| Director General of Police (DGP) is the highest rank in police in the state. DGP gets a basic salary of INR 2,25,000, with gross salary reaches to INR 2,70,000 per month(varies by state) including allowances. Explore the salary structure of the Director General of Police (DGP) in India. Learn about the basic pay, allowances, perks, and career progression for DGPs in different states. |
The Director General of Police (DGP) stands at the top of the police hierarchy in Indian states and union territories. The cabinet picks the DGP, who holds a three-star rank. The DGP's job is to oversee the whole police force and manage law enforcement activities in their area. This role carries a lot of power and is key to keeping order putting crime prevention plans into action, and making sure the public stays safe. The state government chooses the DGP, who then works hand in hand with other law enforcement groups and government officials to uphold the law and protect people's rights.
DGP Salary Structure (Pay Level 17 – Apex Scale)
The complete salary structure of Director General of Police (DGP) is tabulated below:
DGP Salary Per Month In-hand
The approximate monthly in-hand salary of a DGP (Director General of Police) in India is INR 2,52,550. This amount includes a basic pay of INR 2,25,000 per month as per the 7th pay commission under Pay Level 17 (Apex Scale) and other allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA) and House Rent Allowance (HRA). The in-hand amount may be slightly different from the take home salary as it depends on the city of posting and deductions including national pension scheme (NPS) and income tax.
Annual Package (Pay Level 17) for DGP Salary
The annual salary package for DGP is tabulated below:
DGP Allowances in India (2025)
The detailed information on allowances are tabulated below:
DGP Salary Across Different States in India
Difference of pay scales, state government's choices for allowances, etc., causes the variability in DGP salary among states. States have their own allowances like HRA and DA, which based on the cost of living of that particular state may enhance or decrease the in-hand salary irrespective of the base pay fixed by the central government. The table below compares the same:
Important Takeaways
- Pay Level is same for all states. All DGPs are generally at Pay Level 17, but other posts like IGs or ADGPs may have different pay levels.
- When it comes to allowances, there are differences depending on the cost of living in each state, the HRA (House Rent Allowance) may vary. X cities (metropolitan areas) generally have the highest HRA.
- Some states also offer additional allowances for police officers, such as risk allowances or CEA (Children Education Allowance).
Police Rank Wise Salary Comparison in India: From SP to DGP
The table below compares the DGP vs IPS officer salaries in a detailed manner.
Central vs. State DGP Salary and Role Comparison
The table below offers a clear breakdown of DGP-level salaries across various contexts—state police, central organizations, and other DG-rank positions, before moving on Director General of Police (DGP) salary structure. First of all, understand the broader pay landscape for officers at this senior level.
How is Director General of Police Appointed?
- Director General of Police (DGP) is appointed by a state government who will select from eligible senior Police officers, generally, of the Indian Police Service (IPS). State governments must receive the approval from UPSC and consult it.
- UPSC prepares a panel of experts to decide. Selection parameters include merit, seniority, and experience as a police officer.
- Candidates must have on average 30 years of service and a depth of experience in police force or holding the rank of Additional Director General (ADG) or equivalent are considered for the DGP position. The DGP's term or length of stay in office is directed to be two years by the Supreme Court in order to avoid instability.
- A DGP's appointment does not require the Governor's approval in all states, but in some states, it does, since in some states the DGP's appointment must be approved by its Governor.
- The DGP can be transferred, or dismissed, by the state government and it can only be done by the criteria and methodology set by Supreme Court's guidelines to maintain professional integrity and transparency so as to assure a merit-based and independent appointment process.
Main Responsibilities of a Director General of Police (DGP)
DGP is the head of entire police system in the state. Presented below are the roles and responsibilities of a DGP.
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How to Become DGP in India?
- The first step to become a DGP is to get into the Indian Police Service that is through the UPSC Civil Services Exam.
- When a candidate completes training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), he is assigned to various positions in the police.
- Entry as an IPS officer into the force is at the Assistant Superintendent of Police level.
- At regular intervals, the officer gets promoted to deputy SP, SP, DIG (Deputy Inspector General), and IG.
- After about 30 years of service, one can get into the post of DGP, who is usually promoted for this post based on seniority and experience.
Can a DGP Become Cabinet Secretary or NSA?
- The holder of the supreme office in the police administration of a state, Director General of Police (DGP), is qualified for any very high-value post-retirement assignment.
- He can be a Cabinet Secretary or National Security Advisor, given a grant of the long-standing and glorious career in police and administration.
- While the DGP as the head the state police forces, the experience of such a police officer in maintaining law and order can help in managing broad national security issues, coupled with superb leadership qualities, makes him fit for such high-ranking positions.
- The route to such positions is, however, dependent on the individual knowledge and linkages and the needs of the government at the time.
