An IPS officer (Indian Police Service officer) is a senior police official belonging to one of India's three All India Services, recruited through the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
- IPS constituted in 1948 (replacing colonial Indian Imperial Police)
- Constitutional basis: Article 312 (All India Services)
- Officers allotted to state cadres but can be deputed to central positions
IPS rank hierarchy (entry to apex):
- Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) entry level
- Superintendent of Police (SP)
- Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
- Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
- Inspector General (IG)
- Additional Director General (ADG)
- Director General of Police (DGP)
- Director IB / Director CBI apex central positions
IPS officers head state police forces and lead central agencies: CBI, IB, NSG, RAW, BSF, CRPF