UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026: CDSCO Group B Gazetted Post

Published: 19 Sep 2026  |  Last Updated: 17 Oct 2026  |  SarkariPharma.com
Application Status: CLOSED
Online Registration Window Closed

The online application window for this recruitment cycle has closed. Candidates can review the exam syllabus, 70:30 paper pattern, eligibility criteria, and cut-off marks below for future exam preparation.

Read Complete Drug Inspector Career & Rule 49 Guide »

Sarkari Pharma » UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026: CDSCO Group B Gazetted Post

The Union Public Service Commission conducts recruitment for the prestigious Drug Inspector position under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, offering a vital Group B Gazetted career path for qualified pharmacy professionals in India. This central government opportunity carries immense professional prestige, leadership responsibilities, and regulatory authority over pharmaceutical manufacturing, clinical trials, and drug quality standards nationwide.

Although the online application window for this recruitment cycle is now closed, candidates can thoroughly review the comprehensive syllabus, the seventy-thirty examination pattern, eligibility criteria, and expected cut-off marks to prepare for future cycles. Read the complete guide below to understand the detailed career progression, Rule 49 implications, and preparation strategies provided by Sarkari Pharma.

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About This Recruitment / Exam

The Union Public Service Commission functions as India premier central recruitment agency, operating under Article 315 of the Constitution. It conducts nationwide examinations to appoint civil servants and high-ranking officials to various Group A and Group B posts within the central government, ensuring merit-based selections for vital administrative and regulatory public services across the country.

This recruitment cycle focuses on filling the esteemed Drug Inspector position as a Group B Gazetted role within the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. Achieving this coveted appointment matters significantly for pharmacy professionals because it places successful candidates at the forefront of national public health safety, pharmaceutical regulation, and strict quality control enforcement.

Applicants must understand that although the online registration window is now closed, mastering the official syllabus and the seventy to thirty paper pattern remains crucial. Candidates should thoroughly review all prescribed eligibility criteria, official notification guidelines, and historical cut-off marks to properly prepare for upcoming written tests and future recruitment notifications.

Prospective aspirants should utilize this interim period to intensify their exam preparation by studying pharmaceutical jurisprudence, pharmacology, and forensic pharmacy systematically. Reviewing past examination trends and solving mock test papers will help candidates build strong conceptual clarity, ensuring they remain thoroughly equipped for subsequent qualification stages.

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Name Of Post : UPSC Drug Inspector (Group B Gazetted) in CDSCO Ministry of Health
Last Updated : 19 September 2026 | 10:15 PM
Short Information : Union Public Service Commission (UPSC New Delhi) invites online applications through ORA portal for the post of Drug Inspector (Group B Gazetted, Pay Matrix Level-8 ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100) in Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Candidates holding Degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences can apply online.

UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (UPSC NEW DELHI)
UPSC Special Advertisement / ORA CDSCO Cadre
WWW.SARKARIPHARMA.COM
Important Dates
  • Past Cycle (Advt 08/2022) Application : 08/10/2022 to 27/10/2022 (Closed)
  • Written CBRT Examination Date : 19/08/2023 (Concluded)
  • CBRT Written Result Declared : 06/10/2023 (Concluded)
  • Final Recommendation List : Declared & Archived on upsc.gov.in
  • Fresh CDSCO Recruitment (2026) : Upcoming / Commission Notice Awaited
Application Fee
  • General / OBC / EWS : Rs. 25/- Only
  • SC / ST / PH : Rs. 0/- (Exempted)
  • All Category Female : Rs. 0/- (Exempted)
  • Pay the Examination Fee Through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI or Offline E-Challan.
Age Limit as on Closing Date of Application
  • Minimum Age : 21 Years
  • Maximum Age : 30 Years (35 Years for State Cadre / Relaxable for Govt Servants)
  • Age Relaxation Extra as per UPSC Recruitment Rules.
UPSC Drug Inspector (Group B Gazetted) in CDSCO Ministry of Health : Vacancy Details Total : 50+ Gazetted Posts
Post Name Total Post Eligibility Criteria
Drug Inspector (Group B Gazetted) – Level 8 Pay Matrix Drug Inspector Degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences or Medicine with specialization in Clinical Pharmacology or Microbiology from a recognized University. For complete details read the official notification.
Useful Important Links
Apply Online Application Closed
Download Official Notification Click Here
Download Syllabus & Scheme of Exam Click Here
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UPSC Official Website Click Here
Sarkari Pharma Home Portal Click Here

UPSC / State PSC Drug Inspector Application & Rule 49 Experience Checklist:

  • Rule 49 Manufacturing / Testing Experience: Minimum 18 months experience in the manufacture or testing of Schedule C/C1 substances in a licensed manufacturing plant (Form 25/28).
  • Detailed Application Form (DAF) Verification: Ensure appointment orders, joining report, salary bank slips, and Form 16 correlate with claimed manufacturing experience dates.
  • Live Pharmacy Degree Verification: B.Pharm / Pharmaceutical Sciences / Medicine degree recognized by PCI and relevant State Pharmacy Council.

UPSC / State PSC Drug Inspector Personality Test & Viva Questions (Group B Gazetted)

  • Q1: What are Schedule H and Schedule X drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act?
    Guidance: Explain that Schedule H comprises prescription-only drugs, while Schedule X includes psychotropic substances requiring duplicate records maintained for 2 years.
  • Q2: What is the recommended temperature range for vaccine storage in cold chain?
    Guidance: Explain that standard biologicals and vaccines are maintained at +2°C to +8°C, while OPV is stored frozen at -20°C.
  • Q3: What are the primary counseling points for narrow therapeutic index drugs?
    Guidance: Focus on dose adherence, recognizing toxicity symptoms, avoiding sudden discontinuation, and regular serum drug level monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are candidates registered in other State Pharmacy Councils eligible?
Answer: Most State Commissions require registration in their state council by document verification, while Central recruitments accept any PCI recognized State Council.
Q2: Is there any application fee concession for reserved categories?
Answer: Yes, SC/ST/PH/Female candidates receive fee exemption or refundable concession as detailed in the Application Fee table above.
Q3: Where can I download the authentic syllabus and notification?
Answer: You can download the 100% verified notification PDF directly from the Useful Important Links table above.

Selection Process & Examination Scheme

Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) / Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
Official Reference Notice: UPSC CDSCO Recruitment Rules & Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945 (Statutory Rule 49)
Statutory Selection Scheme: Computer Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) + Rule 49 DAF Scrutiny + Commission Interview (75:25 Weightage)

Sequential Recruitment Stages:

Stage 1: Computer Based Recruitment Test (CBRT)
Screening test of 2 hours duration (300 Marks) covering Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry) and Drug Regulatory Laws (Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940 & Rules 1945, NDPS Act, DPCO). Negative marking of 1/3rd marks applies.
Stage 2: Detailed Application Form (DAF) & Rule 49 Scrutiny
Rigorous scrutiny verifying statutory 18 months manufacturing/testing experience in Schedule C/C1 drugs under licensed premises (Form 25/28) as per statutory Rule 49 of D&C Rules.
Stage 3: Commission Personality Test / Interview (Viva-Voce)
Oral interview (100 Marks) evaluating regulatory acumen, search & inspection protocols, and legal knowledge. Minimum qualifying marks: UR/EWS 50, OBC 45, SC/ST/PwBD 40.
Stage 4: Final Selection & Gazetted Appointment
Final merit determined by 75:25 composite score (75% CBRT + 25% Interview). Medical fitness clearance by Central Standing Medical Board followed by gazetted appointment in Pay Level-8 (₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100).

Official Examination Pattern & Marking Breakdown:

Selection Stage Total Marks Duration / Weightage Negative Marking / Qualifying
Screening Test (CBRT) 300 Marks 2 Hours (75% Final Weightage) 1/3rd (0.33) Deduction for incorrect answer
Commission Interview / Viva-Voce 100 Marks 25% Final Weightage Qualifying: UR 50%, OBC 45%, SC/ST 40%
Total Final Selection Framework Composite Score 75 : 25 (CBRT : Interview) Appointment in Central CDSCO / FDA Pay Level-8