SALARY AND ALLOWANCES OF IPS OFFICERS

The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the most sought-after civil services in India. IPS officers play a vital role in ensuring law and order in the country. IPS Salary, if you have a desire to serve the nation and earn a high salary at the same time, then becoming an IPS officer is the ideal career choice for you. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about becoming an IPS officer, from the eligibility criteria and selection process to the job profile and salary structure.

IPS Salary is one of the Highest among Government Jobs

One of the major attractions of becoming an IPS officer is the lucrative salary package. An IPS officer draws a starting basic salary of Rs. 56,100 per month during the probation period, which then increases to Rs. 78,800 per month once they complete their training. This excludes additional allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), transport allowance, etc. An IPS officer's total salary at the starting level, including all allowances, can range between Rs. 1-1.5 lakhs per month. The salary increases substantially with promotions to higher ranks. For instance, the salary of a Director General of Police (DGP) is Rs. 2.25 lakhs per month. In addition, IPS officers are also eligible for other benefits like government accommodation, vehicles, children's education allowance, and more. So, it is one of the highest-paying government jobs in India.

Eligibility Criteria to Become an IPS Officer 

In order to be eligible to apply for the Union Public Service Commission's (UPSC) civil services test, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Nationality: The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
2. Age Requirement: As of August 1st of the exam year, the candidate must be between the ages of 21 as well as 30. Government regulations allow for specific age relaxations.
3. Qualifications for Education: The applicant must be a graduate of an accredited university or other institution with a bachelor's degree. A few professionals, along with technical courses, qualify as well.

Procedure for Selection

The following steps are included in the selection process to become an IPS officer:

1. Preliminary Examination: The first round of selection, known as the preliminary examination, is designed to create a shortlist of candidates for the subsequent round. It is made up of multiple-choice objective questions designed to assess candidates' general aptitude as well as mental capacity. A minimum exam score is required for candidates to move on to the next round of the UPSC civil services selection procedure.
2. Main Examination: The main examination consists of 9 compulsory papers that are designed to comprehensively test the candidate's understanding of various subjects. Each paper contains traditional long answer or essay-type questions that evaluate the depth of the candidate's subject knowledge on topics like history, geography, as well as sociology, in addition to science along with technology, ethics, internal security, Indian constitution, and polity, etc.
3. Personality Test/Interview: The personality test/interview round is an important part of the IPS selection process. In this round, candidates who clear the main written exam are called to appear before a panel of experts. Through direct interaction and questioning, the panel evaluates the candidate's communication skills, leadership qualities, mental agility, suitability for public service, and overall personality. This helps the selection committee assess a candidate's officer-like qualities and suitability for a career in the IPS.
4. Medical Examination: A medical examination of candidates is conducted to ascertain their physical and mental fitness for the demanding job of a police officer. Candidates need to clear this examination in order to be considered fit enough to join the police training and handle the duties and challenges involved in government service.

Job Profile of an IPS Officer

After being chosen, IPS probationers spend two years undergoing intense training in Hyderabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy. The following are the principal duties of an IPS officer:

1. Law and Order Management: Maintaining tranquillity and order within the area of responsibility, preventing crime, responding to riots and other law and order issues, etc. 
2. Investigating Crimes: Overseeing the work of less senior police officers who are conducting in-depth investigations into major crimes such as terrorism, kidnapping, and murder.
3. Jail Administration: Handling jails and rehabilitating inmates is known as jail administration.
4. Traffic management: Traffic management is the control of traffic and the application of traffic laws.
5. Disaster management: It is the process of organizing search and rescue efforts in the event of a natural disaster.
6. Public relations: Speaking with people to allay their worries about safety and upholding law and order.
7. Development Activities: Putting into practice government assistance programs for infrastructure development, health care, education, and other areas.
8. Policy Formulation: Providing inputs for drafting new laws and policies related to policing and internal security.

Career Progression and Perks

IPS officers have a very promising career progression path ahead of them. Based on their performance and seniority, they are eligible for promotions to higher ranks in the police hierarchy. The ranks of an IPS officer can progress to include Superintendent of Police (SP), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Inspector General (IG), Additional Director General (ADG) and Director General of Police (DGP). Promotions to the senior-most ranks of ADG and DGP are usually attained after 25-30 years of service. At these levels, IPS officers take on leadership roles in policymaking and overseeing law enforcement operations in entire states.

IPS officers also get opportunities to work on deputation with central law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Prestigious organizations like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and National Investigation Agency (NIA) regularly appoint IPS officers on deputation. This provides exposure to different work cultures and challenges. Successful stints at these agencies open up new avenues for career growth. Some officers also get opportunities for foreign postings with Interpol or diplomatic missions.

After completing a minimum of 20 years of service, IPS officers are eligible for pension and other retirement benefits. This ensures financial security even after retirement. Those superannuating as DGP or equivalent can expect a pension of Rs. 80,000-1,00,000 per month. IPS officers also continue to enjoy certain perks like accommodation, personal staff and security during their post-retirement life based on last held position. This cushions them against the uncertainties of retirement.

Conclusion

Becoming an IPS officer is an ideal career choice for those seeking job satisfaction along with financial stability. With the right qualifications, preparation, and a little luck, one can fulfill their dream of donning the khaki uniform and serving the nation.