How to Become SP & IPS in India Guide

The career of a Superintendent in Police (SP) is a demanding and yet rewarding profession that demands hard work, dedication and a desire to learn throughout life. One has to work hard and earn the status of such a respectable law enforcement post. Nevertheless, you can do more in order to stand a better chance of succeeding. In this paper, a procedural description on the means of getting SP in the Police Force shall be given.

Here are some key points that we will cover in this article:

• Meeting the eligibility criteria for becoming an SP
• Joining the police force and gaining experience
• Preparing for promotions and taking promotional exams
• Networking and building relationships to advance your career

Download the One-look checklist (printable) for Aspirants!

How To Become SP in Police- Meet The Eligibility Criteria

To become an SP (Superintendent of Police) in the police department, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by the state or central government. Here is a table summarizing the eligibility criteria for becoming an SP in some states in India:

Note: The above table is only for reference and not exhaustive. Candidates should check the official websites of the respective state police departments for the latest eligibility criteria.

How To Become SP in Police- Education Qualification

To become an SP (Superintendent of Police) in the police department, you need to meet the educational qualifications required by the state or central government. Here are some general educational requirements:

• A bachelor's degree or higher from a recognized university is required. Preferable Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminology, Psychology, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, or any other social science field.
• Some states may require specific subjects or degrees such as law, criminology, or police administration.
• Some states may require a master's degree in certain subjects such as public administration, social work, or psychology.
• Candidates who have completed higher education from prestigious institutions may get preference in the selection process.
• Candidates who have completed education through distance learning or correspondence may be ineligible in some states.

Note: The above points are only for reference and not exhaustive. Candidates should check the official websites of the respective state police departments for the latest educational qualifications.

How To Become SP in Police- Skills Required

This networking is very essential in moving up the ladder and becoming a Superintendent in Police (SP). There is much merit in building relationships with colleagues and other law enforcement professionals as well as your mentors and being able to gain useful tips, suggestions and opportunities. Some major highlights to remember aboutnetworking:

• Visit conferences, workshops, and trainings to find new people in the sphere of law enforcement and get acquainted with the newest trends and best practices of the sphere.
• Become a member of professional associations or organizations in which you have career interests or objectives, and become an active participant of group activities and events.
• Find mentors to give you advice, guidance and feedback on your career development.
• Create networks both inside your individual agency with your colleagues and superiors and outside your agency with the colleagues of other law enforcement agencies, as this will increase your network and the number of perspectives available to you.
• Learn how to communicate through the social media, whether it is LinkedIn or Twitter, with other law enforcement agents in order to exchange your experience and fulfilments.

Through good networking you will be more visible, grow in skills and knowledge, and create opportunities that can bring change and progress to your career as an SP in the police force.

How To Become SP in Police- Job Responsibilities and Profile

An SP (Superintendent of Police) is a senior-level officer in the police department responsible for maintaining law and order in the assigned region. Here are some of the job responsibilities and profiles of an SP:

• Maintaining law and order: As an SP, you are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the public, preventing crime, and maintaining law and order in the assigned region.
• Managing police operations: You will oversee the daily operations of the police force, including patrolling, investigations, arrests, and maintaining records.
• Managing police personnel: You will be responsible for managing and supervising the police personnel working under you, including their training, deployment, and welfare.
• Handling emergencies: You will be responsible for handling emergencies, such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and riots, and taking appropriate measures to restore normalcy.
• Maintaining community relations: You will be required to interact with the public, community leaders, and other stakeholders to understand their concerns and maintain a healthy relationship with them.
• Coordinating with other agencies: You will be required to coordinate with other agencies, such as the fire department, medical services, and other law enforcement agencies, to ensure effective response and collaboration during emergencies.
• Implementing government policies: You will be required to implement the government's policies related to law and order, crime prevention, and public safety.

Step-by-Step Guide to Become SP (India & Odisha Police)

Here are the step-by-step guidelines on how to become an SP (Superintendent of Police) in the police department:

1) Pick your pathway early

• IPS Route (UPSC CSE) → IPS full form: Indian Police Service. You start as ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police) after training at SVPNPA and can become SP.
• State PSC Route (Odisha Police) → Through State Civil Services (OPSC/State PSC). You start as DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) and get promoted to SP.
• Alternative (longer): Police Bharti (Constable/ASI/SI full form: Sub Inspector) → promotions + limited departmental exams → DSP → SP (varies by state rules).

2) Complete Class 12 (10+2)

Focus on Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Current Affairs. Build habits for descriptive writing (helps in Mains & interview).

3) Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (any discipline)

Degrees like Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Sociology, Criminology are helpful but not mandatory.

4) Check Eligibility (before applying)

• Age: Typically 21+; upper limit varies by exam/state with relaxations for OBC/SC/ST.
• Nationality: Indian citizen for IPS/State Police.
• Attempts: Limited; varies by category/state.
• Physical standards (indicative):
  • Male: Height ~165 cm, Chest 84 cm + 5 cm expansion
  • Female: Height ~150 cm
  • (Exact rules vary by state/notification.)

5) Build Fitness & Medical Readiness

Start early on running, endurance, strength, and maintain healthy BMI & vision. Keep medical records updated.

6) Register for the exam (as per your route)

• UPSC CSE (IPS): Apply at upsc.gov.in (look for admit card/call letter updates).
• State PSC / Odisha Police: Track odishapolice.gov.in, samsodisha.gov.in, odisharesult.nic.in, and osssc.gov.in (login) for police recruitment, hall tickets, and results.

7) Prepare smart (12–18 month plan)

• Prelims: GS (Polity, Economy, Geography, Environment, History), Current Affairs, Aptitude/Mental Ability.
• Mains: Essay, Ethics, Governance, Internal Security; optional subject (for UPSC).
• Interview: Leadership, decision-making, law & order scenarios, communication.
• Tip: Practice answer writing, mock tests, and PYQs. Maintain a daily current affairs notebook.

8) Clear Prelims (Objective)

Qualifying stage. Revise basics + test series. Work on speed & accuracy.

9) Clear Mains (Descriptive)

Build structured answers, use headings, examples, and cases (community policing, cybercrime, disaster response). Show ethical reasoning.

10) Ace the Personality Test

Demonstrate leadership, integrity, empathy, constitutional values, and presence of mind for law-and-order situations.

11) Training & Probation

• IPS officers train at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA): law, criminology, forensics, weapons, drill, field craft, leadership.
• State Police officers (Odisha Police) train at state police academies as per Odisha Police guidelines.

12) First Posting

• IPS: Posted as ASP.
• State PSC (Odisha): Posted as DSP.
• Gain solid field experience in crime investigation, community engagement, disaster response, and administration.

13) Promotion to SP

Promotion depends on seniority, performance, ACRs, departmental exams, and vacancy. Typical progression:

ASP/DSP → SP → SSP → DIG → IG → DGP (DGP full form: Director General of Police).

How To Become SP in Police- Networking

Networking is a crucial aspect of advancing your career and becoming a Superintendent in Police (SP). Building relationships with colleagues, mentors, and other law enforcement professionals can provide you with valuable advice, guidance, and opportunities for growth. Here are some key points to keep in mind when networking:

• Attend conferences, workshops, and training programs to meet other law enforcement professionals and learn about the latest trends and best practices in the field.
• Join professional associations or organizations that are relevant to your career goals and interests, and actively participate in their activities and events.
• Seek out mentors who can provide you with guidance, advice, and feedback on your career progression.
• Build relationships with colleagues and superiors within your own agency, as well as those from other law enforcement agencies, to expand your network and gain new perspectives.
• Use social media platforms, such as LinkedIn or Twitter, to connect with other law enforcement professionals and share your experiences and achievements.

By networking effectively, you can increase your visibility, develop new skills and knowledge, and create opportunities for growth and advancement in your career as an SP in the police force.

Indian Police Ranks (From Constable to DGP)

How To Become SP in Police- Upskilling 

The role of upskilling to a senior level, i.e. a Superintendent in Police (SP) cannot be ignored in this context. It is always important that as technology and best practices changes, one should be updated to the current knowledge and skills at hand to ensure a competitive edge in the field. The following are some of the things to remember when upskilling:

• Find out the skills and areas of knowledge that are not only needed in the law enforcement profession but data analysis, cybersecurity, or community engagement.
• Participate in trainings, workshops and conferences to acquire new skills and be informed about the new trends and best practices.
• Find your practical experience that may include on the job training or internships as this will offer you an opportunity to practice your new skills.
• Obtain further years of schooling like attaining a master degree in criminal justice that will give one specialized knowledge and skills that will differentiate them in comparison to other applicants.
• Take advantage of the learning resources, which are available online via webinars or online courses to acquire new skills and keep abreast of developing trends and technologies.

By upskilling, you can increase your knowledge and capabilities, position yourself for career advancement, and become a valuable asset to your agency as an SP in the police force.

How To Become a SP in Police- Career Advancement and Opportunities

1. Within Police: SP → SSP → DIG → IG → DGP
2. Special Units: Crime Branch, Cyber Crime, Anti-Terrorism Squad
3. International Roles: UN Peacekeeping, Interpol postings
4. Central Deputations: Ministry of Home Affairs, Intelligence Bureau

Career advancement and opportunities are essential for any profession, including the police department. Here are some ways you can advance your career as an SP (Superintendent of Police):

• Promotion: You can get promoted to higher ranks, such as Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Inspector General (IG), and Director General of Police (DGP), based on your experience, performance, and eligibility criteria.
• Specialization: You can specialize in various areas of policing, such as investigation, traffic management, cybercrime, and intelligence, by undergoing specialized training and gaining experience.
• Deputation: You can go on deputation to other government agencies, such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), or the National Investigation Agency (NIA), to gain experience and exposure to different aspects of policing.
• International Assignments: You can participate in international assignments and training programs, such as the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions, to gain exposure to global policing practices.
• Academia: You can pursue higher education, such as a PhD or an MBA, to explore opportunities in academia or research.

Here is a table summarizing the career advancement opportunities for an SP:

 Conclusion

To conclude, it is a challenging yet a rewarding career to pursue the position of becoming a Superintendent in Police (SP). With matching eligibility criteria, joining the force, amassing experience, gaining promotions, networking and upskilling, you stand a better chance of success bringing you closer to your goal of becoming an SP. In order to get ready to your trip it is possible to count on Testbook SuperCoaching which is a full-fledged online coaching system that offers instruction and assistance with law enforcement tests. You can also use the Testbook app, a powerful learning platform that offers a range of study materials, mock tests, and other resources to help you prepare for your career as an SP in the police force.