Police Sub-Inspector (SI / PSI)

पुलिस दरोगा (सब-इंस्पेक्टर) · पोलीस उपनिरीक्षक (PSI)

A Sub-Inspector leads investigations and runs a police station shift; it is an officer-level post above constable. States recruit SIs through their police board or public service commission. At the central level SSC recruits SIs for Delhi Police and the armed police forces (SSC CPO exam).

Study

Graduate in any subject.

Age

Usually about 20-28 or up to early 30s depending on the state; SSC CPO is 20-25. Reserved categories get extra years. Check the official notice

Also

Height/chest standards and a physical test; state domicile for state posts. Maharashtra PSI: men minimum height 165 cm. Check the official notice

How selection works

  1. Online application
  2. Preliminary written exam
  3. Main written exam
  4. Physical test
  5. Interview (in some states, e.g. MPSC PSI)
  6. Document verification and medical
  7. Training

Pay

SSC CPO: Level 6 (Rs 35,400-1,12,400). State SIs are on state scales. Check the official notice ↗

How to apply

State: police recruitment board or state PSC portal. Maharashtra PSI: MPSC Combined Group B exam on mpsconline.gov.in (MPSC profile needed). Central: SSC CPO on ssc.gov.in after SSC OTR.

Physical test

MPSC PSI: physical test out of 100 marks; at least 60% needed to reach interview. SSC CPO has its own race, long jump, high jump and shot put standards. Distances and times are in each notification. ↗

How to prepare

  • Build the graduate-level base: arithmetic, reasoning, polity, history, geography, current affairs.
  • Learn the law basics named in the syllabus (IPC was replaced by Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in 2024; check which your syllabus uses).
  • Train for the physical test alongside study; do not leave it until after the mains.
  • Practise interview answers in simple language about your district and why you want to serve.
  • Solve the board's own previous papers first.

Mistakes people make

  • Confusing MPSC PSI with Maharashtra Police constable recruitment; they are different bodies.
  • Studying old IPC/CrPC when the syllabus has moved to new criminal laws.
  • Missing the physical test date after mains.
In Maharashtra In Maharashtra, PSI is filled by MPSC through the Maharashtra Gazetted/Non-Gazetted Combined Group B exam (prelim, mains, physical, interview). Apply on mpsconline.gov.in; physical test is held at a police ground notified by MPSC.