IPS Ranks, List, Full form, Hierarchy, Salary, Promotion, Benefits

Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the three All India Services in India. IPS officers play an important role in maintaining law and order, preventing crime, managing police administration and ensuring internal security.

The police system in India has a multi-tiered structure. It includes the Indian Police Service (IPS), State Police Services (SPS) and services such as DANIPS and the Pondicherry Police Service. While the IPS is an All India Service, State Police Services are recruited by individual state governments.

Since police and public order are State subjects under the Constitution, the organisation and designation of police officers can vary between states. For example, the same level of responsibility may be represented by SP in a district and DCP in a police commissionerate. The IPS hierarchy broadly starts with Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and extends to senior positions such as DIG, IG, ADG and DGP.

IPS Rank Hierarchy (Lowest to Highest)

IPS rank structure provides a clear chain of command within the police administration. Junior officers generally focus on field-level policing, while senior officers take responsibility for larger geographical areas, specialised departments, policy implementation and overall police administration.

The broad hierarchy can be remembered as:

ASP → Addl. SP → SP/SSP → DIG → IG → ADGP → DGP

1. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) is generally the first field-level posting of a directly recruited IPS officer after training. The officer gets practical experience in district policing and law-and-order management.

• Works under the supervision of senior police officers, particularly the SP.
• Responsible for maintaining law and order in the assigned area.
• Supervises police stations and subordinate personnel.
• Monitors crime prevention and investigation.
• Handles local law-and-order situations and emergencies.
• Gains practical experience in police administration and field operations.
• May be assigned responsibility for a sub-division or specific police unit.

2. Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP)

Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP) assists the SP in managing district police administration. The officer may also be given independent responsibility for a particular area or specialised branch.

• Assists the SP in district-level police administration.
• Supervises police officers and police stations under the assigned jurisdiction.
• Monitors crime prevention and investigation.
• Handles specific law-and-order responsibilities.
• May oversee specialised branches such as crime, traffic or other police units.
• Supports the SP during major security and law-and-order situations.
• Helps manage police personnel, resources and operations.

3. Superintendent of Police (SP)

Superintendent of Police (SP) is generally responsible for the overall functioning of police administration in a district under the traditional district police system.

• Heads the district police force.
• Responsible for maintaining law and order.
• Supervises police stations and subordinate officers.
• Reviews and monitors major criminal investigations.
• Develops strategies for crime prevention and control.
• Manages police personnel, resources and deployment.
• Coordinates with the district administration and other government agencies.
• Leads the police response during major law-and-order situations.
• Ensures effective implementation of police policies and directives.

4. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) is a senior police designation used in several states, particularly for certain large, important or densely populated districts.

• Oversees district-level police administration.
• Maintains law and order and public safety.
• Supervises SP-level and other subordinate police officers, as applicable to the organisational structure.
• Monitors serious crimes and major investigations.
• Reviews the functioning of police stations and specialised units.
• Coordinates with district civil administration.
• Manages police response during major public events, protests or emergencies.
• Oversees crime prevention and security arrangements.
• The exact responsibilities of an SSP can vary depending on the state and nature of posting.

5. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) is a senior IPS rank. A DIG may supervise a police range consisting of several districts or may head an important specialised police unit.

• Supervises multiple districts or police units.
• Reviews the performance and functioning of SPs and other senior officers.
• Monitors law-and-order conditions across the assigned area.
• Reviews important crime and investigation matters.
• Coordinates police operations across multiple districts.
• Supervises specialised police organisations when posted to such units.
• Ensures implementation of state-level police policies and directives.
• Advises senior authorities on security and policing issues.
• Plays an important role in inter-district coordination and operational planning.

6. Inspector General of Police (IG)

Inspector General of Police (IG) is senior to the DIG and may be responsible for a zone, range, major division or specialised police organisation.

• Supervises large police formations and multiple police units.
• Oversees the functioning of DIGs, SPs and other officers, depending on the posting.
• Handles strategic police planning and administration.
• Reviews major law-and-order and security situations.
• Supervises important specialised police wings.
• Ensures effective implementation of government and police policies.
• Coordinates with senior police leadership and government authorities.
• Reviews the performance and operational preparedness of subordinate units.
• Provides leadership during major security and law-and-order challenges.

7. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) is one of the highest levels in the police hierarchy. An ADGP generally heads a major department or specialised wing at the state or organisational level.

• Heads important state-level police departments or specialised wings.
• May be responsible for areas such as Law and Order, Intelligence, Crime, Administration, Training or Armed Police.
• Oversees the functioning of large police organisations.
• Implements and monitors state-level policing policies.
• Provides strategic guidance to senior police officers.
• Advises the government and senior police leadership on policing and security matters.
• Supervises major administrative and operational activities.
• Coordinates the functioning of different police branches and units.
• Plays an important role in long-term police planning and policy implementation.

8. Director General of Police (DGP)

Director General of Police (DGP) is generally the highest-ranking police officer heading a state police force. The DGP provides overall leadership and direction to the state's police organisation.

• Heads the state police force.
• Provides overall strategic and administrative leadership.
• Oversees the state's law-and-order and security arrangements.
• Formulates and implements major policing strategies and policies.
• Supervises ADGs, IGs, DIGs and other senior officers.
• Manages the overall administration, personnel and resources of the police force.
• Coordinates with the state government and other security agencies.
• Provides leadership during major security, crime and law-and-order situations.
• Oversees efforts related to crime control, police modernisation and operational preparedness.

IPS Salary According to Rank

IPS salary increases with rank, experience and level of responsibility. The basic pay is based on the 7th Pay Commission, while the actual salary also includes applicable allowances and benefits.

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IPS Officers Perks & Benefits

IPS officers receive several salary benefits, allowances and facilities in addition to their basic pay. These benefits may vary based on their rank, posting, cadre and government rules.

• Government Accommodation: Eligible officers may get government residential accommodation according to their rank and availability.
• Medical Facilities: Officers and eligible family members can access government medical facilities as per applicable rules.
• Official Vehicle: Officers may receive access to an official vehicle and driver for official duties, depending on their posting and responsibilities.
• Communication Facilities: Eligible officers may receive facilities such as official telephone and internet services for government work.
• Travel Allowances: Officers are entitled to travel and daily allowances for official tours and duties as per government rules.
• Security Support: Officers handling sensitive assignments may receive appropriate security arrangements based on their role and threat assessment.
• Leave Benefits: IPS officers are entitled to various types of leave, including earned leave and other leave available under government service rules.
• Study Leave: Eligible officers may get study leave or opportunities for professional training subject to applicable rules and approval.
• Retirement Benefits: Officers receive applicable retirement and pension-related benefits under the government service rules in force.
• Training Opportunities: IPS officers get opportunities for professional training, specialised courses and leadership programmes during their careers.
• Official Staff Support: Depending on their position and assignment, senior officers may receive administrative and support staff to assist with official responsibilities.

IPS Promotion Chart with Years

The career progression of an IPS officer generally moves from field-level postings to senior leadership positions with increasing years of service and responsibility. The following chart shows the indicative progression and corresponding 7th CPC pay levels.