IPS Sees Higher SC/ST And OBC Representation Than IAS And IFS
Recent recruitment data shows SC/ST and OBC candidates have higher representation in IPS than in IAS and IFS services.
In recent years, a higher proportion of candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) have secured appointments to the Indian Police Service (IPS) compared to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), official data shows.
The data, released by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), indicates that while representation of SC/ST and OBC candidates has improved across all central services, IPS has emerged as the service with the highest inclusivity for these communities. Analysts attribute this trend to changes in examination patterns, reservation policies, and increased awareness of opportunities in policing careers.
Officials noted that while IAS and IFS postings continue to attract top-ranking candidates, the highly competitive nature and limited vacancies in these services often mean that candidates from underrepresented communities face stiffer challenges. IPS, by contrast, offers a comparatively larger intake and multiple career entry points through the Civil Services Examination, which may contribute to higher representation.
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The figures also reflect broader government initiatives to improve diversity in public services, including outreach programs, coaching support, and policy interventions aimed at ensuring fair access for candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds. Experts said such measures have gradually reduced historical disparities in recruitment outcomes.
Despite progress in IPS representation, officials cautioned that gaps remain in higher administrative ranks, postings in strategic positions, and international assignments, where IAS and IFS officers predominate. Calls for continued mentorship, training, and policy focus on inclusive career advancement have gained momentum.
As India’s civil services evolve, the data highlights both achievements and challenges in achieving equitable representation across all central services, emphasizing the importance of structural support alongside merit-based selection.
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