibility criteria set by UPSC that candidates have to fulfil to become an IPS Officer as discussed below.

  • Basic Eligibility
    • Candidates must be citizens of India when applying for the CSE exam.
    • The minimum age to appear in the exam is 21 years while the maximum is 32 years. 
    • There are age relaxations for candidates not belonging to the general category.
  • Educational Qualification
    • Candidates are required to hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university. 
  • Number of Attempts
    • General category candidates can appear in the exam only 6 times while candidates belonging to the OBC community can appear 9 times. 
    • There are no attempt restrictions for SC/ST candidates.
    • Candidates should meet medical and health standards as per examination rules. 

What are the Types of IPS Officers?

IPS Officers can be of many types based on their designations. Their roles and functions are as follows. 

  • Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) - Supervise a division smaller than a district and assist SP in heading the whole district. They earn up to INR 77,325 as a salary. 
  • Additional Superintendent of Police - Assist Superintendent of Police in his control of duties and supervision. They earn up to INR 67,700 as a salary. 
  • Superintendent of Police (SP) - Maintain law and order, ensure public safety and enforce laws within the jurisdiction. The salary of an SP is INR 78,800. 
  • Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) - Enforce and lead law management at the district level. The average salary of an SSP is INR 1.18 L in India.
  • Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) - Ensure smooth functioning of law enforcement across multiple districts and also oversee specialised units within the police force. DIGP earns INR 1.31 L as a salary.
  • Inspector-General of Police (IGP) - The highest-ranking officer who serves as the head of the police force and acts as a link between the government and law agencies. IGP earns up to INR 1.44 L in salary.
  • Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) - Responsible for investigating major crimes and ensuring that the police force is equipped with the necessary resources and skills. The average salary of an ADGP is INR 2.05 L.
  • Director-General of Police (DGP) - Provide leadership, strategic direction and management to the police department. The average salary of a DGP is INR 2.25 L.

Courses to Become an IPS Officer?

No specific courses are available for candidates who want to become IPS Officers. Candidates have to obtain a bachelor’s degree in any discipline which is one of the eligibility criteria set by UPSC as discussed below.

Parameters BCom BA LLB BA
Eligibility Class 12 Class 12 Class 12
Entrance Exams CUET, IPU CET, NPAT, SUAT CLAT, MH CET Law, LSAT CUET, IPU CET
Top Colleges Delhi University, Calcutta University, Mumbai University NLSIU, National Law University, NALSAR University of Law Hindu College, Miranda House, Christ University, Ramjas College
Course Fees INR 2,500 - 65,000 INR 1,50,000 - 4,00,000 INR 5,000 - 80,000
Average Salary (INR) INR 2.4 LPA - 5.4 LPA INR 3 LPA - 6 LPA INR 3.6 LPA
Top Recruiters E&Y, Accenture, Genpact, TCS, Capgemini, Wipro AZB and Partners, Khaitan and Co, Trilegal, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas Indian Civil Service, TATA Consultancy, High Lantern Group, Nat West

Entrance Exams

Candidates are required to appear in Civil Services Exam (CSE) conducted by UPSC to become IPS Officers. 

Entrance Exam Application Deadlines Exam Dates Result Declaration
UPSC CSE March 5, 2024 May 26, 2024 (Prelims)
September 20, 2024 (Mains)
June, 2024 (Prelims)
Result date for Main’s exam to be notified.

What are the Skills Required to Become an IPS Officer?

IPS Officers are required to possess a variety of skills to effectively carry out their responsibilities. Some of the top skills are tabulated below.

Leadership Communication skills Decision-making
Problem-solving skills Critical thinking Adaptability
Teamwork Time management Negotiation skills

What are the Benefits of Becoming an IPS Officer?

IPS officer is an attractive career choice with a range of benefits and opportunities. Some of the key benefits include.

  • Social Impact and Public Service: IPS Officers directly impact society by maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety. 
  • Prestige and Respect: IPS officers' role as law enforcers and protectors garner them respect and recognition in society. 
  • Job Security: IPS positions, generally offer high job security with permanent positions and retirement benefits. 
  • Career Growth: IPS Officers have career progression opportunities with promotions and advancements based on their performance, skills and experience. 

Salary of an IPS Officer

IPS Officers receive salaries based on the 7th pay commission in India. The base salary of an IPS officer is INR 56,100 per month. The highest salary of an IPS officer is of a DGP which earns up to INR 2.25 L per month. 

The average salaries for different IPS officer ranks are mentioned in the table below. 

Designations Average Monthly Salary (INR)
Director General of Police 2.25 L
Additional Director General of Police 2.05 L
Inspector General of Police 1.44 L
Deputy Inspector General of Police 1.31 L
Senior Superintendent of Police 78,800
Additional Superintendent of Police 67,700
Deputy Superintendent of Police 56,100

How to Become an IPS Officer: FAQs

Ques. What is the qualification for IPS?

Ans. Candidates are required to have a bachelor’s degree in any stream and have to clear the UPSC CSE exam. 

Ques. Can a 12th-pass candidate become an IPS Officer?

Ans. Yes, candidates who have cleared class 12 can become IPS Officers. They have to pursue a bachelor’s degree followed by clearing the UPSC CSE exam.

Ques. Can I become an IPS without the UPSC? 

Ans. No, to become an IPS officer it is mandatory to clear the UPSC CSE exam.

Ques. Can I become an IPS in 2 years?

Ans. Becoming an IPS officer involves clearing the UPSC CSE exam which generally takes more than 2 years. 

Ques. Is the IPS exam difficult?

Ans. Due to the comprehensive syllabus and extremely competitive nature, the IPS exam is considered challenging. 

Ques. Which is bigger IAS or IPS?

Ans. IAS officers are ranked top, followed by IPS Officers in All India Services. 

Ques. Does IPS require height?

Ans. Yes, there is a height requirement for selection in the IPS. Male candidates must be 165 cm tall while female candidates are required to be 150 cm. 

Ques. What subject is best for IPS?

Ans. There are no specific subjects for becoming an IPS officer. A bachelor’s degree is required which can be pursued in any stream. 

Ques. Is there an age limit for IPS?

Ans. The minimum age to appear in the exam is 21 years while the maximum is 32 years. There are age relaxations for reserved category students. 

Ques. Can I crack IPS on the first attempt?

Ans. Cracking IPS on the first attempt is possible, but it requires extensive preparation, dedication and a deep understanding of the exam’s content and format. 

Bachelor of Arts [BA] : 31 answered questions

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Ques. What is the minimum passing marks for BA in IGNOU?

● Top Answer By Shivani Bhat on 21 Nov 22

Ans. The passing marks at IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) are Theory - 30 out of 100 / 18 out of 50 Assignments - More than 50% If you fail to score 50% in assignments, you will have to resubmit them. If you score above 30 out of 100 or 18 out of 500 in theory, then you will pass without having submitted assignments. Percentage Calculation - Assignments- 30% weightage and Term End Examination- 70% weightage for FST (Foundation Course in Science & Technology) and FHS (Foundation Course in Humanities and Social Sciences).Read more
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Ques. How do I prepare for the BHU (BA) honors entrance exam?

● Top Answer By Jagriti Singh on 16 Nov 22

Ans. The BA (Hons.) entrance exam at BHU is quite easy. You can crack the exam by following these simple tips: Update yourself on the latest GK Solve all previous year's questions  Lucent’s GK is the best to prepare for this exam Go through the pattern of the paper and know your weaknesses and strengths. Get the BHU UET Social science guide (Arihant publication) and study it thoroughly. Keeping these tips in mind, score above 170 and you will get a decent rank.Read more
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Ques. How is life at JNU for MA students? Is it only hectic or do students have fun too?

● Top Answer By Akriti Banerjee on 04 Jul 23

Ans. My friend pursued his M.A. from JNU and according to him, he spent the best years of his life at JNU. He went to many well-renowned colleges and universities in the USA, however, JNU is unparalleled. At JNU, you will learn even when you are having fun. Female students feel safe on campus. Male students are respectful towards their female counterparts. There are no whistles or cat-calling incidents on campus. Females can walk fearlessly from one end of the campus to the other, even at midnight.  Life for M.A. students is very hectic at JNU. It is more challenging than one can expect. If you do not maintain a healthy work-life balance, you will end up spending all your time sitting in a corner with your laptop and books. Even your group discussions will end up being solely about studies. If you feel that it will be difficult for you to create a healthy balance between studies and enjoyment, you can join JNU as a Ph.D. student rather than as an M.A. student, you will then get more time to enjoy and experience life at JNU.Read more
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Ques. Which subjects come under a BA social science (Hons.) in BHU, Varanasi?

● Top Answer By Akanksha Rai on 16 Nov 22

Ans. There are two ways for a BA degree from BHU. One through the faculty of Arts and another one through the faculty of Social Sciences. The following subjects sone under a BA Social Science (Hons.) in BHU: Faculty of Arts- Economics History Political Science Sociology  Psychology  Mathematics Statistics Geography  Tourism and Travel Management  Faculty of Social Sciences- Ancient Indian History Culture and Archaeology  Arabic Archaeology and Museology  Applied Statistics Bengali Chinese Dance Education  English French Geography  German Hindi Home Science  History of Art Japanese Linguistics Marathi  Music Instrumental Music Vocal Nepali Office Management and secretarial practice  Pali Persian Philosophy  Physical Education  Painting  Psychology  Russian Sanskrit  Statistics  Telugu Tamil Travel and Tourism Management  UrduRead more
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Ques. What are average placements of BHU in LLB?

● Top Answer By Mayank Verma on 18 Nov 22

Ans. Almost 30 - 40 % of the students got placed. The highest salary package offered is 10 LPA , and the lowest salary package offered is 2 LPA. Top recruiting companies of our college are TCS, etc. Almost 50-60% of the students got an internship in firms, Sai & Associations, etc.Read more
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Ques. Can I apply for LLB after graduating B.A through IGNOU correspondence study?

● Top Answer By Devraj Mehta on 03 Nov 22

Ans. The eligibility criteria for various universities vary. Because IGNOU is a recognized university, you can certainly apply for admission to pursue LLB if you take the CET. The Bar Council of India does not recognize law degree programs completed through distance education, so IGNOU does not offer 3-year LLB, BA LLB, BBA LLB, or LLM programs. It should be noted that no entrance exam is required for IGNOU law programs (except for Ph.D. in Law). Candidates must simply register for IGNOU law programs by completing the application form and submitting their application fee, as well as the course fee.Read more
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Ques. What is BPP from IGNOU?

● Top Answer By Alok Thakkar on 21 Oct 22

Ans. The full form of BPP is Bachelor Preparatory Programme. Some important details of the course are as follows: Maximum duration  6 months Minimum duration 2 years Course fees INR 1000 Minimum age 18 years Maximum age No limit  The best part about the program is that it is eligible for almost everyone. No formal qualification is required for this course. BPP at IGNOU is specially designed for the ones who are willing to get a Bachelor's Degree from IGNOU but lack the required qualification i.e., passing 10+2. Because of this lack of qualification the students who haven’t passed 10+2 cannot apply for higher education anywhere. This programme has been designed to give such students an opportunity to enter higher education. Please note that this is just an enabling programme and not equivalent to 10+2.Read more
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Ques. Is there a semester system in IGNOU for BA courses?

● Top Answer By Anil Karki on 28 Oct 22

Ans. No, there is no semester system in IGNOU for BA courses. In IGNOU students are enrolled in two cycles (January and June). The submission of assignments and TEE (Term End Examination) is scheduled once a year. Although assignments can be submitted only once a year, there is a high chance that if you fail to appear in May or December TEE, you can appear for that particular subject on another cycle. For example, you enrolled in this course in 2021. If you wish to appear for June 2022 TEE, you are required to submit the assignments by March 30 2022. If you fail to appear or pass the TEE, you can appear for the same exam in December 2022.Read more
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Ques. Is it a good idea to graduate from IGNOU while simultaneously preparing for UPSC CSE? Exactly how tough is it to get a BA degree from IGNOU?

● Top Answer By Saurabh Mishra on 10 Nov 20

Ans. Indira Gandhi National Open University is a public university approved by NCTE and AICTE. It offers a number of open learning programs and is well known and recognized among a number of different organizations like the Association of Indian Universities, therefore, doing a B.A. degree from here is a good choice. The following points highlight important aspects of obtaining a B.A degree from the institute. Academics: The BA degrees at IGNOU offer a wide variety of core disciplines in subjects like Economics, Sociology, and Public Administration with a lot of the course work overlapping with UPSC preparations. The exams for the coursework are also designed such that they benefit the student if they are appearing for other exams like UPSC. IGNOU is known for its well-founded courses that ensure the best interests of the student. Depending on if one plans to choose a distance learning or open course degree, one can choose to appear for UPSC. BA degree from IGNOU: Obtaining a BA degree from the university depends upon if you are a part-time student at the institute or committed to full-time study. The former situation might be a little tough on the student. Students are continuously evaluated with assignments, marks from which are counted for the final result. Assignments carry a weightage of 30% of the total result. Students are barred from appearing for end term examinations if they miss an assignment. The major evaluation component is the term-end evaluation system which carries a total of 70% weightage. These exams are conducted twice a year. Students are expected to study from the course material provided and answer accordingly to the point. Most importantly, ensure that one is registered for the exam, failing which results are not declared. In conclusion, you can definitely prepare for the UPSC CSE at the same time as your BA degree. While it is not very tough to clear the BA degree, a habit of regular study will definitely help one obtain it with a good result.Read more
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Ques. Which course can I take after completing bpp from Indira Gandhi national open university? Can I go to other universities after bpp?

● Top Answer By Tausif Khan on 23 Jul 22

Ans. After completing BPP from IGNOU, you can opt for bachelors programs offered by the university. The BPP course is for students who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree from IGNOU but doesn’t have the required qualifications. No, you can’t join other universities after doing BPP from IGNOU. You will have to complete your bachelor's from IGNOU. The BPP course will have no value if you don’t complete your graduation. IGNOU also doesn’t issue certificates for BPP only. Read more
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