Central deputation mandatory for IPS promotion has become the new rule after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued fresh guidelines on January 28, 2026. Under the revised policy, Indian Police Service (IPS) officers must complete at least two years of Central deputation to become eligible for promotion to the rank of Inspector General (IG) or an equivalent post at the Centre.
According to the MHA, officers must serve a minimum of two years at the SP or DIG level, or an equivalent rank, on Central deputation before empanelment. The rule will apply to IPS officers from the 2011 batch onwards. Officials said the decision aims to ensure officers gain sufficient experience in Central government functioning before assuming senior leadership roles.
The MHA has communicated the revised guideline to all Chief Secretaries of State governments, asking them to inform IPS officers in their cadres. Copies have also been sent to Directors General of Police, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), and other concerned authorities.
In addition, the Ministry has asked the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to upload the notification on the official IPS website under the “What’s New” section for wider visibility.
Officials explained that central deputation mandatory for IPS promotion will help create a more experienced leadership pool at the Centre. The move aligns senior promotions with exposure to national-level policing, administration, and policy coordination.
