IPS Officer – Power, Uniform, How to Become IPS Officer

IPS Officer: Becoming an Indian Police Service Officer is a prestigious and challenging career path that offers the opportunity to serve the nation with dedication and uphold the principles of justice and law. As an IPS officer, you become an integral part of the nation’s law enforcement machinery, responsible for maintaining peace, order, and security. To embark on your journey of becoming an IPS Officer, you must first clear all three Stages of the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

How to Become an IPS Officer?

To become an IPS Officer, you must adhere to the UPSC eligibility criteria mentioned in its official notification, released every year in the month of February. The eligibility criteria to appear for UPSC Civil Services Examination are as:

•  be a citizen of India
•  hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
• The minimum age requirement is usually 21 years, while the upper age limit varies according to the candidate’s category.

Physical Fitness Requirements to Become an IPS Officer

Apart from the educational qualifications and clearing the Civil Services Examination, aspiring IPS officers must also meet certain physical eligibility criteria to be eligible for selection. According to the official UPSC Notification, the physical standards are set to ensure that candidates are physically fit and capable of handling the demanding responsibilities of law enforcement. Here are the physical eligibility criteria for becoming an IPS officer:

Height Requirements:

• For Men: The minimum height required is 165 cm
• For Women: The minimum height required is 150 cm

Relaxation in Height Requirements:

For candidates belonging to certain categories like Scheduled Tribes (ST) and races such as Gorkhas, Garhwalis, Assamese, Kumaonis, Nagaland Tribals, etc., the minimum height requirement is relaxed to 160 cm for men and 145 cm for women.

Chest Girth Requirements:

• For Men: The minimum chest girth required is 84 cm
• For Women: The minimum chest girth required is 79 cm

Visual Standards:

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): The maximum allowable limit for myopia is -4.00D, including the cylinder
• Hyper-Myopia (Farsightedness): The maximum allowable limit for hyper-myopia is +4.00D, including the cylinder
• Squint: Candidates with squint will be disqualified
• Spectacles: Wearing spectacles is allowed, provided the visual acuity meets the required standards

Distant Vision:

• Better Eye or Corrected Vision: The distant vision should be 6/6 or 6/9
• Worse Eye or Uncorrected Vision: The distant vision should be 6/12 or 6/9

Near Vision: J1 and J2 should be the near vision, respectively.

IPS Officer Qualification

Here are the following Education Qualification required to become an IPS Officer:

• Prospective candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university duly authorised by the UGC.
• Aspiring candidates in their final year of high school are also eligible to apply for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, providing an opportunity for early preparation and engagement.
• The discipline pursued during graduation holds no bearing on eligibility; candidates from diverse academic backgrounds can also apply.
• Individuals who have successfully completed the final level of professional courses from esteemed organisations such as ICAI, ICSI, CMA, etc., are also eligible to become an IPS Officer.

IPS Officer Uniform

The uniform of an IPS Officer is generally designed for practicality, professionalism, and recognition. The following description provides an overview of the typical IPS officer uniform:

• The formal dress uniform of an IPS officer typically consists of a khaki shirt and trousers. Khaki is a common colour choice for police uniforms in India as it helps to blend well with the environment and provides a professional appearance.
• The shirt is usually long-sleeved with shoulder straps, indicating the officer’s rank and designation.
• The trousers are also in khaki and have a straight-leg design.
• An important accessory of the IPS officer uniform is the black leather belt, which includes a shiny metal buckle bearing the emblem of the Indian Police Service.
• The officer’s nameplate is often attached to the uniform, displaying their name and designation.
• IPS officers usually wear a peaked cap or a police hat in khaki colour. The cap is adorned with a metallic cap badge that typically bears the national emblem of India or the emblem of the Indian Police Service.
• Black formal shoes are a standard part of the IPS officer’s uniform.
• On ceremonial occasions, IPS officers may wear a ceremonial dress uniform, which includes additional elements like ceremonial swords, medals, and other insignia denoting their rank and achievements.

IPS Officer Training

Once you have cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination and gotten selected for the position of an IPS Officer, you undergo a comprehensive assessment period of two years. During the initial three months of this period, you attend the Foundation Course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. This course is common training for IAS, IPS, and IFS officers and aims to provide them with a solid foundation for their future roles.

After completing the Foundation Course, the candidates chosen as IPS Officer proceed to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad for 11 months of intensive academic training. At the NPA, you undergo a combination of indoor and outdoor training, which equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfil law enforcement duties effectively. This training period is designed to mould you into capable and responsible IPS officers ready to serve the nation with dedication and integrity.

Roles and Responsibilities of an IPS Officer

The roles and responsibilities of an IPS officer encompass a diverse range of crucial tasks, from maintaining law and order and combating crime to ensuring public safety and national security. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to upholding justice are vital in serving the nation and safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.

• Maintaining Law and Order: One of the primary responsibilities of an IPS officer is to maintain law and order within their designated jurisdiction. They are tasked with overseeing crime prevention, investigations, and implementing measures to ensure the safety of communities.
• Investigating and Solving Crimes: IPS officers play a vital role in investigating complex criminal cases, such as homicides, robberies, and fraud. They lead teams of officers to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and apprehend suspects to bring criminals to justice.
• Counterterrorism and National Security: IPS officers contribute significantly to counterterrorism efforts and national security. They collaborate with intelligence agencies and law enforcement bodies to prevent and combat terrorist activities that could harm the nation.
• Intelligence Gathering and Analysis: IPS officers collect and analyse intelligence to stay ahead of criminal activities. They collaborate with intelligence agencies and other law enforcement bodies to thwart potential threats.
• Maintaining Discipline within the Police Force: As leaders, IPS officers maintain discipline and integrity within the police force. They conduct regular training and instil ethical values, fostering a professional and accountable police force.
• Public Order Management: During public gatherings, protests, or large-scale events, IPS officers manage public order to prevent any potential disruptions and ensure peaceful proceedings.

How to Become an IPS Officer after 12th?

The path to becoming an IPS officer begins with clearing the prestigious Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission every year. After graduating from a recognised University, you can apply for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. UPSC CSE is a three-tier examination that includes the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and the Personal Interview (Personality Test).

• Preliminary Examination: The first stage comprises two objective-type papers – General Studies and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Candidates who qualify the cut-off marks are selected for the Main Examination.
• Main Examination: The UPSC Mains Examination is a written exam consisting of nine papers, including one Essay paper and two papers on the candidate’s chosen optional subjects. The other papers test candidates’ knowledge in various areas, such as General Studies, Indian Language, and English.
• Personality Test: Those who clear the Main Examination are called for the Personality Test, where a panel of experts assesses the candidate’s mental alertness, communication skills, leadership qualities, and overall suitability for the role of an IPS officer.

Qualities and Attributes of an IPS Officer

After clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination, candidates get the opportunity to select their preferred services, such as IAS, IPS, IFS, or other Group A and Group B services. You must fill in your cadre and service preference in your DAF Form.

To excel in the role of an IPS officer, certain qualities and attributes are essential:

• Leadership Skills: IPS officers must exhibit strong leadership skills to guide their team effectively and make critical decisions during challenging situations.
• Physical and Mental Fitness: The job of an IPS officer demands physical endurance and mental strength to handle stressful and high-pressure situations.
• Dedication and Integrity: Upholding the principles of honesty, integrity, and impartiality is crucial for an IPS officer to maintain public trust and confidence.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: IPS officers need to think analytically and quickly resolve complex issues to maintain law and order effectively.

Becoming an IPS officer is a dream shared by many individuals who wish to contribute significantly to society and make a positive impact on people’s lives. The journey to becoming an IPS officer demands dedication, hard work, and a passion for public service. With the right blend of education, preparation, and qualities, you can turn your dream into reality and serve the nation with pride and honour as an IPS officer by clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination.