How to Become an IPS Officer

So you want to become an IPS (Indian Police Service) Officer? IPS which is an All India Service is counted among the top three civil services in India. The other two being IAS and IFS (Indian Foreign Service). IPS has its own charm and status; you can serve the needy, stand for the helpless and voiceless, do good for the society at large. It also provides you high social standing and prestige. you can take on many challenges of different kinds like fighting organized crime, terrorism, traffic problems, women safety and so forth. No wonder many aspirants make IPS their first choice in the civil services examination .

* IPS Exam Eligibility :-

For getting selected to the IPS, there are two types of eligibility. One is that you should be eligible for appearing for the IPS exam and the other is that after clearing the mains and while appearing for the physical tests during the interview stage you should meet all the physical and other requirements as mandated. Let’s discuss these in detail.

There are no special requirements for appearing for the IPS exam as it is part of the Civil Services examination. So if you fulfill the criteria for civil services exams you, by default, qualify for IPS exams as well. To be eligible for the civil services exams :

> You must be at least 21 years of age at the time of filling the Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam form and not more than 30 years of age (various relaxations are available for different categories).

> You must possess a graduate degree in any discipline of any of the Universities incorporated by an Act of Central or State legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification.

> Candidates who are in the final semester or have taken their final degree exam but are awaiting the results can also appear for the IAS and IPS Preliminary examination provided they furnish their proof of degree while filling the Mains form.

* Special requirement for IPS and IAS :-

For these two services a candidate MUST be a citizen of India. Whereas for other services the citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, a Tibetan refugee who migrated to India after 1st January 1962, or persons of Indian origin from the countries mentioned in the notification can also apply.

* Special Physical Requirements for IPS :-

As mentioned earlier candidates appearing for the personality test on clearing the civil services mains exam have to meet certain physical requirements to be eligible for IPS.

> Minimum height of 165 cm for Men and 150 cm for Women (minimum height is relaxable to 160 and 145 cm for Men and Women respectively in the case of candidates belonging to ST and to races such as Gorkhas, Garhwalias, Assamese, Kumaonis, Nagaland Tribals etc.)

> Min Chest girth fully expanded: 84 cm for Men and 79 cm for Women. Expansion of 5 cm for Men and Women.

> Total amount of Myopia (including the cylinder) should not exceed minus 4.00 D and total amount of Hypermetropia (including the cylinder) should not exceed plus 4.00 D.

> Presence of Squint is a disqualification.

Vision Requirement for IPS

You should meet these special vision requirements to be eligible for India Police Service.

Parameters

Better eye Worse eye

(corrected vision)

Distant vision: 6/6 or 6/9 6/12 or 6/9

Near vision J1: J2

Corrections permitted: spectacles 

Color vision requirements: High grade 

Binocular vision needed yes

*Syllabus and Pattern for IPS Exam:

Again, as mentioned above the IPS is not separate exam from the civil services exam. The syllabus and pattern of IPS exam is as follows. It consists of two papers common to all with the following syllabus:

General Studies Paper I

Maximum marks : 200

Number of Questions : 100

Total Time : 120 minutes (02 hours)

SYLLABUS

1. Current events of national and international importance

2. History of India and Indian national movement

3. Indian and World Geography – physical, social, economic geography of India and the world

4. Indian Polity and governance – Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, Rights issues, etc.

5. Economic and social development – sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, social sector initiatives etc.

6. General issues on environmental ecology, bio-diversity and climate change – that do not require subject specialization

7. General Science

General Studies Paper II

Maximum marks : 200

Number of Questions : 80

Total Time : 120 minutes (02 hours)

SYLLABUS

1. Comprehension

2. Interpersonal skills including communication skills

3. Logical reasoning and analytical ability

4. Decision making and problem solving

5. General mental ability

6. Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude etc. – Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. – Class X level)

7. English language comprehension skills (Class X level)

Updated General Studies Mains syllabus for 2013

General Guide lines: The focus Civil Services Main examination has shifted to General Studies paper. Now there are FOUR papers, each of 250 marks and combing them would entail 1200 marks that would determine the final outcome of the Mains results.

If you look at the syllabus below, it's very sketchy but requires a great deal of preparation. Paper-1 and 2 are same as old one and one can pick up further details going through the previous syllabus that is given here. Paper 3 that deals with Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management, is the new addition. It sounds vague but requires huge preparation. Paper-4 deals with Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude is of general nature.

The nature of questions will be such that a well prepared candidate will be to answer them comfortably but they must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers to impress the examiner. The questions are meant to test the candidate's ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio-economic goals, and objectives.

The questions will be such as to test a candidate's basic understanding of variety of subjects, which will have relevance for a career in the Civil Services. Here is a detailed list of General Studies papers. Candidates are advised to go through them minutely before starting their preparations.

NEW SYLLABUS

Paper- 1

General Studies -I 250 Marks

(Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)

Paper-2

General Studies -II: 250 Marks

(Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)

Paper-3

General Studies -III 250 Marks

(Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)

Paper-4

General Studies -IV 250 Marks

(Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)

OLD SYLLABUS

Paper-I

(1) History of Modern India and Indian Culture

The History of Modern India will cover history of the Country from about the middle of nineteenth century and would also include questions on important personalities who shaped the freedom movement and social reforms. The part relating to Indian culture will cover all aspects of Indian culture from the ancient to modern times as well as principal features of literature, arts and architecture.

(2) Geogrphy of India

In this part, questions will be on the physical, economic and social geography of India.

(3) Constitution of India and Indian Polity

This part will include questions on the Constitution of India as well as all constitutional, legal, administrative and other issues emerging from the politico-administrative system prevalent in the country.

(4) Current National issues and topics of social relevance

This part is intended to test the candidate's awareness of current national issues and topics of social relevance in present-day India, such as the following:

(i) The Indian economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
(ii) Issues arising from the social and economic exclusion of large sections from the benefits of development.
(iii) Other issues relating to the development and management of human resource.
(iv) Health issues including the management of Public Health, Health education and ethical concerns regarding health-care, medical research and pharmaceuticals.
(v) Law enforcement, internal security and related issues such as the preservation of communal harmony.
(vi) Issues relating to good governance and accountability to the citizens including the maintenance of human rights, and of probity in public life.
(vii) Environmental issues, ecological preservation, conservation of natural resources and national heritage.

Paper-II

(1) India and the World

This part will include questions to test candidate's awareness of India's relationship with the world in various spheres such as the following:-

• Foreign Affairs with special emphasis on India’s relations with neighbouring countries and in the region.
• Security and defence related matters.
• Nuclear policy, issues, and conflicts.
• The Indian Diaspora and its contribution to India and the world.

(2) India’s Economic Interaction with the World

In this part, questions will be on economic and trade issues such as foreign trade, foreign investment; economic and diplomacy issues relating to oil, gas and energy flows; the role and functions of I.M.F., World Bank, W.T.O., WIPO etc. which influence India’s economic interaction with other countries and international institutions.

(3) Developments in the Field of Science & Technology, IT and space

In this part, questions will test the candidate's awareness of the developments in the field of science and technology, information technology, space and basic ideas about computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and related issues regarding intellectual property rights.

(4) International Affairs and Institutions

This part will include questions on important events in world affairs and on international institutions.

(5) Statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams

This part will test the candidate's ability to draw conclusions from information presented in statistical, graphical or diagrammatical form and to interpret them.

UPSC Civil Services Main Examination Revised Syllabus Pattern 2013

The Civil Services Main examination is designed to test the academic talent of the aspirant, also his/her ability to present his/ her knowledge in a clear and coherent manner. The main Examination is intended to assess the overall intellectual traits and depth of understanding of candidates rather than merely the range of their information and memory.

The UPSC has revised the pattern of Civil Services Main examination from 2013.

Now there are 7 + 2 = 9 papers to be answered in the main examination and all of them are of descriptive type. There are two qualifying papers of 300 marks each 1) any modern Indian language 2) English, whose marks will not be counted in the main examination.

The total marks of the written examination will be 1750 Marks.

The Interview/Personality Test will be of 275 marks.

The Grand Total 2025 Marks

The candidate is allowed to use any one language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution or English as the medium of writing the examination.

There is only "ONE" optional subject to choose from the list of subjects. It comprises of two papers each of 250 marks with a total of 500 marks.

Candidate is allowed to take up literature as an optional subject "without the conditionality of having to do his/her graduation in that language's literature.

The scope of the syllabus of optional paper is higher than the bachelor's degree but lower than the master's level.

According to the new pattern there are "FOUR" General Studies paper each comprising of 250 Marks with a total of 1000 Marks. So the weight-age of General Study papers is increased.

The scope of the syllabus of General Studies is of degree level.

Summary of the Latest Pattern of Civil Services (Mains) Examination

Paper1 Essay - 250 Marks Can be written in the medium or language of the candidate's choice

Paper - II Language -300 Marks Candidate can take any Modern Indian language but this paper is of qualifying nature

Paper - III English -300 Marks  This paper is of qualifying nature

Paper-IV General Studies-I 250 Marks (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)

Paper-V General Studies -II: 250 Marks (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)

Paper-VI General Studies -III 250 Marks (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)

Paper-VII General Studies -IV 250 Marks (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) Marks carried by General Studies was 4X 250=1000

Paper-VIII Optional Subject - Paper 1 -250 Marks

Paper-IX Optional Subject - Paper II -250 Marks Candidate is allowed to take up literature as an optional subject "without the conditionality of having to do his/her graduation in that language's literature.

Sub Total (Written test) 2350 Marks Marks of English and Language will not be counted so total marks for Written exam will be 2350 MINUS 600 = 1750 Marks

Interview/Personality Test - 275 marks

Grand Total 2025 Marks

A candidate is allowed to use any one language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution or English as the medium of writing the examination.

Civil Services Mains Exam 2013 Syllabus

The written examination will consist of the following papers:

Paper A - English -300 marks - Qualifying nature - Marks not counted- Passing mandatory

The aim of the paper is to test the candidates' ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express his ideas clearly and correctly, in English and Indian Language concerned.

The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows:-

(i) Comprehension of given passages

(ii) Precis Writing

(iii) Usage and Vocabulary

(iv) Short Essay.

Paper B - A - Modern Indian language 300 Marks - Qualifying nature - Marks not counted - Passing mandatory-

(i) Comprehension of given passages.

(ii) Precis Writing

(iii) Usage and Vocabulary.

(iv) Short Essay

(v) Translation from English to the Indian language and vice-versa.

Note 1: The Papers on Indian Languages and English will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and will be of qualifying nature only. The marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for ranking.

Note 2 : The candidates will have to answer the English and Indian Languages papers in English and the respective Indian language (except where translation is involved).

Paper-I

Essay - 250 Marks - To be written in the medium or language of the candidate's choice - Candidates will be required to write an essay on a specific topic. The choice of subjects will be given. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

Paper-II

General Studies-I 250Marks (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)

Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues

The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.

Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

History of the world will include events from 18^th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

Role of women and women's organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

Effects of globalization on Indian society

Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

Salient features of world's physical geography.

Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)

Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

Paper-III

General Studies -II: 250 Marks (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)

Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries

Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the

Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

Salient features of the Representation of People's Act.

Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional

Bodies.

Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders

Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and

Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

Role of civil services in a democracy.

India and its neighborhood- relations.

Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests

Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora.

Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.

PAPER-IV

General Studies -III 250 Marks (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)

Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.

Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and

employment.

Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

Government Budgeting.

Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers

Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions;

economics of animal-rearing.

Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.

Land reforms in India.

Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Investment models.

Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

Achievements of Indians in science & technology;

indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Disaster and disaster management.

Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention

Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism

Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

Paper-V

General Studies -IV 250 Marks (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)

This paper will include questions to test the candidates' attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered.

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.

Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance;

ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information

sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen's

Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

Case Studies on above issues.

Paper-VI

Optional Subject - Paper I -250 Marks

Paper-VII

Optional Subject - Paper II -250 Marks

{Candidates may choose any optional subject from amongst the list of subjects given in para 2 below (Group

1). NOTE:

(i) Marks obtained by the candidates for all papers EXCEPT PAPER A & B will be counted for merit ranking. However, the Commission will have the discretion to fix qualifying marks in any or all papers of the examination Aspirants can log on to UPSC's official website (www.upsc.gov.in) to see the detailed notification.

Telugu - Optional

Paper-I

Answers must be written in Telugu.
Section-A

Language
1. Place of Telugu among Dravidian languages and its antiquity-Etymological history of Telugu, Tenugu and Andhra.
2. Major linguistic changes in phonological, morphological, grammatical and syntactical levels, from Proto-Dravidian to old Telugu and from old Telugu to Modern Telugu.

3. Evolution of spoken Telugu when compared to classical Telugu-Formal and functional view of Telugu language.
4. Influence of other languages and its impact on Telugu.
5. Modernization of Telugu language.
(a) Linguistic and literary movements and their role in modernization of Telugu.
(b) Role of media in modernization of Telugu (Newspapers, Radio, TV etc.)
(c) Problems of terminology and mechanisms in coining new terms in Telugu in various discourses including scientific and technical.
6. Dialects of Telugu-Regional and social variations and problems of standardization.
7. Syntax-Major divisions of Telugu sentences-simple, complex and compound sentences-Noun and verb predications-Processes of nominlization and relativization-Direct and indirect reporting-conversion processes.
8. Translation-Problems of translation, cultural, social and idiomatic-Methods of translation-Approaches to translation-Literary and other kinds of translation-various uses of translation.
Section-B

Literature1. Literature in Pre-Nannaya Period-Marga and Desi poetry.
2. Nannaya Period-Historical and literary background of Andhra Mahabharata.
3. Saiva poets and their contribution-Dwipada, Sataka, Ragada, Udaharana.
4. Tikkana and his place in Telugu literature.
5. Errana and his literary works-Nachana Somana and his new approach to poetry.
6. Srinatha and Potana-Their woks and contribution.
7. Bhakti poets in Telugu literature-Tallapaka Annamayya, Ramadasu, Tyagayya.
8. Evolution of prabandhas-Kavya and prabandha.
9. Southern school of Telugu literature-Raghunatha Nayaka, Chemakura Vankatakavi and women poets-Literary forms like yakshagana, prose and padakavita.
10. Modern Telugu Literature and literary forms-Novel, Short Story, Drama, Playlet and poetic forms.
11. Literary Movements : Reformation, Nationalism, Neo-classicism, Romanticism and Progressive, Revolutionary movements.
12. Digambarakavulu, Feminist and Dalit Literature.
13. Main divisions of folk literature-Performing folk arts.
Paper-II

Answers must be written in Telugu.This paper will require first hand reading of the prescribed texts and will be designed to test the candidates critical ability, which will be in relation to the following approaches.
i) Aesthetic approach-Rasa, Dhwani, Vakroti and Auchitya-Formal and Structural-Imagery and Symbolism.
ii) Sociological, Historical, Ideological, Psychological approaches.
Section-A1. Nannaya-Dushyanta Charitra (Adiparva 4th Canto verses 5-109)
2. Tikkana-Sri Krishna Rayabaramu (Udyoga parva -3rd Canto verses 1-144)
3. Srinatha-Guna Nidhi Katha (Kasi-khandam, 4th Canto, verses 76-133)
4. Pingali Surana-Sugatri Salinulakatha (Kalapurnodayamu 4 Canto verses, 60-142)
5. Molla-Ramayanamu (Balakanda including avatarika)
6. Kasula Purushothama Kavi-Andhra Nayaka Satakamu
Section-B7. Gurajada Appa Rao-Animutyalu (Short stories)
8. Viswanatha Satyanarayana-Andhra prasasti
9. Devulapalli Krishna Sastry-Krishnapaksham (excluding Urvasi and Pravasam)
10. Sri Sri-Maha prastanam.
11. Jashuva-Gabbilam (Part I)
12. C. Narayana Reddy-Karpuravasanta rayalu.
13. Kanuparti Varalakshmamma-Sarada lekhalu (Part I)
14. Atreya-N.G.O.
15. Racha konda Visswanatha Sastry-Alpajaeevi.