UPSC IPS 2024 Vacancy Breakdown: Key Insights and Changes

The UPSC has announced the IPS vacancies for 2024, revealing a significant reduction in available positions. West Bengal leads in allocations, while some states will see no appointments. The new cadre allotment system introduces major changes, impacting future recruitment dynamics. This article delves into the specifics of the vacancies, state-wise distributions, and the implications of the revised allotment rules, providing essential insights for aspiring candidates.

By Ambika Singh Jun 1, 2026, 12:46 IST

Overview of UPSC IPS Vacancies

State-Wise Distribution of UPSC IPS Vacancies: According to the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, West Bengal is projected to have the highest allocation of IPS officers, followed closely by Andhra Pradesh. Notably, some states will not see any IPS appointments during this recruitment cycle, as indicated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Significant Reduction in IPS Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced a total of 147 vacancies for the IPS through the Civil Services Examination 2024. This includes 49 vacancies for 'insiders' and 98 for 'outsiders', marking a notable decrease from the previous year's total of 200 vacancies. Consequently, candidates will now compete for 53 fewer positions, intensifying the competition for these roles.

State-Specific IPS Vacancy Details

Highest Allocations and Zero Posts in Some States: The MHA's breakdown reveals that West Bengal will fill 15 IPS positions, making it the state with the most vacancies. Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh follow with significant numbers, while Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh will not have any appointments.

State or Cadre Name | Total Vacancies

1 | A G M U T | 4

2 | Andhra Pradesh | 14

3 | Assam, Meghalaya | 11

4 | Bihar | 8

5 | Chhattisgarh | 0

6 | Gujarat | 2

7 | Haryana | 2

8 | Himachal Pradesh | 0

9 | Jharkhand | 6

10 | Karnataka | 7

11 | Kerala | 6

12 | Madhya Pradesh | 11

13 | Maharashtra | 10

14 | Manipur | 4

15 | Nagaland | 6

16 | Odisha | 6

17 | Punjab | 4

18 | Rajasthan | 2

19 | Sikkim | 2

20 | Tamil Nadu | 9

21 | Telangana | 2

22 | Tripura | 2

23 | Uttar Pradesh | 12

24 | Uttarakhand | 2

25 | West Bengal | 15

Total | | 147

Category-Wise IPS Vacancies for 2025

IPS 2025 Category-wise Vacancies:

Category | Vacancies

General (EWS) | 74

Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 41

Scheduled Castes (SC) | 22

Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 10

Total Vacancies | 147

Concerns Over Cadre Allotment Delays

This announcement arrives amid worries about delays in cadre and service allotments. Earlier this year, candidates experienced uncertainty as the allotment process extended beyond the usual timeframe, prompting discussions within the civil services community. The latest notification is expected to pave the way for the final cadre allotment.

Revised Cadre Allotment System

Changes to the Cadre Allotment System:
The government has implemented significant revisions to the cadre allotment system for the Civil Services Examination (CSE). The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has eliminated the previous five-zonal system for UPSC Civil Services. IAS, IPS, and IFoS officers will now be assigned to cadres under a new four-group allotment system, with major changes expected to take effect from 2026. The new UPSC cadre groups are:

Group I: AGMUT, Andhra Pradesh, Assam-Meghalaya, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh

Group II: Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh

Group III: Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Tamil Nadu

Group IV: Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal

It is important to note that the final results for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 were announced in April 2025. For candidates aiming to join the IPS, the limited number of vacancies significantly alters the competitive landscape, as fewer positions typically lead to increased competition, especially for those near the cut-off mark.