The Indian State Civil Service Exam was challenging, but it provided a real opportunity for people like Rohan Mahesh—formerly Luo Tian—to rise above their circumstances.
The Federal Civil Service Exam was far more prestigious, but it was also nearly impossible for ordinary people to pass. With over a million applicants each year and only around 1,000 positions, the competition was brutal.
Passing meant instant class mobility—a true rags-to-riches transformation. But unlike in China, where civil servants started as junior clerks, in India, successful candidates became officials immediately, often starting as district chiefs or even deputy county chiefs.
For someone like Rohan, aiming for the Federal Civil Service Exam was unrealistic. Only the best of the best—graduates from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), top lawyers, doctors, and elite professionals—stood a chance.
Instead, Rohan set his sights on the State Civil Service Exam. If he passed, his rank in the police force would immediately rise to Assistant Deputy Inspector (ADI).
Understanding the Police Hierarchy
The Indian police system had a complex structure.
Police Officer Ranks (from lowest to highest): Second-Class Police Officer – No insignia, the lowest rank. First-Class Police Officer – Two downward V-shaped chevrons on the armband. Police Sergeant – Three downward chevrons on the armband. Assistant Deputy Inspector (ADI) – A five-pointed star with red and blue lines on the shoulder strap. Deputy Inspector – Two five-pointed stars with red and blue lines below. Inspector – Three five-pointed stars with red and blue lines below.
Most police officers never advanced beyond the rank of Inspector.
For example, at Sion Police Station, where Rohan worked, the station chief held the rank of Inspector. In smaller rural police stations, a Deputy Inspector might be in charge, but this was rare.
The problem with being a local police officer was the limited career growth. The highest rank local officers could reach was Second-Class Superintendent—just two ranks above the entry-level rank of a federal officer.
The Federal vs. Local Police Divide
In India, police were divided into federal and local police.
Key Differences:
🔹 Local Police
Worked for state governments (e.g., Maharashtra Police). Had red and blue lines on their epaulettes, along with their state's abbreviation. Could only be promoted up to Second-Class Superintendent.
🔹 Federal Police (IPS – Indian Police Service)
Worked directly under the Central Government. Their shoulder badges lacked the red and blue lines and instead had "IPS" below the stars. Their hats had black bands with large central badges, unlike local police hats with small central badges. Could be promoted to Police Commissioner, equivalent to a Lieutenant General in the Army. Could become Directors General of Police (DGPs) or hold key positions in the federal government. Paths to Becoming a Federal Police Officer
There were only two ways for a local officer to enter the federal police system:
Internal Promotion: Extremely limited slots. Only a few officers got promoted each year. Passing the Federal Civil Service Exam: The more realistic route, though still incredibly competitive. Direct entry into the police system as a Fourth-Level Superintendent. Federal Police Ranks (from lowest to highest): Fourth-Level Superintendent – Three five-pointed stars with IPS below. Third-Level Superintendent Second-Level Superintendent First-Level Superintendent Deputy Commissioner Additional Commissioner Commissioner – Equivalent to a Lieutenant General in the Army.
To put it into perspective:
👉 The highest rank most local police could achieve was Second-Class Superintendent—just two levels above the entry-level rank for federal officers.
For local officers, this was disheartening. They could spend decades working their way up, only to be outranked by someone who had just entered the federal police.
This social gap was painfully clear, and Rohan understood it well.
The Harsh Reality of Class and Language
Beyond rank and promotion, language was another barrier.
In India, English was the language of the elite. Those who couldn't speak English fluently were often looked down upon and excluded from higher positions.
Mumbai, as India's financial hub, was home to business tycoons, powerful politicians, and international corporations—all of whom conducted business in English.
Rohan knew this well.
If he wanted to climb the social ladder, he needed to master English.
And so, every night, after his long shifts at the police station, he studied relentlessly.
Because for someone like him—born in the slums of Dharavi—this was the only way to change his fate.