Quick Answer: A police constable in India gets a starting basic pay of ₹21,700 per month under Pay Level 3 (₹21,700–₹69,100) of the 7th Pay Commission in most states. With 60% DA, HRA and transport allowance, the in-hand salary is about ₹36,000 to ₹43,000 per month, depending on the state and city of posting.
The police constable salary per month is one of the most searched salary topics in India, and for good reason. Every year, lakhs of young people apply for constable posts in UP, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, MP and other states. Before you put in months of preparation, you should know exactly how much a constable earns, what gets deducted, and how the pay grows over a career.
This guide covers the basic pay, in-hand calculation, allowances, state-wise salary, promotion pay and a comparison with similar posts, all updated for 2026.
Note: Figures are based on official pay matrices, state notifications and current DA orders. They may change with future DA revisions.
Police Constable Salary Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Police Constable (Civil / Armed Police) |
| Department | State Police / Delhi Police |
| Pay Commission | 7th Pay Commission (adopted by most states) |
| Pay Level | Level 3 (most states) |
| Pay Scale | ₹21,700 – ₹69,100 |
| Old Grade Pay | ₹2,000 (Pay Band-1: ₹5,200–₹20,200) |
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹21,700 per month |
| Current DA | 60% of basic pay (from January 2026) |
| Gross Salary | ₹39,000 – ₹47,000 per month (approx.) |
| In-Hand Salary | ₹36,000 – ₹43,000 per month (approx.) |
| Annual Package | ₹4.7 lakh – ₹5.6 lakh (approx.) |
Policing is a state subject in India, so each state sets its own pay rules. However, most big states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Maharashtra and Delhi, have placed constables at the ₹21,700 starting level. A few states, such as Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, use slightly different scales (covered in the state-wise section below).
Police Constable Pay Scale & Pay Level (7th Pay Commission)
Before the 7th Pay Commission, a constable was paid in Pay Band-1 (₹5,200–₹20,200) with a grade pay of ₹2,000. After the 7th Pay Commission came into effect in 2016, this was replaced by the pay matrix system, and the constable post moved to Pay Level 3.
Here is how basic pay grows in Level 3 with the yearly 3% increment:
| Year of Service | Basic Pay (Level 3) |
|---|---|
| 1st year | ₹21,700 |
| 2nd year | ₹22,400 |
| 3rd year | ₹23,100 |
| 4th year | ₹23,800 |
| 5th year | ₹24,500 |
| 6th year | ₹25,200 |
| 10th year | ₹28,300 |
| Maximum of Level 3 | ₹69,100 |
The annual increment is usually added on 1 January or 1 July each year. Since DA is a percentage of basic pay, every increment also raises your DA amount automatically.
Police Constable Salary Per Month: In-Hand Calculation
The in-hand salary depends mainly on the city of posting, because HRA and transport allowance are higher in big cities. The table below shows a realistic calculation for a newly joined constable on Level 3, at the current 60% DA.
| Component | Small Town (Z City) | Big City (X City) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹21,700 | ₹21,700 |
| Dearness Allowance (60%) | ₹13,020 | ₹13,020 |
| House Rent Allowance | ₹2,170 (10%) | ₹6,510 (30%) |
| Transport Allowance (with DA) | ₹2,880 | ₹5,760 |
| Gross Salary | ₹39,770 | ₹46,990 |
| NPS Contribution (10% of Basic + DA) | – ₹3,472 | – ₹3,472 |
| Insurance / Other Deductions | – ₹200 to ₹500 | – ₹200 to ₹500 |
| Approx. In-Hand Salary | ₹36,000 – ₹36,300 | ₹43,000 – ₹43,300 |
Important points:
- The table follows the central HRA and TA rates (used in Delhi Police and in several states). Many states pay HRA as a fixed amount or at lower percentages, so actual in-hand pay in some districts can be ₹2,000–₹4,000 lower.
- States that still follow the old pension scheme deduct GPF instead of NPS, which changes the net amount slightly.
- A starting constable usually pays no income tax, because annual taxable income stays within the rebate limit under the new tax regime.
- Police-specific allowances (ration, uniform, washing, risk) are added on top in most states, as explained below.
Allowances & Benefits of a Police Constable
A constable’s pay is much more than the basic salary. Here are the common allowances and benefits:
| Allowance / Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | 60% of basic pay at present; revised twice a year |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Based on city class; not paid if government quarters are given |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | Higher in big cities; DA is added on TA |
| Ration / Mess Allowance | Monthly fixed amount in many states |
| Uniform & Kit Allowance | Yearly allowance for uniform upkeep |
| Washing Allowance | Small monthly amount in several states |
| Risk / Hardship Allowance | For postings in Naxal-affected or border areas |
| Extra Month’s Pay | Some forces pay additional pay for working on holidays |
| Medical Facilities | Free treatment in police and government hospitals |
| Pension | NPS / UPS, or old pension in states that restored it |
| Leave | Casual leave, earned leave and medical leave as per state rules |
| Housing | Police lines quarters at many postings |
Constables posted in difficult areas, such as Naxal-hit districts in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand or Bihar, or in insurgency areas, often get special allowances that add a few thousand rupees per month.
State-Wise Police Constable Salary
Since each state decides its own pay, the starting salary of a constable varies across India. Here is the state-wise picture for 2026:
| State / Force | Pay Level / Scale | Starting Basic Pay | Approx. In-Hand Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | Level 3 (₹21,700–₹69,100) | ₹21,700 | ₹33,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Delhi Police | Level 3 (₹21,700–₹69,100) | ₹21,700 | ₹40,000 – ₹44,000 |
| Bihar | Level 3 (₹21,700–₹69,100) | ₹21,700 | ₹32,000 – ₹38,000 |
| Haryana | Level 3 (₹21,700–₹69,100) | ₹21,700 | ₹33,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Maharashtra | S-7 (₹21,700–₹69,100) | ₹21,700 | ₹33,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Rajasthan | Level 5 (after 2-year probation) | Around ₹20,000–₹21,000 | ₹28,000 – ₹34,000 |
| Madhya Pradesh | ₹19,500–₹62,000 | ₹19,500 | ₹27,000 – ₹32,000 |
| Punjab | 7th CPC Level 2 scale | ₹19,900 | ₹26,000 – ₹30,000 |
| West Bengal | ₹22,700–₹58,500 | ₹22,700 | ₹28,000 – ₹33,000 |
| Tamil Nadu (Grade II PC) | Level 3 (state scale) | ₹18,200 | ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 |
In-hand ranges are realistic estimates based on each state’s pay scale and its current DA rate. The DA rate is not the same in every state; UP and Rajasthan pay 60%, while some states pay less. Always check the latest recruitment notification of your state.
Key takeaways from the table:
- Delhi Police constables usually take home the most, because they get central DA, higher HRA for Delhi and extra benefits.
- Rajasthan constables receive a fixed monthly remuneration during the two-year probation, and the full Level 5 salary starts only after probation.
- In MP, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, the basic pay is lower than ₹21,700, so the in-hand salary is also lower at the start.
Salary After Promotion: Career Growth of a Police Constable
A constable can rise through several ranks through departmental exams and seniority. Here is a typical promotion path, using the 7th Pay Commission levels followed by most states:
| Rank | Pay Level | Starting Basic Pay | Approx. In-Hand Salary | Typical Time to Reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constable | Level 3 | ₹21,700 | ₹36,000 – ₹43,000 | Entry |
| Head Constable | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ₹42,000 – ₹50,000 | 8 – 12 years |
| Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | ₹47,000 – ₹55,000 | 15 – 20 years |
| Sub-Inspector (SI) | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ₹57,000 – ₹65,000 | 20 – 25 years |
| Inspector | Level 7 | ₹44,900 | ₹71,000 – ₹80,000 | Near end of career |
Promotion timelines differ a lot between states. Some states run regular departmental exams, while others have slow promotions. Even without promotion, constables get financial upgrades under MACP (Modified Assured Career Progression) after 10, 20 and 30 years of service, moving them to the next pay level.
A constable can also skip ranks by clearing the direct Sub-Inspector exam of the state, which many serving constables do.
Job Profile & Duties of a Police Constable
A police constable is the first point of contact between the police and the public. Main duties include:
- Patrolling (beat duty) in the assigned area, day and night
- Maintaining law and order during festivals, rallies and elections
- Assisting senior officers in investigation and arrests
- Traffic management and VIP security duty
- Guarding police stations, courts, jails and government buildings
- Serving summons and warrants, and helping with FIR-related work
The job involves long hours, shift duty and occasional postings in tough areas, but it also offers respect, job security and a steady government salary.
Eligibility & Selection Process (Brief)
| Criteria | Details (General) |
|---|---|
| Education | 10th or 12th pass (varies by state) |
| Age Limit | Usually 18 – 25 years (relaxation for reserved categories) |
| Physical Standards | Height, chest (male) and running test as per state rules |
| Selection Stages | Written exam → Physical test (PET/PST) → Document verification → Medical |
States like UP and Bihar require 12th pass, while MP accepts 10th pass. Check your state’s notification for exact rules.
Police Constable Salary vs Similar Posts
| Post | Pay Level | Starting Basic Pay | Approx. In-Hand Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Police Constable | Level 3 | ₹21,700 | ₹36,000 – ₹43,000 |
| SSC GD Constable (CAPF) | Level 3 | ₹21,700 | ₹38,000 – ₹44,000 |
| Army Soldier (GD) | Level 3 + MSP | ₹21,700 + ₹5,200 MSP | ₹42,000 – ₹48,000 |
| Home Guard | No pay level | Daily duty allowance | Varies by state |
| Police Sub-Inspector | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ₹57,000 – ₹65,000 |
State police constables and CAPF constables start at the same basic pay. CAPF constables often take home slightly more because of central DA and risk allowances, while Army soldiers earn more because of Military Service Pay. A Sub-Inspector earns roughly 60–70% more than a constable at the start.
Police Constable Salary After 8th Pay Commission
The 8th Pay Commission has been constituted by the central government, and its recommendations are still awaited. Once the commission submits its report and the government accepts it, the Level 3 basic pay of ₹21,700 is expected to be revised upward. States usually adopt the new pay structure for their police after the Centre does.
Until an official fitment factor is announced, any exact “new salary” figure is only a guess. We will update this section as soon as the official numbers are out.
Meanwhile, the July 2026 DA hike for central employees is still pending. When it comes, it will apply from 1 July 2026, and constables will receive arrears for the months in between.
FAQs
What is the police constable salary per month in 2026?
A police constable earns a basic pay of ₹21,700 per month in most states. With DA, HRA and other allowances, the in-hand salary is around ₹36,000 to ₹43,000 per month, depending on the state and city.
Police constable ki salary kitni hai?
Police constable ki starting basic salary ₹21,700 hai (Pay Level 3). Sabhi allowances jodkar in-hand salary lagbhag ₹36,000 se ₹43,000 per month banti hai.
What is the grade pay of a police constable?
Under the old system, a constable had a grade pay of ₹2,000 in Pay Band-1. After the 7th Pay Commission, grade pay was replaced by Pay Level 3 with a scale of ₹21,700–₹69,100.
Which state pays the highest salary to police constables?
Delhi Police constables usually get the highest take-home pay, thanks to central DA and higher city allowances. Among states, UP, Haryana, Maharashtra and Bihar offer a good starting basic pay of ₹21,700.
What is the salary of a police constable during training?
In most states, trainees receive the basic pay along with DA during training, though some allowances like HRA may not be given. Rajasthan pays a fixed monthly remuneration during its two-year probation.
How much does a police constable earn after 10 years?
After 10 years, a constable’s basic pay reaches about ₹28,300 through annual increments. With DA and allowances, in-hand pay can be ₹45,000 or more, and it goes higher if promoted to Head Constable or upgraded under MACP.
Is income tax deducted from a constable’s salary?
A newly joined constable usually pays no income tax under the new tax regime, because annual taxable income stays within the rebate limit. Tax may apply later as salary grows with promotions.
Do police constables get a pension?
Constables recruited after 2004 in most states are covered under NPS (or UPS where adopted), with 10% of basic pay plus DA deducted every month. A few states have restored the old pension scheme for their employees.
Final Thoughts
A police constable job offers a starting basic pay of ₹21,700 and a monthly in-hand salary of roughly ₹36,000 to ₹43,000 in most states, along with allowances, housing, medical care and pension benefits. The pay rises steadily with increments, DA hikes, promotions and MACP upgrades, and the upcoming 8th Pay Commission should push it higher still.
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