How to Become an IPS Officer in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide for UPSC Aspirants

Becoming an IPS officer is one of India’s most respected and challenging career paths. Many students dream of serving the nation through the police force and search for how to become an IPS officer, but turning that dream into reality requires discipline, clarity, and a proper understanding of the UPSC preparation process.

Let’s explore eligibility, exam stages, syllabus, career benefits, and the personal qualities needed to succeed.

Understand What an IPS Officer Does

Before preparing for the exam, let’s understand what an IPS officer does on duty.

Main responsibilities of the IPS officer include, but are not limited to:

• Maintaining law & order

• Preventing and investigating crimes

• Leading district police operations

• Handling VIP security cases

• Cybercrime, anti-terrorism, and intelligence operations

• Instilling public safety whenever possible & during emergencies

• Execute some policies at the state/national level

Although it is very demanding, it is one of the most respectable careers in India.

Check IPS Exam Eligibility

Knowing the IPS exam eligibility is the first step.

Educational Qualification –

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (any stream).
   Covers the basic IPS qualification and age limit requirement.

Nationality

• Only Indian citizens can apply.

IPS Age Limit:

• Minimum: 21 years
• Maximum: 32 years (general)

Age Relaxation

• OBC: +3 years
• SC/ST: +5 years

Physical Standards

Basic IPS requirements include:

• Height:
  
  • Men: 165 cm
  • Women: 150 cm
• Chest (Men): 84 cm expanded
• Vision: Correctable to 6/6

Step-by-Step Process of How to Become an IPS Officer

Many aspirants seeking to become IPS officers want a clear breakdown of the actual journey from preparation to final posting. Here is the complete process in simple steps:

1. Complete Your Graduation

The first requirement is a bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognised university. Students in their final year can also apply.

2. Apply for the UPSC Civil Services Examination

UPSC releases its notification every year between January and February. You must register on the official UPSC website and fill out the Civil Services form.

3. Appear for UPSC Prelims

Prelims is the first stage and includes:

• General Studies Paper 1
• CSAT Paper (qualifying)

You must clear the cutoff to qualify for Mains.

4. Write the UPSC Mains Examination

Mains has 9 descriptive papers:

• Essay
• GS I, II, III, IV
• Optional Subject (2 papers)
• English
• Indian Language
• Ethics
• Your writing style, clarity, and depth of understanding matter here.

5. Attend the UPSC Personality Test (Interview)

The IPS interview evaluates:

• Personality
• Leadership
• Communication
• Judgment
• Honesty
• Confidence
• National and social awareness

This stage carries 275 marks.

6. Get a Rank in the UPSC Final Merit List

Your final rank is calculated based on:

• Mains marks
• Interview marks

A good rank is needed to get allocated to IPS, depending on vacancies and category.

7. Clear the Physical & Medical Tests

After you get an IPS rank, you must meet the IPS physical standards, including:

• Height
• Chest expansion
• Vision requirements
• Overall medical fitness
  
  
• 8. Training at LBSNAA and NPA

Selected candidates undergo:

• Foundation Course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration
• IPS-specific training at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad
  

9. Posting as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)

After completing training, you begin your career as an ASP in a district.
 This marks the beginning of your IPS journey.

You can also check out the process to become an IAS officer after completing the 12th.

Know the IPS Syllabus & Best Books

Understanding the IPS officer syllabus helps in structured preparation.

Prelims Syllabus

• History, Polity, Geography
• Economy, Environment, Science
• Current Affairs
  

Mains Syllabus

• Essay
• GS I–IV
• Optional Subject
• Indian Language
• Ethics
  
  

Recommended IPS Exam Books

Some important IPS exam books:

• NCERTs
  Laxmikanth – Polity
• Spectrum – Modern India
• GC Leong – Geography
• Shankar IAS – Environment
• Daily newspapers (The Hindu / Indian Express)

Build a Strong Revision Strategy

Even without the earlier study plan, revision is crucial for IPS preparation:

• Revise subjects monthly
• Solve previous year papers
• Take mock tests regularly
• Review current affairs every week
  Improve writing speed for Mains
  
  

If you want structured support, joining UPSC classes in Coimbatore can help guide your preparation.

Qualities Needed to Become an IPS Officer

Rather than a preparatory timeline, this will describe all of the primary characteristics you may want to develop as an IPS aspirant:

1. Discipline

The daily study schedule, mental fortitude, and self-control are non-negotiable.

2. Integrity and Ethics

IPS officers must be morally upright and act fairly.

3. Leadership

The ability to lead groups of individuals, sustainably and respond quickly, while making decisions and instilling confidence is critical.

4. Physical and Mental Stamina

Long hours, challenging situations, stressful duties, and a number of other obstacles are put in each shift of your job.

5. Communication Skills

Good speaking and writing skills are necessary for writing reports, dealing with the public, or leading a team.

6. Emotional Control

The IPS officer must remain calm in cases of emergencies, conflict, or deal with the escalating stress of public duty.

7. Problem-Solving Mentality

The ability to think logically and analyze the situation, while making decisions is crucial.  

8. Patience and Consistency

The UPSC is a long haul. The fact you are consistent is more important than speed.

Conclusion

If you’re curious about how to become an IPS officer, the process is simple: understand the qualifications, finish the process of exams, focus on developing personal qualities, and remain committed. The IPS is a powerful career that has substantive influence, leadership, and service for the country. To get guided, structured UPSC preparation, connect with KPR IAS Academy today.

FAQ

1. How to become an IPS officer after 12th?

You cannot become an IPS officer immediately after 12th. You must first complete graduation, then apply for the UPSC Civil Services Exam and qualify for IPS.

2. How to become an IPS officer after 10th?

You cannot become an IPS officer after 10th. First complete 12th, then a bachelor’s degree, and then prepare for UPSC.

3. How to become an IPS officer after graduation?

After completing graduation, apply for the UPSC exam, clear Prelims, Mains, and Interview, meet the physical standards, and secure an IPS rank in the final merit list.

4. Can I become IPS after 12th?

No. You must have a graduation degree to be eligible for UPSC and IPS.

5. How can I study for IPS?

Start with NCERT books, build strong basics in history, polity, geography, economics, and current affairs. Read newspapers daily, follow UPSC syllabus, practice mocks, and consider joining coaching or self-study using a structured plan.

6. What is the qualification for IPS?

A graduation degree from any recognized university is the minimum educational qualification.

7. Is IPS easier than IAS?

Both IPS and IAS come through the same UPSC exam. Difficulty depends on your preparation and rank. IPS is not easier, both require high scores and strong competition.

8. Is IPS a stressful job?

Yes, it can be stressful due to long hours, emergencies, law and order duties, public pressure, and high responsibility. But it is also a highly rewarding and respected career.

9. Can IPS carry a gun?

Yes. IPS officers are allowed to carry service weapons when required for duty, law enforcement, or personal security situations.

10. Can IPS have a tattoo?

Yes, IPS officers can have tattoos as long as the tattoo is not offensive, extremist, or against social values. Tattoos should not affect medical fitness.