CRPF v/s State Police – All You Need To Know

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the State Police Services (SPS) are two of the most premium forces in India’s Central Police Organization. No matter which force you join, you will be serving the country and its citizens, and that is commendable. However, keep in mind that both the forces recruit candidates through a national level exam, conducted by the Staff Selection Commission. If you aspire to get a job in the CRPF or the SPS, then you will need to score good marks in the entrance exam. SSC CPO exam date will be released soon. Make sure you check the latest notifications on the website from time to time.

Many youngsters have questions and queries regarding the CRPF and State Police job profiles, emoluments and promotional avenues. To help you make an informed decision, here is a thorough comparison of the two forces.  

• CRPF

The Central Reserve Police Force is one of the leading paramilitary forces of India’s CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces). It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The primary role of CRPF is to assist the Union Territories/States in various operations to counterinsurgency and retain law and order.

Nature of Work- Roles and Responsibilities

CRPF personnel are always performing on-field duties. You can be posted anywhere across India. The roles and responsibilities of CRPF are as follows-

• CRPF’s main task is to ensure internal security. Usually, the force is stationed in regions to counter insurgency and maintain peace, law, and order.
• In times of peace, the CRPF deploys personnel at places that are prone to natural calamities.
• CRPF also plays a vital role during the elections, especially in regions where violence and vandalism are common in the poll booths.

Emolument and Allowances

The pay scale of CRPF personnel varies depending on the rank and position he/she is currently serving. The latest salary structure, as revised under the 7th Pay Commission, is given in the table below-

RANK	PAY SCALE	GRADE PAY
Constable	Rs 15,600- Rs 60,600	Rs 7,200
Head Constable	Rs 15,600- Rs 60,600	Rs 9,400
Assistant SI	Rs 15,600- Rs 60,600	Rs 10,400
Sub-Inspector	Rs 27,900- Rs 1,04,400	Rs 12,600
Inspector	Rs 27,900- Rs 1,04,400	Rs 13,800
Subedar major	Rs 27,900- Rs 1,04,400	Rs 14,400
Assistant Commandant	Rs 46,800- Rs 1,17,300	Rs 16,200
Deputy Commandant	Rs 46,800- Rs 1,17,300	Rs 19,800
Second-in-Commandant	Rs 1,12,200- Rs 2,01,000	Rs 22,800
Commandant	Rs 1,12,200- Rs 2,01,000	Rs 26,100
Deputy Inspector General	Rs 1,12,200- Rs 2,01,000	Rs 30,000
Inspector General	Rs 1,12,200- Rs 2,01,000	Rs 35,000
Additional Director General	Rs 2,10,000- Rs 2,25,000	–
Special Director General	Rs 2,25,000- Rs 2,30,000	–
Director General	Fixed at Rs 2,50,000	–

CRPF personnel receive permissible government allowances besides an attractive salary.

• Dearness Allowance
• HRA
• Medical Allowance
• Transport Allowance

Promotional Avenues

The career graph of CRPF personnel escalates in the below order-

• Constable
• Head Constable
• Assistant Sub-Inspector
• Sub-Inspector
• Inspector
• Subedar Major
• Assistant Commandant
• Deputy Commandant
• Second-in-Commandant
• Commandant
• Deputy Inspector General
• Inspector General
• Additional Director General
• Special Director General
• Director General

A person in CRPF is promoted to a higher rank based on his/her achievements and experience in the previous position.

The job of CRPF personnel is a tough one and you will have to undertake risks and challenges willingly. The nature of work is dynamic and rewarding. Most importantly, promotions take place faster than in other police forces.

• State Police

State Police or the State Police Services is a wing of the police force, which operates under the respective state government in India. Officers in the State Police are responsible for retaining law and order across the jurisdiction of the state. This includes administering state laws, patrolling roadways, assisting municipal law enforcement agencies (as and when required), and maintaining peace.

Nature of Work- Roles and Responsibilities

State Police Officers are assigned diverse roles and responsibilities, all of which are listed below-

• State Police Officers have the power to arrest or detain a suspect if a crime is reported, or if they have reason to believe that a crime is in progress or is about to take place.
• Forensic professionals appointed by the State Police are responsible for handling evidence and preserving the crime scene so that they are not tampered by an outside influence.
• State Police has the authority to search and seize a potential criminal/suspect provided they have a valid warrant.
• State Police must be ready to provide emergency assistance following a major accident or tragedy and during a natural calamity.
• State Police personnel may also respond to family disputes, suicidal threats, and situations risking the lives of others.
• State Police has the right to interrogate a suspect after holding him in custody. The police may implement various interrogation techniques on them to elicit information that would be hard to attain otherwise.
• State Police must record the events of an arrest for reference. This is important because the State Police may be called to testify about one’s personal experience in connection to the crime or the suspect. This includes information gathered prior to the arrest and nature of evidence used to get a warrant.

Emolument and Allowances

The salary structure of State Police varies depending on the rank and position he/she is currently serving. The latest salary structure is as follows-

RANK/POSITION	SALARY	GRADE PAY
Constable	Rs 5,200- Rs 20,200	Rs 2,400
Head Constable	Rs 5,200- Rs 20,200	Rs 3,200
Assistant SI	Rs 9,300- Rs 34,800	Rs 4,900
Sub-Inspector	Rs 9,300- Rs 34,800	Rs 4,200
Inspector	Rs 15,600- Rs 39,100	Rs 5,400
Sub-Divisional Police Officer	Rs 15,600- Rs 39,100	Rs 5,400
Circle Officer	Rs 15,600- Rs 39,100	Rs 5,400
Assistant Commissioner of Police	Rs 15,600- Rs 39,100	Rs 5,400
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police	Rs 15,600- Rs 39,100	Rs 6,600
Deputy Commissioner of Police	Rs 37,400- Rs 67,000	Rs 7,600

A State Police Officer is eligible for receiving the following allowances and facilities-

• House Rent Allowance
• Dearness Allowance
• Travel Allowance
• Pension
• Housing Facility

Promotional Avenues

The prospects of career growth of a State Police Officer depend on one’s eligibility and qualification. For instance, if you join as an SI, you will see yourself progressing to the post of Circle Officer in a few years. Similarly, an Officer in the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police will be eligible for Indian Police Service (IPS) rank.

Keep in mind that State Police Officers are posted to respective states only and matters related to the same fall under the purview of State government.

Now that you have gathered all the information regarding the CRPF and the State Police forces, it should be easier for you to decide which way to go. Take into consideration the job profile, salary and career prospects and start preparing for the SSC CPO exams right away. Go through the SSC CPO syllabus to ensure that you do not miss the important topics.