Updated 2026
8 min read
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Police Officer Salary in India 2026

The average Police Officer salary in India is ₹5,50,000 per annum in 2026, ranging from ₹3,50,000 to ₹20,00,000 based on experience, company, skills, and location. IPS (UPSC) pays the highest at ₹8,00,000 - ₹22,00,000. Delhi offers the best average at ₹6,50,000/year.

Key Takeaways — Police Officer Salary 2026

  • Average salary: ₹5,50,000/year in India
  • Salary range: ₹3,50,000 (entry) to ₹20,00,000 (senior)
  • Highest paying: IPS (UPSC) at ₹8,00,000 - ₹22,00,000
  • Best city: Delhi at ₹6,50,000/year average
  • Top skills: Law Enforcement, Criminal Investigation, Physical Fitness, Firearms Training boost salary by 20-40%
Average₹5,50,000per year
Minimum₹3,50,000entry level
Maximum₹20,00,000senior level

Police Officer Salary by Experience Level

Experience is the single biggest factor affecting Police Officer salary in India. Here's how salary scales from fresher to senior level, based on market data from 2026.

1
Constable (Entry)
₹3,50,000 - ₹5,00,000
2
Sub-Inspector (SI)
₹4,50,000 - ₹7,00,000
3
Inspector
₹6,00,000 - ₹9,00,000
4
DSP/ACP (IPS Entry)
₹8,00,000 - ₹14,00,000
5
SP/DCP and above
₹12,00,000 - ₹22,00,000

Pro tip: Police Officer professionals who switch companies every 2-3 years see 30-50% salary jumps compared to 8-15% annual increments at the same company.

Police Officer Salary at Top Companies

Company choice significantly impacts salary. Product companies and MNCs typically pay 2-3x more than service companies for the same role and experience level.

IPS (UPSC)

Highest

₹8,00,000 - ₹22,00,000

Delhi Police

₹4,50,000 - ₹14,00,000

Maharashtra Police

₹4,00,000 - ₹13,00,000

UP Police

₹3,50,000 - ₹12,00,000

CRPF/BSF

₹4,50,000 - ₹14,00,000

CBI

₹6,00,000 - ₹18,00,000

Police Officer Salary by City

Location plays a key role in determining salary. Metro cities with higher cost of living and more tech companies offer 15-30% higher packages.

Delhi₹6,50,000per yearHighest
Mumbai₹6,00,000per year
Bangalore₹5,50,000per year
Hyderabad₹5,00,000per year
Chennai₹5,00,000per year
Lucknow₹4,50,000per year

Skills That Boost Police Officer Salary

Professionals with these in-demand skills earn 20-40% more than their peers. Include these in your resume to target higher-paying roles.

Law EnforcementCriminal InvestigationPhysical FitnessFirearms TrainingCommunicationLeadershipFirst AidCybercrime KnowledgeTraffic ManagementCommunity Policing

Resume tip: Include these skills in your resume's skills section AND naturally within your experience bullet points. ATS systems scan for keyword frequency and context.

How to Negotiate a Higher Police Officer Salary

Most Police Officer professionals leave 10-30% salary on the table by not negotiating. Here are proven strategies to maximize your offer.

1

Research before the interview

Use this salary data to know the market rate. If offered below ₹5,50,000, you have data to counter.

2

Never share your current salary first

When asked, redirect: 'I'm looking for a role in the range of X-Y based on my skills and market rates.' Let them make the first offer.

3

Negotiate the total package, not just base

Include joining bonus, annual bonus, stock options (ESOPs), relocation allowance, and notice period buyout in your negotiation.

4

Get competing offers

Having 2-3 offers gives you the strongest negotiating position. Companies will match or beat competing packages.

5

Time your job switch strategically

Switch during appraisal season (March-April) or after a strong performance review. Use your increment as leverage for a higher base at the new company.

6

Build high-demand skills

Skills like Law Enforcement, Criminal Investigation, Physical Fitness command premium salaries. Invest 6-12 months in upskilling before switching.

Common mistake: Accepting the first offer without negotiating. 87% of employers expect candidates to negotiate. You won't lose an offer by asking professionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average police officer salary in India?

The average police officer salary varies by rank. Constables earn ₹3.5-5 LPA, Sub-Inspectors earn ₹4.5-7 LPA, and IPS officers earn ₹8-22 LPA under the 7th Pay Commission, plus allowances and perks.

What is the salary of an IPS officer?

An IPS officer's starting basic pay is ₹56,100/month (same as IAS). With DA, HRA, and allowances, the take-home is approximately ₹70,000-85,000/month. They also receive government accommodation, vehicle, security, and other perks.

How to become a police officer in India?

For IPS: Clear UPSC Civil Services exam. For SI: Clear State PSC or SSC exam. For Constable: Clear state-level police recruitment exam. Physical fitness tests are mandatory at all levels.

Build Your Police Officer Resume — Target Higher Salary

Get an ATS-optimized resume with the right keywords, quantified achievements, and skills to land ₹20,00,000+ packages.