Police Constable (State Police)
पुलिस सिपाही (कांस्टेबल) · पोलीस शिपाई (पोलीस भरती)
A constable is the entry-level police officer in a state police force: patrol, station duty, law and order, traffic. Each state recruits through its own police recruitment board. It is a permanent state government job with training at a police school.
Usually 12th pass (varies by state; Maharashtra Police Shipai needs 12th/HSC).
Typically 18 to 22-28 depending on state and gender (e.g. Maharashtra 18-28 open category; UP 18-22 men, 18-25 women). Reserved categories get extra years as per state rules. Check the official notice
Domicile of that state is usually needed, and knowledge of the state language. Minimum height and chest for men and height for women (Maharashtra: men 165 cm, chest 79 cm with 5 cm expansion; women 155 cm). Check the official notice
How selection works
- Online application on state police recruitment site
- Physical standard test (height, chest)
- Physical efficiency test (running, shot put, etc.)
- Written exam (objective)
- Merit list
- Document verification and medical
- Training
Pay
State pay scale; Maharashtra police constable is on state 7th Pay Commission scale S-7 (Rs 21,700-69,100). Other states usually Level 3 equivalent. Check the official notice ↗How to apply
Only online on the state recruitment site. Maharashtra: mahapolice.gov.in links to the current cycle portal (e.g. policerecruitment2025.mahait.org). UP: uppbpb.gov.in. No OTR in most states.Physical test
- Maharashtra
- Men: 1600 m run (20 marks), 100 m run (15), shot put (15) = 50 marks. Women: 800 m run (20), 100 m run (15), shot put (15) = 50 marks. Height men 165 cm, women 155 cm; men chest 79 cm unexpanded with at least 5 cm expansion. Timing-to-marks table is in the notification.
- Other states
- Each state sets its own distances and times (e.g. UP uses a timed long run); read your state's notification.
How to prepare
- Start running 4-6 months before: build to the full distance (1600 m men / 800 m women in Maharashtra) at a steady pace, then work on speed.
- Practise shot put technique with a coach; many lose easy marks by fouling.
- For the written test focus on arithmetic, reasoning, general knowledge, current affairs and the state language (Marathi grammar in Maharashtra).
- Solve full timed mock tests in the language you will write in.
- Keep your weight and eyesight healthy; get eyes checked early.
Mistakes people make
- Applying in more than one district/unit in the same cycle where the rules allow only one.
- Training only for the written test and failing the run.
- Not carrying the right category/non-creamy-layer certificate to verification.
- Believing agents who promise selection for money.