Police Exams

Each state recruits its own police

Police is a state subject, so every state runs its own recruitment through a dedicated board - the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board, Bihar's Central Selection Board of Constable, Madhya Pradesh's Employees Selection Board and others. Each sets its own eligibility, age limits, physical standards and syllabus, and its own calendar.

The usual stages

Most police recruitments run a written examination, a physical standards test (height and chest measurement), a physical efficiency test (timed running and, in some states, other events), then document verification and a medical examination. Whether the physical test only qualifies or carries marks varies by state - in Bihar, for example, the written examination qualifies and merit is decided on the physical efficiency test.

Central police forces recruit nationally

Constables in the central armed police forces are recruited through SSC GD, sub-inspectors in Delhi Police and the CAPFs through SSC CPO, and Assistant Commandants through UPSC's CAPF AC. The Railway Protection Force recruits through its own RPF Constable and RPF SI examinations.

Domicile matters for reservation

State police posts are usually open to candidates from other states, but reservation for SC, ST, OBC and women is generally available only to the state's own domiciles. Others compete in the unreserved category, so check the domicile rule before counting on a reserved cut off.