IG Full Form(Inspector General of Police) and Salary: Seniority and Position in Indian Police Ranks

An Inspector General of Police (IGP) is part of the Indian Police Service. In the state's police structure, the IGP holds the third-highest position. The rank is just below the Additional Director General of Police and is higher than the Deputy Inspector General of Police. IGP officers have special patches on their collars called gorget patches. These patches are dark blue, like those of Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), but feature an oak leaf pattern. This is different from the DIG and SSP patches, which show a white line instead.

Have you ever thought about who manages the police zones in India? This important responsibility belongs to the Inspector General of Police, or IG. The IG is a high-ranking officer in the Indian Police Service, called IPS. Their main task is to maintain law and order in large regions or special departments. The IG is more than just a senior officer; they have a crucial role in planning and ensuring safety at the state and national levels. They guide district officers and handle complex police operations. The IG serves as a connection between local policing efforts and the major strategies and decisions made by top officials.

"IG" stands for Inspector General of Police, who is a senior officer in the Indian Police Service (IPS). An Inspector General typically manages a large area or a specialized police department within a state or union territory. This rank is higher than Deputy Inspector General (DIG) but lower than Additional Director General (ADG) and Director General of Police (DGP). An IG is responsible for maintaining law and order, controlling crime, and handling administrative operations across several districts. To become an IG, an IPS officer usually needs 18 to 20 years of service. In India, the monthly salary of an Inspector General ranges from ₹1,44,200 to ₹2,18,200 at Pay Level 14, not including additional allowances such as housing rent, dearness, and travel perks. The role is important for leading and managing law enforcement at the zonal level within the police force.

A Brief History of the Position of Inspector General of Police in India

During the time when Britain ruled India, they brought in a law called the Indian Councils Act of 1861.
This law set up a new group of police officers named the Superior Police Services, which was later renamed the Indian Imperial Police.
The highest-ranking officer in this service was called the Inspector General.
This role is similar to the position of Joint Commissioner of Police in big cities.

Check: IPS Officer Salary with Detailed Analysis of Pay, Perks, and Growth in 2025

What is the Rank of Inspector General of Police(IG)?

The Inspector General (DIG) is a high-ranking position in the Police Department or Indian Police Service Ranks, specifically the third highest.
Officers who earn this rank are from the Indian Police Service (IPS) and usually come from roles such as Senior Superintendent of Police or Deputy Commissioner of Police.
The IG is supervised by the Director General of Police, Additional Director General of Police.
The Inspector General of Police (IG) is the top officer in a large police area. The IG is responsible for overseeing several Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs). DIGs manage district officers like Superintendents of Police (SPs), Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), and Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) in certain regions.
Through this system, the IG's authority also covers Additional SPs, Assistant SPs, Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, and other officers working in the field, directly or indirectly. The IG ensures that the police officers under them do their job correctly and efficiently.

The relation of IG along with jurisdiction/ area with other police officers is tabulated below:

Rank	Full Form	Position in Hierarchy	Eligibility/Experience	Promotion Path
Inspector General of Police	IG	Senior IPS rank – Above DIG, Below ADG	Usually after 18–20 years of IPS service	Promoted from DIG (Deputy Inspector General)
Deputy Inspector General	DIG	Mid-senior IPS rank – Above SSP/DCP, Below IG	Typically after 14–16 years of IPS service	Promoted from SSP/DCP (Senior Supt./Dy. Comm.)
Senior Superintendent of Police	SSP	Mid-level IPS rank – Above SP, below DIG	Around 10–12 years of IPS service	Promoted from SP (Superintendent of Police)
Deputy Commissioner of Police	DCP (in Commissionerate system)	Equivalent to SSP in districts	Around 10–12 years, usually IPS	Promoted from Addl. DCP or SP

Important Note:

Only IPS officers can advance to the role of Inspector General (IG).
Several factors affect promotions: the officer's years of service, their performance record, availability of positions, and the rules specific to their cadre.
The IG rank typically involves leading a substantial area.
This area could be a zone, a range, or a specialized unit such as crime, training, or operations.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Inspector General of Police in India

The Inspector General holds a key position in the Indian police force. Their main duties include inspecting and investigating various matters. They conduct audits to review programs and operations related to the DHS, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Part of their role is to promote good performance and productivity in DHS operations. The Inspector General is also tasked with preventing issues like fraud, abuse, and waste. A crucial aspect of their job is to keep the Secretary informed about the progress and challenges in DHS activities and to find solutions to any problems. The important highlights are presented below:

Important Points to Note:

The DGP is the highest-ranking officer in the police department and leads the state police force. The IGP, meanwhile, is also a senior officer.
Over time, an IGP can move up the ranks to become an ADGP and eventually reach the position of DGP when they are assigned to that role.

Promotion Opportunities for IG

There are avenues for IG officers to get promoted in ranks and responsibilities.

Rank	Years of Service
DIG	18-20 yr
IGP	8-12 yr
ADGP	3-5 yr
DGP	Highest position

Inspector General of Police Salary

Inspector General of Police (IG) gets a competitive salary and other benefits as well. Tabulated below are the details.

Component	Details
Post	Inspector General of Police (IG)
Service	Indian Police Service (IPS)
Pay Level (7th CPC)	Level 14
Basic Pay	₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200
Grade Pay (Pre-7th CPC)	₹10,000 (merged into Pay Matrix Level 14)
Dearness Allowance (DA)	~42% of Basic Pay (variable as per govt revision)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)	8% to 24% of Basic Pay (based on city category: X, Y, Z)
Transport Allowance	₹7,200 + DA (Higher cities), ₹3,600 + DA (Other places)
Uniform/Kit Maintenance Allowance	₹10,000 annually (varies by state)
Special Security Allowances	Applicable in special postings (e.g., NIA, CBI, Intelligence Bureau)
Total Monthly Salary (Approx.)	₹2,00,000 – ₹2,70,000+ (depending on DA, HRA, and other perks)
Pension & Retirement Benefits	Yes, as per CCS Pension Rules (for those eligible)
Other Benefits	Government accommodation, official vehicle, medical, travel allowances

Note: The take-home pay that IGs receive can change depending on the city where he is working and any changes to the Dearness Allowance (DA). Inspector Generals (IGs) are provided with official cars and drivers. They also have staff to support them and enjoy special VIP security benefits in many states.

What is the Difference between IG, DIG and ADGP?

The differences between IG, DIG and ADGP in police along with parameters is tabulated below:

Aspect	DIG (Deputy Inspector General)	IG (Inspector General of Police)	ADG (Additional Director General of Police)
Rank Level	Below IG	Above DIG, below ADG	Above IG, just below DGP
Pay Level (7th CPC)	Level 13A (₹1,31,100 – ₹2,16,600)	Level 14 (₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200)	Level 15 (₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100)
Typical Posting	Range or Zone Deputy, Assists IG	Heads a Zone/Range or Special Units	Commands larger zones or heads departments at HQ/state level
Reporting To	Reports to IG or ADG	Reports to ADG or DGP	Reports directly to DGP or central authorities
Supervises	SPs/SSPs, DCPs in city police	DIGs, SPs/SSPs, DCPs	IGs, DIGs, and oversees entire branches or zones
Seniority	Junior to IG	Mid-level senior officer	Senior-most IPS officers
Promotion From	Promoted from SP/SSP	Promoted from DIG	Promoted from IG
Authority Area	Smaller regions or acts as second-in-command	Multiple districts or specialized wings	Full zones, states, or policy-level positions

How To Become Inspector General of Police in India?

To become an IG, a candidate needs to clear UPSC exam and select IPS as preference. It must be noted that one cannot become an IG directly. A candidate is first posted as a Superintendent of Police. After years of service, he is promoted to the rank of DIG. After that, he finally becomes an IG. Step -by-step guide is below:

Step 1: Begin by gathering information on the role of Inspector General. Understand the eligibility criteria and the responsibilities of the job.

Step 2: After you've learned about the job and confirmed that you meet the criteria, complete and submit the application form to apply for the position of Inspector General in the Police Department.

Step 3: You need to prepare for the UPSC exam, which is essential for this career path. Focus on studying thoroughly to pass this exam successfully.

Step 4: Once you pass the exam, you will become an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, starting your journey in the police force.

Step 5: Work as an IPS officer for several years. During this time, you will advance to the position of Superintendent of Police as part of your career progression.

Step 6: After dedicating 14 years to your role, you will be eligible for promotion to Deputy Inspector General (DIG).

Step 7: Ultimately, you will reach the post by being promoted to Inspector General (IG), holding this prestigious role for a term of 3 years.

Can a DSP become an IG?

Yes, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) can rise to become an Inspector General of Police (IG), but only if the officer is promoted to the Indian Police Service (IPS). DSPs are generally selected through State Public Service Commissions and are part of the State Police Services. After working for approximately 8 to 15 years, depending on how well they perform, their seniority, and whether there are job openings, some DSPs are promoted to IPS. Once they join the IPS, they follow this promotion path: SP/SSP, then DIG, and finally IG. It's important to note that this journey is very competitive and selective, and not all DSPs will make it to the IG level.

Role of an Inspector General of Police (IG) in Special Units

The role of an Inspector General of Police (IG) in special units and domains are tabulated below:

Special Unit	Role of IG
Intelligence	Manages intelligence gathering operations, coordinates with state/national agencies, ensures surveillance and preventive action against threats.
CID (Criminal Investigation Department)	Manages investigations into serious and high-profile crimes, supervises forensic and legal coordination, ensures law enforcement integrity.
Crime Branch	Manages organized crime, economic offenses, cybercrime, and ensures timely investigation and prosecution.
Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS)	Manages anti-terror operations, coordinates with central agencies like NIA, directs ground intelligence.
Economic Offenses Wing (EOW)	Manages cases involving fraud, corruption, and financial crimes, monitors corporate and government-related scams.
Special Task Force (STF)	Manages operations against Naxalites, gangs, and other violent extremist groups; handles field strategy.
Traffic Police (Urban Zones)	In large metros, IGs manage traffic policies, infrastructure coordination, and law enforcement during major events.
Railway Police (GRP)	Manages security of rail routes, stations, and passenger safety across multiple districts or zones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is higher IG or DGP?

Director General of Police(DGP) is higher than the Inspector General of Police(IG). DGP is the head of police in the state. IGs work under him and report to him.

What is the salary of IG in police?

While the basic salary for IG is ₹1,44,200, the actual gross earnings for an IG can be higher(depending upon policy and performance), including allowances and other benefits.

Who is senior, IG or DIG?

An IG is just above the DIG. Many DIGs work under under and IG and report to him.

Who is more powerful, IAS or IG?

Both have their powers in respective fields. IAS is an administrative position and IPS is police administration. In general, IAS officers are more powerful than IPS officers.

Is IG higher than SP?

Yes, IG is senior to SP. SP is the head of police districts but IG usually is the regional head.