Commissioner vs DM — Who is More Powerful? Rank, Powers, and Difference Explained (India 2025)
If you’re confused about Commissioner vs DM who is more powerful or want to know whether Divisional Commissioner or District Magistrate (DM) holds higher authority — this post will explain everything clearly with rank comparison, power, and duties under the Indian Administrative System.
Related Reads
- IG vs Commissioner — Who is More Powerful?
- DGP vs Commissioner — Who is More Powerful in India? Rank, Powers, and Difference (2025)
- Commissioner vs Secretary — Who is More Powerful in India?
- Forester vs Forest Ranger — Rank, Salary, Duties, Qualification & Difference Explained (India 2025)
What is the Role of a District Magistrate (DM)?
The District Magistrate (DM), also known as the Collector or Deputy Commissioner, is the head of a district. The DM is an IAS officer responsible for overall district administration, revenue collection, and law & order. They coordinate between all departments at the district level.
- Rank: IAS (Senior Scale or above)
- Appointed by: State Government
- Reports to: Divisional Commissioner
- Controls: SP (Police), SDMs, Tehsildars, and all district officers
What is the Role of a Divisional Commissioner?
A Divisional Commissioner is an administrative head of a division — a group of districts. The post is usually held by a senior IAS officer who supervises multiple District Magistrates (DMs).
- Rank: Senior IAS Officer (Selection Grade or Above)
- Jurisdiction: A Division (3–7 districts)
- Reports to: State Government / Chief Secretary
- Controls: All DMs, revenue, and law & order coordination in the division
Related Reads
- Director vs Managing Director who is higher — Salary, Rank, Powers & Difference (India 2025)
- Colonel vs Major — Rank, Salary, Duties & Difference Explained (Indian Army 2025)
- Consultant vs Analyst — Salary, Role, Deloitte & McKinsey Comparison
- Teacher vs Educator — Difference, Salary, Essay, PPT, and Modern Meaning (2025)
- CEO vs Manager vs General Manager — Salary, Roles, and Hierarchy (2025)
- CEO vs Managing Director Who is Higher in Company Hierarchy (2025)
Divisional Commissioner vs DM — Key Difference
| Parameter | District Magistrate (DM) | Divisional Commissioner |
|---|---|---|
| Level of Administration | District | Division (Group of Districts) |
| Rank | IAS (Senior Time Scale) | IAS (Selection Grade / Super Time Scale) |
| Authority Over | District Officers, SP, SDM, Tehsildar | Supervises Multiple DMs |
| Law & Order Role | District Head | Regional Coordinator |
| Who is More Powerful? | Controls one district | Higher – Supervises several DMs |
Police Commissioner vs DM — Who is More Powerful?
In cities with a Commissionerate System (like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru), the Police Commissioner holds powers of a District Magistrate under the CrPC for law & order. In such cities, the Police Commissioner has more operational control over policing than the DM.
- In Districts: DM is more powerful.
- In Commissionerate Cities: Police Commissioner has greater law & order authority.
Collector or Police Commissioner — Who is More Powerful?
The Collector (DM) is senior in administrative hierarchy but the Police Commissioner has more direct powers over policing and public safety. Both are IAS/IPS officers and their powers differ based on situation and jurisdiction.
Mayor vs Municipal Commissioner — Who is More Powerful?
The Municipal Commissioner (an IAS officer) is more powerful than the Mayor in most Indian cities. The Mayor is a political head, while the Commissioner is the executive head responsible for implementing decisions and managing civic services.
DIG vs DM — Who is More Powerful?
DIG (Deputy Inspector General of Police) is a senior IPS officer who oversees several districts, while DM handles a single district. In law & order, DIG outranks the SP and coordinates with DMs, but in administrative matters, the DM remains the head of the district. Hence, both have independent powers in their domains.
कमिश्नर कितने जिलों का मालिक होता है?
एक डिवीजनल कमिश्नर सामान्यतः 3 से 7 जिलों की देखरेख करता है। वह जिलाधिकारियों (DMs) की निगरानी करता है और राजस्व, कानून व्यवस्था, तथा प्रशासनिक कार्यों का समन्वय करता है।
DM और Commissioner में कौन बड़ा होता है?
Divisional Commissioner प्रशासनिक रूप से DM से बड़ा अधिकारी होता है क्योंकि वह कई जिलों की देखरेख करता है, जबकि DM केवल एक जिले का प्रमुख होता है।
At a Glance — Power Comparison Table
| Post | Level | Jurisdiction | More Powerful In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divisional Commissioner | IAS (Selection Grade) | Group of Districts | Administrative Supervision |
| District Magistrate (DM) | IAS (Senior Time Scale) | One District | District Administration |
| Police Commissioner | IPS (IGP / ADG Level) | City / Urban Area | Law & Order |
| DIG of Police | IPS (DIG Level) | Multiple Districts | Police Supervision |
| Municipal Commissioner | IAS (Urban Administration) | Municipal Corporation | Civic Management |
Conclusion
In summary, the Divisional Commissioner is higher than the DM in administrative hierarchy. However, in Commissionerate cities, the Police Commissioner wields more law & order power than the DM. Meanwhile, Municipal Commissioners outrank Mayors in executive authority. Each post is powerful within its own jurisdiction — but overall hierarchy ranks as:
Chief Secretary > Divisional Commissioner > DM (Collector) > SP / Commissioner of Police > SDM / Tehsildar