Becoming an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in India requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to serving the nation. Here are the general steps you need to follow:
- Educational Qualifications: You must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. There is no specific stream or subject requirement, but having a background in law, criminology, or public administration can be advantageous.
- Appear for the Civil Services Examination (CSE): The IPS officers are recruited through the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India. The CSE is held in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview).
- Clear the Preliminary Examination: This exam consists of two objective-type papers – General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT). It serves as a screening test, and only those who qualify are eligible to appear for the Main Examination.
- Clear the Main Examination: The Main Examination is a written examination consisting of nine papers, out of which seven are counted for merit ranking. These include Essay, General Studies (4 papers), and Optional Subjects (2 papers).
- Appear for the Personality Test (Interview): Candidates who qualify the Main Examination are called for an interview conducted by the UPSC. The interview aims to assess the candidate’s suitability for a career in the civil services, including the IPS.
- Final Selection and Training: Based on the candidate’s performance in the Main Examination and the Personality Test, a final merit list is prepared by the UPSC. Candidates who are ranked high enough and meet the eligibility criteria are selected for training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. After completing the training, candidates are allotted various services including the IPS based on their rank and preference.
- Training at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy: After the initial training at LBSNAA, IPS officers undergo specialized training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad, Telangana.
It’s essential to note that the Civil Services Examination is highly competitive, and candidates need thorough preparation, dedication, and a clear understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern. Additionally, maintaining physical fitness and a clean record are also crucial for aspiring IPS officers.
