The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has invited online applications for 186 Drug Inspector posts in the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation under Advertisement No. 07/2026. Candidates with a relevant bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology or Microbiology can submit their applications through the UPSC Online Recruitment Application portal. The last date to apply online is 17 July 2026 up to 6:00 PM.
UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Recruitment Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Union Public Service Commission |
| Post Name | Drug Inspector |
| Advertisement Number | UPSC Advertisement No. 07/2026 |
| Vacancy Number | 26060752127 |
| Total Vacancies | 186 |
| Department | Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation |
| Ministry | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
| Employment Type | Permanent Central Government Job |
| Service Classification | General Central Service, Group “B”, Gazetted, Non-Ministerial |
| Pay Level | Level 8 under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix |
| Headquarters | CDSCO Headquarters, New Delhi |
| Posting Location | Anywhere in India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 27 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17 July 2026, up to 6:00 PM |
| Official Website | UPSC official website |
The post is permanent and carries a probation period of two years. Selected candidates will also have to complete mandatory induction training of at least two weeks during probation.
UPSC Drug Inspector Job Full Description
UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 is an important Central Government employment opportunity for candidates from pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences and specified medical backgrounds. The selected candidates will work under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, which functions under the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
A Drug Inspector is responsible for inspecting licensed drug manufacturing establishments and checking whether medicines are manufactured, tested, stored and distributed in accordance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules.
The work includes inspecting manufacturing plants, examining production processes, checking quality-control and testing arrangements, reviewing storage facilities and confirming whether the technical staff employed by the organisation possess the required qualifications.
Drug Inspectors may also collect drug samples from manufacturers or dealers for laboratory analysis, investigate complaints concerning spurious or substandard drugs and initiate legal prosecution when violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and related rules are identified.
UPSC Drug Inspector Vacancy Details 2026
UPSC has announced a total of 186 vacancies for the Drug Inspector post. The category-wise distribution is provided below.
| Category | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Unreserved – UR | 55 |
| Economically Weaker Section – EWS | 41 |
| Other Backward Classes – OBC | 39 |
| Scheduled Castes – SC | 35 |
| Scheduled Tribes – ST | 16 |
| Total | 186 |
Out of these 186 vacancies, eight posts are horizontally reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities. These eight posts are included within the total number of vacancies and are not additional posts.
UPSC Drug Inspector Job Location
The official headquarters for the Drug Inspector position is the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation Headquarters in New Delhi. However, the notification clearly states that selected officers may be posted anywhere in India. UPSC has not announced a separate state-wise or city-wise vacancy distribution for these 186 posts.
| Posting Area | Vacancies | Posting Information |
|---|---|---|
| All India | 186 | Headquarters in New Delhi; selected officers may be posted anywhere in India |
UPSC Drug Inspector Salary Details
The Drug Inspector post is placed in Level 8 of the Pay Matrix under the Seventh Central Pay Commission. The corresponding basic pay range is ₹47,600 to ₹1,51,100 per month.
| Post Name | Pay Level | Basic Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Inspector | Level 8, 7th CPC | ₹47,600–₹1,51,100 per month |
In addition to basic pay, selected candidates may receive applicable Central Government allowances such as Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance and other benefits according to their posting location and prevailing government rules. The final monthly in-hand salary will depend on the applicable allowances, deductions and place of posting.
UPSC Drug Inspector Age Limit
The age limit is determined as on the closing date for submission of the online application, which is 17 July 2026.
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| UR | 30 years |
| EWS | 30 years |
| OBC | 33 years |
| SC | 35 years |
| ST | 35 years |
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities are eligible for further age relaxation of up to ten years, subject to the conditions mentioned in the official notification. Other eligible categories, including certain Ex-Servicemen and government employees, may receive age relaxation according to Central Government rules.
UPSC Drug Inspector Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for the UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 must satisfy the prescribed educational qualification, age limit, nationality and other eligibility requirements by the closing date.
Applicants should ensure that the information entered in the online form is correct and supported by valid documents. Eligibility will remain provisional until UPSC verifies the applicant’s original certificates and supporting records.
A higher qualification will not automatically make a candidate eligible unless the candidate also possesses the prescribed essential educational qualification or an officially accepted equivalent qualification.
UPSC Drug Inspector Educational Qualifications Required
Applicants must possess any one of the following qualifications from a recognised university or institute:
- Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy; or
- Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences; or
- Degree in Medicine with specialisation in Clinical Pharmacology; or
- Degree in Medicine with specialisation in Microbiology.
The official notification does not prescribe prior work experience as an essential requirement for this Drug Inspector vacancy.
Candidates holding postgraduate qualifications should verify that their underlying degree also meets the essential qualification stated in the notification.
UPSC Drug Inspector Duties and Responsibilities
The selected Drug Inspector will perform regulatory and enforcement duties under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules. Major responsibilities include:
- Inspecting licensed drug-manufacturing establishments.
- Examining manufacturing plants and production processes.
- Checking the systems used for standardising and testing medicines.
- Inspecting drug-storage methods and storage locations.
- Verifying the technical qualifications of employees working in manufacturing units.
- Collecting drug samples from manufacturers and dealers for testing or analysis.
- Investigating cases involving spurious, adulterated or substandard drugs.
- Investigating complaints relating to drug quality and regulatory violations.
- Initiating prosecution for violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the applicable rules.
UPSC Drug Inspector Selection Process
UPSC may shortlist candidates based on the information, qualifications and documents submitted in the online application. Depending on the number of eligible applications, the Commission may conduct a Recruitment Test, followed by an interview.
The selection process may therefore include:
- Shortlisting of applications
- Recruitment Test, if conducted
- Interview or Personality Test
- Document verification
- Final merit-based recommendation
Where selection is conducted only through an interview, the minimum suitability marks specified by UPSC are 50 marks for UR candidates, 45 marks for OBC candidates and 40 marks for SC, ST and PwBD candidates out of 100 interview marks.
Where a Recruitment Test is followed by an interview, candidates must achieve the minimum qualifying standard separately at both stages. UPSC will decide the Recruitment Test qualifying standard on a case-by-case basis.
UPSC Drug Inspector Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| UR Male Candidates | ₹25 |
| EWS Male Candidates | ₹25 |
| OBC Male Candidates | ₹25 |
| SC Candidates | No fee |
| ST Candidates | No fee |
| PwBD Candidates | No fee |
| Women Candidates of All Categories | No fee |
The application fee can be paid online through Visa, MasterCard or RuPay debit/credit card, UPI or internet banking. The fee, once paid, will not be refunded or adjusted against another examination or recruitment.
UPSC Drug Inspector Important Dates
| Recruitment Event | Important Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starting Date | 27 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 17 July 2026 |
| Application Closing Time | 6:00 PM |
| Recruitment Test Date | To be announced |
| Interview Date | To be announced |
UPSC will separately communicate the Recruitment Test or interview schedule to shortlisted applicants through the official website and their registered email addresses.
UPSC Drug Inspector Post Description
Drug Inspector – 186 Posts
The Drug Inspector position is a permanent Group “B” Gazetted Central Government post in CDSCO. The officer will inspect drug-manufacturing facilities, examine quality-control practices, collect samples, investigate complaints and take regulatory action when required.
Candidates selected for the position will undergo a two-year probation period and mandatory induction training. Although the post is headquartered in New Delhi, the appointed officer is liable to serve anywhere in India.
How to Apply Online for UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026
- Visit the UPSC Online Recruitment Application portal.
- Complete the Universal Registration Number profile if not already registered.
- Log in using the registered details.
- Complete the Common Application Form.
- Search for Advertisement No. 07/2026 and Vacancy No. 26060752127.
- Select the Drug Inspector post.
- Enter educational qualifications, category, date of birth and other required information.
- Upload the prescribed educational certificates, category certificates and supporting documents.
- Upload a clear photograph and complete the live-photo capture process.
- Sign three times, one below another, on plain white paper using black ink and upload the signature image as instructed.
- Pay the application fee, where applicable.
- Review the application carefully before final submission.
- Submit the online application before 6:00 PM on 17 July 2026.
- Download and print the finally submitted application for future use.
Applicants are not required to send a printed application to UPSC by post. The printout and original supporting documents must be produced when requested for the interview or document-verification process.
UPSC Drug Inspector Important Links
| Important Link | Access |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download UPSC Advertisement No. 07/2026 |
| Apply Online | UPSC Online Recruitment Application Portal |
| Official UPSC Website | Visit UPSC Official Website |
| UPSC Recruitment Page | View UPSC Recruitment Advertisements |
The official UPSC website lists Advertisement No. 07/2026, while the notification directs candidates to submit their applications through the Online Recruitment Application portal.
UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 – Important Instructions
Candidates should enter an active email address and mobile number because UPSC correspondence regarding the Recruitment Test, interview and required documents may be sent electronically.
Applicants should upload valid and readable documents supporting their date of birth, category and educational qualification. Applications containing incorrect claims or incomplete supporting information may be rejected.
Candidates are advised not to wait until the closing date because payment, document uploading or portal-related issues may prevent successful submission at the last moment.