Central Government Expands IPS Deputation Posts Beyond 700 Despite Supreme Court Directives on CAPF Promotions; Cadre Officers Face Career Stagnation
The Union Home Ministry has significantly increased the sanctioned number of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers on deputation to central government positions, pushing the total beyond 700 posts. This expansion comes at a time when concerns are mounting over career stagnation and delayed promotions of cadre officers in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), despite clear directives from the Supreme Court of India to gradually reduce IPS deputations.
IPS Deputation Numbers Witness Sharp Rise
Official records reveal that the sanctioned posts for IPS officers on central deputation have risen notably in the past six months.
June 2025 figures: 678 IPS officers were serving 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).
December 23, 2025 update: The sanctioned numbers increased to 15 DG, 17 SDG, 30 ADG, 158 IG, 256 DIG, and 225 SP posts.
Despite this expansion, 212 posts remain vacant, underscoring the growing demand for IPS officers in central assignments.
Supreme Court Directives on OGAS and CAPF Promotions
In May 2025, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment concerning the Organized Group ‘A’ Service (OGAS) status for CAPF cadre officers. The Court emphasized:
OGAS status must be fully implemented across all CAPF functions, not restricted to Non-Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU).
Deputation of IPS officers to CAPFs should be gradually reduced up to the Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) level within two years, ensuring cadre officers receive timely promotions and leadership opportunities.
A six-month compliance timeline was mandated
However, reports indicate that IPS deputations have actually increased in the last six months, raising concerns about non-compliance with judicial directives.
Career Stagnation for CAPF Cadre Officers
Former BSF ADG S.K. Sood highlighted the challenges faced by CAPF cadre officers:
IPS officers on deputation often apply state police procedures that are not aligned with paramilitary operations.
Since 1986, CAPF cadre officers were recognized as OGAS, but benefits such as NFFU were not fully implemented.
Promotions for cadre officers in CRPF, BSF, CISF, and other forces have been delayed for over a decade, with some officers waiting 15 years for their first promotion.
Former CRPF Assistant Commandant and advocate Sarvesh Tripathi added that despite a 2015 Delhi High Court ruling favoring cadre officers, government appeals delayed implementation. The Supreme Court ultimately affirmed OGAS status and mandated a phased reduction of IPS deputations to ensure cadre officers could access leadership positions.
Implications of Continued IPS Deputations
Experts warn that the continued reliance on IPS deputations creates multiple issues:
Leadership vacuum: Cadre officers miss out on top-level postings.
Promotion delays: Many officers risk retiring without reaching ADG-level positions.
Operational mismatch: IPS officers may lack familiarity with paramilitary procedures, affecting efficiency.
Historically, even military officers were deputed to CAPFs, but this practice was discontinued, leaving IPS deputation as the primary external influence. The Supreme Court has stressed that cadre officers must be prioritized for central postings to maintain morale and operational continuity.
The Way Forward
The central government now faces judicial and administrative pressure to phase out IPS deputations gradually and ensure full OGAS rights for cadre officers.
Compliance with Supreme Court directives could restore career progression, provide leadership opportunities, and enhance morale within CAPFs. Experts argue that striking a balance between deputation and cadre promotion is essential to maintain efficiency, discipline, and long-term capability in India’s paramilitary forces.
