SHO vs Inspector — Rank, Salary, Powers, Star Badge & Difference Explained (2025)
SHO vs Inspector — Rank, Powers, Salary, Stars, and Difference Explained (India 2025)
If you’re wondering who is higher between SHO vs Inspector, what is the SHO rank in police, how much SHO in police salary is, or even what the SHO star on shoulder means — this article covers everything in a simple, factual, and SEO-friendly format. Let’s understand all about Station House Officer (SHO) and Inspector of Police.
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What is the Full Form of SHO and Inspector?
- SHO Full Form: Station House Officer
- Inspector Full Form: Inspector of Police
In simple terms, SHO is a designation, while Inspector is a rank. The officer in charge of a police station is called the Station House Officer (SHO), and in most states, this officer holds the rank of an Inspector. However, in smaller police stations, a Sub-Inspector (SI) may be designated as SHO.
SHO vs Inspector — Key Difference
| Feature | SHO (Station House Officer) | Inspector of Police |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Designation given to the officer in charge of a police station | A police rank, usually above Sub-Inspector and below DSP |
| Position Type | Designation / Post | Rank in the hierarchy |
| Reports To | Circle Officer / DSP | DSP / SP (depending on jurisdiction) |
| Rank Equivalence | Usually an Inspector or Sub-Inspector | Higher than SI, lower than DSP |
| Primary Duty | Head of police station, responsible for law & order, investigation | Supervises investigations, heads major stations or circles |
| Power Level | Depends on rank (SI or Inspector) | Has more authority and powers |
SHO vs Inspector — Who is Higher?
The Inspector of Police is higher in rank than the SHO. However, in many cases, the Inspector himself acts as the SHO of a major police station. So while Inspector is a rank, SHO is the functional title for the officer managing a station.
SHO Rank in Police
The SHO rank in police varies by state:
- In large cities and important police stations — SHO is usually an Inspector of Police.
- In small towns or rural areas — SHO may be a Sub-Inspector (SI).
So, Inspector = SHO (in most cases), but not every SHO = Inspector.
SHO in Police Salary (India 2025)
| Post | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Basic Pay | Approx. Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-Inspector (SI) | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ₹55,000 – ₹65,000 / month |
| Inspector (Typical SHO) | Level 7 or 8 | ₹44,900 – ₹47,600 | ₹70,000 – ₹90,000 / month |
Note: Salary varies by state, years of service, and allowances (DA, HRA, TA, risk allowance, etc.).
Daroga vs SHO
In North India, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan, the term Daroga is commonly used for a Sub-Inspector (SI). So, when people ask Daroga vs SHO — the SHO is the officer in charge of the police station, while Daroga (SI) may or may not be in that position depending on the station’s hierarchy.
SHO vs DSP
A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) is a gazetted officer and is **senior to the Inspector (and hence to SHO)**. DSP supervises multiple police stations, each headed by an SHO. So in the hierarchy: DSP > Inspector (SHO) > Sub-Inspector > ASI > Constable.
SHO vs SP
The Superintendent of Police (SP) is far higher in rank than the SHO or Inspector. SP commands the entire district police, whereas the SHO manages just one police station under that district.
SHO Star on Shoulder — How to Identify SHO Rank?
The SHO star on shoulder indicates the officer’s rank:
- Sub-Inspector (SI): Two stars with a red and blue striped ribbon.
- Inspector: Three stars and the Ashoka emblem on top — this is the typical SHO star insignia for most stations.
So, when you see three stars and the national emblem, the officer is an Inspector — often serving as the SHO of that station.
At a Glance — SHO vs Inspector Comparison Table
| Criteria | SHO | Inspector |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Station House Officer | Inspector of Police |
| Type | Designation / Post | Rank |
| Who is higher? | Depends on rank (usually Inspector) | Higher than SHO (if SHO is SI) |
| Salary Range | ₹55,000 – ₹90,000 | ₹70,000 – ₹90,000 |
| Stars on Shoulder | 2 or 3 stars (depending on SI or Inspector) | 3 stars with Ashoka emblem |
| Reports To | DSP / Circle Officer | DSP / SP |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: SHO vs Inspector — Who is higher?
A: The Inspector is higher in rank. The SHO is a post, and in most cases, the Inspector holds this position.
Q2: What is SHO rank in police?
A: SHO is not a rank but a post. The rank may be Inspector or Sub-Inspector depending on the police station size.
Q3: What is SHO salary in India?
A: The SHO in Police salary ranges between ₹55,000 to ₹90,000 per month (depending on rank and state).
Q4: SHO vs DSP — who is senior?
A: DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) is senior to SHO. A DSP oversees several SHOs under their jurisdiction.
Q5: Daroga vs SHO — Are they same?
A: No. Daroga means Sub-Inspector (SI), while SHO is the officer-in-charge of a police station — who may be an SI or Inspector.
Q6: What does SHO star on shoulder mean?
A: SHO stars represent rank insignia. Two stars = SI; three stars + Ashoka emblem = Inspector (usually the SHO).
Conclusion
In summary, SHO is the officer-in-charge of a police station, while Inspector is a rank in the police hierarchy. In most stations, the Inspector serves as the SHO. However, in smaller stations, a Sub-Inspector can be the SHO. So, while both roles are closely linked, Inspector is higher in authority and rank.
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