SHO Full Form and Salary: What is the Rank of Station House Officer?

In India, the person in charge of managing a police station is called the Station House Officer (SHO). This position is filled based on the government's decided rank, typically given to someone with the rank of inspector or sub-inspector. While the SHO isn't a specific rank within the police, it is a title or position assigned to someone with enough experience and responsibility. The main job of the SHO is to oversee all activities in their police station, making sure everything runs smoothly. Importantly, according to Indian law, the SHO has the authority to lead investigations into crimes, playing a crucial role in maintaining law and order by ensuring thorough and fair examination of criminal cases.

Station House Officer

The important details related to SHO is tabulated below:

Particulars	Details
Officer-in-charge (OC)	In some Indian states, especially in rural regions, the leadership of a police station is typically managed by a Sub-inspector of police. This person is known as the Station House Officer (SHO) or sometimes called the Officer-in-charge (OC).
Inspector-in-charge (IC)	In contrast, in the urban or semi-urban areas of West Bengal, a police station is usually under the supervision of an inspector, who is referred to as the Inspector-in-charge (IC).

What are the Roles and Functions of Station House Officer?

The following are the main responsibilities of an Station House Officer:

The police station has the duty to maintain peace and order in the area it serves.
Their responsibilities include preventing crimes and solving those that occur.
Officers must complete investigations promptly and submit the final report to the court.
Additionally, the police station needs to ensure that all officers perform their duties well and receive good supervision.
Oversee and manage the welfare and discipline of the staff under his command in the government sector.
Plan and coordinate patrols and beats within his designated area of responsibility to ensure security.
Maintain a positive public image and foster good relations with the local community within the limits of his jurisdiction.
Conduct regular visits and spend sufficient time in the towns and areas he manages to stay informed and visible.
Monitor closely any anti-social elements and individuals with bad reputations, ensuring to keep senior officials informed on a regular basis.
Gather important information related to police duties and significant issues to enhance operational effectiveness and community safety.

Difference Between Inspector, SHO (Station House Officer), and SO (Sub-Inspector or Section Officer)

Though commonly used, there are a lot of differences between these posts. Inspector is given a rank in the police. SHO is a rather a post or designation. SHO post can be held by a Sub-Inspector or an Inspector, depending on the station's category. SO can mean either a Sub-Inspector in the police or a Section Officer in civil services/ministries.

Full Form	Police Inspector	Station House Officer	Sub-Inspector (in police) or Section Officer (in administration)
Department	Police Department	Police Department	- Police Department (Sub-Inspector) - Govt Offices (Section Officer)
Rank	Above Sub-Inspector, below DSP	Not a rank, but a post (held by an Inspector or SI)	Below Inspector (if Sub-Inspector) Group B officer (if Section Officer)
Posting Level	Supervises a police circle (multiple police stations)	In charge of a police station	SI: Assigned to police stations SO: Works in central/state departments
Responsibilities	Oversees crime investigation, supervises SHOs	Manages law & order, FIRs, and investigations at the station	SI: Registers FIRs, minor investigations SO: Handles files, administration
Uniform (Police)	Two stars with red and blue ribbon	Same as rank (Inspector or SI)	SI: One star with red and blue ribbon
Minimum Rank Required	Inspector	Sub-Inspector or Inspector	Sub-Inspector: Entry-level rank Section Officer: Promoted from ASO
Recruitment	Through State PSC or promotion	Designated based on seniority	SI: Through SSC/State exams SO: Through SSC CGL or promotion
Powers	Supervisory and investigative powers	Legal authority to register FIRs and detain suspects	SI: Investigative powers SO: Administrative file movement
Salary (Approx)	₹55,000–₹80,000 (varies by state)	Same as SI or Inspector (depending on holder’s rank)	SI: ₹45,000–₹65,000 SO: ₹47,600 (Level 7)

SHO (Station House Officer) Salary

The important details related to SHO salary is tabulated below:

Component	Sub-Inspector (SI) as SHO	Inspector as SHO
Pay Level	Pay Level 6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400)	Pay Level 7 or 8 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400)
Basic Pay	₹35,400 – ₹45,000	₹44,900 – ₹56,100
Grade Pay (6th CPC)	₹4,200	₹4,600 – ₹4,800
Dearness Allowance (DA)	~42% of Basic Pay	~42% of Basic Pay
House Rent Allowance (HRA)	8–24% (based on city class)	8–24% (based on city class)
Transport Allowance	₹1,800 – ₹3,600	₹3,600 – ₹7,200
Uniform/Other Allowances	₹1,000 – ₹2,000 (varies)	₹1,000 – ₹2,000 (varies)
Gross Salary (Approx.)	₹50,000 – ₹65,000 per month	₹65,000 – ₹90,000 per month
In-Hand Salary	₹45,000 – ₹60,000	₹60,000 – ₹85,000

Notes: A Station House Officer's pay changes based on their state, city type, time on the job, and department rules. SHOs working in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru get more housing rent allowance and other perks. SHOs also receive housing from the government, health care benefits, and a pension (if they're not part of the New Pension Scheme).

How to Become a Station House Officer?

In order to become a Station House Officer, candidates must meet the eligibility and requirements. There are two ways to become a Station House Officer.

A person who is posted as a Sub-Inspector can become a SHO. In this case, he does not need to appear and clear any exam.
Candidates can appear and clear the PSC exam that states in India conduct for appointment. A candidate can become a Sub-Inspector by cracking this exam.

The following are the prerequisites:

The age criteria for candidates is that they should be between 20 and 27 years.
A graduation from an accredited university is a must to be eligible for the post of Sub-Inspector.
Appearing Class 12 students cannot apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is greater, SHO or Si?

Inspector is a rank in the police. SHO is a post—can be held by a Sub-Inspector or an Inspector, depending on the station's category.

What is the salary of SHO?

The SHO salary varies by state. However, the basic salary generally ranges between ₹35,400 – ₹56,100.

What is the qualification of SHO?

He should be a citizen of India and must posses a graduation degree from a accredited university.

What is the rank of SHO post?

There is no rank for SHO, rather it is a post and designation. Sub-inspectors usually become SHO.

Is SHO an IPS officer?

No, an SHO (Station House Officer) is not an IPS officer; the post is usually held by a Sub-Inspector or Inspector in charge of a police station. IPS officers hold higher ranks like SP, SSP, or DIG, and supervise multiple police stations or districts.