SP vs DSP — Rank, Power, Salary, and Difference Explained (India 2025)
Difference Between SP and DSP — Rank, Powers, Salary, and Full Comparison (India 2025)
If you are confused about SP or DSP which post is higher, or want to know SP vs DSP who is more powerful, what is the DSP full form, and DSP se bada kaun hota hai — this detailed article will clear all your doubts. Let’s understand everything about Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in India.
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Full Form of SP and DSP
- SP Full Form: Superintendent of Police
- DSP Full Form: Deputy Superintendent of Police
The Superintendent of Police (SP) is a senior officer in charge of a district or large subdivision of police. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) is a junior gazetted officer who assists the SP and supervises circles or subdivisions within a district.
SP vs DSP — Key Difference
| Feature | SP (Superintendent of Police) | DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) |
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Senior Police Officer, IPS Cadre | Entry-level Gazetted Officer, State Cadre (or promoted) |
| Position in Hierarchy | Above DSP / ACP | Below SP / DCP |
| Post Type | District-level Officer | Subdivision-level Officer |
| Reports To | DIG / IG of Police | Superintendent of Police (SP) |
| Recruitment | Through UPSC Civil Services (IPS) | Through State PSC / Promotion from Inspector |
| Power & Authority | Commands entire district police force | Commands subdivision or few police stations |
SP vs DSP — Who is Higher in Rank?
The SP (Superintendent of Police) is higher than the DSP in rank, power, and authority. In the hierarchy, the DSP reports to the SP. So, when someone asks — SP bada hota hai ya DSP? — the answer is SP bada hota hai.
Police Rank List (Simplified)
- Director General of Police (DGP)
- Additional DGP (ADGP)
- Inspector General (IG)
- Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
- Superintendent of Police (SP)
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
- Inspector
- Sub-Inspector (SI)
- Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI)
- Head Constable / Constable
SP vs DCP — Are They the Same?
Yes, in terms of rank, SP and DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police) are equivalent. In rural areas, the officer is called SP, while in metropolitan cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, etc.), the same rank is known as DCP.
ASP vs DSP — Who is More Powerful?
ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police) is a junior IPS officer under training, while DSP is a senior state cadre officer. Technically, ASP outranks DSP because ASP belongs to the All India IPS cadre, even though both may hold similar field responsibilities.
DSP se Bada Kaun Hota Hai?
DSP se bada rank hota hai SP (Superintendent of Police). Hierarchy is as follows: SP > DSP > Inspector > SI > ASI > Constable.
SP and DSP Salary in India (2025)
| Post | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Basic Pay | Approx. Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) | Level 10 | ₹56,100 | ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000 / month |
| SP (Superintendent of Police) | Level 11 / 12 | ₹67,700 – ₹78,800 | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,40,000 / month |
SP vs DSP — Star Insignia and Uniform
- DSP: Three stars with the Ashoka emblem.
- SP: The national emblem with one star below it.
These stars on the shoulder help identify rank instantly — SP’s insignia is always above DSP’s.
SP vs DSP — Summary Comparison Table
| Criteria | SP | DSP |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Superintendent of Police | Deputy Superintendent of Police |
| Rank Type | Senior Officer (IPS) | Junior Gazetted Officer |
| Level | Above DSP | Below SP |
| Power | Commands District Police | Commands Subdivision / Circle |
| Reports To | DIG / IG | SP |
| Salary Range | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,40,000 | ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: SP or DSP which post is higher?
A: SP (Superintendent of Police) is higher than DSP in both rank and powers.
Q2: SP vs DSP who is more powerful?
A: The SP has more authority and commands the entire district, while the DSP handles a subdivision under the SP.
Q3: DSP full form?
A: DSP Full Form is Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Q4: SP vs DCP — Are they same?
A: Yes, SP (in rural areas) and DCP (in cities) are equivalent ranks.
Q5: ASP vs DSP who is more powerful?
A: ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police) is an IPS officer and hence higher than DSP.
Q6: DSP se bada kaun hota hai?
A: SP is senior to DSP in the police hierarchy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both SP and DSP are crucial officers in the Indian police structure. While DSP supervises a subdivision or a group of police stations, the SP heads the entire district’s police force. Thus, in all respects — SP is higher, more powerful, and senior to DSP.
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