IPS Ranks - List, Full form, Highest Post, Salary & Promotion of IPS Officers

The IPS full form is Indian Police Service, one of the three All India Services of the Government of India. An IPS officer is a top-ranking civil servant responsible for maintaining law and order across the country. The IPS ranks begin from Assistant Superintendent and go up to the highest post in police, the Director General of Police (DGP). Special roles like Commissioner of Police exist in metro cities, and salaries increase with rank, making the IPS one of the most respected careers in public service.

Read this article on IPS rank list and salary to know more about the rank structure of IPS officers in detail!

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IPS Ranks - An Overview 

The IPS ranks list comprises a total of 8 positions, starting from the entry-level Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and ascending to the highest rank in police, the Director General of Police (DGP) within the Indian Police Service.

The IPS Exam, also recognized as the Indian Police Service Exam, is an integral component of the annual Civil Services Examination organized by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the three All-India Services, and the UPSC Exam serves as the platform for recruiting candidates nationwide aspiring to become IPS officers. To attain the position of an IPS Officer, individuals must successfully navigate through all stages of the CSE Exam, including UPSC Prelims, Mains, and Interview, in addition to undergoing Physical Training.

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The IPS post list begins with the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and goes up to the Director General of Police (DGP), who is the highest-ranking officer in a state. The IPS ranks list includes key positions like SP, DIG, IG, and ADG, each carrying significant administrative and operational responsibilities. This police rank list ensures a clear command hierarchy for effective law enforcement. It aligns closely with the broader police rank list followed across Indian states. The detailed overview is given below.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)

The full form of ASP in police is Assistant Superintendent of Police. An ASP is the entry-level rank in the IPS ranks list. The officer holds a supervisory role and is responsible for maintaining law and order in a sub-division or district.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)

The full form of DSP is Senior Superintendent of Police. A DSP rank in police is the second rank in the IPS hierarchy. The officer is responsible for managing law and order, investigating crimes, and maintaining peace in a district.

Superintendent of Police (SP)

The full form of SP is Superintendent of Police. An SP is the third rank in the IPS hierarchy. The officer is responsible for the overall law and order in a district or a range. The officer also supervises and guides DSPs and ASPs under their jurisdiction.

Additional Superintendent of Police

The Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) holds a position that ranks higher than the Deputy Superintendent. In the district, the ASP serves as the second-in-command. In the absence of the Superintendent of Police (SP), an ASP may be assigned to fulfill the SP's duties.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)

The full form of SSP in police is Senior Superintendent of Police. It is a senior-level rank in the list of IPS ranks. The officer is responsible for overseeing the law and order situation in a range, which may include multiple districts.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)

A DIG is responsible for overseeing law and order in a zone, which may include multiple ranges.

Inspector General of Police (IG)

An IG is responsible for the overall law and order situation in a state.

Additional Director General of Police (ADG)

An ADG is responsible for overseeing a specific department or branch of the police force.

Director General of Police (DGP)

The full form of DGP is the Director General of Police. A DGP is the highest post in police in a state or union territory. The officer is responsible for the overall management and administration of the police force in the state.

The minimum monthly compensation for an IPS officer starts at Rs.56,100 (TA, DA, and HRA are not included) and can reach Rs.2,25,000 for a Direct General of Police.

The IPS Officer Ranks and Salary are detailed in the recently released official announcement. Candidates will be eligible for additional perks in addition to their income.

Know What IAS Stands For here.

The “Pay Grades for Civil Services” system was phased out in favour of “Consolidated Pay Levels” by the 7th Central Pay Commission. The pay scale for IPS Officers is currently completely defined by the ‘Basic Pay’ plus TA, DA, and HRA. The IPS salary for different IPSC ranks is listed below: –

• The average IPS Salary per month is INR 56,100.
• The maximum pay per month is INR 2,25,000.
• Total salary= Pay+IPS Grade Pay.

The Indian Government has set the above-mentioned compensation grade for IPS (Indian Police Service) officers, and it is a flexible salary scale that will be increased from time to time. Aside from the monthly income, an IPS officer receives extra benefits, which vary depending on the position.

Also Check: How to Become an IPS Officer!

Perks and Benefits of IPS Posts

As previously stated, the IPS ranks & salary are divided into various classes, with the officer’s grade determining the final salary. The IPS salary is established by the government’s announcement of the 7th pay commission. This salary includes an IPS Officer’s basic pay, grade pay, plus any perks and allowances that may be available. Several of them have been mentioned briefly:

• The government provides rent-free (or reduced) housing to those who qualify for the positions. Of course, the size of the apartments or homes is proportional to the positions’ seniority levels.
• The Indian Police Service provides automobiles to officers based on the branch (and designation) to which they are assigned (crime branch etc.). However, for the junior levels of officers, there are frequent budget constraints, which means that only cars within particular budgets are available to them.
• Officers are provided with housekeepers, security guards, and drivers, among other things (all according to their hierarchy in the system).
• They receive medical care and other services for which the government pays either the entire bill or a large portion of it.
• The government is also responsible for their phone and electricity bills.
• IPS officers are eligible for lifetime pensions.
• They are permitted to take study leaves to pursue education outside of India, with the government covering the costs.

Also read: IPS Officer Salary After 7th Pay Commission here.

The above material about Indian Police Service Ranks and Salary is meant to help students prepare for the exam.

The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the premier All India Services, and its structured promotion pathway plays a vital role in the career progression of officers. Understanding the IPS Promotion Chart with Years is crucial for aspirants and serving officers alike, as it outlines the time-bound journey from probation to the highest echelons of policing in India.

The promotion of IPS officers is governed by the rules laid out by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). Promotions are typically based on years of service, seniority, performance appraisals (ACRs), and vacancies available. The chart indicates how many years it generally takes to move from one rank to another — from Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to Director General of Police (DGP).

Rules of Promotions for Different IPS Ranks

Promotions for IPS officers are governed by defined guidelines involving seniority, vacancy availability, merit assessments, mandatory training completion, and periodic evaluations ensuring transparency, fairness, and high standards of integrity and professionalism.

• IPS promotions depend on available vacancies, seniority, and performance appraisals, including integrity and competency evaluations, conducted annually by a Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) at respective cadre levels.
• Promotion from ASP to SP rank typically occurs after completion of mandatory service years, subject to officers meeting required professional standards and passing prescribed departmental examinations and training courses successfully.
• Senior ranks such as DIG, IG, ADGP, and DGP are filled through merit-based selections, involving comprehensive assessment of officers’ service records, vigilance clearance, achievements, and administrative competencies.
• The Union Government, via the Ministry of Home Affairs, manages promotions at senior ranks (DIG and above), factoring cadre reviews, central deputation experiences, leadership qualities, and recommendations from respective state governments.
• Mandatory training and mid-career training programs conducted by reputed institutions like the National Police Academy significantly impact promotions, ensuring officers update professional knowledge, administrative skills, and leadership abilities continuously.
• IPS officers facing disciplinary actions, adverse Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs), or vigilance inquiries may experience promotion delays or exclusion, depending upon the gravity and resolution status of pending issues.
• State Governments propose IPS officers' promotion cases to the Centre, which then evaluates their eligibility based on established criteria and guidelines, ensuring transparency, fairness, merit, seniority, and integrity standards consistently.

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