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How to Become an IPS Officer in India: A Complete Guide


To become an IPS (Indian Police Service) officer, you must first pass the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. Here are the steps to become an IPS officer:


Becoming an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer is a dream shared by thousands of aspirants. It’s a career that combines power, responsibility, and service to the nation—making it one of the most prestigious positions in India. However, the journey requires dedication, discipline, and smart preparation.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step roadmap to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) and earn your IPS badge.

🧾 1. Check Your Eligibility

Before you start preparing, ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria set by the UPSC:

🗺️ A. Nationality

  • Must be a citizen of India.

⏳ B. Age Limit

  • Minimum: 21 years

  • Maximum: 32 years (as of August 1 of the exam year)

  • Relaxations:

    • OBC: Up to 35 years

    • SC/ST: Up to 37 years

    • Ex-servicemen/PwBD: As per government norms

🎓 C. Education

  • A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

  • Final-year students can apply, but proof of graduation is needed before the interview.

💪 D. Physical Standards (for IPS)

Category Men Women
Height 165 cm 150 cm
Chest 84 cm + 5 cm expansion –
Vision 6/6 or 6/9 (correctable) Same

Note: Relaxations in height apply for ST and other specified communities.

🔁 E. Attempts Allowed

Category Max Attempts
General 6
OBC 9
SC/ST Unlimited (till age limit)

📝 2. Register for the UPSC Civil Services Exam

  • The exam is held once a year, usually in May/June.

  • Apply through the UPSC Official Website.

  • Application Fee: ₹100 (General/OBC); Free for SC/ST/PwBD.

🧠 3. Understand the Exam Pattern (3 Stages)

To become an IPS officer, you must clear all three stages of the UPSC CSE:

🧪 A. Preliminary Exam (Objective Type)

  • Paper 1: General Studies (200 marks)

  • Paper 2: CSAT (Qualifying – 200 marks)

  • Only Paper 1 is counted for merit ranking.

✍️ B. Mains Exam (Descriptive Type)

  • Total 9 papers: Essay, GS I-IV, Optional Papers, and Compulsory Language Papers.

  • Total Marks: 1750

🎤 C. Personality Test (Interview)

  • 275 marks

  • Tests your analytical thinking, communication, leadership, and overall personality.

✅ Pro Tip: Choose an optional subject you’re confident in (e.g., Sociology, Public Administration, History).

🎯 4. Training at SVPNPA, Hyderabad

Once selected, IPS trainees undergo intense training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA).

📌 Training includes:

  • Physical fitness drills

  • Weapon handling

  • Law and ethics

  • Leadership and field training

🎖️ 5. Career Progression in the IPS

  • Entry-Level: Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)

  • Promotions: SP → DIG → IG → ADGP → DGP (Top Rank)

  • Key Roles: Law enforcement, intelligence, counter-terrorism, disaster management, VIP security, and more.

📚 6. Preparation Tips to Crack the IPS Path

✅ Start at least 1–2 years in advance
✅ Build your foundation with NCERT textbooks (Class 6–12)
✅ Read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express daily
✅ Practice previous year papers and take regular mock tests
✅ Join coaching (optional) – if you need structure or mentorship

💬 Final Thoughts

Becoming an IPS officer is about more than just passing exams. It’s about serving with integrity, courage, and commitment. With a well-planned strategy and consistent effort, this dream is absolutely achievable.

🚀 Start your journey today!

📌 Recommended Resources

📘 Books:

  • Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth

  • India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipan Chandra

  • NCERT History, Geography, Economics (Class 6–12)

🌐 Websites:

🎥 YouTube Channels:

  • Unacademy

  • Drishti IAS

  • Vision IAS

✍️ Want a Study Plan or Personalized Booklist? Drop a comment or DM me! I’d love to help. 😊

Let me know if you’d like to convert this into a downloadable PDF, a Pinterest graphic, or even a YouTube script!

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