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Police Ranks in India: Check Rank List, Police Posts with Badges, Stars & Salary

The police ranks in India comprise Constable, Head Constable, Assistant Sub-Inspector, Sub-Inspector and so on. Find out the highest police rank in India while we take you through the complete police rank list, police posts, badges, stars and more.

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Police ranks in India, in order of hierarchy, start with DGP and end with Constable. In each state of India, the government is responsible for appointing police officers and also for appointing the powers that apply to the police ranks in their respective states. The state government defines the Indian police ranks by the legislatures and the rules. However, in the union territories, the Central government is responsible for controlling the police post list and salary through lieutenant governors of the union territories. The union government also has the power to establish any particular order regarding the police rank list in India if there is an emergency. Read on to learn about the police rank list in India and the different Indian police ranks.

Also Read: How to Become a Police Officer?

Levels for Police Ranks in India

The Indian Police recruits candidates at four different levels for its ranks. Each level has its own set of eligibility criteria, training requirements, and responsibilities within the force. These levels include the following:

  • Constabulary
  • Upper Sub-ordinate
  • SPS (through the State Public Service Commission)
  • IPS ( through Union Public Service Commission)

Order wise Police Rank List in India with Insignia & Stars

The Indian government follows a specific hierarchy when it comes to recruiting police ranks. This hierarchy involves various ranks and badges, which signify the authority and responsibilities of the officers. Below is a table displaying the rank-wise Indian police ranks and their corresponding badges.

Ranking

Police Rank (Lowest to Highest)

Stars on Uniform

Badge

Recruitment Method

15

Constable

No Star

Direct Recruitment through the Police Recruitment Board

14

Lance Naik/ Havaldar

No Star - Single Strip

Direct Recruitment through the Police Recruitment Board

13

Havaldar/ Senior Constable

No Star - Three Strips

Promotion

12

Head Constable/Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI)

One Star, One Red Strip and One Blue Strip

Promotion/ Direct Recruitment through the Police Recruitment Board

11

Sub-Inspector (SI)

Two Star, One Red Strip and One Blue Strip

Promotion

10

Inspector

Three Star

Promotion

9

Deputy Superintendant of Police (Dy. SP)

Three Star, One Red Strip and One Blue Strip

PPS recruited through the SPSC/IPS in the initial years

8

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)

Three Star & IPS Badge

IPS/PPS through promotion

7

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP)

Ashok Emblem & IPS Badge

IPS/PPS through promotion

6

Superintendent of Police (SP)

Ashok Emblem, One Star & IPS Badge

IPS/PPS through promotion

5

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)

Ashok Emblem, Two Star & IPS Badge

IPS through promotion

4

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)

Ashok Emblem, Three Star & IPS Badge

IPS through promotion

3

Inspector-General of Police (IG)

One Star, Cross Swords & IPS Badge

IPS through promotion

2

Additional Director General of Police (ADG)

Ashok Emblem, Cross Swords & IPS Badge

IPS through promotion

1

Director-General of Police (DGP) 

Ashok Emblem, Cross Swords & IPS Badge

IPS through promotion

All Police Ranks in India in Detail

The Indian Police Service ranks are structured in a hierarchy that mirrors the organization of the police force in India. This hierarchy is designed to establish a clear chain of command and authority. The organization of police ranks in India is as follows:

Constable Rank in Indian Police

The rank of Constable is the starting position in the police hierarchy in India. In some states, constables are referred to as 'Sipahi.' Upon recruitment, they are allowed to carry rifles, with arms training provided after recruitment. As they gain experience, a constable can advance to become a senior constable and then be promoted to the rank of head constable. This progression offers three main positions within the police force.

  • Constable

  • Senior Constable

  • Head Constable 

Assistant Sub Inspector Rank in Indian Police Department

Assistant sub-inspectors are recruited through competitive examinations conducted by state governments for different ranks within the Indian police force. Each state in India has its own recruitment process and competitive examinations for various positions within the police force. There are three main positions available within this rank:

  • Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police (ASI)

  • Sub-Inspector of Police (SI)

  • Inspector of Police (PI)

Provincial/State Police Service Officers (PPS/SPS) Ranks

The State Public Service Commission has a crucial role in recruiting state police service officers, officially recognized as a gazette service. Those who have served in this position for a long time may be eligible for promotion to the Indian Police Service. After appointment as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) by their state Public Service Commission, individuals may be assigned to one of four main positions.

  • Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)

  • Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP)

  • Superintendent of Police (SP)

  • Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)

Police Ranks in India: IPS 

To join the Indian Police Service (IPS), you must first pass a specific civil service examination. Once you pass this exam, you will be eligible to be appointed as an assistant superintendent. Following your success in the civil services examination, you will have the opportunity to consider the different positions within the Indian police ranks.

  • Assistant Superintendent of Police

  • Additional Superintendent of Police 

  • Superintendent of Police (SP)

  • Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)

  • Deputy Inspector General of Police 

  • Inspector-General of Police (IGP)

  • Additional Director General of Police 

  • Director-General of Police (DGP)
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Salary of Different Indian Police Ranks

The table below contains the complete list of police ranks in India, along with their respective monthly salaries.

Police Ranks in India

Average Salary

Inspector General of Police (IG)

INR 17.50 LPA

Director General of Police (DGP)

INR 14.30 LPA

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)

INR 13.50 LPA

Superintendent of Police (SP)

INR 10.60 LPA

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP)

INR 9 LPA

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)

INR 7 LPA

Inspector

INR 6.50 LPA

Sub-inspector

INR 5.30 LPA

Head Constable

INR 4.20 LPA

Constable

INR 3- 4 LPA

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Police Rank List in Commissionerate System of Policing

In India, the police departments have two separate chains of command. On a daily basis, the departments operate under the authority of the Superintendent of Police. However, the executive powers of the police department reside with the District Magistrate, who is responsible for maintaining law and order in a specific city or district. This means that the District Magistrate must issue any warrants required by the police. However, due to the District Magistrate's numerous other responsibilities, this system often delays obtaining warrants and arms licenses.

To address this issue, some states have reorganized their police forces in metropolitan areas and other important cities or districts into commissionerate systems. Under this system, the police commissioner, who holds the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG), also possesses executive authority to issue warrants. This reorganization aims to streamline the process and expedite law enforcement procedures in these areas.

Police Rank in IG and Commissionerate System of Policing

There are some differences in the Police department ranks in the IG and Commissionerate system of policing. While the lower ranks in both systems are the same, differences in ranks arise at the level above the inspector rank due to more powers in the Commissionerate system. Check the police hierarchy in the commissionerate system from the table given below.

Police Rank in IG Police System

Police Rank in Commissionarate Police System

Director-General of Police (DGP) 

Additional Director General of Police (ADG)

Commissioner of Police

Inspector-General of Police (IGP)

Additional Commissioner of Police

Deputy Inspector General of Police

Additional Commissioner of Police

Senior Superintendent of Police

Deputy Commissioner of Police

Superintendent of Police

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police

Additional Superintendent of Police

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police

Deputy Superintendant of Police (Dy. SP)

Assistant Commissioner of Police

Inspector

Sub-Inspector

Assistant Sub-Inspector

Head Constable

Constable

Also ReadHow to Prepare for UPSC Civil Services Personality Test

What is the Highest Police Rank in India?

In the Indian police force, the highest position is that of the Director-General of Police (DGP). The DGP occasionally reports directly to the chief minister of the state and, in other cases, to the Chief Secretary of the state. The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the three All India Services (AIS), and individuals are selected for this prestigious service by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and allocated to individual state governments. At the highest level of a state's policing framework is the IPS. Only IPS members become eligible for leadership positions in the police force, making it a critical and influential role. If you need more details on the highest police rank in India, go through the points below.

  • The cabinet appoints the DGP, and they hold a 3-star rank.

  • Other officers from the Indian police rank list may also hold the rank of DGP in the state.

  • The rank insignia of a Director General of Police or Commissioner of Police (in Delhi) is the national emblem over crossed sword and baton.

  • These officers wear Gorget patches on their collars. The patches have a dark blue background with an oak leaf pattern stitched on it.

  • The state government appoints them in consultation with the UPSC.

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Two-Star Police Ranks In India

A Sub-Inspector (SI) is designated by two stars, signifying a mid-level rank in the police force. On the other hand, a Head Constable is identified by a single star on their shoulder, denoting a lower rank compared to a Sub-Inspector. Moving up the hierarchy, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), a senior position in the Indian Police Service and state police services, is distinguished by two stars, indicating high authority and leadership. It's important to note that the SSP rank is higher than that of a Superintendent of Police (SP) but lower than that of a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG).

Three-Star Police Ranks in India

Inspectors and higher ranks are assigned three stars, while the Ashok Emblem replaces the stars for even higher ranks. Swords are used to denote the highest levels of hierarchy. The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), a senior-ranking officer, is identified by three stars on the shoulder board and is responsible for leading the police force in a state or union territory. Their duties include overseeing law enforcement activities, maintaining public order, and ensuring the safety and security of citizens within their jurisdiction. In the State Police Services, the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) is indicated by three stars.

The structure of police ranks in India is meticulously organized to ensure a clear hierarchy and chain of command within the law enforcement system. Understanding this hierarchy and the path of progression within the Indian police force not only clarifies the organizational structure of law enforcement in India but also highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by those serving to maintain law and order in the country.

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FAQs

Who is more powerful: DGP or DM?

The DGP, also known as the Director General of Police (DGP), is the Head of Police Force of a State or territory in India who is responsible for overseeing the entire police force within their jurisdiction, managing law enforcement activities, and maintaining public order. A DGP is an IPS Officer who has completed more than 30 years of service. On the other hand, the District Magistrate (DM) is an IAS officer with a minimum of 5+ years of service and usually is the Head of a District. overall administration of a district who has executive, judicial, and magisterial powers within their jurisdiction. 

Who is a 2 star police officer in India?

The Director General of Police (DGP) has the highest salary as per the other police ranks in India. The average salary of the DGP stands at INR 2,25,000 per month. The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) makes INR 2,05,400 per month and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) makes INR 1,44,200 per month.

Who is higher IG or DGP?

The Director General of Police (DGP) is higher in rank than an Inspector General of Police (IG) in the Indian police hierarchy. The DGP is typically the head of the police force of an entire state or union territory, while an IG is responsible for overseeing policing operations in a specific range of districts or zones within the state. The DGP holds a 3-star rank and the highest position within the state police department and is responsible for overall strategic planning, policy formulation, and coordination of law enforcement within the state.

What is a 3 star police called?

A three-star police officer is called the Director General of Police (DGP) in IPS ranks. The DGP is a senior position falling above the Senior Superintendent of Police and below the Inspector General of Police and represents the highest rank in the police force of a state or union territory. They oversee the entire police force within their jurisdiction, manage law enforcement activities, maintain public order, and implement government policies related to policing. 

Which police rank has the highest salary as per the other police ranks in India?

The Director General of Police (DGP) has the highest salary as per the other police ranks in India. The average salary of the DGP stands at INR 2,25,000 per month. The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) makes INR 2,05,400 per month and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) makes INR 1,44,200 per month.

What are order-wise police ranks in India?

The order-wise police ranks in India are as follows:

  • Constable
  • Head Constable
  • Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI)
  • Sub-Inspector (SI)
  • Inspector
  • Deputy Superintendant of Police (DSP)
  • Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP)
  • Superintendent of Police (SP)
  • Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
  • Deputy Inspector General of Police DIG)
  • Inspector-General of Police (IG)
  • Additional Director General of Police (ADG)
  • Director-General of Police (DGP)

Is SP bigger than DC as per the Police Ranks in India?

According to seniority, the highest rank of police is Deputy Commissioner (DC), which is followed by Superintendent Of Police (SP), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Sub Inspector (SI), and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI).

How can I apply for the highest police rank in India?

DGP is the highest police rank in India and if you want to apply for a DGP position then you will have to go through the Civil Service exams and then you will have to be promoted.

What is the highest police rank in India?

Director General of Police or DGP is the highest police rank in India as per the state police department. DGP has the highest pay scale and salary among the other police officers in the state.

How can I fill out the application form for a police rank in India?

Mostly, the aspirants prepare for the UPSC exams or they can also give the state public service commission exams in order to be a part of the police ranks in India.

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