Indian Police Service (IPS) Ranks, Duties, Cutoffs
If you’re preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam and have your sights set on the Indian Police Service (IPS), you’re aiming for one of the most prestigious and challenging careers in the country. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant at 18 or a serious repeater at 30, this guide will walk you through everything — from IPS ranks and roles to cutoff trends, service allocation, and what it takes to wear the uniform.
What is the Indian Police Service (IPS)?
The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the three All India Services, along with the IAS and IFS. IPS officers are responsible for:
- Enforcing law and order
- Preventing and investigating crimes
- Leading police and paramilitary forces
- Ensuring VIP security, anti-terror operations, and internal intelligence
They serve not only in states but also in central agencies like the CBI, IB, RAW, NIA, NSG, and more. Every IPS officer begins their journey with strong foundational values, strategic leadership, and rigorous physical and mental training.
Complete IPS Rank Structure & Responsibilities
Here’s the full list of IPS ranks, insignia, and their core responsibilities:
UPSC Rank Required to Get IPS (Category-Wise)
Here are the general trends from recent years (based on final ranks and marks):
| Category | Approx. Last Rank for IPS | Total Marks Range |
| General | 220–230 | 1000–1010 |
| OBC | 450–460 | 970–985 |
| SC | 600–620 | 940–955 |
| ST | 650–700 | 920–940 |
IPS Training & Career Growth
After selection, IPS officers:
- Spend 1 year at the Police Academy (with physical training, weapons handling, law, IPC, cybercrime, and field exercises)
- Get first posting as Assistant SP in a district
- Rise through the ranks: SP → SSP → DIG → IGP → ADGP → DGP
At every stage, responsibilities grow — from handling district law and order to managing multi-state operations or leading central forces like CRPF, BSF, or CBI.
Roles in Central Services for IPS Officers
IPS officers can go on deputation to:
- Intelligence Bureau (IB)
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- National Investigation Agency (NIA)
- Research & Analysis Wing (RAW)
- Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP)
- United Nations Peacekeeping Forces
These assignments are prestigious and highly impactful.
Top 3 Traits UPSC Toppers Share Who Get IPS:
- Discipline – Consistent with daily study hours, answer writing, and mock tests.
- Courage – Ready to serve in high-pressure areas, especially naxal-hit or riot-prone zones.
- Integrity – Ethics, honesty, and a strong commitment to public welfare.
Free UPSC Strategy Session – Targeting IPS in 2025?
Join our Free Online UPSC Seminar this Saturday at 4 PM, led by Naman Sir (Director, Naman IAS Academy).
You will learn:
- UPSC-specific study plans for Prelims, Mains & Interview
- Real toppers’ answer sheet breakdowns
- How to boost General Studies & Essay scores
Register Free: https://namaniasacademy.com/seminar/free-upsc-seminar
