A detection circuit for a magnetostrictive torque sensor is configured to detect a torque applied to a magnetostrictive material treated by shot peening. The detection circuit includes a detection coil provided around the magnetostrictive material, and a drive unit for providing alternating current excitation to the detection coil. The torque applied to the magnetostrictive material is detected based on a change in inductance of the detection coil, and the drive unit provides alternating current excitation at a frequency at which a skin effect thickness is not more than an effective depth of the shot peening.