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Indian Police Service — heads police forces, intelligence, CBI. Cleared via UPSC CSE.

What they actually do

IPS officers start as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) at 24, move through SP/DCP, DIG, IG, ADG, DGP. Specialisations include law-and-order, crime branch, intelligence (IB, RAW), CBI, anti-corruption, traffic, etc.

A typical day

• Field supervision + crime scene visits
• Force command + briefings
• Coordination with district admin (IAS Collector)
• Investigation oversight on major cases
• VIP security + bandobast for events

How to become a IPS Officer

1 viable paths.

• Bachelor's → UPSC CSE → IPS

  Same exam as IAS. IPS is roughly 2nd preference for most UPSC clearers (after IAS).

  UPSC Civil Services →

Salary bands by experience

Wide bands — real salary depends on city, employer, performance. Pick the midpoint for planning.

• ASP (0-4 yr)₹8 - ₹12 LPA

  Same scale as IAS. Plus uniform allowance + ration money + risk allowance.

• SP/DCP (4-9 yr)₹12 - ₹18 LPA
• IG (16+ yr)₹20 - ₹30 LPA
• DGP (28+ yr)₹30 - ₹45 LPA

Career growth + employers

ASP → SP/DCP → SSP → DIG → IG → ADGP → DGP. Optional secondments to IB/RAW/CBI/NIA at various levels.

Honest pros + cons

Demand outlook

Stable. India has ~5k IPS officers; ~150 added yearly via UPSC.

Related careers

• IAS Officer

  Indian Administrative Service — top-tier civil servant. Multi-year prep; 0.2% clear rate.

• Armed Forces Officer

  Army, Navy, Air Force commissioned officer. Multiple entry routes; service to nation.

Relevant exams

• UPSC PRELIMS