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How to Become an IPS Officer, Complete Guide

To become an IPS officer one must clear UPSC CSE. Find step by step guide on how to become an IPS Officer starting from the UPSC exam to training here.

Deeksha Dixit9 Apr, 2025

How to Become an IPS Officer? The answer is by clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination and achieving the desired rank. The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the most prestigious branches of the All India Services, responsible for providing leadership to police forces across the country. Established in 1948, the IPS replaced the Indian Imperial Police following India's independence from British rule. The service is governed by Article 312 of the Indian Constitution and is alongside the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) in the All India Services.

To become an IPS officer, candidates must pass the CSE conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) with a good rank and fulfill specific rank and physical requirements. Continue reading for a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to become an IPS officer!

Eligibility Criteria for IPS Officer

The first step in this challenging journey is to become familiar with the criteria that UPSC mandates to be eligible to apply for the IPS exam. There are specified eligibility criteria that must be met by all candidates if their goal is to become an IPS officer. As per the latest notification, here are the basic requirements:

Citizenship: You must be a citizen of India.
Age: You must be between 21 and 32 years of age. The maximum age for the OBC category is 35 years, and for the SC/ST category, it is 37 years.
Education: You must have either completed graduation or be appearing in the final year and will be getting your final degree by the specified time allowed by the commission.

Physical Eligibility for IPS Officer

Since IPS is a technical service responsible for law and order, some fitness requirements are necessary for them to discharge their duties. Here are the minimum physical fitness criteria that will be checked during the medical exam:

Physical Fitness Criteria
Requirement	Men	Women
Height (Relaxation applies)	Minimum 165 cm	Minimum 150 cm
Chest Girth	Minimum 84 cm	Minimum 79 cm
Visual Standards	-	-
Myopia (Nearsightedness)	Maximum -4.00D including cylinder	Maximum -4.00D including cylinder
Hyper-Myopia (Farsightedness)	Maximum +4.00D including cylinder	Maximum +4.00D including cylinder
Squint	Disqualified	Disqualified
Spectacles	Allowed if visual acuity meets standards	Allowed if visual acuity meets standards
Distant Vision	Better eye: 6/6 or 6/9; Worse eye: 6/12 or 6/9	Better eye: 6/6 or 6/9; Worse eye: 6/12 or 6/9
Near Vision	J1 and J2 respectively	J1 and J2 respectively

How to Become an IPS Officer?

To become an IPS officer in India, candidates need to undergo the UPSC CSE exam, which is followed by rigorous training at SVPNPA, Hyderabad. Since the exam is highly competitive and only a few of the lakhs of candidates applying are selected, experts recommend aspirants start their preparation at least a year in advance. For instance, if you have decided to become an IPS officer recently, target next year's exam. You have to follow the given steps to become an IPS officer if you have made up your mind:

Start your preparation one year before the exam by becoming familiar with the exam pattern and process.
Complete the majority of the syllabus before UPSC releases the notification for the IPS exam or UPSC CSE.
Once the UPSC notification is out, fill out the form accurately as soon as possible if you want to get the desired exam centers for Prelims and Mains.
Now the exam will be held in three stages: UPSC Prelims, UPSC Mains, and Personality Test.
Clear each stage with a special focus on scoring high marks in UPSC Mains and the interview. You need to simply qualify prelim exam stage as its marks are not considered for the merit list.
Finally, if you're selected, you'll go through physical training at the academy before getting posted as an IPS officer.

Also Read: How to Become an IAS Officer

Step By Step Guide to Become an IPS Officer

Before starting, you must understand that IPS officers are responsible for various crucial roles, including maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crimes, and ensuring internal security. This is why you must start developing aptitude along with the required skillset for this challenging role. Here is the step-by-step guide to clear the exam to become an IPS officer:

Step 1 - Build a Strong Foundation

Go through the syllabus and pick your UPSC study material wisely. This is an essential step as the foundation of your preparation heavily relies on textbooks and resources you are using. Include NCERTs for basic concepts, standard books, for in-depth understanding, and additional reference materials for conceptual clarity.

Step 2 - Enroll in any Coaching or Take Guidance

While coaching may be optional, candidates must take guidance from seniors or mentors that will not just save their time and effort but also keep them on the right track during preparation. You can join online courses at Physics Wallah to access a well-organized study plan, expert guidance, live lectures, mock tests, and support throughout your journey.

Step 3 - Disciplined Study and Regular Revision

Adhere to a daily study routine by ensuring that you are studying for 8 to 10 hours daily. Complete each topic of the syllabus and make concise notes for revision purposes. If you are taking a class avoid missing any lectures or procrastinating to revise modules. Solve previous years' question papers after finishing each subject to find out gaps in learning.

Step 4 - Practice Mock Tests and Improve

Participate in regular mock tests by enrolling in the Prelims and Mains test series. This will help to improve time management skills and learn the skills required for both stages. Analyze your performance in these tests to identify and work on your weaknesses. If you are having any doubts do not hesitate to reach out to your mentors.

Books for UPSC Exam Preparation

Step 5 - Prepare for All Stages of the Exam

As the exam approaches, modify your strategy to suit the respective stage. For example, in the Preliminary exam candidates will be screened through two qualifying papers: General Studies (GS) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). In mains, there will be 9 papers worth 1750 marks and during the interview, personality will be evaluated.

Step 6 - Clear Each Stage to Get a Decent Rank

To become an IPS officer, merely scoring above the cut-off is not sufficient since UPSC CSE is conducted for a total of 24 services. You must aim to achieve a decent rank, which requires excelling in both the written exam and interview. Strive to attain a high score out of 2,025 marks to get one of the top ranks in the merit list. This will enhance your chances of becoming an IPS officer by getting your dream service during service allotment.

Also Read - UPSC Prelims Marking Scheme

IPS Officer Training

After getting selected and recommended for IPS, you need to complete a two-year probationary period at LBSNAA in Mussoorie (optional Foundation Course) and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad. At SVPNPA mandatory and specialized training for 11 months in various Indoor and Outdoor subjects will be conducted. The training curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including modern policing techniques, criminal laws, forensic science, and leadership principles. IPS recruits are also trained in ethical conduct, human rights, and the use of information and communication technology in law enforcement. This holistic approach ensures that IPS officers are well-prepared to tackle the diverse challenges associated with their designation.

Do you want to become an IPS officer? Start your preparation with Physics Wallah's UPSC Online courses!

UPSC Related Articles
UPSC Prelims Questions	UPSC CSE Cut Off	UPSC Mains Test Series
UPSC Study Material	UPSC Scholarship Test	UPSC Result

How to Become an IPS Officer? FAQs

How to become an IPS officer after the 12th?

To become an IPS officer after completing 12th grade, you must first pursue a bachelor's degree. Then, clear the three stages UPSC CSE exam. You can enroll in UPSC Prarambh 2027 to balance your preparation and college studies.

What to study to become an IPS officer?

Candidates can study any course in their bachelor's degree, as UPSC does not specify courses for IPS.

Is it hard to become IPS?

Yes. The exam and training are equally difficult, but with determination, candidates can achieve this milestone.

How many attempts for the IPS exam?

There are 6 attempts allowed for IPS, this limit is relaxed with 9 attempts to OBC and unlimited for SC/ST.

Does IPS need height?

Yes, there is a specific requirement for height in IPS which is 165 cm for male candidates and 150 cm for females.

Where is the IPS training center located?

The IPS training center is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

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Eligibility Criteria for IPS Officer

Citizenship: You must be a citizen of India.
Age: You must be between 21 and 32 years of age. The maximum age for the OBC category is 35 years, and for the SC/ST category, it is 37 years.
Education: You must have either completed graduation or be appearing in the final year and will be getting your final degree by the specified time allowed by the commission.

Physical Eligibility for IPS Officer

Physical Fitness Criteria
Requirement	Men	Women
Height (Relaxation applies)	Minimum 165 cm	Minimum 150 cm
Chest Girth	Minimum 84 cm	Minimum 79 cm
Visual Standards	-	-
Myopia (Nearsightedness)	Maximum -4.00D including cylinder	Maximum -4.00D including cylinder
Hyper-Myopia (Farsightedness)	Maximum +4.00D including cylinder	Maximum +4.00D including cylinder
Squint	Disqualified	Disqualified
Spectacles	Allowed if visual acuity meets standards	Allowed if visual acuity meets standards
Distant Vision	Better eye: 6/6 or 6/9; Worse eye: 6/12 or 6/9	Better eye: 6/6 or 6/9; Worse eye: 6/12 or 6/9
Near Vision	J1 and J2 respectively	J1 and J2 respectively

How to Become an IPS Officer?

Start your preparation one year before the exam by becoming familiar with the exam pattern and process.
Complete the majority of the syllabus before UPSC releases the notification for the IPS exam or UPSC CSE.
Once the UPSC notification is out, fill out the form accurately as soon as possible if you want to get the desired exam centers for Prelims and Mains.
Now the exam will be held in three stages: UPSC Prelims, UPSC Mains, and Personality Test.
Clear each stage with a special focus on scoring high marks in UPSC Mains and the interview. You need to simply qualify prelim exam stage as its marks are not considered for the merit list.
Finally, if you're selected, you'll go through physical training at the academy before getting posted as an IPS officer.

Also Read: How to Become an IAS Officer

Step By Step Guide to Become an IPS Officer

Step 1 - Build a Strong Foundation

Step 2 - Enroll in any Coaching or Take Guidance

Step 3 - Disciplined Study and Regular Revision

Step 4 - Practice Mock Tests and Improve

Books for UPSC Exam Preparation

Step 5 - Prepare for All Stages of the Exam

Step 6 - Clear Each Stage to Get a Decent Rank

Also Read - UPSC Prelims Marking Scheme

IPS Officer Training

Do you want to become an IPS officer? Start your preparation with Physics Wallah's UPSC Online courses!

UPSC Related Articles
UPSC Prelims Questions	UPSC CSE Cut Off	UPSC Mains Test Series
UPSC Study Material	UPSC Scholarship Test	UPSC Result

How to Become an IPS Officer, Complete Guide

Eligibility Criteria for IPS Officer

Physical Eligibility for IPS Officer

Enroll Now for UPSC Online Course

How to Become an IPS Officer?

Step By Step Guide to Become an IPS Officer

IPS Officer Training

How to Become an IPS Officer? FAQs

How to become an IPS officer after the 12th?

What to study to become an IPS officer?

Is it hard to become IPS?

How many attempts for the IPS exam?

Does IPS need height?

Where is the IPS training center located?

How to Become an IPS Officer? FAQs

How to become an IPS officer after the 12th?

What to study to become an IPS officer?

Is it hard to become IPS?

How many attempts for the IPS exam?

Does IPS need height?

Where is the IPS training center located?

How to Become an IPS Officer, Complete Guide

Eligibility Criteria for IPS Officer

Physical Eligibility for IPS Officer

Enroll Now for UPSC Online Course

How to Become an IPS Officer?

Step By Step Guide to Become an IPS Officer

IPS Officer Training