| The ASP is the first rank for an IPS officer, and they're still in training. The SP has more responsibility and takes charge of law and order in a district. The SSP is even higher up and works in bigger or more sensitive districts. As you go up in rank, you get more power, authority, and pay, so it's key to know how these roles fit into the Indian police system. |
Difference Between ASP, SP and SSP
Figuring out the various police ranks in India can be tricky when it comes to titles like ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police), SP (Superintendent of Police), and SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police). These three are all high-ranking positions in the Indian Police Service (IPS) or State Police Services, but they have big differences in their rank, duties where they work, and how much they get paid. These differences matter a lot to people studying for civil services or police recruitment tests.
An ASP is an entry-level IPS officer and is usually in training. An SP has a more important role, handling law and order in a district. An SSP is even more senior and often works in larger or key districts. As officers get promoted, they gain more power, authority, and better salary. Understanding these roles is important for knowing how the Indian policing system works.
- ASP- Assistant Superintendent of Police
- SP - Superintendent of Police
- SSP- Senior Superintendent of Police
As the name suggests, ASP is a junior officer than SP. While SP occupies a middle level position and is a junior to SSP. SSP is senior to both ASP and SP. The same is presented below:
ASP Full Form and Rank
The rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) remains in use in India held by officers from the Indian Police Service. This position serves as a probationary rank lasting until the second year of an IPS officer's career. Officers wear this rank while training at SVPNPA.
| Insignia of an Assistant Superintendent of Police in India (till the 2nd year, the ranks is probationary) |
Every IPS officer begins their career as an ASP. State Cadre Officers can't hold this rank. Instead, they occupy the Deputy Superintendent of Police position, which is on par with the ASP rank. The important highlights are tabulated below:
Particulars | Highlights |
Full Form of ASP | ASP stands for Assistant Superintendent of Police |
Rank Position | Entry-level IPS officer rank (after probation) |
Service Type | Indian Police Service (IPS) |
Cadre Posting | Usually posted in districts or subdivisions under an SP or SSP |
Recruitment Source | UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) |
Probation Period | 2 years (part of IPS training) |
Badge Insignia | Three stars without any stripes |
Reporting Authority | Reports to SP or SSP |
Primary Role | Supervisory role; assists SP/SSP in maintaining law and order |
Posting Areas | Urban and rural subdivisions, police lines, or crime branch units |
Pay Level | Pay Level 10 |
Basic Salary | ₹56,100 per month |
Gross Salary (with allowances) | ₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000 per month (approx.) depending on HRA, DA, TA |
Promotion Eligibility | Eligible for promotion to SP after completion of probation and required years of service |
Uniform Details | Khaki uniform with IPS badge and three stars |
Eligibility Criteria | UPSC CSE-qualified candidate allocated IPS cadre |
Can ASP Become SP and SSP?
- In the Indian Police Service (IPS), you first become an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) during your probation after passing the UPSC Civil Services Exam.
- Once you complete your training and probation, you advance to Superintendent of Police (SP), where you manage a district or key area.
- With more experience and good performance, you can be promoted to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), especially in larger or more sensitive districts.
- Each promotion means taking on more duties, receiving higher pay, gaining more authority, and playing a bigger role in important decisions at the district or regional level.
SP Full Form and Rank
The Superintendent of Police (SP) holds a rank in Indian police forces. This officer leads a rural police district. SPs can also run specialized wings or units. In cities with a commissionerate system, an SP might work as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) under the Police Commissioner. The SP works with the District Magistrate (Collector), who manages the revenue district and keeps law and order. The SP also sends monthly updates to the Director General of Police (DGP) through the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
The Superintendent of Police (SP) holds a middle management position in the police force. An SP's career path includes assignments in three different grades: senior time scale, junior administrative grade, and selection grade. Some states call an SP in the selection grade a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). The SP's rank is shown by two types of insignias: one star with the national emblem for the first two grades, and two stars with the national emblem for the selection grade.
The SP rank sits higher than the Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) or Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP/DySP) ranks. It's below the SSP, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Inspector General of Police (IGP), Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), and Director General of Police (DGP) ranks. ASP/DSP to DGP ranks make up the top-tier officers in a police force. The law says SP and higher-ranking officers should serve at least two years in their posts. The important highlights are tabulated below:
Particulars | Highlights |
Full Form | Superintendent of Police |
Abbreviation | SP |
Cadre Type | IPS Officer or State Police Service (Promoted) |
Rank in Hierarchy | Senior to ASP, Junior to SSP |
Posting | Typically heads a district (in smaller or medium-sized districts) |
Authority | Overall law & order, crime control, district police administration |
Reporting To | DIG (Deputy Inspector General) or IG (Inspector General) |
Uniform Insignia | Ashoka emblem with one star on the shoulder |
Minimum Eligibility | IPS officer (after completion of probation) or promoted DSP |
Appointing Authority | UPSC (for IPS), State Government (for promoted officers) |
Pay Level | Level 11 (for IPS) |
Basic Pay | ₹67,700 per month |
Gross Monthly Salary | ₹80,000 – ₹1,10,000 (incl. DA, HRA, TA) |
Grade Pay (6th CPC) | ₹6,600 |
Posting Locations | State capitals, district headquarters, or sensitive regions |
Promotion Path | SP → SSP → DIG → IG → ADG → DGP |
Powers & Duties | Crime prevention, maintaining law and order, supervising police stations |
Departmental Role | Often heads District Armed Reserve, Traffic, or Special Branch units |
Read in detail: SP Salary Per Month in India
What is Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP) and its Rank?
Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP) ranks below the SP that is Superintendent of Police. The SP usually gets assistance from Additional Superintendent of Police (Add. SP), alongside ASPs and DSPs. Interestingly, in Kerala, the post of SP as the head of a police district is designated as the District Police Chief (DPC). The important things to keep in mind are bulleted below:
- The main difference between the Superintendent of Police (SP) and the Additional Superintendent of Police (Additional SP) is in their jobs and duties in the district.
- The SP leads the district police and has full control. The SP makes final decisions. The Additional SP works under the SP and helps by managing specific tasks like keeping law and order, handling crime, or administration.
- The Additional SP supports these tasks and is important in making sure everything runs smoothly. Both hold senior positions, but the SP has more authority.
- The Additional SP’s role is crucial in making sure operations are executed well.
SSP Full Form and Rank
As already noted, some states call an SP in the selection grade a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). When a police district is very large, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) is selected to lead it. He is senior to SP and ASP. This role remains important even if the officer is promoted to Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG); they might still serve as SSP in some cases.
Particulars | Highlights |
Full Form | Senior Superintendent of Police |
Abbreviation | SSP |
Cadre Type | IPS Officer |
Rank in Hierarchy | Senior to SP, Junior to DIG |
Posting | Heads large or sensitive districts |
Authority | Top police officer in major districts; handles law & order, crime, admin |
Reporting To | Deputy Inspector General (DIG) |
Uniform Insignia | Ashoka emblem with two stars on the shoulder |
Minimum Eligibility | IPS officer with specific years of service (typically 10+ years) |
Appointing Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) via IPS |
Pay Level | Level 12 |
Basic Pay | ₹78,800 per month |
Gross Monthly Salary | ₹95,000 – ₹1,25,000 (incl. DA, HRA, TA, etc.) |
Grade Pay (6th CPC) | ₹7,600 |
Posting Locations | Metropolitan cities, Naxal-affected districts, high-security zones |
Promotion Path | SSP → DIG → IG → ADG → DGP |
Powers & Duties | Strategic command, policy implementation, major law & order decisions |
Departmental Role | May also oversee special units like Cybercrime, Intelligence, or STF |
ASP, SP and SSP Comparison with Parameters
The table below details the important things that one should about ASP, SP and SSP.
Particulars | ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police) | SP (Superintendent of Police) | SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) |
Full Form | Assistant Superintendent of Police | Superintendent of Police | Senior Superintendent of Police |
Rank Level | Entry-level IPS rank (probation/training) | Middle-level IPS officer | Senior-level IPS officer |
Experience | 0–2 years (probationary officer) | 2–6+ years | 7+ years and above |
Posting Area | As Assistant to SP in a district or sub-division | In charge of a district (smaller/medium) | In charge of larger or sensitive districts |
Reporting Structure | Reports to SP or SSP | Reports to DIG or IG | Reports to DIG, IG, or directly to DGP |
IPS Association | IPS officer on probation | IPS officer with confirmed service | IPS officer with seniority and promotion |
Read more: ACP Full Form
ASP, SP and SSP Salary Comparison
Since SSP is senior to ASP and SP, he enjoys more salary than them.
Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay (₹) | Grade Pay (Old CPC) | Gross Monthly Salary (Approx.) | Allowances Included |
ASP | Level 10 | ₹56,100 | ₹5,400 | ₹70,000 – ₹80,000 | DA, HRA, TA |
SP | Level 11/12 | ₹67,700 – ₹78,800 | ₹6,600 – ₹7,600 | ₹85,000 – ₹1,00,000+ | DA, HRA, TA |
SSP | Level 13 | ₹1,18,500 | ₹8,700 | ₹1,30,000 – ₹1,50,000+ | DA, HRA, TA |
Important Notes:
- DA (Dearness Allowance): DA is usually 46% of basic pay (subject to revision).
- HRA (House Rent Allowance): HRA is usually between 8% to 24% based on city classification (X, Y, Z).
- TA (Transport Allowance): Varies by city category and rank.
- Salary increases with experience, promotions, and annual increments.
