APS to IPS: Official Nomination Guide & Salary Structure 2025

As an Assam Police Service officer, you’ve dedicated yourself to serving and protecting your community. But have you ever dreamed of taking your career to new heights? Maybe you’re eager to earn a higher salary, enjoy greater authority, or receive better benefits. Whatever your motivation, transitioning to the Indian Police Service can be a game-changer.

Imagine earning a starting salary of ₹56,100 per month, with the potential to reach ₹225,000 per month at senior levels. That’s a significant boost from the ₹30,000 to ₹150,000 per month you likely earn as an APS officer. But it’s not just about the money—as an IPS officer, you’ll enjoy increased authority, greater opportunities for career growth, and a sense of pride and fulfillment that comes with serving at the highest level.

So, what does it take to make the leap from APS to IPS? First, you’ll need to understand the nomination process. This can seem daunting, but don’t worry—we’ll break it down step by step. You’ll also need to meet the eligibility criteria, which we’ll outline below.

Understanding the Assam Police Service Structure

The APS operates on a clear chain of command, providing a structured framework that supports effective law enforcement and helps officers plan their career growth. This well-defined hierarchy is more than just a series of ranks—it’s a roadmap for success. By understanding the different levels and what’s required to advance, you can make informed decisions about your career and strive for excellence in your role.

What is APS?

APS stands for Assam Police Service, which is the law enforcement agency of the state. Established by the British following the Treaty of Yandaboo, Assam Police operates under the Department of Home Affairs, Assam, with its headquarters located in Ulubari, Guwahati.

Organizational Structure

The Director General of Police (DGP), Harmeet Singh, IPS, leads the Assam Police. The organization splits into 6 ranges and 27 districts. Inspectors General of Police (IGP) or Deputy Inspector Generals (DIG) head these ranges and oversee multiple police districts.

A Superintendent of Police (SP) commands each district with help from Additional or Deputy Superintendents. The districts break down into police sub-divisions under Deputy Superintendents. Circle Inspectors lead the police circles within these sub-divisions.

The rank structure flows downward through

• Director General of Police
• Additional/Special DGP
• Inspector General of Police
• Deputy Inspector General
• Superintendent of Police
• Additional/Deputy SP
• Inspector
• Sub-Inspector
• Assistant Sub-Inspector
• Head Constable
• Constable

Special Units

• Reserve Armed Police Force: Deployed for emergencies, crowd control, VIP security, counter-insurgency, and riot control.
  
• Black Panthers: An elite commando group tasked with fighting terrorism and providing protection to VVIPs, equipped with modern weapons and technology.
  

Eligibility Criteria to Become an APS Officer

Aspiring to become an APS officer? Here’s what you need to know:

Parameter	Details
Educational Qualification	HSLC (or equivalent) from a recognized board; Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized institution.
Age Limit	18 to 40 years as of January 1, 2024 (age relaxation for reserved categories).
Nationality	Indian
Domicile	Assam
Number of Attempts	Unlimited until the age limit is reached
Experience	Not required
Additional Qualifications	For candidates (except ex-servicemen): a Home Guard Certificate or a minimum NCC ‘A’ Certificate.

Eligible candidates can download their APS Police Admit Card after submitting the application form.

Know the Selection Process

The selection process for the APS is generally conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) and consists of multiple stages:

A. Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

This is the first stage and consists of objective-type questions on general studies and the CSAT Paper. The purpose is to screen candidates for the Mains examination.

B. Main Examination (Mains)

The Mains exam is more detailed and includes both written exams and an interview. The Mains exam typically covers an essay paper, three general studies paper,  one ethics paper, and an Assam-centric paper.

C. Interview (Personality Test)

After clearing the Mains exam, candidates will undergo an interview that assesses their personality, communication skills, and decision-making abilities.

Current salary structure of Assam Police officers

Police officers’ salaries vary a lot across ranks. Constables start with Pay Band 2 and a grade pay of ₹5,600. Their take-home pay ranges from ₹14,000 to ₹60,500.

Sub-Inspectors earn more with the same pay band but get a higher grade pay of ₹8,700. Their yearly packages range between ₹3.5 lakh and ₹7 lakh.

Officers receive these allowances that boost their pay:

• Dearness Allowance
• House Rent Allowance
• Medical Allowance
• Uniform Allowance
• Transport Allowance
• Ration Money Allowance  

Role and responsibilities of APS officers

APS officers protect law and order across Assam. They keep the public safe, investigate crimes, and preserve evidence.

Sub-Inspectors keep their areas safe and maintain detailed crime records. They investigate cases, handle public protests, and report to senior officers.

The APS teams up with Adult Protective Services to protect vulnerable people. They investigate cases together, serve warrants, handle protective orders, and visit homes to ensure safety.

Officers in special units like the elite “Black Panthers” commandos focus on fighting terrorists and protecting VVIPs. The Armed Police handle emergencies, control crowds, and step in during high-risk situations that need expert intervention.

Official Nomination Process from APS to IPS

Moving up from the Assam Police Service to the prestigious Indian Police Service is a vital milestone in an officer’s career within the Indian police rank system. The promotion follows a well-laid-out nomination process with specific requirements.

Eligibility criteria for nomination

APS officers who want to join the IPS need to meet several key qualifications. They must be Indian citizens with a valid bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The age limit ranges between 21 and 32 years for standard category applicants. The rules also allow age relaxations for specific categories:

• SC/ST candidates: Up to 37 years with unlimited attempts
• OBC candidates: Up to 35 years with 9 attempts
• Physically handicapped: Category-based relaxations (42-47 years)

Physical fitness plays a key role throughout this process. Candidates need to meet specific standards for height, weight, and endurance tests. Vision requirements are strict because eyesight is vital for policing duties.

Required years of service

The central government decides the number of promotion quota vacancies for each state every year. Officers must serve for a specific period to become eligible for nomination. They need a minimum of 5 years of service to join intelligence branches like the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW).

Higher positions demand more experience. Officers need at least 18 years of IPS service to be eligible for Inspector General and equivalent central positions.

Performance evaluation standards

Performance evaluation is the lifeblood of the nomination process. Officers are evaluated using standardized rubrics that match their role and responsibilities. The standard feedback rubric applies unless an officer appeals by September 30th.

Departmental clearances needed

The final step requires complete departmental clearances. The process ensures fair and impartial treatment for everyone through consistent suitability standards. Security clearances follow the Adjudicative Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified Information.

Medical fitness is also important. Candidates must pass medical examinations that check their height, chest measurements, and other physical parameters. Officers need to keep their medical records updated and stay fit throughout their service.

Step-by-Step Application Guide for IPS Nomination

The Indian Police Service position demands careful preparation and strict adherence to protocols within the Indian police rank system. Officers must guide themselves through several key stages to advance their careers and boost their earning potential.

Document preparation

Candidates start their nomination journey by submitting detailed documents through an online system. They need to prepare:

1. A complete nomination form that’s available with official credentials
2. Supporting recommendation letters (minimum two, maximum four) on official letterhead and with valid signatures
3. Updated curriculum vitae that showcases service achievements
4. List of important publications and achievements
5. Suggested citation of less than 300 characters beginning with “For”

PDF format is mandatory for all document uploads, and filenames must include the nominee’s name. The system lets candidates save their applications while working on them. They should complete their submissions well ahead of deadlines to prevent technical issues.

Interview process with the selection committee

Document verification leads to a thorough review by specialized committees. Senior officers form these groups as outlined in respective unit bylaws. The selection timeline follows these steps:

• Division committees conduct the original review
• Central honors committee performs the next review
• Council steering committee gives final approval

The selection body’s president sends official notification letters to successful candidates. Announcements also appear on various platforms. Officers need to keep track of all communication channels during this time.

Medical examination requirements

Each nominee must pass detailed medical screening tests to prove their fitness for service. Individual circumstances determine the type of medical examinations. Officers with previous overseas evaluations might skip repeat examinations if:

• Their records show no Class A medical conditions
• They apply within one year of eligibility
• No signs point to Class A conditions after entry

In spite of that, every candidate must prove they meet vaccination requirements by filling out the relevant vaccination assessment forms.

Salary Comparison: How Much Does a Police Officer Earn in APS vs IPS

Salary is a vital factor for officers considering a move from the Assam Police Service to the Indian Police Service. The salary structure in Indian police ranks shows big differences that affect an officer’s earning potential throughout their career.

Basic pay differences

The original starting salary for IPS officers is ₹56,100 per month, which is much higher than what APS officers earn. Junior-scale IPS officers (DSP/ACP level) receive this entry-level pay under the 7th Pay Commission. The salary increases as officers climb up the ranks:

• Deputy Superintendent: ₹56,100
• Additional Superintendent: ₹67,700
• Superintendent: ₹78,800
• Deputy Inspector General: ₹1,31,000
• Inspector General: ₹1,44,200
• Additional Director General: ₹2,05,000
• Director General: ₹2,25,000

APS officers start with a lower salary, and the highest-ranking IPS officer (DGP) can earn up to ₹225,000 monthly. This is a big deal as it means that IPS officers earn more than their APS counterparts at the highest level.

Allowances and benefits comparison

The total compensation package goes beyond the basic pay. Both services provide various allowances:

• Dearness Allowance (DA) for inflation adjustment
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) varying by posting location
• Travel Allowance for official journeys
• Medical benefits for officers and families

IPS officers receive higher additional allowances than their APS counterparts. This creates an even bigger gap in total earnings.

Long-term financial advantages

The financial growth path is different between these services. IPS officers have better long-term benefits:

6. Higher maximum salary potential (₹2,25,000 vs slightly lower for APS)
7. Better retirement benefits and pension provisions
8. More substantial increments with each promotion
9. More opportunities for special duty allowances

The 7th Pay Commission changed the pay structure from grade-based to united pay levels, removing the old pay grade system. This change brought more benefits to IPS officers compared to state-level officers.

Conclusion

A career switch from APS to IPS can transform your professional journey with great rewards. APS officers earn decent salaries starting at ₹30,000 monthly. Their IPS counterparts earn a lot more, with packages starting at ₹56,100 per month. This makes the career progression a chance worth thinking over for ambitious officers.

The nomination pathway is clear but challenging for qualified candidates. Officers must meet service requirements and keep excellent performance records. They also need departmental clearances. The detailed medical exams and interviews make sure only the best officers join IPS ranks.

The numbers clearly show why moving to IPS pays off in the long run. Apart from better base pay, IPS officers get higher allowances and retirement benefits. Each promotion brings bigger increments. Top IPS positions can fetch up to ₹225,000—definitely making this career move worth a shot.

Success needs proper planning and knowledge of the nomination process. Officers should plan ahead and keep their documents ready. They must stay in touch with current rules. The rewards of joining India’s prestigious police service go way beyond the reach and influence of just money. It gives you more control and better chances to serve the public.