The rank of Inspector Police Job (often referred to as Station House Officer or SHO in a station) is a crucial one in the police hierarchy. It’s the highest rank among the Junior Ranks and serves as a supervisory link between senior officers (like Deputy Superintendent of Police – DSP) and the junior ranks (Sub-Inspectors and Constables).
The Inspector role is in Basic Pay Scale (BPS) 16 and involves direct oversight of crime investigation and station management. Recruitment is competitive and is usually handled by provincial Public Service Commissions (like PPSC or SPSC) or specialized departmental boards, depending on the specific post (e.g., Investigation Inspector, Traffic Inspector).
| Detail | Description |
| Rank Title | Police Inspector (Insp.) / Station House Officer (SHO) |
| Basic Pay Scale (BPS) | BPS-16 |
| Primary Role | Direct supervision of police station operations, crime investigation, maintenance of law and order, and leading junior staff. |
| Recruitment Body | Provincial Public Service Commissions (PPSC, SPSC, BPSC, KPSC) or Departmental Selection Boards. |
| Typical Monthly Salary | Varies significantly by province and allowance, but generally in the range of PKR 60,000 – PKR 90,000+ (for SI/Inspector, including allowances and depending on the city/force). |
| Career Path | Inspector (BPS-16) |
Eligibility Criteria for the Inspector Police Job (BPS-16)
The requirements for a direct appointment to the Inspector Police job (BPS-16) can vary between provincial police forces (Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan) and federal agencies (FIA, ICT Police). In many provinces, the post of Inspector is mainly filled through promotion from Sub-Inspector (BPS-14). However, when direct recruitment is announced for a specialized Inspector role (like an Investigation Inspector), here are the general criteria you must meet:
1. Educational Qualification
- Requirement: Candidates must typically hold a Bachelor’s Degree (minimum 2nd Division) or an equivalent qualification from a University recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.
- Waiver: In some departmental recruitments, existing Constables or Head Constables with a certain years of service and an Intermediate (FA/FSc) qualification may be considered for promotion-based exams, but for direct recruitment, a graduation degree is the standard.
2. Age Limit
- Requirement: The age limit for fresh candidates usually falls between 21 to 30 years for most public service commission exams for police services.
- Note: Age relaxation is often provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories (e.g., SC/ST/BC) or to in-service government employees, as per government rules. Always check the official advertisement for the exact cut-off date and relaxation details.
3. Physical Standards (Mandatory)
Physical fitness is non-negotiable for the Inspector Police job. You must meet strict physical measurement and endurance standards. While there are slight variations, the generally accepted standards for entry-level police supervisory roles (Sub-Inspector/Inspector) are:
| Standard | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (min.) | 5 feet 2 inches (min.) |
| Chest | 33 inches (unexpanded) to 34.5 inches (expanded) | Not applicable (N/A) |
| Medical | Candidates must be medically fit, with eyesight generally required to be | Same as male candidates. |
4. Physical Endurance Test
To prove you are physically capable of handling the demanding nature of the Inspector Police job, you will be required to pass a rigorous endurance test.
- Male Candidates: Must complete a (one mile) race, typically within a time limit of 7 to 8 minutes.
- Female Candidates: Must complete a shorter run, usually
or
in approximately
(check advertisement for exact distance and time).
5. Domicile and Documentation
- Domicile: You must possess a valid domicile certificate of the province or region for which the vacancy is announced (e.g., Punjab domicile for PPSC vacancies, or ICT domicile for Islamabad Police vacancies).
- Documents: You must have a valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) issued by NADRA and all your original academic degrees and certificates.
The Multi-Stage Recruitment Process
The process of becoming an Inspector in the Police Department is long and highly competitive, designed to filter candidates based on intellect, physical stamina, and psychological suitability.
Stage 1: Application and Initial Screening
This begins with the release of the official advertisement by the relevant recruiting authority (PPSC, FPSC, or Police Department). You submit an online application and deposit a fee (challan form) at a designated bank.
Stage 2: Physical Measurement and Endurance Tests
All applicants who are provisionally shortlisted are called to a designated center for a Physical Measurement Test (PMT) to check their height and chest measurements, followed by the Physical Endurance Test (PET) (the running test). Failing the physical tests immediately disqualifies you from moving forward.
Stage 3: Written Examination (The Merit Test)
This is the most critical stage. Candidates who pass the physical tests are called for a comprehensive written exam. The test is usually a Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) based paper, focusing on the following subjects:
- English Grammar & Composition
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs (National and International)
- Pakistan Affairs & Islamic Studies
- Urdu Language
- Basic Computer Literacy and IQ/Reasoning
Stage 4: Psychological Assessment and Interview (Viva Voce)
Successful candidates from the written exam are then called for an interview. This stage assesses your personality, communication skills, judgment, and overall suitability for the demanding and supervisory role of an Inspector. A psychological test may be conducted before or during the interview to evaluate your mental resilience and temperament.
Stage 5: Medical Examination
Finally, candidates who pass all previous stages undergo a thorough medical examination by a government-approved Medical Board. This is where checks for vision, blood pressure, cardiac health, and chronic diseases (like Hepatitis B/C) are mandatory to ensure you are fit for active duty.
How to Apply for the Inspector Police Job: Step-by-Step
Applying for any government job requires attention to detail. Follow these general steps when applying for an Inspector Police job through a Public Service Commission (PSC) or direct police recruitment:
- Monitor Official Channels: Regularly check the official websites of the relevant Provincial Public Service Commission (PPSC, SPSC, etc.) or the Police department’s career section for new job advertisements. You can also monitor portals for new job openings. The first step to landing an Inspector Police job is knowing when to apply. You can check for new government job listings on reputable job portals like Latest Job Updates.
- Download the Challan Form: Once the advertisement is released, download the prescribed fee deposit slip (challan form) from the recruiting authority’s website.
- Deposit the Fee: Visit any designated bank branch (listed on the challan form) and deposit the application processing fee. Keep the original bank receipt (paid challan) safely; you will need it later.
- Complete the Online Application: Go to the official website and fill out the online application form. Enter all your personal, academic, and physical details accurately. Do not use false information, as it can lead to lifetime disqualification.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your CNIC, passport-size photograph, paid challan form, and academic degrees/certificates.
- Submit and Print: Submit the online form and print a copy of the final application or confirmation slip for your record. This slip contains your tracking ID and details for future reference.
Tips for Inspector Police Job Applicants: Acing the Selection
Success in securing an Inspector Police job requires a combination of physical and mental preparation.
- Start Physical Training Early: The physical test is a knockout round. Start running and conditioning yourself months before the test. Time yourself accurately against the official standards.
- Master General Knowledge: The written exam heavily features General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and Pakistan Studies. Read a daily newspaper, follow national and international events, and use comprehensive test preparation guides.
- Focus on Written Communication: Sharpen your English and Urdu composition skills. Being a police officer requires writing clear reports (FIRs, investigation diaries), so this section is vital.
- Practice Mock Interviews: The interview tests your decision-making, confidence, and knowledge of the legal system and police procedures. Prepare common ethical and operational questions.
- Know the Law: Familiarize yourself with basic Pakistani laws, particularly the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), as the Inspector Police is a key figure in enforcing them.
Recruitment Contact Information (General)
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding an Inspector Police job advertisement, always contact the concerned recruiting authority.
| Department/Authority | Primary Contact Type | Typical Phone Number/Contact |
| Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) | Helpdesk / Enquiry | 042-99202752 (General Enquiry) |
| Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police | General Operations | Police Emergency: 15 |
| Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) | UAN for General Recruitment | 051-111-000-248 |
| SPSC/KPSC/BPSC | Website/Head Office Contact | Check the respective provincial website for contact details. |
Frequently Asked Questions For Inspector Police Job
Is the Inspector Police rank a direct entry position in all departments?
No. In many police forces, the Inspector Police job is primarily a promotion-based rank from Sub-Inspector (BPS-14). However, some specialized wings (like Investigation, Prosecution, or Intelligence) or departments occasionally advertise direct recruitment for Inspector (BPS-16) against a specific quota. Always check the advertisement to confirm.
Is the Sub-Inspector (BPS-14) recruitment process the same as the Inspector Police job?
They are very similar, as both roles require similar physical fitness tests. However, the written exam for the Inspector Police job (BPS-16) is typically more competitive and challenging, often requiring a higher level of subject expertise compared to the Sub-Inspector (BPS-14) exam.
What is the main difference between an Inspector (BPS-16) and a DSP (BPS-17)?
The Inspector Police job (BPS-16) is a Junior Rank and is often the on-ground supervisor (e.g., SHO). The DSP (BPS-17), or Deputy Superintendent of Police, is the first Senior Rank and is an executive officer, typically managing a sub-division of multiple police stations. Promotion from Inspector to DSP is a key career milestone.
If I have a medical issue (e.g., low blood pressure or Hepatitis C), can I still apply?
Strict medical standards are enforced. Candidates with eyesight less than , low blood pressure (systolic below 100), Hepatitis B/C, or other perpetual ailments are often disqualified from a uniformed Inspector Police job role during the final medical examination. It’s crucial to be fully healthy to qualify.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The Inspector Police job is an honorable and challenging career that offers substantial authority, job security, and excellent growth potential within the government structure. Your journey to this prestigious position starts today with meticulous preparation.
Your Call to Action: Don’t wait for the perfect time! Start your physical training, dedicate time to written exam preparation, and most importantly, keep a vigilant watch on official career portals. The competition is tough, but with dedication, you can achieve your goal. Check the latest government job vacancies now to stay ahead of the curve.