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The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) is a very important officer in the Indian police force. A DSP works to maintain law and order, prevent crimes, and protect people in their area. They have a big responsibility and play a key role in keeping our cities and villages safe. Becoming a DSP is not easy, it needs a strong mind, a healthy body, and a lot of hard work. A DSP also leads other police officers and helps solve serious cases. If you want to serve the country, help people, and fight against crime, then becoming a DSP is a great career option. In this article, you will learn everything about a DSP—what they do, their salary, benefits, exam pattern, and how to become one.
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What is the Full Form of DSP?
The full form of DSP is Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Who is a DSP in India?
In India, a DSP or Deputy Superintendent of Police is a very important police officer. They help keep peace and safety in the state. Their job is to stop crimes and make sure people follow the law. This role is very important for the development of the state and the safety of the people.
Becoming a DSP is not easy. It needs both a strong mind and a healthy body. If someone wants to stop crime and serve the country, being a DSP is a great choice.
A DSP is the same as an ACP (Assistant Commissioner of Police) in terms of power. In some states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand, they are also called Circle Officers (C.O.). In places like West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, they are also known as Sub-Divisional Officers. Below, you can find a table with the most important facts about a DSP.
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| Category | Details |
| Rank | Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP/DySP) |
| Introduced in | 1876 (Indianisation policy) |
| Recruitment | State PSC Exams
Promotion from lower ranks |
| Service | State Police Services (SPS) |
| Promotion to IPS | After 8–15 years (varies by state) |
| Duties & Jurisdiction | Heads of police sub-division (SDPO)
Called CO in Rajasthan & UP Investigates serious cases (terrorism, dowry deaths, SC atrocities, corruption) |
| Equivalent Ranks | Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP – IPS)
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) |
| Rank Hierarchy | Above: Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP)
Below: Inspector |
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Eligibility Criteria to Become a DSP
Becoming a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) is not easy because it is a job full of big responsibilities. Here are the simple rules you must follow to become a DSP in India:
- The person must be born in India and be an Indian citizen.
- The age of the candidate should be between 21 to 30 years. If the person belongs to SC/ST category, they get 5 years extra age relaxation.
- The person must have completed graduation from a well-known college or university, in any subject.
- For male candidates, the minimum height should be 168 cm.
- For female candidates, the minimum height should be 155 cm.
DSP Exam Pattern
To become a DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police), you need to pass the PCS (Provincial Civil Services) exam. The exam pattern is almost the same in all Indian states, but small changes may happen from state to state. Here is the general exam structure:
- Preliminary Exam (Prelims):
This is the first round. It has multiple-choice questions (MCQs). It checks your:
- General knowledge
- Logical thinking
- Language skills
- Math and number skills
If you pass this round, you can go to the next stage.
- Main Exam (Mains):
This round has written papers. It tests you on:
- General studies
- Law
- Your state’s language
- Essay writing and reading skills
You must write long answers and show your knowledge.
- Physical Test:
Some DSP posts need you to be physically fit. This round checks your:
- Running ability
- Long jump
- High jump
- Overall strength and health
You will also have a medical test to make sure you are healthy.
- Interview:
This is the last round. You will meet a panel who will check:
- How well you talk
- How clearly you share your thoughts
- If you are the right person for the job
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Roles and Responsibilities of a DSP
A DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) is a top police officer who works closely with the Superintendent of Police (SP). The DSP has many big responsibilities in the police department. Their main job is to keep people safe and stop crime. Here are the simple duties of a DSP:
- A DSP leads junior police officers and collects important information to help stop crimes. They share this information with senior officers to take action.
- A DSP controls large crowds during political rallies, festivals, and public events. They make sure everything stays peaceful and no fights happen.
- A DSP makes new plans to catch criminals and stop crimes. They supervise all the investigations in their area and help solve tough cases.
- A DSP builds a good relationship with people in the community. They make sure everyone follows the law and help create peace between the police and the public.
Leadership and Decision-Making of a DSP
A DSP must be a strong leader and a smart decision-maker. They have to take quick and correct decisions, even when there is little time or not much information. For example, during a big problem like a protest or a fight between groups, the DSP has to stay calm and do the right thing. Their good decisions help stop trouble and keep people safe. A great DSP leads by example, gives confidence to their team, and helps everyone work together like one big family.
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DSP Salary in India
A DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) gets a good salary for their hard and brave work. In India, the basic salary of a DSP starts from ₹53,100 per month and can go up to ₹1,67,800 per month, depending on experience, city, and state.
DSPs working in big cities or high-risk areas may earn more. Their salary follows the 7th Pay Commission in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, MP, Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Uttarakhand.
| Category | Details |
| Pay Level | Level 9 |
| Pay Band | PB-2 (₹9,300 – ₹34,800) |
| Grade Pay | ₹5,400 |
| Pay Scale | ₹53,100 – ₹1,67,800 |
| Basic Salary | ₹53,100 |
| Maximum Salary (No promotion) | ₹1,67,800 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹14,337 (27% of basic pay) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ₹20,178 (38% of basic pay) |
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Facilities Given to a DSP by the Government
A DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) gets many good facilities from the government because of their important and responsible job. These help them do their work better and live safely. Here are the main facilities provided to a DSP:
- A special four-wheeler car, like the Toyota Innova or Mahindra Bolero to travel for duty.
- A big government house to live in, with security guards available all the time.
- A personal cook to prepare meals and a house helper for daily work at home.
- Three personal security officers (PSOs) stay with the DSP to keep them safe.
How to Become a DSP?
Becoming a DSP is a great way to serve the country and help keep people safe. If you want to become a DSP, follow these simple steps:
- Finish your education: Complete your 10+2 in any stream – Science, Commerce, or Arts – with at least 55% marks. After that, join a graduation program in fields like Engineering, Medicine, Arts, Law, Finance, or Commerce from a recognized college. Some students also go for a master’s degree to improve their chances. After graduation, you must pass a state-level exam to be eligible for the DSP post.
- Clear the state-level examination: Every state conducts its own Public Service Commission (PSC) exam to select DSPs and other officers. These exams follow state rules and are organized by bodies like the Karnataka PSC (KPSC) or Rajasthan PSC (RPSC). You must pass this exam to move to the next step in becoming a DSP.
- Undergo training: Once you clear the exam, you will attend special police training. This training helps you learn about law and order, crime investigation, leadership, and how to manage police work. The training lasts for a few months. After finishing it, you are officially posted as a DSP in a location chosen by the state government.
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FAQs on DSP Full Form
What is the full form of DSP salary?
The full form of DSP in salary is Deputy Superintendent of Police.
What is DSP in police rank?
DSP is a senior police officer who leads a police sub-division and reports to the SP (Superintendent of Police).
What is the full form of DSP in DC SP?
In "DC SP", DSP stands for Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Is DSP an IAS officer?
No, a DSP is not an IAS officer; they are part of the State Police Service, not the Indian Administrative Service.
