How to Become a Police Officer after 12th - The Best Guide in 2025
Quick Summary
- Police Stands for Public Officer for Legal Investigations and Criminal Emergencies.
- Police officers handle legal investigations and criminal emergencies, ensuring law and order in society.
- The most common exams that are conducted for appearing in the Police Officer course are SSC and UPSC.
- The average salary range for a Police Officer is between INR 6,22,326 and INR 10,66,845 a year
Table of Contents
In every modern society, police officers play a vital role as representatives of the government. They ensure that 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 responsibilities that come with the role and how to become a police officer after 12th.
Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws, maintaining public order, and protecting 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 are considering how to become 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 essential skills like problem-solving, communication, and physical fitness. 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.
Career Overview: Police Officer
| 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 |
Salary of Police Officers in India
If you are passionate about joining the police force, you must know its structure. The following are the types of police 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 a range of departments, formulate policies, 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
Police Officer Salary by Experience
Different categories of police officers in India come under different pay bands. The government of India decides the pay scale of the officers. The seniority and responsibilities of the recruited officer helped 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+ |
Types of Police Officers
IPS Officer Ranks
- Director General of Police
- Addl. Director General of Police
- Inspector General of Police
- Deputy Inspector General of Police
- Superintendent of Police
- Addl. Superintendent of Police
State Police Service Officers
- Superintendent of Police
- Addl. Superintendent of Police
- Deputy Superintendent of Police
Eligibility for Becoming a Police Officer
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 qualification for some posts is not listed in the table. The respective departments are responsible for recruiting people for those posts through promotion.
Steps to Become a Police Officer
Understanding the steps on how to become a police officer after 12th grade is essential for starting your journey in law enforcement. Begin by meeting the basic qualifications and building a strong foundation to meet the role’s requirements.
Learning how to become 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 on how to become 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 –
- Complete your graduation – This is an optional but recommended step. After the 12th, you can only apply for a constable or head constable position whereas once you’ve graduated, you can apply for a sub-inspector post and other higher positions. If you’re wondering how to become a police officer after 12th, finishing your graduation can significantly enhance your career opportunities in law enforcement.
- Apply for the Police Constable (PC) or Sub-Inspector (SI) exam – The exams are conducted by the state governments or the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The PC exam is for the post of constable, while the SI exam is for the post of sub-inspector.
- Clear the physical and written exams –The physical exam tests your stamina and strength, while the written exam tests your knowledge of general science, current affairs, and the police force. The physical exam usually includes a running test, a jumping test, and a lifting test. The written exam usually includes a multiple-choice test and a descriptive test.
- Go through the training – If you clear the exams, you will be called for training at a police academy. The training period is usually 6 months to 1 year. The training will teach you the basics of police work, such as law enforcement, investigation, and crowd control.
- Get posted as a police officer – After completing the training, you will be posted as a police officer in a police station or other law enforcement agency. Your first posting will likely be as a constable. You can then apply for the SI exam after gaining some experience.
How to Become a Police Officer after 12th in India
To become a police officer in India, after passing the 12th, you can apply for the post of constable 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.
How to Become a Police Officer after 12th
| 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 |
How to Become a Police Officer after Graduation
| 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 |
List of Entrance Exams to Become a Police Officer
| Entrance Exam | Registration Dates | Exam Dates | Result Dates |
| SSC CPO (Central Police Organization) | March 4, 2024 | 9th,10th and 13th May 2024. | To be announced |
| SSC GD Constable Exam | February 22, 2023 | 20th February to 12th March, 2024 | April-May 2024 |
| UPSC Civil Services Exam (IPS) | 14th February-6th March, 2024 | Prelims: 26th May Mains: 20th September,2024 | 40-45 days after exams conducted |
| State Police Constable Recruitment | Varies by State | Varies by State | Varies by State |
Apply for State-wise Police Recruitment:
UP Police Recruitment 2024: Latest News, Eligibility, Salary & Vacancies
Jharkhand Police Recruitment 2024: Latest News, Eligibility, Salary & Vacancies
Andhra Pradesh Police Recruitment 2024: Latest News, Eligibility, Salary & Vacancy
Telangana Police Recruitment 2024: Latest News, Eligibility, Salary & Vacancies
Assam Police Recruitment 2024: Latest News, Eligibility, Salary & Vacancies
Skills Required to be a Police Officer
Skills play a crucial role when considering how to become a police officer after 12th. While meeting the necessary police officer qualifications is important, having the right qualities can set you apart in this challenging yet rewarding career. Essential 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 how to become 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 –
1. Morality
Understanding the Constitution and the law is important 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. With the balance of law and morality, you can become a respected officer.
2. Assertiveness
In extreme situations, you must be bold to make the right decisions. The police courses and training will teach you the theory of dealing 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.
3. Courage
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.
4. Teamwork
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.
5. Empathy
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, by empathizing with a criminal, you can encourage them to reveal sensitive information.
6. Leadership
In the previous sub-section, you saw the importance of teamwork. But, there must be minimal friction in the team 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.
Preparation Tips
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 on your path to success. Follow these steps to strengthen your preparation and achieve your dream of how to become a police officer.
- Stay Physically Fit: Physical fitness is crucial for how to become a police officer after 12th. Incorporate regular exercise, strength training, and endurance activities into your routine to meet the required physical standards.
- Enhance General Knowledge: Stay updated with current affairs and develop your knowledge of laws and regulations. Regular reading will help you excel in exams on how to become a police officer.
- Practice Problem-Solving: Analytical and reasoning skills are key to success. Solve puzzles, take mock tests, and practice logical reasoning to prepare effectively for how to become a police officer after 12th.
- Focus on Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital. Work on your verbal and written skills to perform well during interviews and assessments while preparing for how to become a police officer.
- Maintain Discipline and Consistency: Discipline is the foundation of this career. Consistent efforts, time management, and focus will help you stay on track in your journey to how to become a police officer.
What’s Next as an Indian Police Officer?
If you’re wondering how to become a DSP or SI, understanding the process of 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 need to 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 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 how to become 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-
- Superintendent of Police
- Deputy Inspector General of Police
- Inspector-General of Police
- Addl. Director General of Police
- Director-General of Police
A police officer is also qualified to become a CBI Officer as well. All in all, a police officer is one of the most reputed jobs in the country. This guide summarizes how to become a police officer after 12th.
Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive into our guide on Career Advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exams should I take to become a police officer in India?
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
2. What is the minimum age requirement to become a police officer in India?
You must be at least 21 years old to become a police officer in India. However, the lower age limits vary for different positions. If you’re wondering how to become a police officer after 12th grade, it’s important to check the specific eligibility criteria for the role you’re interested in.
3. What are the physical requirements to become a police officer in India?
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’re aiming to become an IPS officer, your height as a woman must at least be 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.
4. What is the duration of the training to become a police officer in India?
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.
5. What courses are available to become a police officer in India?
Aspiring police officers in India can take up 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, pursuing one of these courses can be a great step forward.
To read more related articles, click here.
Got a question on this topic?