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

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.

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)

Salary of Different Indian Police Ranks

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

Also Read: How to Prepare for IAS After 12th Board Exams

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.

Also Read: How 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.

Also Read: Best Graduation Subjects for IAS after 12th

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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