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Police ranks and insignia of India

Police services in India comprises the Indian Police Service (IPS), DANIPS, and Pondicherry Police Service recruited by the central government, along with various State Police Services (SPS) recruited by state governments. As policing is a state subject, the structure and organisation of police forces vary across states. In most state police forces, ranks below Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) are considered subordinates, while DSP and above are supervisory ranks. These officers are organised in a structured hierarchical order.

Ranks of law enforcement in India

The ranks, posts, and designations of all police officers vary from state to state as police and law and order is a state matter. But, generally the following pattern is observed:

Gazetted officers

State/UT Armed Police Cadre

  • Leadership positions of State Armed Police are typically held by officers from the Indian Police Service (IPS) cadre. Their hierarchy includes DIG, IGP, ADGP, and DGP – same as in civil police
  • Rank titles and designations vary across Indian states. The rank of <nowiki></nowiki>Lance Naik<nowiki></nowiki> is **not present in all states** and may be found only in select armed battalions or paramilitary-pattern forces.

Organisational structure and roles

Overview

Law enforcement in India is a state subject, and police organisation varies across states, though a general structure is followed nationwide.

Ministry of Home Affairs

The Ministry of Home Affairs oversees internal security and policing and controls the Indian Police Service (IPS). The Ministry is headed by the Home Secretary, a senior IAS officer. IPS officers are recruited either through the national Civil Services Examination or by promotion from State Police Services after state-level selection.

State Home Department

Each state’s Home Department handles law and order, internal security, and police administration. It is headed by a Principal Secretary or Additional Chief Secretary, who supervises state police and related agencies.

State police structure

Every state police force is headed by a Director General of Police (DGP), assisted by Additional or Special DGPs for key divisions like Law & Order, Crime, or Intelligence. Large forces are divided into zones, ranges, and districts, while metropolitan areas function under the Commissionerate system.

Commissionerates are led by a Commissioner of Police (CP), assisted by Joint and Deputy Commissioners. Outside commissionerates, the hierarchy generally follows:

  • Zone: ADG/IGP
  • Range: IG/DIG
  • District: SP/SSP
  • Subdivision: DSP/ASP (SDPO or Circle Officer)
  • Police Station: Inspector or Sub-Inspector (SHO)

Armed Police

State Armed or Reserve Police units are headed by officers of ADG rank. Each battalion is commanded by a Commandant (SP rank), assisted by a Deputy Commandant and Assistant Commandants (DSP rank).

See also

Notes

References