IPS FULL FORM

IPS is a highly respected and prestigious service responsible for maintaining the internal security of India. The Iron Man of India Mr. Sardar Vallab Bhai Patel called it a fundamental pillars of the Indian democracy along with the Indian Administrative Service.

1. Maintain peace and order - IPS officers have power to use force and police areas to prevent crime.
2. Border services - Guarding the Indian border to maintain nation's security and territorial integrity.
3. VIP security - IPS officers also see to security of key public functionaries like Ministers.
4. Investigating Economic Offences & Cybercrimes - With the evolution of role they also nab economic and cyber offenders.
5. Investigation: Detection, and also collection of data to promote safety and security.
6. Prison System:IPS officers oversee prisons in the country.
7. Leading and commanding the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI), Crime Investigation Department in States(CID), and also Central Armed Police Forces(CAPF) in all the states and the UTs.
8. IPS officers also serve as HoDs in policymaking in various Ministries and Departments under Centre and state.
9. Coordination of Security Services - In close contact with Other All India Services, Armed Forces, Protection Services in the country for comprehensive security detail.

Mental/Intellectual:

• Analytical Ability: Analyze situations quickly and make fair decisions.
• Problem-Solving: Find solutions to complex issues and prevent violence/disorder.
• Clear Thinking: Approach situations logically and objectively.
• Legal Knowledge: Possess thorough understanding of law and regulations.

Personal:

• Strong Willpower & Determination: Persevere through challenges and achieve goals.
• Hardworking & Diligent: Dedicated to continuous learning and improvement.
• Empathy & Sensitivity: Understand and respond to people's needs and aspirations.
• Effective Communication: Express ideas clearly and listen actively to others.

Physical:

• Physical Fitness: Maintain good health and stamina for demanding situations.
• Mental Alertness: Stay focused and sharp under pressure.

A Pay Commission is appointed by Central Government to regularly review. Salaries given to Central Government officers to keep their pay up to date with inflation. The latest, i.e. the 7th Pay Commission has suggested the following salaries for officers of the IPS Cadre:

Perks:A IPS officer has a respectable salary on top of which they get perks which guarantee a comfortable life for them. They have the power to make a difference in the lives of millions of people. They also get huge respect in society.

• Accommodation: IPS officers get luxurious houses as accommodation free of cost according to their seniority and ranks. They get other support for upkeep of the house as well like househelp, cook, gardener, etc.
• Transport: To be able to do their job well, IPC officers are given vehicles and designated drivers.
• Security: IPS officers hold difficult and powerful positions, this endangers their life. Hence protection is provided to them and their families.
• Bills: The bills are generally free or highly subsidized and it includes water, electricity, phone and gas connections
• Trips: Travel for work is paid by the government. Even Leave Travel Allowance is given.
• Study Leaves: After being in service for 7 years an IPS officer can apply for study leave on the condition that they sign a bond for continuing service after that.
• Job Security: Article 311 of the Indian Constitution provides security of tenure and a difficult process for removal from job only after an extensive investigation.
• Retirement Benefits
  • National Pension Scheme: During service an IPS officer and the government make contributions to the NPS which can be utilized post retirement. These are tax free deposits and benefits.
  • Post Retirement Positions: After retirement, IPS officers can easily be appointed to commissions and other government/ social service positions.

These are the main benefits however other perks dependent from place to place.

Dress Code of IPS Officers: While on Duty, IPS officers are required to wear Khaki uniforms as per specifications in the India Police Service (Uniform) Rules, 1954.

Cadres & Postings of IPS Officers: The cadre allocation policy was changed in 2017 and following was provided: -

• 5 Zones: All states and union territories are divided into 5 zones
  • Zone I: AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories), Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana.
  • Zone II: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha.
  • Zone III: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
  • Zone IV: West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam-Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura and Nagaland.
  • Zone V: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
• Allocation Process: The IPS officer has to indicate descending order of preference in choosing a service.

The UPSC/ IPS Civil Services Exam (CSE) is a long journey that requires around 1-2 years of dedication during the preparation and around another year of the exam process which begins in May/ June and lasts till February/ March of the next year. You need to do the following to secure your selection

• Know the exam pattern, eligibility and syllabus For this you must read the notification minutely.
• Know PYQs: By solving previous year's question papers of 5-10 years, you can develop a better understanding of the UPSC exam pattern and the types of questions that are asked. You can also identify the important topics that are frequently tested in the exam. This will help you focus your preparation on the most important areas.
• Decide When to Attempt CSE The Prelims Exam is conducted in May/ June every year. Accordingly, one can estimate when to give their attempt keeping in mind the eligibility requirement (maximum age of the candidate) and the time they have to prepare.
• Prepare A Strategy: Based on the needs, educational background and abilities of a student, they need to prepare their plan. Inspiration can be taken from how previous toppers from your field/ or of your temperament have prepared. These topper's preparation strategies are available on our 'Topper's Journey' tab. The plan will also depend on the time available for preparation. Some candidates are working professionals, some are college students, and some others take a drop year to focus completely on preparation. Choice of self-study or going for coaching/ test series should also be made at this stage. There are many affordable and accessible Study Courses available at Chahal IAS Academy to meet the needs of all kinds of candidates.
• Choose an Optional:This is a big decision to take as you will invest around 2-4 months in optional preparation and you can find more details about this in our article 'How to choose an optional subject for IAS-UPSC Exam?'
• Finalise your Sources:Basic books like NCERTS form the backbone of the preparation. Our article on 'Comprehensive Reference Materials for UPSC- CSE Exam' will give you a ready book list, curated by experts, to get started immediately.
• Covering current affairs smartlyis important to crack the Prelims Exam. Reading a newspaper and other current affairs material regularly is very important. 'How to Start Current Affairs Preparation for IAS/IPS/UPSC Civil Services Exam' will equip you to tackle this challenge
• Make a Time Table & Notes:Timelines and schedules are necessary to keep yourself on track in this very long journey. A daily study plan will help you manage your time effectively and avoid feeling overwhelmed. This plan should incorporate regular revisions and also focus on mock tests to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, regular answer-writing practice is essential for improving your skills.

• Overburdened: High vacancy rates and large population lead to excessive workload.
• Long Working Hours: Limited time for personal life and potential burnout.
• Outdated Equipment: Lack of modern technology and tools impacts efficiency. Due to funding issues and bureaucratic delays this situation persist.
• High Stress: Constant exposure to challenging situations can affect mental health. You are routinely looking at crime scenes, dead bodies and interacting with the criminal side of society.
• Physical Fitness Requirements: The service is physically challenging and requires that you exercise regularly.

1. What is the full form of IPS?

The full form of IPS is Indian Police Services.

2. What are the ways in which one can become an IPS officer?

1. By clearing the UPSC - Civil Services Exam or
2. Through promotion from State Police Services.

3. What is the initial salary of an IPS officer?

The entry level salary of an IPS officer is around 56,100 rupees. However it increases with Pay Commissions as inflation is taken into account through payment of Dearness Allowance.