In the Indian police department, the star system is the backbone of the system of rank insignia. Stars symbolize various levels of the responsibility and the power vested in the officer. More the number of stars, more the power and responsibility. It works like an international code across states so anyone can identify ranks even if the person is not aware of the local variants.
The star system from the bottom to the top is:
Stars | What does it mean? |
|---|---|
No Stars: | Constable (entry-level) |
One Star: | Head Constable and Assistant Sub-Inspector |
Two Stars: | Sub-Inspector |
Three Stars: | Inspector and Assistant Superintendent |
Four Stars and Above: | Senior IPS officers |
But wait, there's even more! An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) wears a star insignia with a red and blue striped ribbon on the outer edge of the shoulder straps. This is how colors and additional elements bring more meaning to the basic star system.
What do Stripes, Chevrons, and Other Symbols mean?
Stars may be at the top level, but police stars and stripes mean different things at various levels. Head constables have three red point-down chevrons which distinguish them from ordinary constables who have no insignia.
The Key Symbol Types are:
Chevrons: | V-shaped stripes pointing downward, used for Head Constables |
|---|---|
Stripes with Stars: | Combination insignia for mid-level officers |
National Emblem: | Added to stars for senior IPS officers |
Gorget Patches: | Special collar insignia for high-ranking officers |
Rank-wise Badge System
Let's check the comprehensive breakdown of Indian police badges meaning across all major ranks:
Rank | Insignia | Description | Authority Level |
|---|---|---|---|
Constable | No badge | Entry-level officer | Basic law enforcement |
Head Constable | 3 red chevrons | Equivalent of a sergeant in other countries' police forces | Station-level supervision |
Assistant Sub-Inspector | 1 star with red-blue stripe | Star with a red and blue striped ribbon on the outer edge | Mid-level supervision |
Sub-Inspector | 2 stars | Two-Stars are assigned to the officer of Sub-Inspector rank (SI) | Station second-in-command |
Inspector | 3 stars | In charge of police station | Station commander |
Assistant Superintendent | 3 silver stars | Probationary rank of assistant superintendent and receive further training... officers still hold the rank of assistant superintendent and wear three silver stars as insignia | IPS entry level |
Deputy Superintendent | 1 star with national emblem | District-level authority | Subdivision head |
Superintendent of Police | Two types of insignias: one star with the national emblem for the first two grades, and two stars with the national emblem for the selection grade | District commander | Full district authority |
Senior Superintendent | National Emblem above the two stars is the rank insignia of the Senior Superintendent of Police | Senior district officer | Enhanced district control |
Those stars and stripes are not mere decoration; they tell you precisely who has the authority to intervene in your specific concern. A Head Constable with chevrons or a senior officer with multiple stars can be approached with confidence, knowing their rank. To know more about police careers and salaries, check out our guide on Police Ranks In India for everything you need to know!
Also Check:
| UP Police Rank List 2025 | MP Police Rank List 2025 |
|---|---|
| Bihar Police Rank List 2025 | Difference Between IPS and State Police Services |
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