Hyderabad: The Telangana government has formally approached the Centre seeking a significant increase in the sanctioned strength of the Indian Police Service (IPS) cadre in the state, citing expanding administrative responsibilities, growing law and order challenges and the need to strengthen senior police leadership.
The state has requested the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to raise Telangana’s IPS cadre strength from the existing 151 posts to 194 posts, adding 43 new IPS positions. The proposal is currently pending with the Centre for approval.
Proposal Based on Mid Cadre Review
The request is based on a comprehensive Mid Cadre Review prepared by the Telangana Police Department after assessing the state’s present and future policing requirements.
According to official sources, the Director General of Police (DGP) submitted the Mid Cadre Review report to the Telangana government on November 10 last year, recommending that the IPS cadre strength be increased to 194 officers.
After examining the proposal, the state government formally forwarded it to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on April 25, 2026, seeking approval for the additional posts.
The proposal is presently under consideration by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Why Telangana Wants More IPS Officers
The Telangana government has argued that the existing sanctioned strength of 151 IPS officers, as notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs, is no longer adequate to meet the state’s policing and administrative requirements.
Since the formation of Telangana, the state’s governance and policing framework has undergone significant expansion.
Key factors cited in the proposal include:
- Creation of several new districts.
- Establishment of additional police commissionerates.
- Expansion of specialised police wings.
- Increasing cybercrime investigations.
- Strengthening anti-narcotics enforcement.
- Rising law and order responsibilities.
- Future administrative requirements.
Police officials believe these developments have substantially increased the demand for senior IPS officers across the state.
Strengthening Law and Order
According to the proposal, enhancing the IPS cadre strength will help improve police administration and ensure better supervision at various levels.
The additional posts are expected to strengthen:
- District policing.
- Police commissionerates.
- Cyber Crime units.
- Narcotics enforcement.
- Specialised investigation wings.
- Senior-level supervision across the state.
Officials believe the move will significantly improve the state’s law enforcement capabilities while enabling more effective deployment of senior officers.
More Promotion Opportunities
Apart from addressing the shortage of senior officers, the proposal is expected to create better promotional avenues within the IPS hierarchy.
If approved by the Centre, the increased cadre strength would facilitate promotions to higher ranks, including:
- Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
- Inspector General (IG)
- Additional Director General (ADG)
The proposal would also enable the government to appoint more Superintendents of Police (SPs) in districts, thereby improving field-level supervision and policing efficiency.
Awaiting Centre’s Approval
The proposal is currently pending before the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which will take the final decision on revising the IPS cadre strength.
Senior police officials remain optimistic that the Centre will approve the request, maintaining that the additional cadre is essential for meeting Telangana’s expanding policing responsibilities and strengthening law enforcement across the state.
They believe the proposed increase from 151 to 194 IPS posts will equip Telangana Police to effectively handle emerging security challenges while supporting the state’s rapidly growing administrative structure.
