Centre Tightens Empanelment Norms For IPS Officers From 2011 Batch Onwards, Issues Modification

Last Updated:January 31, 2026, 09:14 IST

A minimum of two years of central deputation at the level of SP/DIG or equivalent will be mandatory for empanelment to IG-level posts at the Centre

The revised condition will apply prospectively to officers of the 2011 batch onwards, who are currently serving at DIG or equivalent levels in their cadres and are expected to be considered for IG empanelment in the coming years.

The Union government has modified 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 applicable to IPS officers of the 2011 batch onwards.

As per an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, a minimum of two years of central deputation at the level of SP/DIG or equivalent will be mandatory for empanelment to IG-level posts at the Centre. Earlier, the empanelment guidelines did not prescribe such central experience as a compulsory requirement.

The revised condition will apply prospectively to officers of the 2011 batch onwards, who are currently serving at DIG or equivalent levels in their cadres and are expected to be considered for IG empanelment in the coming years.

The decision comes at a time when Central Police Organisations (CPOs) and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) continue to face significant vacancies at the DIG and SP levels. Official data shows that as of December 23, 2025, central forces together had around 69 vacant DIG posts and over 100 vacant SP posts, including large shortages in organisations such as the Intelligence Bureau and the CBI.

Impact Of The Decision

Since officers of the 2011 batch and later are not yet eligible for IG-level postings, the new rule is not expected to have an immediate impact on current IG empanelment or existing vacancies at the IG level. Instead, the modification is aimed at shaping career progression for future senior leadership, ensuring that officers likely to assume IG-level responsibilities at the Centre possess adequate prior exposure to central organisations.

The move is expected to encourage IPS officers of eligible batches to opt for central deputation at SP and DIG ranks, potentially improving staffing at middle and senior levels in central forces over the medium to long term. Currently, IPS officers are not very keen to join at this level and posts remain vacant, which is also a headache for the government.

The order has been circulated to Chief Secretaries of all states and Directors General of Police for information and necessary action.

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