Inspector vs Preventive Officer
Side by side on pay, work, transfers and growth — so you can rank your preferences with confidence.
Pay level
Pay Level 7Pay Level 7
Starting in-hand
₹72,000–₹84,000 in-hand₹72,000–₹84,000 in-hand
Group
Group BGroup B
Exam
SSC CGLSSC CGL
Qualification
GraduateGraduate
Age limit
18–3018–30
Field work
mediumhigh
Stress (1–5)
34
Transfers
zone or regionzone or region
First promotion
Superintendent (Group B gazetted) (10–18 years, varies a lot by zone)Superintendent of Customs (Preventive) (10–18 years, depends on the zone)
Choose Inspector if…
- ✓ Level 7 entry pay, among the highest through SSC CGL
- ✓ Mix of desk work and field work, with real statutory powers
- ✓ Postings are mostly in cities and district headquarters
Choose Preventive Officer if…
- ✓ Level 7 pay with a uniformed, operational role
- ✓ Postings in big port cities and airports
- ✓ Reward scheme for seizures