New Delhi, Jan. 31 -- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has made it mandatory for Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to complete a minimum of two years of Central deputation at the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG), or an equivalent level for empanelment as Inspector General (IG) or equivalent at the Centre.

The new rule will apply to IPS officers of the 2011 batch onwards.

Officials said the move is intended to ensure sufficient Central-level experience before officers are considered for senior leadership positions in the Central government.

As per an official communication issued by the MHA on January 28, the IPS officers must complete at least "two years of Central experience at the rank of ...