It is every man’s dream to search for treasure, solve mysteries, and unveil the unknown. Not because they all have super high IQs, but because it just sounds and feels cool. Maybe not everyone can become a Sherlock Holmes, but what if we tell you that you can become something closer to that right now! Yes, we are talking of none other than the crime investigation department of India, or best known as the cid police.
Now you may be wondering how to become cid officer? How much is the cid officer salary? Is it exactly like what we see in the movies? Don’t worry, all of them will be answered in these small blogs of ours. So buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Crime Investigation Department
The crime investigation department hires special officers for special occasions. It is basically a state-level version of Central Bureau of Investigation, and these occasions can be anything from a simple investigation of a crime scene to solving the most heinous crime. In TV shows we are presented with only one part of the cid real life. That’s why it may look boring, but all of these activities are done by the crime investigation department:
- Investigating Complex Crimes:
- Homicides
- Kidnappings
- Fraud
- Cybercrimes
- Narcotics
- Organized crime
- Economic offenses
- Gathering and analyzing evidence:
- Collecting physical evidence like fingerprints, DNA and weapons
- Interviewing witnesses and suspects
- Analyzing data to build strong cases
- Crime Scene Examination:
- Examining crime scenes
- Ensuring proper documentation
- Preservation of evidence
- Surveillance and Undercover Operations:
- Spying on suspects
- Conducting undercover operations
- Infiltrate criminal organizations for evidence
- Collaboration:
- Working with law enforcement agencies
- Forensic experts
- Legal professionals
- Sometimes with international organizations like Interpol
- Case Management:
- Maintaining accurate case files
- Documenting investigative steps
- Preparing detailed reports
- Legal Proceedings:
- Providing expert testimonies in court
- Assisting prosecutors
- Specialized Units:
- Murder squads
- Defalcation and cheating squads
- Railway crime squads
- Anti-human trafficking units
- Anti-narcotics cells
- Cybercrime cells
There are tons of aspects to a CID officer’s life, and most people don’t realize that they also perform similar duties as any Indian Police Officer. Just being a part of the crime investigation department doesn’t give the green ticket to exempt themselves from regular duties. The true cid meaning stretches far and wide, and this section should make it painfully clear.
How To Become Cid Officer
CID police do a lot of complex work, so their recruitment process also should be complex right? Well, that’s what most people think, but in reality, it is pretty easy. Just make sure you have the minimum cid qualification, and you are instantly eligible for the recruitment process. So let’s see all of them in proper detail:
- Educational Qualification: You at least need a bachelor's degree in the relevant field. Here are all of them that we could find:
- Criminology:
- B.Sc. Criminology
- B.A. Criminology
- B.A. Criminology and Police Administration
- B.A. Criminology and Forensic Science
- Law:
- LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
- B.A. LLB (Hons.)
- B.B.A. LLB (Hons.)
- B.Com. LLB
- B.Sc. LLB
- B. Tech LLB
- BCA LLB
- Forensic Science:
- B.Sc. Forensic Science
- B. Tech (Forensic Science)
- Criminology:
- Age Limit:
- It is typically around 21 to 35 years.
- And as always, SC/ST/OBS casts can get easy age relaxations.
- Physical Fitness:
- It goes without saying being physically fit is a must.
- Each state has its own physical standard. But they mostly include these:
- height and chest measurements
- physical tests
- stamina and endurance test
- Citizenship: Only Indian citizens have the right to apply for cid police. Non-Indians are disqualified on the spot.
Cid Officer Salary
The Indian Government has a big budget for the Indian Police, which also means that the cid police gets paid handsomely all the time. The ultimate reward can go even higher if an officer manages to hand over a wanted criminal. They can even enjoy the entire bounty prize, and sometimes, promotion on the spot. So, let’s see how cid officer salary is counted in 2025 and how much each position pays up-front:
- Sub-Inspector: ₹35,000 to ₹55,000
- Inspector: ₹55,000 to ₹75,000
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP): ₹75,000 to ₹1,10,000
- Superintendent of Police (SP): ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,50,000+
- Additional Director General: ₹2,00,000+
These are per-month values that can and will increase over time. So if you were wondering what the cid salary is, now you know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the cid meaning in real life?
Ans. The cid meaning is the same as we see in the movies. CID full form is the Criminal Investigation Department and it refers to a specific branch of the police that solves crimes that are easily not straightforward.
Q2. Is cid officer and cid police different?
Ans. They ultimately refer to the same thing. Police or officers are personnel who carry out the work. Using either word doesn’t hinder the true meaning behind their occupation in any way.
Q3. What is the cid officer salary in 2025?
Ans. The salary will vary based on their rank. CID officer is a broad term that has everything from sub-inspector level personnel to even DSP or Deputy Superintendent of Police. If you want the starting salary, then that would be around 35,000 to ₹55,000 per month for a sub-inspector level officer.
Q4. What is the cid qualification in India?
Ans. The basic thing would be a graduate-level degree, or an Undergraduate program certificate in criminology, law, or forensic science. Apart from that a good physic is also important, since this is a running and standing job for the most part. And same goes for IQ. The cid qualification can vary from state to state, so make sure to check the official eligibility criteria first.
Q5. When cid police is needed?
Ans. The cid branch of the Indian Police is a special department, it only interferes with cases that couldn’t be solved by the usual police officers like constables. If the case becomes complicated like in a runaway criminal, a serial killer, a master killer who leaves no trace, or a case of fraud. They can be at anything that is police related, where deep dedication is needed.
