New Delhi: The Centre has revised the guidelines for empanelment of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers for Inspector General (IG) and equivalent posts at the Centre, introducing a new eligibility condition for officers from the 2011 batch onwards.
According to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on January 28, IPS officers will now be required to complete a minimum of two years of Central deputation at the level of Superintendent of Police (SP), Deputy Inspector General (DIG) or an equivalent rank to be considered for empanelment to IG-level posts at the Centre.
The revised norm will apply prospectively to officers of the 2011 batch and subsequent batches who are currently serving at the DIG or equivalent level in their respective state cadres and are likely to be considered for IG empanelment in the coming years.
Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening staffing at Central Police Organisations (CPOs), where a significant number of posts at the SP and DIG levels are currently vacant. The mandatory deputation requirement is expected to encourage greater participation of state cadre officers in Central postings and ensure broader exposure to national-level policing and security administration.
The order marks a key policy shift in the Centre’s approach to senior-level IPS empanelment, linking eligibility more closely with experience gained through Central deputation.
