CRPF ranks represent the hierarchical structure and organization of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The rankings indicate the various levels of power, accountability, and leadership present in the paramilitary organization. The Director General is the highest rank in the CRPF. Mastering the various CRPF ranks is pivotal to gaining insight into their chain of command, promotions, and career progression pathways.
CRPF Ranks
The CRPF follows a well-defined rank structure, including Gazetted Officers(GOs), Subordinate Officers(SOs), and Non-Gazetted Officers (NGOs). Every CRPF rank is associated with distinct responsibilities, duties, and insignia, which serve to differentiate personnel within the military hierarchy. These CRPF ranks play a vital role in signifying authority, leadership, and proficiency within the organization, establishing a well-defined hierarchical and command framework crucial for maintaining the nation’s internal security.
The CRPF’s organizational structure is primarily composed of three key rank classifications, namely Gazetted Officers (GOs), Subordinate Officers (SOs), and Non-Gazetted Officers (NGOs).
Gazetted Officer Ranks in the CRPF
Officers within the CRPF organization occupy vital leadership roles and bear the responsibility of commanding and guiding troops. With career progression, these officers experience a corresponding expansion in their duties and the extent of their command authority. Gazetted officers play a crucial role in the strategic planning and execution of paramilitary operations, possessing extensive training in leadership, tactics, and specialized skills.
The table provided below represents the ranks of Gazetted Officers in the CRPF, along with a description of their insignia and the collar patches associated with each rank:
|
Rank |
Insignia Description |
Collar Patch |
|
Director General |
This CRPF rank is distinguished by an insignia featuring the national emblem placed above a symbol of crossed sword and baton. |
The collar patches feature a silver oak-leaf pattern on a dark blue woollen material. |
|
Special Director General |
This CRPF rank is distinguished by an insignia featuring the national emblem placed above a symbol of crossed sword and baton. |
The collar patches feature a silver oak-leaf pattern on a dark blue woollen material. |
|
Additional Director General |
This CRPF rank is distinguished by an insignia featuring the national emblem placed above a symbol of crossed sword and baton. |
The collar patches feature a silver oak-leaf pattern on a dark blue woollen material. |
|
Inspector General |
This CRPF rank is distinguished by an insignia featuring a pentagonal star positioned above a crossed sword and baton. |
The collar patches feature a silver oak-leaf pattern on a dark blue woollen material. |
|
Deputy Inspector General |
This CRPF rank is distinguished by an insignia featuring the national emblem positioned above three pentagonal stars arranged in a triangular formation. |
The collar patches feature a central silver stripe on a dark blue woollen material. |
|
Commandant |
This CRPF rank is distinguished by an insignia featuring the national emblem placed above two pentagonal stars. |
The collar patches feature a central silver stripe on a dark blue woollen material. |
|
Second – in – Command |
This CRPF rank is distinguished by an insignia featuring the national emblem placed above a single pentagonal star. |
– |
|
Deputy Commandant |
This CRPF rank is distinguished by an insignia featuring the national emblem. |
– |
|
Assistant Commandant |
This CRPF rank is distinguished by an insignia featuring three pentagonal stars. |
– |
Subordinate Officers Ranks in the CRPF
Subordinate Officers (SOs) play a crucial role as intermediaries between Gazetted Officers and Non-gazetted officers, effectively bridging the organizational hierarchy. These professionals are entrusted with the dual responsibilities of providing effective leadership and showcasing their technical expertise. The table provided represents the ranks of SOs in the CRPF, along with their insignia:
|
Rank |
Insignia Description |
|
Subedar Major |
This CRPF rank is distinguished by an insignia featuring a national emblem with stripe and sign of blue and white stripes. |
|
Inspector |
This CRPF rank is distinguished by an insignia featuring three pentagonal stars and a sign of blue and white stripes. |
|
Sub Inspector |
This CRPF rank is distinguished by an insignia featuring two pentagonal stars and a sign of blue and white stripes. |
|
Assistant Sub Inspector |
This CRPF rank is distinguished by an insignia featuring one pentagonal star and sign of blue and white stripes. |
Non-gazetted Ranks in the CRPF
Non-gazetted Officers (NGOs) form the backbone of the CRPF. Let us explore the the ranks of Non-gazetted Officers in the CRPF, along with their insignia:
|
Rank |
Insignia Description |
|
Head Constable |
This CRPF rank is distinguished by an insignia featuring a three rank chevron. |
|
Constable |
This CRPF rank has no insignia. |
Frequently Asked Questions on CRPF Ranks
How many ranks are there in the CRPF?
The CRPF has several ranks that are categorized into three types:
- Gazetted Officers,
- Subordinate Officers, and
- Non Gazetted Officers.
What are the different Gazetted Officer ranks in the CRPF?
The officer ranks of gazetted officers in the CRPF, in ascending order, are as follows:
- Assistant Commandant
- Deputy Commandant
- Second in Command
- Commandant
- Deputy Inspector General
- Inspector General
- Additional Director General (ADG)
- Special Director General(SDG)
- Director General(DG)
Which is the highest rank in CRPF?
The highest rank in the CRPF is the rank of Director General.
What is the lowest Gazetted Officer rank of the CRPF?
The Assistant Commandants are designated as Group ‘A’ Gazetted officers and are selected through a yearly examination conducted by the UPSC.
What are Subordinate ranks in the CRPF?
The subordinate ranks in CRPF, in ascending order, are as follows:
- Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI)
- Sub Inspector (SI)
- Inspector
- Subedar Major
