The police ranks in India are divided into four types, and they consist of different ranks, namely constable, head constable, AI, SI, Inspector, DSP, ACP, etc.
Police Ranks in India consist of various levels of police ranks like the constable, head constable, AI, SI, Inspector, DSP, ACP, SP, DCP, SSP, etc. Students have to crack several government entrance exams like the UPSC CSE , UPSC CAPF, SSC CPO, SSC GD, etc. The eligibility criteria for the police ranks in India are specific to the state & national levels entrance exams. Students must meet the basic eligibility criteria to sit for the entrance tests. The ranks are divided as per the laws of the government into four orders or levels in the police service commission. Students can find the levels based on which the police rank list is made for every state are mentioned below.
- Constable
- Upper Sub-Inspector
- SPS
- IPS
Further, each officer in the police rank has a definite number of stars in their Insignia. The average salary for the police ranks in India differs based on various factors stated by the state government. Students can find the average salary ranges from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 2,25,000, respectively, based on the ranks or levels. In this article, students can find details regarding the police ranks in India, required entrance exams, level-wise responsibilities, salary range, etc.
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List of Police Ranks in India 2025
The police rank list is made under the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution of India, and the state governments do not have any say in this. The police recruitment for every state has a different nomenclature, which varies based on the police ranks. Students can find the detailed police rank list along with the levels, responsibilities, and reportees mentioned below.
Police Ranks | Levels | Resonsibilities | Reporting Panel |
|---|---|---|---|
Constable | Entry-Level | Patrolling, law enforcement, and addressing minor complaints. | Head Constable |
Head Constable | Entry-Level | Supervises constables, assists with investigations, and maintains records. | Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) |
Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) | Middle-Level | Investigate minor cases, record statements, and gather evidence. | Sub-Inspector (SI) |
Sub-Inspector (SI) | Middle-Level | Leads investigations and supervises police station staff and cases. | Inspector |
Inspector | Middle-Level | Commands police stations and oversees all operations and investigations. | Deputy Superintendent of Police |
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)/Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) | Senior-Level | Supervises multiple stations, plans operations, and handles critical cases. | Superintendent of Police (SP) |
Superintendent of Police (SP)/Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) | Senior-Level | Manages district operations, resource allocation, and crisis management. | Senior Superintendent of Police |
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) | Senior-Level | Oversees large districts or urban police operations and manages high-level cases. | Deputy Inspector General (DIG) |
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) | Top-Level | Supervises police operations across multiple districts and coordinates major policies. | Inspector General (IG) |
Inspector General (IG) | Top-Level | Leads zones or ranges, formulates strategies, and manages high-priority cases. | Additional Director General (ADG) |
Additional Director General (ADG) | Top-Level | Handles statewide jurisdiction and oversees large-scale operations. | Director General of Police (DGP) |
Director General of Police (DGP) | Top-Level | Heads the state police force, responsible for overall policy and strategy. | State Government or Home Minister |
Police Rank Recruitment: Entrance Exams
Students wanting to work in the police commission of India must clear various entrance exams, like the Delhi Police exam, UP Police exam etc. Students can find the detailed list of entrance exams along with the important dates stated below.
Exam Name | Application Dates | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
UPSC CSE (for IPS) | January 22, 2025 to February 11, 2025 | Prelims: May 25, 2025 Mains: August 22-26, 2025 |
SSC CPO Exam | May 16, 2025 to June 14, 2025 | July-August 2025 (Tentative) |
UPSC CAPF Exam | March 05, 2025 to March 25, 2025 | August 03, 2025 |
SSC GD Exam | September 05, 2024 to October 14, 2024 | February 04, 2025 to February 25, 2025 |
Delhi Police MTS Exam | September/October 2025 (Tentative) | September/October 2025 (Tentative) |
Delhi Police Exam | November/December 2025 (Tentative) | November/December 2025 (Tentative) |
UP Police Exam | April 2025 (Tentative) | January/February 2026 (Tentative) |
Delhi Police Head Constable | December 2025/January 2026 (Tentative) | December 2025/January 2026 (Tentative) |
Bihar Police Exam | March 18, 2025 to April 18, 2025 | July 13, July 16, July 20, July 23, July 27, July 30, and August 3, 2025 & August 6, 2025. |
Rajasthan Police | March/April 2025 (Tentative) | March/April 2025 (Tentative) |
Police Ranks Recruitment Methods
The police officers at different levels are recruited based on various recruitment methods, which can either be an entrance test or through promotions. Students can find the detailed police ranks recruitment methods from the lowest to the highest post in the police force mentioned below.
Police Ranks or Levels | Recruitment Procedure |
|---|---|
Constable | In this rank, a Direct Recruitment through the Police Recruitment Board is done for officers |
Head Constable | Promotion |
Assistant Sub-Inspector | In this rank, a Direct Recruitment through the Police Recruitment Board is conducted for the officers. |
Sub-Inspector | Promotion |
Inspector | Promotion |
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy. SP) | In this rank, a PPS is recruited through the SPSC/IPS in the initial years |
Additional Superintendent of Police | IPS/PPS through promotion |
Superintendent of Police | IPS/PPS through promotion |
Senior Superintendent of Police | IPS through promotion |
Deputy Inspector General of Police | IPS through promotion |
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) | IPS through promotion |
Additional Director General of Police (ADG) | IPS through promotion |
Director-General of Police (DGP) | IPS through promotion |
Police Ranks Level-Wise Responsibilities
The police post list in India states various roles and responsibilities that police officers have to fulfil based on their levels during their tenure. Students can find the detailed level-wise police ranks responsibilities, and roles mentioned below.
Entry Level Officers
The entry-level officers consist of constables and head constables in the police post list the police commissionerate. Students can find the entry-level officers' roles and responsibilities mentioned below.
- Officers must conduct patrols and maintain public order consistently.
- Officers must serve as the first point of contact for Indian citizens.
- Officers must support in investigation of cases and help their seniors with the documentation process.
Middle Level Officers
The middle-level officers consist of sub-inspectors and inspectors in the police rank list of the police commission in India. Students can find the detailed roles and responsibilities of the middle-level officers mentioned below.
- Officers must lead investigations of cases and manage the police stations allocated to them.
- Officers must supervise entry-level officers and coordinate on the daily operations of the cases that are reported in the police stations.
- Officers must ensure that compliance and regulations are well maintained while the station-level resources are well managed.
Senior Level Officers
The senior-level officers consist of police ranks like DSP, SP, SSP in the police rank list in India. Students can find the senior-level officers' roles and responsibilities that they have to fulfil during their duty stated below.
- The officers must look after multiple stations or districts allocated to them and ensure the smooth running of the stations or districts.
- Officers must handle critical cases reported to them and large-scale operations that are assigned to them by their senior officers.
- Officers must do their administrative duties along with personnel allocation and training.
Super Senior Level Officers
Super Senior Level officers consist of IPS officers who enter the DSP level or higher in the police rank list in India. The roles and responsibilities of the super senior-level officers are mentioned below.
- Officers must enter a DSP rank or higher and must be good at policy formulation.
- Officers must be skilled at leading strategic planning & inter-district coordination.
- Officers must represent state & central law enforcement in national and international forums as leading officers.
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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 of police 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 | Insignia |
|---|---|---|---|
15 | Constable | No Star |
|
14 | Lance Naik/ Havaldar | No Star - Single Strip |  |
13 | Havaldar/ Senior Constable | No Star - Three Strips |
|
12 | Head Constable/Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) | One-Star Police Rank Badge, One Red Strip and One Blue Strip |
|
11 | Sub-Inspector (SI) | Two-Star Police Rank Badge, One Red Strip and One Blue Strip |
|
10 | Inspector | Three-Star Police Rank Badge |
|
9 | Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy. SP) | Three-Star Police Rank, One Red Strip and One Blue Strip |  |
8 | Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) | Three-Star Police Rank Badge & IPS Badge |
|
7 | Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) | Ashok Emblem & IPS Badge |
|
6 | Superintendent of Police (SP) | Ashok Emblem, One-Star Police Rank Badge & IPS Badge |
|
5 | Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) | Ashok Emblem, Two-Star Police Rank Badge & IPS Badge |
|
4 | Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) | Ashok Emblem, Three-Star Police Rank Badge & IPS Badge |
|
3 | Inspector-General of Police (IG) | One-Star Police Rank Badge Star, Cross Swords & IPS Badge |
|
2 | Additional Director General of Police (ADG) | Ashok Emblem, Cross Swords & IPS Badge |
|
1 | Director-General of Police (DGP) | Ashok Emblem, Cross Swords & IPS Badge |
|
| Download Police Rank List in India PDF | |||
Police Post List with Salary
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 |
Also Read : How to Prepare for UPSC Civil Services Personality Test
Key Factors Influencing Police Officers' Salary
Numerous factors influence the police officers' salary, like the state government, rank, experience, city, allowances etc. Students can find the factors affecting police officers' salaries listed below.
- State government rules and regulations
- Officer Rank
- City/location
- Expericence
- Allowances (DA/HRA/TA/Risk Allowances)
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How to Qualify UPSC Civil Services Exam in the First Attempt? | IAS Toppers Who Cracked UPSC Civil Services in First Attempt |
Therefore, this was all about the police ranks in India and students must prepare very strategically for better marks in the entrance exams. The better the experience of the officers, the better their chances of being promoted to the upper rank. Students must be very strategic and practical to join the police commission in India. They must also pass the medical test along with the other rounds to get into the police forces in India. For any queries regarding the Police Ranks In India: Levels, Types, Badges, Salary, log on to our CollegeDekho QnA Zone or contact our toll-free helpline number 18005729877.
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FAQs
Yes, the Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) rank in the Indian police service is indicated by a single star on their uniform, and is senior to Head Constables. The Superintendent of Police (SP) and Inspector-General of Police (IG) also have a single star on their uniform but are much senior than the Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) rank.
The police ranks in order of highest authority/seniority are as follows:
- Director-General of Police (DGP)
- Additional Director General of Police (ADG
- Inspector-General of Police (IG)
- Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)
- Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
- Superintendent of Police (SP)
- Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP)
- Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
- Deputy Superintendant of Police (Dy. SP)
- Inspector
- Sub-Inspector (SI)
- Head Constable/Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI)
- Havaldar/ Senior Constable
- Lance Naik/ Havaldar
- Constable
No, there is no 4-star police rank in India. The highest rank in the Indian Police Service (IPS) is Director General of Police (DGP), which is a 3-star rank. 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 ranks and salary have been mentioned below:
- 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
The police all post list include each and every police rank in India. As per the list, the lowest to highest police ranks in India are Constable, Lance Naik/ Havaldar, Havaldar/ Senior Constable, Head Constable/Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), Sub-Inspector (SI), Inspector, Deputy Superintendant of Police (Dy. SP), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), 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), and Director-General of Police (DGP).
No, the Central Government of India does not release a police promotion list. Promotion for every rank in the police rank list in India happens through a proper system and is done based on a candidate’s experience and time served in the Indian police force. Each rank on the police post list has its own set of eligibility criteria, training requirements, and responsibilities within the force.
The highest post in the police rank list 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. Other senior post in the police rank list include Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Inspector-General of Police (IG), Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), etc.
The state government of India defines the police post list in India 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.
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.
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.
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