Himachal to honour ex-servicemen in police; 800 constables to be hired

Himachal Pradesh’s decision to grant honorary ranks to ex-servicemen serving in the police places the state among a growing number of governments seeking to formally recognise military experience within civil policing. While Himachal’s move focuses on honorary upgradation after years of service within the police force, other states largely rely on reservations, age relaxations and special recruitment provisions to induct ex-servicemen.

Across the country, ex-servicemen retired personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force are inducted into police forces mainly through direct recruitment, usually at the constable level, under a horizontal reservation system. In most states, this reservation ranges between 10 and 20 per cent and cuts across general, OBC, SC and ST categories. If suitable candidates are not available, such vacancies are often filled through general recruitment as per existing rules.

Several states have also framed policies for personnel released under the Agnipath scheme after completing a four-year tenure. States such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have announced up to 20 per cent reservation for ex-Agniveers in police recruitment, along with age relaxation, while some central armed police forces have earmarked a significant share of constable vacancies for them.

The standard age limit for police constable recruitment in most states is between 18 and 25 or 28 years. Ex-servicemen are given relaxation in the upper age limit, usually equivalent to the length of military service or a fixed concession ranging from three to eight years. This allows many retired soldiers, often in their late twenties or early thirties, to compete for police posts.

Educational qualifications for ex-servicemen generally remain the same as for civilian candidates. Constable posts usually require a minimum qualification of Class 10 or Class 12 pass, depending on state rules, while Sub-Inspector level posts typically require graduation. In certain cases, technical training or trade qualifications acquired during military service are treated as equivalent for eligibility purposes.

Selection is typically carried out through the same competitive process as for other candidates. This includes a written examination, followed by physical efficiency and measurement tests, document verification and a medical examination. Ex-servicemen are required to produce discharge certificates, service records and pension-related documents to avail recruitment benefits.

Some states have also inducted ex-servicemen on a contractual or specialist basis, particularly in areas such as bomb disposal units, training wings and security-related assignments, where prior military experience is considered valuable.

Against this backdrop, Himachal Pradesh’s announcement is distinct in that it does not alter recruitment norms but instead provides honorary rank progression to ex-servicemen already serving in the police force. Under the new policy, they will be granted the rank of honorary head constable after 10 years of service and honorary assistant sub-inspector after 15 years, a measure aimed at recognising experience and long service rather than changing pay or command structures.