Quick Summary
In every modern society, police officers play a vital role as government representatives. They ensure citizens follow the law, maintain order, and safeguard individual rights. Their presence fosters a sense of security and trust within the community. For those aspiring to join this esteemed profession, it is essential to understand the role’s responsibilities and how to become a police officer after 12th.
Police officers enforce laws, maintain public order, and protect life and property. They investigate crimes, apprehend offenders, and assist in emergencies. These dynamic and multifaceted responsibilities require individuals to be dedicated, disciplined, and compassionate. Understanding how to become a police officer is the first step toward this rewarding career.
If you consider becoming a police officer after 12th in India, the process involves meeting specific educational qualifications and physical standards and passing competitive examinations. Different positions in the police force, such as constables and sub-inspectors, have varying requirements and selection procedures. Familiarizing yourself with a step-by-step guide can help you navigate the process effectively.
Aspiring candidates must also develop problem-solving, communication, and physical fitness skills. By exploring detailed resources on how to become a police officer, you can prepare better for the challenges of this career.
If you’re wondering how to become a police officer after 12th grade in India, keep reading.
| Parameters | Details |
| Eligibility | 10+2 |
| Industry | Law Enforcement and Public Safety |
| Role | Police Constable, Sub-Inspector, Deputy Superintendent, Superintendent, etc. |
| Starting Salary | INR 4 Lakh |
| Top recruiters | CISF, BSF, CBI, CRPF |
If you are passionate about joining the police force, you must know its structure. The following are the types of police ranks and their salaries in India.
| Rank | Responsibilities | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Constable | Investigate cases, supervise constables, gather evidence, interrogate suspects, maintain records, and manage crime scenes. | 4.4 Lakhs |
| Sub-Inspector (SI) | Lead investigations, oversee SI’s work, manage crime scenes, coordinate with superiors, and gather intelligence. | 9.9 Lakhs |
| Inspector | Overall in charge of a district, manages the police force, and reports to higher officials. | 12.5 Lakhs |
| Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) | Manage law and order, supervise inspectors, handle sensitive cases, administrative duties. | 14 Lakhs |
| Superintendent of Police (SP) | Overall in charge of a district, manages the police force, and reports to higher officials. | 18 Lakhs |
| Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) | Oversee various departments, formulate policies, and manage law enforcement strategies. | 25 Lakhs |
| Director General of Police (DGP) | Head of the state police force, responsible for overall law enforcement, policy implementation | 30 Lakhs |
Related Read: Detailed Explanation on All the Police Ranks in India with Salaries
Different categories of police officers in India are classified under different pay bands. The government of India decides the pay scale of the officers. The seniority and responsibilities of the recruited officer help in making this decision.
Here’s a general overview of the average salary for police officers in India based on experience:
| Experience (Years) | Average Salary (INR) |
| 0-5 | 3-5 Lakh |
| 6-10 | 5-7 Lakh |
| 11-15 | 8–11 Lakh |
| 16-20 | 12 Lakh |
| 20+ | 13 Lakh+ |
Police qualification requirements vary based on the post of your application. The following table shows the general requirements on how to become a police officer after 12th grade. However, data may vary for reserved categories or the state of your application.
| Position | Age limit (in years) | Educational qualifications | Physical requirements |
| Constable or Head Constable | 18-25 | 10+2 | About 155 cm for women and 165 for men |
| Addl. Superintendent of Police | 21-30 | Graduation | About 165 cm for men and 150 cm for women |
| Sub Inspector or Assistant Sub Inspector | 20-25 | Graduation with at least 50% marks | About 157 cm for women and 170 cm for men |
The table does not list the qualifications for some posts. The respective departments are responsible for recruiting people for those posts through promotion.
Understanding the steps to becoming a police officer after 12th grade is essential for starting your journey in law enforcement. Begin by meeting the essential qualifications and building a strong foundation for the role’s requirements.
Becoming a police officer involves clearing various stages, including exams and assessments. With focus and preparation, you can achieve your goal. Following these steps will guide you through the process of becoming a police officer after 12th grade and help you contribute to maintaining law and order.
Below are the detailed steps on how to become a police officer after 12th grade –
To become a police officer in India, after passing the 12th, you can apply for the constable post via your state-level recruitment exams as part of how to become a police officer after 12th grade. The alternative way is to complete your graduation and then directly apply for the post of sub-inspector by appearing for exams like CSE, SSC, and state-level police service exams. Candidates must meet Delhi Police Constable qualification requirements, including age, education, and physical standards.
| Designation | Eligibility | Entrance Exams |
| Constable | Age: 18-25 years Educational Qualification: 10+2 | State-level police recruitment exams |
| Head Constable | Age: 18-25 years Educational Qualification: 10+2 or equivalent | State-level police recruitment exams |
| Designation | Entrance Exams |
| Sub-Inspector (SI) | SSC |
| Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) | State Police Service exams |
| Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) | UPSC CSE |
| Superintendent of Police (SP) | UPSC CSE |
Apply for State-wise Police Recruitment:
UP Police Recruitment 2025: Latest News, Eligibility, Salary & Vacancies
Jharkhand Police Recruitment 2025: Latest News, Eligibility, Salary & Vacancies
Andhra Pradesh Police Recruitment 2025: Latest News, Eligibility, Salary & Vacancy
Telangana Police Recruitment 2025: Latest News, Eligibility, Salary & Vacancies
Assam Police Recruitment 2025: Latest News, Eligibility, Salary & Vacancies
Skills are crucial when considering becoming a police officer after 12th grade. While meeting the qualifications is essential, having the right qualities can set you apart in this challenging yet rewarding career. Basic skills like problem-solving, physical fitness, communication, and decision-making are vital for effectively handling the dynamic responsibilities of a police officer.
Understanding how to become a police officer involves more than just passing exams; it requires building the right mindset and attitude. By focusing on these skills, you enhance your readiness for the role. These qualities, combined with knowledge of becoming a police officer after 12th grade, can help you succeed in law enforcement.
Apart from the essential police officer qualifications, you must have the following qualities –
Understanding the Constitution and the law is essential for an officer. Based on its framework, you must have a strong sense of ethics. This includes morality. You can learn the law. But you must ingrain morality in your character to become a good officer. You can become a respected officer with the balance of law and morality.
In extreme situations, you must be bold to make the right decisions. The police courses and training will teach you how to deal with situations. But the training cannot teach you to be firm in your decision. You must assert your position. Take charge of the circumstances. Explain the course of action to your subordinates.
Courage is the primary skill of any police officer. With this skill, you can face dangerous situations. In your daily responsibility as a police officer, you will face criminals. These could include dangerous terrorists or financial criminals. Dealing with such enemies requires determination and courage.
Winning a battle requires teamwork. During your career as a police officer, you will be working on several projects. Generally, the deadline for dealing with every case would be short. Instead of relying on your capabilities, you will have to seek help from subordinates. Their skills and experience will reduce your response time. It will also increase the efficiency of your results.
As a protector of civil laws, a police officer must understand emotions. Sensitivity to the needs of locals helps in understanding the root cause of crimes. With this knowledge, it becomes easy to eradicate them from their roots. Also, empathizing with a criminal can encourage them to reveal sensitive information.
In the previous sub-section, you saw the importance of teamwork. But, the team must have minimal friction to get the desired results. If you are a good leader, problem-solving ability comes naturally to you. Leadership is one of the most crucial skills needed in the journey of how to become a police officer.
Preparing for how to become a police officer after 12th requires dedication, strategy, and consistency. From improving physical fitness to developing mental aptitude, these tips will guide you toward success. Follow these steps to strengthen your preparation and achieve your dream of becoming a police officer.
If you’re wondering how to become a DSP or SI, understanding how to become a police officer after 12th grade is essential. This guide covers all the steps and requirements to kickstart your career in law enforcement. To become a Junior Grade Police Constable, you must pass your 12th-grade exams and qualify for the entrance tests designed for the role. These tests evaluate your physical fitness, reasoning ability, and general awareness, which are crucial for performing effectively as a police officer.
Learning how to become a police officer after 12th grade opens up opportunities for a long and fulfilling career in the police force. As an Indian Police Officer, you will play a vital role in maintaining law and order, protecting citizens, and upholding justice. By understanding the steps involved in becoming a police officer, you can prepare effectively and achieve your dream of serving the nation with dedication and integrity.
Furthermore, you can get promoted to the following posts as per your caliber-
A police officer is also qualified to become a CBI Officer. Police officers have one of the most reputed jobs in the country. This guide summarizes how to become a police officer after 12th grade. Explore the opportunities available through Delhi Police Recruitment and kickstart your career in policing.
Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive into our guide on Career Advice.
To become a police officer after 12th grade in India, you can take one of the following routes –
1. State or Provincial Recruitment exams such as SSC
2. UPSC exam for the IPS role
To become a police officer in India, you must be at least 21. However, the lower age limits vary for different positions. If you’re wondering how to become a police officer after 12th grade, it’s essential to check the specific eligibility criteria for the role you’re interested in.
The physical requirements for becoming a police officer in India vary. The upper and lower limits are decided based on the state of your application and the post. If you aim to become an IPS officer, your height as a woman must be at least 150 cm. On the contrary, men must at least be 165 cm long. If you’re looking into how to become a police officer after 12th grade, be sure to meet these physical criteria for your desired position.
The duration of the Phase-I training for an IPS officer is 11 months. This training is conducted at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy. After this, you are assigned your cadre. Based on this cadre, you will undergo a District training of 6 months.
Aspiring police officers in India can take several graduation-level courses, such as Criminology, Sociology, Public Administration, Law, and Criminal Justice. These fields can serve as valuable branches of study for those looking to build a career in law enforcement. If you’re exploring how to become a police officer after 12th grade, pursuing one of these courses can be a significant step forward.
For a police career after 12th, Criminal Justice, Law, and Sociology are ideal subjects. However, any stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce) is acceptable if you meet the eligibility requirements for police exams.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
