MHA releases cadre-wise IPS vacancies, intake falls significantly

The number of vacancies available in the Indian Police Service (IPS) through the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 has dropped sharply, with the Ministry of Home Affairs notifying 147 positions across cadres, significantly lower than the previous year's intake.

The latest vacancy distribution, released by the ministry, outlines category-wise and cadre-wise positions to be filled through the ongoing recruitment cycle.

The notified figure marks a decline of 53 vacancies compared with the previous allocation cycle, when 200 IPS posts were available.

The reduction is expected to intensify competition among UPSC aspirants seeking entry into the police service, particularly those aiming for top ranks and preferred cadres.

According to the notification, the 147 vacancies are spread across 25 cadres. Of the total positions, 74 have been earmarked for the unreserved category, 41 for Other Backward Classes (OBC), 22 for Scheduled Castes (SC), and 10 for Scheduled Tribes (ST).

Among all cadres, West Bengal has been allotted the highest number of vacancies at 15. Andhra Pradesh follows with 14 vacancies, while Uttar Pradesh has 12.

Assam-Meghalaya and Madhya Pradesh have each been allocated 11 positions, and Maharashtra has been allotted 10.

Several cadres, however, will not receive any new IPS officers through this recruitment cycle. Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh have been assigned zero vacancies in the latest distribution.

The vacancy announcement comes amid recent discussions among candidates over delays in service and cadre allocation processes.

Earlier this year, the allocation timeline took longer than usual, leading to uncertainty among successful candidates awaiting final postings.

While the notification does not determine the eventual cadre allotment of individual candidates, it provides the first official indication of the number of officers expected to join various cadres through the Civil Services Examination 2024 recruitment process.

For aspirants targeting the IPS, the lower vacancy count could have a direct impact on selection prospects.

A smaller intake typically results in increased competition, particularly around cutoff ranks, and may require candidates to secure stronger positions in the final merit list to obtain both the service and cadre of their choice.

The release of the cadre-wise vacancy distribution is a key step in the allocation process and offers candidates greater clarity regarding opportunities available across states and joint cadres this year.