IG vs DGP — Rank, Powers, Salary, and Difference Explained (India 2025)
IG vs DGP — Rank, Powers, Salary, and Difference Explained (India 2025)
Are you confused about IG vs DGP, who holds more power, or how the Police rank list in India is structured? This article will clear all your doubts about Inspector General (IG) and Director General of Police (DGP) — their ranks, roles, stars, salary, and powers. We’ve also explained DGP full form, how to become a DGP, and the full police rank hierarchy in India.
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Full Forms — IG and DGP
- IG Full Form: Inspector General of Police
- DGP Full Form: Director General of Police
Both are senior Indian Police Service (IPS) ranks, part of the All India Services. While both posts come under the IPS cadre, their responsibilities and authority levels differ significantly.
IG vs DGP — Key Difference
| Feature | IG (Inspector General of Police) | DGP (Director General of Police) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Inspector General of Police | Director General of Police |
| Rank Type | Senior IPS Rank | Highest Police Rank in the State/UT |
| Position in Hierarchy | Below ADGP and DGP | Above all police ranks (Topmost) |
| Reports To | Additional DGP or DGP | Directly reports to State Government / Home Department |
| Jurisdiction | One Zone or Range | Entire State or Union Territory |
| Typical Insignia | Crossed sword and baton with one star | Crossed sword and baton with Ashoka emblem |
| Power Level | High (Supervises several DIGs) | Very High (Overall command of State Police) |
IG vs DGP — Who is More Powerful?
The DGP is more powerful than the IG. The DGP is the **head of the entire police force in a state**, while the IG is a **zonal or range-level officer** supervising multiple districts. So in the hierarchy of the Indian Police Service: DGP > ADGP > IG > DIG > SP > DSP > Inspector.
Police Rank List in India (IPS Hierarchy)
| Rank | Position | Insignia |
|---|---|---|
| Director General of Police (DGP) | Head of State Police | Ashoka emblem + crossed sword & baton |
| Additional DGP (ADGP) | Assists DGP | Crossed sword & baton + star |
| Inspector General (IG) | Heads a Zone / Range | Crossed sword & baton + star |
| Deputy Inspector General (DIG) | Supervises several SPs | Crossed sword & baton |
| Superintendent of Police (SP) | Heads a District | Ashoka emblem + one star |
| Deputy SP (DSP) / ACP | Sub-Division Level | Three stars |
DGP Salary in India (2025)
| Rank | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Basic Pay | Approx. Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspector General (IG) | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 | ₹1.80 – ₹2.25 lakh/month |
| Director General of Police (DGP) | Level 16 | ₹2,25,000 (fixed) | ₹2.50 – ₹2.80 lakh/month (with allowances) |
Note: The DGP salary is fixed under the 7th Pay Commission. They also receive additional perks such as an official car, staff quarters, security personnel, and government allowances.
How to Become a DGP in India?
Becoming a DGP is the ultimate achievement for an IPS officer. Here’s the career path:
- Clear UPSC Civil Services Exam and choose IPS.
- Serve as ASP → SP → DIG → IG → ADGP → DGP.
- Promotions depend on service years, performance, and seniority.
- Usually takes 30–33 years of service to reach DGP rank.
DIG vs IG vs DGP — Complete Comparison
| Feature | DIG | IG | DGP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Deputy Inspector General | Inspector General | Director General of Police |
| Rank Position | Below IG | Below DGP | Highest in State |
| Area of Control | Range | Zone | Entire State |
| Pay Level | 13-A | 14 | 16 |
| Power | Moderate | High | Very High |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is higher — IG or DGP?
DGP is higher than IG. The DGP is the head of the state police, while IG manages one zone or range.
Q2: What is DGP full form?
DGP Full Form: Director General of Police.
Q3: What is the DGP salary in India?
A DGP earns around ₹2.25 lakh basic pay per month, plus allowances — making it roughly ₹2.5 to ₹2.8 lakh/month.
Q4: How to become a DGP?
You must clear the UPSC exam, join IPS, and serve over 30 years through various ranks to reach the DGP level.
Q5: What is the police rank list in India?
The rank order is — DGP > ADGP > IG > DIG > SP > DSP > Inspector > SI > ASI > Constable.
Q6: Who is more powerful — DIG or DGP?
DGP is more powerful. A DGP is the state police head, while DIG supervises districts under an IG’s control.
Conclusion
In summary, IG (Inspector General) is a senior IPS officer who controls a large zone or range, but the DGP (Director General of Police) stands at the **top of the police hierarchy** in India. When comparing IG vs DGP — the DGP is clearly the more powerful and higher-ranked officer, responsible for the entire state’s law and order administration.
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