UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026: Notification, Vacancies, Eligibility, and How to Apply

Job Title: Drug Inspector – Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)

Summary:

Are you a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual with a passion for ensuring the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products? The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is recruiting for the position of Drug Inspector within the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to public health by enforcing the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and ensuring the highest standards in pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution. This recruitment drive represents a significant expansion, with 419 vacancies anticipated for 2026.

About the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO):

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is the national regulatory body for Indian pharmaceuticals and medical devices. It is responsible for approving new drugs, conducting clinical trials, setting standards for drugs, controlling the quality of imported drugs, and coordinating the activities of State Drug Control Organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct inspections of pharmaceutical manufacturing units to ensure compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and related regulations.
• Assess quality standards, licensing conditions, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Monitor the safety and efficacy of drugs and medical products in the market.
• Investigate cases related to spurious, adulterated, or substandard drugs.
• Collect samples of drugs for testing and analysis.
• Prepare inspection reports and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections and investigations.
• Collaborate with other regulatory agencies and law enforcement to combat drug-related offenses.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following disciplines from a recognized university:
  • Pharmacy
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Medicine with specialization in Clinical Pharmacology
  • Microbiology

Age Limit (as on the crucial date specified in the official UPSC advertisement):

• Unreserved/EWS: Up to 30 years
• OBC: Up to 33 years
• SC/ST: Up to 35 years
• PwBD: Up to 40 years
• Government Servants: Relaxable up to 5 years

Important Dates:

• Official Gazette Notification (G.S.R. 832(E)): November 11, 2025
• Online Application Start Date: To be announced
• Last Date to Apply: To be announced
• Exam Date: To be announced

Selection Process:

The selection process will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and will consist of the following stages:

1. Written Examination:
   • Paper-I: Pharmaceutical Sciences (200 marks)
   • Paper-II: General Knowledge (50 marks)
2. Interview/Personality Test: (100 marks)

Note: The detailed syllabus, marking scheme, and other relevant details will be provided in the official UPSC notification.

Pay Scale & Benefits:

• Pay Matrix Level-8: ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100
• Benefits: Includes Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), Pension Benefits, and other allowances as per government rules.

Probation & Training:

• Selected candidates will be on probation for two years.
• Mandatory induction training of at least two weeks’ duration will be provided during the probation period.

Application Process:

Interested and eligible candidates will be required to apply online through the UPSC’s Online Recruitment Application (ORA) system. The application process will involve the following steps:

1. Visit the UPSC Online Application portal (to be announced)
2. Search for the “Drug Inspector (CDSCO)” recruitment advertisement.
3. Register and create an account.
4. Fill in the online application form with accurate details.
5. Upload required documents (e.g., educational certificates, identity proof, photograph).
6. Pay the application fee (if applicable):
   • General/OBC/EWS: ₹25
   • SC/ST/PwBD/Women: Exempted

Note: Detailed instructions regarding the application process will be available in the official UPSC notification.

Key Changes (2025 Rules vs. 2010 Rules):

Preparation Tips:

• Thoroughly understand the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and related regulations.
• Practice multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on Pharmaceutical Sciences and General Knowledge.
• Stay updated on current affairs, especially those related to the health and pharmaceutical sector.
• Solve previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.

Important Note:

This is not an official recruitment advertisement. This is based on the G.S.R. 832(E) Notification, published on 11th November 2025, by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which updates the official Recruitment Rules for the post of Drugs Inspector in the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

Candidates are advised to wait for the official vacancy notification from UPSC on its website before applying.