Everything pharmacy graduates need to know about the CDSCO Drug Inspector recruitment — vacancies, age limit, pay scale, selection process, interview, and the full Paper I & Paper II syllabus.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Advertisement No. 07/2026 (Vacancy No. 26060752127) for the recruitment of Drug Inspector under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Department of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post | Drug Inspector |
| Number of Posts | 186 |
| Department | CDSCO, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
| Pay Scale | Level 8, 7th CPC (approx. ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100) |
| Headquarters | CDSCO HQ, New Delhi (posting anywhere in India) |
| Nature of Post | Permanent; General Central Service, Group 'B' Gazetted, Non-Ministerial |
| Probation | Two years, with mandatory induction training of at least two weeks |
A Drug Inspector is a pharmacy professional responsible for monitoring drug safety, quality, and efficacy — from the manufacturing stage right through to the point of sale. Inspectors are appointed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940: Section 21 covers Allopathic drugs, while Section 33G covers Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani drugs.
A Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a Bachelor's degree in Medicine with specialization in Clinical Pharmacology or Microbiology, from a university established in India by law.
| Category | Maximum Age | Reserved Posts |
|---|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 30 years | 55 |
| EWS | 30 years | 41 |
| OBC | 33 years | 39 |
| SC | 35 years | 35 |
| ST | 35 years | 16 |
| PwBD | Relaxable up to 10 years | 8 (out of 186 total) |
The selection procedure varies by recruiting body (UPSC, SSC, or State PSC), but generally follows this pattern:
The interview is conducted after the written exam and is mandatory at the Central (UPSC) level. The panel usually comprises 3 to 5 members — officials from UPSC or the State PSC, senior drug control officers, and subject matter experts.
Based on discussions with previously selected candidates, questions are commonly drawn from Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, and Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence, along with Current Affairs — though any topic may come up.
Under the Act and Rules, 1945, a Drugs Inspector is: (1) for any other drug or cosmetic, an Inspector appointed under Section 21; and (2) for Ayurvedic, Siddha, or Unani drugs, an Inspector appointed under Section 33G. Every Inspector is deemed a public servant under Section 21 of the IPC.
A degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Medicine (Clinical Pharmacology/Microbiology). To inspect Schedule C manufacture, an Inspector additionally needs 18 months' manufacturing/testing experience with Schedule C substances, or 3 years inspecting such firms.
The examination is conducted in two papers on the same day. The syllabus below is compiled from the last four years' question papers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023).
Pharmaceutics & Allied Subjects: Pharmaceutical Technology (dosage forms, sterilization, biopharmaceutics, novel drug delivery, regulatory affairs, QMS), Physical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics, Dispensing Pharmacy, Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy, Cosmetic Technology, and Forensic Pharmacy (drug legislation, D&C Act/Rules, NDPS, IPR, regulatory bodies — BIS, ISO, USFDA, WHO, CDSCO).
Pharmacology & Allied Subjects: General Pharmacology and systemic pharmacology (PNS, ANS, CNS, CVS, urinary, respiratory, endocrine, GI), antineoplastics, chemotherapy, autacoids, immunopharmacology, toxicology, plus Human Anatomy, Physiology & Health Education (all major body systems, nutrition, first aid, population and AIDS control).
Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Allied Subjects: Inorganic Chemistry (impurities, limit tests, electrolytes, radiopharmaceuticals), Medicinal Chemistry (drug design and systemic drug classes), and Pharmaceutical Analysis (titrimetric & electroanalytical methods, chromatography, spectroscopy, bioassay).
Pharmacognosy & Allied Subjects: Crude drug classification, adulteration and evaluation, phytochemistry (alkaloids, glycosides, volatile oils, tannins), plant tissue culture, and Herbal Drug Technology.
Minor Subjects: Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Management, and Biotechnology.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| General Studies | Indian Constitution, Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Budget & Five-Year Plans, Banking & Finance, Science & Inventions |
| General Knowledge | Countries & Capitals, Important Days, Awards, Books & Authors, Government Schemes, Organizations |
| Computer Knowledge | Basics, Hardware/Software, MS Office, Internet, Networking, Cyber Security |
| English Language | Grammar, Vocabulary, Idioms, One-Word Substitution, Comprehension, Error Detection |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Number System, Percentage, Ratio-Proportion, Time-Speed-Distance, SI/CI, Data Interpretation, Algebra |
| Current Affairs | National/International Affairs, Health, Pharma, Sports, Science & Tech, Government Policies |
| Act | Year Enacted |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Act | 1948 |
| Drugs and Cosmetics Act | 1940 |
| Dangerous Drugs Act | 1930 |
| Opium Act | 1857 |
| Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act | 1954 |
| Medicinal and Toilet Preparations (Excise Duties) Act | 1955 |
| Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act | 1985 |
| Poisons Act | 1919 |
| Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act | 1971 |
| Drugs (Prices Control) Order | 2013 |
Candidates should also be familiar with the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Patents Act, Consumer Protection Act, RTI Act, and Minimum Wages Act.
186 posts under CDSCO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Level 8 in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix — approximately ₹47,600 to ₹1,51,100.
30 years (UR/EWS), 33 years (OBC), 35 years (SC/ST), with PwBD relaxation up to 10 years.
Yes, at the Central/UPSC level. It is optional at many State levels.
Complete PDF notes, chapter-wise tests, and PYQ practice tests with detailed solutions — plus WhatsApp doubt support and personal mentorship from Kalai Mam.
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