If you’re curious about the world of an IPS Rank and Salary, you’re in the right place! IPS officers are the backbone of India’s law enforcement, maintaining order, preventing crimes, and ensuring citizen safety. Their careers are structured around a clear hierarchy, with each rank bringing new challenges and perks. From Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to Director General of Police (DGP), the IPS rank and salary vary, with salaries ranging from ₹56,100 to ₹250,000 per month, along with added benefits such as DA, HRA, TA, and medical allowances.
With rigorous training, field postings, and promotions based on performance, IPS officers have a rewarding career path. Want to know more about their role or career progression? In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about IPS rank and salary, benefits, career growth, and more.
What is the full form of IPS?
The full form of IPS is Indian Police Service. It is one of the premier civil services in India, entrusted with maintaining law and order, preventing crimes, and ensuring the safety of citizens. An IPS officer’s career follows a structured hierarchy, with each IPS rank and salary reflecting increased responsibilities and corresponding financial benefits.
Understanding the IPS Rank and Salary Structure
The IPS rank and salary hierarchy is sincerely organized, ensuring a clear path for career advancement. Each rank is associated with specific roles, responsibilities, and remuneration. The primary ranks in the IPS rank and salary structure, in ascending order, are
- Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) / Additional Superintendent of Police
- Superintendent of Police (SP)
- Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
- Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)
- Inspector General of Police (IGP)
- Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)
- Director General of Police (DGP)
Each of these ranks corresponds to specific pay levels as per the 7th Pay Commission, with IPS rank and salary increasing in tandem with responsibilities.
IPS Rank and Salary Breakdown
- Entry-Level: Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
- Basic Pay: ₹56,100 per month
- Pay Level: 10 (Junior Time Scale)
An IPS officer begins their career as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) after completing training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy. During this phase, the officer undergoes probation and is introduced to the practical aspects of policing.
Additional Allowances:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): ₹29,733 (53% of Basic Pay)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Varies based on city classification (24%, 16%, or 8% of Basic Pay)
- Travel Allowance (TA): ₹3,000 per month
- Gross Salary: Approximately ₹88,833 per month
- In-Hand Salary: After deductions, around ₹78,000 per month
- Mid-Level Ranks – Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) / Additional Superintendent of Police
- Basic Pay: ₹67,700 per month
- Pay Level: 11 (Senior Time Scale)
After approximately 4 years of service, an ASP is promoted to DSP or Additional SP. Officers at this rank take on more significant responsibilities, overseeing larger jurisdictions and more complex operations.
- Gross Salary: Approximately ₹106,000 per month
- In-Hand Salary: Around ₹93,000 per month
Superintendent of Police (SP)
- Basic Pay: ₹78,800 per month
- Pay Level: 12 (Junior Administrative Grade)
Typically achieved after 8-10 years of service, the SP is responsible for managing the police force in a district, ensuring law and order, and overseeing investigations
- Gross Salary: Approximately ₹123,000 per month
- In-Hand Salary: Around ₹108,000 per month
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
- Basic Pay: ₹118,500 per month
- Pay Level: 13 (Selection Grade)
After 13 years of service, an SP may be promoted to SSP, taking on more significant administrative responsibilities and overseeing multiple districts or specialized units.
- Gross Salary: Approximately ₹185,000 per month
- In-Hand Salary: Around ₹162,000 per month
- Senior Ranks and Apex Positions : Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)
- Basic Pay: ₹131,100 per month
- Pay Level: 13A (Super Time Scale)
After 14 years of service, officers may be promoted to DIG, overseeing multiple districts and handling significant administrative duties.
- Gross Salary: Approximately ₹205,000 per month
- In-Hand Salary: Around ₹180,000 per month
Inspector General of Police (IGP)
- Basic Pay: ₹144,200 per month
- Pay Level: 14 (Senior Administrative Grade)
Typically achieved after 18 years of service, the IGP oversees zones comprising multiple ranges or specialized departments.
- Gross Salary: Approximately ₹225,000 per month
- In-Hand Salary: Around ₹200,000 per month
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)
- Basic Pay: ₹205,400 per month
- Pay Level: 15 (Higher Administrative Grade)
ADGPs are senior officers managing entire police zones or holding positions with significant national security responsibilities.
- Gross Salary: Approximately ₹320,000 per month
- In-Hand Salary: Around ₹285,000 per month
Director General of Police (DGP)
- Basic Pay: ₹225,000 per month
- Pay Level: Apex Scale
The DGP is the highest-ranking officer in the state police force, responsible for overseeing all police operations and administration within the state.
- Gross Salary: Approximately ₹350,000 per month
- In-Hand Salary: Around ₹310,000 per month
Major Perks of IPS Officers
| Perk | Description |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Rent-free or low-cost official accommodation, usually a bungalow with modern amenities. |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Revised twice a year (January & July), this allowance adjusts based on inflation as per the Consumer Price Index (CPI). |
| Office Vehicles | Allotted 1–3 vehicles with drivers/chauffeurs for official and personal use. |
| Security | Includes 2 bodyguards and 3 home guards; additional security can be arranged as required. |
| Electricity Bills | Free or heavily subsidized electricity at the official residence. |
| Phone Bills | Officers receive 3 BSNL SIM cards and a landline connection with free calls, SMS, and data. |
| Travel Allowances | Discounted accommodation in government guest houses, circuit houses, or bungalows during official or personal travel. |
| Household Staff | Provision for domestic staff to manage day-to-day tasks at the official residence. |
| Study Leave | After 9 years of service, officers can take a 2–4 year study leave, including opportunities to study abroad. |
| Unofficial Benefits | Complimentary entry to district/zone events such as concerts, cricket matches, and VIP parties. |
| Post-Retirement Benefits | Includes lifelong pension, CGHS medical facility, gratuity, leave encashment, and transfer of benefits to spouse in case of demise. |
IPS Career Progression Timeline
Here’s an overview of the IPS rank and salary progression over the years:
| Years of Service | Designation |
| 0–4 Years | Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) |
| 4–9 Years | Superintendent of Police (SP) |
| 9–13 Years | Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) |
| 13–14 Years | Deputy Inspector General (DIG) |
| 14–18 Years | Inspector General (IG) |
| 18–25 Years | Additional Director General (ADG) |
| 25–30+ Years | Director General of Police (DGP) |
Understanding the Three-Star IPS Rank in India: Roles, Insignia, and Hierarchy
In India’s police hierarchy, the term “three-star rank” signifies a senior position, typically denoted by three silver stars. This rank is associated with high-ranking officers in both the Indian Police Service (IPS) and State Police Services (SPS).
Director General of Police (DGP)
The Director General of Police (DGP) is the highest-ranking officer in a state’s police force. As a three-star officer, the DGP oversees the entire police administration within the state or union territory, formulating policies, implementing law enforcement strategies, maintaining public order, and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies. All DGPs are members of the IPS and are appointed by the state government
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)
In metropolitan areas, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) holds a three-star rank. This rank is equivalent to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in other areas. Officers at this level may belong to the State Police Services. The ACP’s insignia features three silver stars, with the state initials displayed below.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) is a gazetted officer in the State Police Services. Upon completion of their training, officers are allotted a three-star rank. The insignia for the DSP rank consists of three stars, with the state initials displayed below.
In summary, the three-star rank in India’s police services signifies a senior position, reflecting the officer’s responsibilities and authority within the police force.
Salary Comparison: IAS vs IPS
While both IPS and IAS officers begin with the same basic salary, their upper limits differ slightly, with IAS officers generally receiving a slightly higher pay at the top scale due to their broader responsibilities.
Pay Scale Comparison :
| Pay Scale | IAS Salary (INR) | IPS Salary (INR) |
| Junior Scale | ₹56,100 | ₹56,100 |
| Senior Time Scale | ₹67,700 | ₹67,700 |
| Junior Administrative Grade | ₹78,800 | ₹78,800 |
| Selection Grade | ₹118,500 | ₹118,500 |
| Super Time Scale | ₹131,100 | ₹131,100 |
| Above Super Time Scale | ₹144,200 | ₹144,200 |
| Apex Scale | ₹250,000 (Fixed) | ₹225,000 (Fixed) |
Official Nomination Process from APS to IPS
Moving up from the Assam Police Service to the prestigious Indian Police Service is a vital milestone in an officer’s career within the Indian police rank system. The promotion follows a well-laid-out nomination process with specific requirements.
SPS (State Police Service) officers are promoted to the Indian Police Service (IPS) through a selection and promotion process overseen by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This process follows these steps:
- Vacancy Determination: The central government decides how many IPS positions will be filled through promotion for each state and year.
- State Government Proposal: The state government submits a list of eligible SPS officers to the UPSC, along with their performance records, including Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs).
- UPSC Selection: The UPSC organizes a Selection Committee Meeting, which includes representatives from the Central Government, UPSC, and the State Government.
- Scrutiny and Recommendation: The Selection Committee reviews the records of the SPS officers and makes its promotion recommendations.
- Approval Process: The minutes of the committee’s meeting, with the promotion recommendations, are sent to the state government for their approval. Once the state concurs, the minutes are forwarded to the central government.
- Final Approval: The central government, as the authority controlling the IPS cadre, reviews and approves the recommendations.
- Appointment: Finally, the selected SPS officers are promoted to the IPS, and their seniority within the IPS cadre is determined.
In conclusion, an IPS officer’s rank and salary structure is designed to ensure steady career growth, rewarding officers with competitive pay and a range of perks as they rise through the ranks. Whether you’re considering a career in the IPS or looking to understand the promotion process, this guide provides the essential details you need to know.