How to Become an IPS Officer: Eligibility, Exam, Physical Standards & Training
A complete guide to becoming an IPS officer through the UPSC Civil Services Exam — eligibility, age limit, physical and medical standards, the selection stages and training.
The IPS (Indian Police Service) is the premier police service of India. Like the IAS, the only entry route is the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) — your rank and preferences decide whether you're allotted the IPS.
Role of an IPS officer
IPS officers lead the police forces of states and central organisations — as Superintendents of Police, in the IB, CBI, and central armed police forces. The work spans law and order, crime investigation, and internal security.
Eligibility
| Requirement | Details (confirm on the latest notification) |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Education | Graduate degree in any stream |
| Age | 21–32 years (General); relaxations as per category |
| Attempts | 6 (General), 9 (OBC), unlimited for SC/ST within age |
Physical and medical standards
Unlike the IAS, the IPS has physical requirements. As an indicative guide (verify the official notice):
- Height: approximately 165 cm for men, 150 cm for women (relaxations for certain categories).
- Chest: minimum girth with expansion for men.
- Eyesight: prescribed standards for distant and near vision.
The selection process
The exam is identical to the IAS route — Prelims → Mains → Interview — with the same syllabus. After the final merit list, services are allotted by rank and candidate preference, followed by a medical and physical examination for the IPS.
- Prelims: two objective papers (GS + CSAT).
- Mains: nine descriptive papers including an optional subject.
- Personality Test: the final interview.
Training
Selected IPS officers undergo foundation training at LBSNAA, Mussoorie, followed by specialised police training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVP NPA), Hyderabad.
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Related: How to Become a Police Sub-Inspector · How to Become a Defence Officer