In India, the police force is structured in a hierarchical system. Every rank has a specific role, power and responsibility. But when it comes to abbreviations like ASP, SP and CI, many people get confused. All these are officer-level or inspector-level posts, but they differ in their rank, authority, and recruitment process.
This article will help you clearly understand the difference between ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police), SP (Superintendent of Police), and CI (Circle Inspector). We will look at their ranks, job profiles, powers, promotion methods and how they are posted in different districts and states.
What is ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police)?
ASP stands for Assistant Superintendent of Police. It is a post usually held by an IPS (Indian Police Service) officer who is under training or has recently joined the service.
- Recruitment: ASPs are recruited through UPSC Civil Services Examination. After clearing the exam, the selected candidates undergo training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad.
- Posting: They are posted in districts as probationers and assist the SP in administrative duties.
- Rank Equivalence: ASP is a junior-level IPS rank but still senior to many state cadre officers. It is above the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) or Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
- Uniform and Insignia: One star with the IPS badge.
- Responsibilities: Law and order maintenance, supervision of police stations, support in criminal investigations, and learning practical aspects of policing.
What is SP (Superintendent of Police)?
SP stands for Superintendent of Police. It is a senior rank in the Indian police, usually held by an IPS officer after 5–6 years of service.
- Recruitment: SPs are mostly IPS officers promoted from the rank of ASP or directly appointed as SP after serving in various junior ranks.
- Posting: SP is the head of police administration in a district. In big cities, this position is equivalent to a DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police).
- Rank Equivalence: SP is senior to ASP and state cadre DSPs.
- Uniform and Insignia: Three stars with the IPS badge.
- Responsibilities: Overall law and order in the district, administrative control of police stations, strategic crime control, managing VIP security, anti-riot actions, disaster management and internal security.
In metropolitan cities, the same role is known as DCP.
What is CI (Circle Inspector)?
CI stands for Circle Inspector, which is a rank below ASP and SP. A Circle Inspector is in charge of a group of police stations, usually 2 to 4, in a particular area or sub-division.
- Recruitment: CIs are usually promoted from the rank of Sub-Inspector or recruited through State Public Service Commissions.
- Posting: A CI is responsible for a police circle, which includes multiple police stations.
- Rank Equivalence: CI is senior to Sub-Inspector (SI) but junior to DSP and ASP.
- Uniform and Insignia: Three stars without the Ashoka emblem.
- Responsibilities: Oversee working of police stations in the circle, handle sensitive cases, maintain law and order, investigate serious crimes and report to the higher authorities like DSP or SP.
Difference Between ASP, SP and CI in Terms of Power
| Rank | Recruitment | Area of Jurisdiction | Rank Authority | Reporting To |
| ASP | UPSC (IPS) | One or more subdivisions in a district | IPS Officer (Junior level) | SP or DIG |
| SP | UPSC (IPS) | Full district | Senior IPS Officer | IG or DIG |
| CI | State PCS or promoted from SI | One Circle (2–4 Police Stations) | Inspector level (Non-IPS) | DSP or SP |
Promotion and Career Path
ASP Career Path
- Entry-level IPS post
- Gets promoted to SP after probation
- Future promotions: DIG, IG, ADG, DGP
SP Career Path
- SP is a mid-level IPS rank
- Promotion depends on years of service and performance
- Can go up to DG/IG depending on merit and seniority
CI Career Path
- Entry as Sub-Inspector
- Promotion to Inspector (CI), then to DSP or ACP
- Only few make it to IPS through promotion quota
Educational and Exam Requirements
- ASP: Requires a graduate degree and clearing UPSC Civil Services Exam. Very competitive, needs deep preparation.
- SP: Same path as ASP but with higher seniority after years of service.
- CI: Usually recruited through State PCS exams. Needs graduation and physical tests, followed by written exams and interviews.
Salary Structure of ASP, SP and CI
| Rank | Basic Salary | Gross Salary with Allowances |
| ASP | ₹56,100/month | ₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000/month |
| SP | ₹78,800/month | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000/month |
| CI | ₹44,900/month | ₹60,000 – ₹80,000/month |
Apart from this, all officers receive other benefits like house rent allowance, travel allowance, medical facilities, official vehicles, and security.
How Are They Posted in Different States?
Each state has its own police cadre and method of posting. IPS officers (ASP and SP) are under central government but serve in states. Circle Inspectors are part of the state police service and are posted within state boundaries.
- In some states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, the rank of CI is very prominent.
- In states like Uttar Pradesh, CI may also be known as SHO (Station House Officer) for specific cases.
Daily Responsibilities of ASP, SP and CI
- ASP: Learning administrative and field duties, managing law and order, assisting SP.
- SP: Complete district control, supervising CIs, SIs, taking decisions during emergencies, and ensuring smooth functioning of police units.
- CI: Visiting police stations, monitoring crime records, leading investigations, and maintaining coordination with public and media in local areas.
Why People Get Confused Between ASP, SP and CI?
- Similar-sounding abbreviations create confusion.
- Lack of knowledge about police rank system.
- Media often reports police cases without clearly mentioning the rank of the officer.
This is why it is important to understand their place in the system, how they are appointed, and their exact powers and duties.
