New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has increased the sanctioned number of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers on deputation to central government positions, pushing the total number beyond 700. This move comes amid ongoing concerns over career stagnation and delayed promotions of cadre officers in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), despite Supreme Court directions to gradually reduce IPS deputations.
IPS Deputation Numbers See Significant Rise
According to official reports, the sanctioned posts for IPS officers on central deputation have risen in the last six months.
June 2025 figures: 678 IPS officers were on deputation. Sanctioned posts included: 15 Director General (DG), 12 Special Director General (SDG), 26 Additional Director General (ADG), 150 Inspector General (IG), 254 Deputy Inspector General (DIG), and 221 Superintendent of Police (SP) posts.
December 23, 2025 update: The numbers increased to 15 DG, 17 SDG, 30 ADG, 158 IG, 256 DIG, and 225 SP posts.
Despite the increase, 212 posts remain vacant, highlighting the growing demand for IPS officers in central assignments.
Supreme Court Directives on OGAS and CAPF Promotions
The Supreme Court of India, in May 2025, delivered a landmark judgment regarding the Organized Group ‘A’ Service (OGAS) status for cadre officers in CAPFs. The Court emphasized –
- OGAS status should be fully implemented across all functions of the CAPFs, not limited to Non-Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU).
- Deputation of IPS officers to CAPFs should be gradually reduced up to the Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) level over two years, to ensure cadre officers get timely promotions and leadership opportunities.
- A six-month timeline was given for compliance.
Despite the ruling, reports indicate that IPS deputations to central forces have increased in the last six months, raising concerns about non-compliance.
Career Stagnation for CAPF Cadre Officers
Former BSF ADG S.K. Sood highlighted challenges faced by CAPF cadre officers –
- IPS officers on deputation often apply state police procedures unfamiliar to paramilitary forces.
- Since 1986, the government recognized CAPF cadre officers as OGAS but failed to fully implement benefits like NFFU.
- Promotions for cadre officers in CRPF, BSF, CISF, and other forces have been delayed for over a decade, with some officers still waiting for their first promotion after 15 years.
Former CRPF Assistant Commandant and advocate Sarvesh Tripathi added that despite a 2015 Delhi High Court ruling favoring cadre officers, the government’s appeals delayed implementation. The Supreme Court ultimately affirmed the OGAS status and mandated phased reduction of IPS deputation to ensure cadre officers can access leadership positions.
Implications of Continued IPS Deputations
Experts note that continued deputation of IPS officers creates several issues –
- Leadership vacuum: Company commanders and other cadre officers miss out on top-level postings.
- Promotion delays: Many officers may retire without reaching ADG-level posts.
- Operational mismatch: IPS officers may not fully understand paramilitary operational procedures, affecting efficiency.
Historically, even military officers were deputed to CAPFs, but this practice was stopped, leaving IPS deputation as the primary external influence on CAPFs. The Supreme Court has emphasized that cadre officers must be prioritized for central postings to maintain morale and operational continuity.
The Way Forward
Central government is under judicial and administrative pressure to phase out IPS deputations gradually, ensuring OGAS rights for cadre officers.
Compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives could restore career progression, provide leadership opportunities, and enhance morale in CAPFs.
Ensuring a balance between deputation and cadre promotion is essential for maintaining efficiency, discipline, and long-term capability in India’s paramilitary forces.
