IPS Rank for Selection: A Comprehensive Guide to Service Allocation in 2026

INTRODUCTION

For many aspirants of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), the dream isn't just to enter the bureaucracy; it’s to wear the uniform. The Indian Police Service (IPS) remains one of the most prestigious and sought-after services in the country. However, securing a spot in the IPS is not merely about passing the exam—it is a complex interplay of your final merit, category, and available vacancies.

As we look toward the 2026 recruitment cycle, understanding the IPS rank for selection is crucial for setting realistic goals. In this guide, we break down how the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) uses your rank and category to allocate the IPS, providing you with the latest data and trends for the upcoming year.

Understanding the Service Allocation Process

The journey from a candidate to an IPS officer trainee at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) involves three critical factors during the allocation stage:

1. Final Rank: Your combined score from the Mains Exam (1750 marks) and the Personality Test (275 marks).

2. Service Preference: The order in which you listed services (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.) in your Detailed Application Form (DAF).

3. Category and Vacancies: Your social category (General, EWS, OBC, SC, ST) and the number of IPS seats reserved for that category in a given year.

IPS Rank for Selection: Expected Trends for 2026

While the exact cutoff for 2026 will depend on the difficulty of the papers and the total number of vacancies, historical data from 2023, 2024, and 2025 provides a reliable roadmap. For 2026, the number of IPS vacancies is expected to remain around 200, a steady figure maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs to address the shortage of police officers across states.

Predicted Category-Wise Rank Requirements

Based on recent allocation trends, here is the estimated IPS rank for selection you should aim for in 2026:

Category	Expected Opening Rank	Expected Closing Rank
General	1	250 - 280
EWS	200	520 - 550
OBC	250	630 - 660
SC	450	850 - 880
ST	500	850 - 900

These ranks are indicative. If many top-rankers choose IPS as their first preference over IAS, the closing rank for IPS will climb higher (meaning a better rank will be needed).

How Rank Affects IPS Selection in 2026

The "Rank vs. Service" battle is often decided by the popularity of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Typically, the top 80-100 General category candidates get allocated to the IAS. If you are a general category student with a rank of 150 and you have put IPS as your second preference, you are almost certain to be allocated the IPS.

However, if your rank slips to 300, even if IPS is your first choice, you might miss out if all General category IPS seats are filled by those ranked 1-280. In such cases, you might be allocated a Group 'A' Central Service like the IRS (Indian Revenue Service).

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The Role of Physical Standards in IPS Allocation

Unlike the IAS or IFS, the IPS has strict physical eligibility criteria. Even if you secure the required IPS rank for selection, you must meet the following standards:

• Height: Minimum 165 cm for men and 150 cm for women (relaxations apply for specific tribes and regions).

• Chest: 84 cm for men (5 cm expansion) and 79 cm for women (5 cm expansion).

• Vision: Specific requirements for distant and near vision, including limitations on high myopia or hypermetropia.

If a candidate secures a top rank but fails the medical board's physical test for "Technically demanding services," they will be skipped for IPS and moved to their next preferred non-technical service.

FAQ: IPS Rank for Selection 2026

Q1: What is the minimum IPS rank for selection for a general category student in 2026? 

A1: Typically, a general category student needs to stay within the top 250 to 280 ranks to ensure IPS selection. However, this depends on how many higher-ranked candidates opt for IAS or IFS.

Q2: Can I get IPS with a rank of 600 in the OBC category? 

A2: Yes, historically, the IPS rank for selection for the OBC category has extended up to 630-650. In 2026, a rank of 600 puts you in a strong position for the police service.

Q3: Does the number of vacancies change the IPS rank for selection every year? 

A3: Absolutely. If the government increases IPS vacancies to 250 in 2026, the closing rank will drop, allowing candidates with slightly lower ranks to enter the service.

Q4: Is the IPS rank for selection different for women? 

A4: No, the rank requirements are based on category and merit, not gender. However, there are specific physical standard relaxations for women (such as height) during the medical examination.

Q5: What happens if my rank is sufficient for IPS, but I don't meet the height requirement? 

A5: Even if you have the required IPS rank for selection, failing the physical criteria means you will be allocated your next available preference, such as the IRS or IA&AS.

Conclusion

Securing the right IPS rank for selection in 2026 requires a disciplined approach to the three-stage UPSC process. While the rank cutoffs provide a target, your primary focus should be on maximizing your score in the Mains and Interview to stay ahead of the curve. The competition is fierce, but with the right strategy and a clear understanding of the allocation process, the khaki uniform is well within your reach.

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