One of India’s most esteemed civil services is the Indian Police Service (IPS). IPS personnel are in charge of upholding law and order, stopping and investigating crimes, and making sure the public is safe. The Rank Structure of IPS Officers establishes a clear hierarchy that signifies the seniority and authority of its officials.
The rank structure of IPS officers is determined through the UPSC Exam or promotions by the state cadres. The IPS Post List comprises approximately 10 ranks that are assigned to IPS Officers. Among these ranks, the Assistant Superintendent of Police holds the position of the junior most IPS officer, typically assigned to probationary IPS officers. On the other hand, the Deputy Superintendent of Police holds the distinguished rank of a 3 Star Police officer.
Officer Ranks in the IPS
The Indian Police Service (IPS) is a prestigious civil service in India that consists of various ranks and positions. The IPS Exam, also known as the Indian Police Service Exam, is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as part of the Civil Services Examination. It serves as a gateway for candidates from all over the country to become IPS officers.
The IPS rank list comprises a total of eight positions, ranging from the entry-level Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to the highest rank of Director General of Police (DGP). These ranks signify the hierarchical structure within the IPS and represent increasing levels of responsibility and authority.
To qualify as an IPS officer, candidates are required to clear all stages of the CSE Exam, which include the UPSC Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Additionally, candidates must undergo physical training to assess their fitness levels.
The Indian Police Service plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crimes, and ensuring public safety and security across the country. IPS officers are entrusted with the responsibility of leading and managing police forces at various levels, implementing policies, and making important decisions to uphold justice and maintain peace within their jurisdiction.
List of IPS Posts
After successfully completing their training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), newly recruited candidates are assigned their first posting as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in their respective state cadres. The ASP rank serves as the entry-level position in the Indian Police Service (IPS) state cadre.
The IPS Post List encompasses a range of positions that officers can progress through during their career. The list includes the following ranks:
1. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
2. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
3. Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP)
4. Superintendent of Police (SP)
5. Assistant Inspector General of Police/Senior Superintendent of Police (AIG/SSP)
6. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)
7. Inspector General of Police (IGP)
8. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)
9. Director General of Police (DGP)
As officers gain experience and expertise, they can move up the ranks, with each position representing increased responsibility and authority within the IPS. The highest rank in the IPS is the Director General of Police (DGP).
It is important to note that the specific designations and their hierarchy may vary slightly across different states in India. Nonetheless, the overall progression from ASP to DGP remains consistent in the IPS rank structure.
IPS Stars and Ranks on Shoulders
IPS officers progress through various ranks during their career. The ranks in the Indian Police Service (IPS) are as follows:
1. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP):
This is the initial rank for directly recruited IPS officers during their training and probation period, which lasts for two years. State cadre officers do not hold this rank.
2. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP):
After completing their training, IPS officers may be posted as Deputy Superintendents of Police. DSPs have similar functions as Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP) and belong to the state police service. State cadre police officers can be promoted to the rank of DSP after a few years of service as per state government regulations.
3. Additional Superintendent of Police:
The rank of Additional Superintendent of Police is higher than DSP. An ASP may be designated as an Additional Superintendent of Police and act as the second-in-command in a district. In the absence of the Superintendent of Police (SP), an ASP may perform the SP’s duties.
4. Superintendent of Police (SP):
A Superintendent of Police is a senior rank in the IPS. SPs head police forces in smaller districts. Their insignia includes a star and an Ashoka emblem on their epaulettes, with ‘IPS’ below.
5. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) / Assistant Inspector General of Police:
SSP is a higher rank that heads the police force in a larger and more critical district. IPS officers remain in the rank of SP for the first 13 years of their service, after which they become eligible for promotion to SSP. The insignia of an SSP includes Gorget patches on their collars, featuring a dark blue background and a white line stitched.
6. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG):
DIG is a higher rank held by IPS officers. Officers with the rank of DIG wear Gorget patches on their collars, which have a dark blue background and a white line stitched on them.
7. Inspector General of Police (IGP):
IGP is the third-highest rank in the state cadre hierarchy, and it is the only rank held by IPS officers. IGPs wear Gorget patches on their collars with an oak leaf pattern stitched on them.
8. Additional Director General of Police (ADG):
ADG is a senior rank in the IPS. Officers with this rank wear Gorget patches on their collars, which feature a dark blue background with an oak leaf pattern stitched. ADGs are often appointed as zonal heads and hold a position equivalent to the Commissioner of Police in some states and union territories.
9. Director General of Police (DGP):
The Director General of Police is the highest-ranking police officer in a state or union territory. Appointed by the cabinet, the DGP holds a three-star rank. The insignia of a DGP includes the national emblem over a crossed sword and baton. Like other senior IPS officers, DGPs wear Gorget patches on their collars with a dark blue background and an oak leaf pattern stitched. DGPs can be appointed to various important positions such as Director of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Director General of Prisons, Director General of Fire Forces and Civil Defense, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and Police Housing Society.
IPS Officer Salaries:
The salaries of IPS officers are determined based on their ranks and years of service. Here is an approximate salary structure:
- ASP/DSP: INR 56,100 – INR 1,77,500
- SP/SSP: INR 67,700 – INR 2,08,700
- DIG: INR 78,800 – INR 2,09,200
- IGP/ADGP: INR 1,31,100 – INR 2,16,600
- DGP: INR 2,25,000 (Fixed)
Three-Star Police Rank
The highest-ranking position in the state police force is typically known as the Director General of Police (DGP), which is a three-star rank. The DGP holds a senior position and serves as the head of the state police, overseeing the overall administration and functioning of the police force in their respective state or union territory. Their responsibilities include policy formulation, implementation of law enforcement strategies, maintenance of public order, and coordination with other law enforcement agencies.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) is also allotted a three-star rank upon completion of IPS training. The insignia for the DSP rank in the State Police Service consists of three stars, with the state initials displayed below. Similarly, the ACP rank also features three stars, with the initials “IPS” below the stars.
What do three stars in the police mean?
Officers who successfully complete their training retain the title of assistant superintendent for a year and don three silver stars as an insignia before being promoted.
What is the full form of IPS?
The Indian Police Service is the full name of IPS. Candidates who pass the UPSC Exam are assigned to the IPS based on their preferred service. Candidates who are hired as officers are referred to as IPS Officers.
Where can I find the years of the IPS Promotion Chart?
On the official websites of the Ministry of Home Affairs or the relevant state governments, you can find the IPS promotion chart with years. As part of their official notices or circulars, these organisations frequently publish the promotion rules and regulations, including the necessary years of service for each rank.
FAQs
- What do three stars in the police mean?
- Officers who successfully complete their training retain the title of assistant superintendent for a year and don three silver stars as an insignia before being promoted.
- What is the full form of IPS?
- The Indian Police Service is the full name of IPS. Candidates who pass the UPSC Exam are assigned to the IPS based on their preferred service. Candidates who are hired as officers are referred to as IPS Officers.
- Where can I find the years of the IPS Promotion Chart?
- On the official websites of the Ministry of Home Affairs or the relevant state governments, you can find the IPS promotion chart with years. As part of their official notices or circulars, these organisations frequently publish the promotion rules and regulations, including the necessary years of service for each rank.
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