Indian Police Service
All India Service officer providing senior leadership to state, central and paramilitary police forces.
Overview
The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the three All India services, the other two being IAS and IFS. IPS officers provide senior level leadership to police forces, both at the state and central level and also to the paramilitary forces (BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, NSG and SSB).
Where they work
- State Police machinery and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), employed by the State and Central Government
Work environment
Your job role will need you to work both indoors and outdoors. You will handle a team of officials. Local travel is a part of the job profile. It is a transferrable job. You are likely to work 5 to 6 days a week and 8 to 9 hours every day.
Opportunities for differently abled exist in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are an ambitious person.
- You like trying to help people solve their problems.
- You are quick to take on new responsibilities.
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
- 1No specific certification is required, but candidates may pursue short-term courses in general studies, public administration, or current affairs to build foundational knowledge for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) preparation.
- 2A Diploma in Public Administration, Political Science, or Criminal Law can be helpful in understanding the basics of law enforcement and administrative work.
- 3A Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a government-recognized university is mandatory to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
- 4Although not required, a Master's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Law, or Criminal Justice can deepen your understanding of governance and law enforcement, which may be beneficial during the interview stage or while serving.
Forms, exams and applications
Entry is through the UPSC Civil Services Examination. A bachelor's degree in any discipline is the only mandatory qualification. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Central Detective Training Institutes (CDTIs), various locations in India
- Indian Police Academy, various locations in India
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Chanakya IAS Academy, New Delhi
- Vajiram & Ravi, New Delhi
- ALS IAS Academy, New Delhi
- Civil Services Coaching Institute, various locations in India
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Deputy Superintendent of Police
- 2Assistant Superintendent of Police
- 3Superintendent of Police
- 4Deputy Inspector General of Police
- 5Inspector General of Police
- 6Additional Director General of Police
- 7Director General of Police
Expected income
₹56,100 – ₹2,70,000 per month or more
This is the approximate salary of an IPS officer. The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Indian Administrative Service
Holds key administrative positions across the Union and state governments.
Sub-inspector of Police
Middle-management police officer who runs police stations, investigates crime and supervises constables.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to public service.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Renuka Mishra — Currently leads the State Special Investigation Team of the Uttar Pradesh Police. She has thirty-two years' experience in policing. She has an M.A. in Criminal Justice/Police Science from the Annamalai University.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 577 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://timespro.com/blog/a-comprehensive-guide-to-ips-salary-structure-in-india
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.