Introduction: As B.Pharm students, mastering the Definitions under NDPS Act is essential for safe handling and legal compliance of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. This concise guide emphasizes key terms—narcotic drug, psychotropic substance, essential narcotic drug, cannabis, opium, poppy straw, manufacture, possession, small and commercial quantities, precursors and illicit traffic—relevant to pharmacy practice, drug regulation and controlled-substance management. Understanding these definitions supports correct dispensing, documentation, storage and clinical use of controlled medicines, and prepares you for regulatory exams and professional responsibilities. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. What is the best description of a “narcotic drug” under the NDPS framework?
- A naturally occurring substance used only for industrial purposes
- A substance declared as a narcotic in the schedules of the NDPS Act
- Any over-the-counter analgesic
- A household chemical regulated by municipal laws
Correct Answer: A substance declared as a narcotic in the schedules of the NDPS Act
Q2. How is a “psychotropic substance” primarily defined in relation to NDPS concepts?
- A substance that affects immune function
- A chemical that alters mental processes and is listed in schedules of the Act
- A disinfectant used in hospitals
- A nutritional supplement with mood benefits
Correct Answer: A chemical that alters mental processes and is listed in schedules of the Act
Q3. Which of the following best captures the legal meaning of “cannabis” in NDPS context?
- The seeds of the cannabis plant only
- The cannabis plant and its preparations such as ganja, charas and bhang
- Any synthetic cannabinoid sold legally
- Only pharmaceutical-grade CBD products
Correct Answer: The cannabis plant and its preparations such as ganja, charas and bhang
Q4. What does “opium” refer to under definitions relevant to NDPS?
- Refined morphine sulfate tablets only
- The latex obtained from the opium poppy, and its preparations
- Any poppy-derived food product
- A synthetic opioid unrelated to the poppy plant
Correct Answer: The latex obtained from the opium poppy, and its preparations
Q5. In NDPS terminology, which action best fits the term “manufacture”?
- Simple retail sale of a regulated drug
- Any process to produce, prepare, convert, extract or isolate a narcotic or psychotropic substance
- Only large-scale industrial production outside licensed premises
- Donation of expired medicines
Correct Answer: Any process to produce, prepare, convert, extract or isolate a narcotic or psychotropic substance
Q6. How is “poppy straw” commonly defined for regulatory purposes?
- Only the seeds of Papaver somniferum
- All parts of the dried opium poppy after harvesting, excluding seeds when specified
- The fresh leaves of any plant used in herbal tea
- A synthetic precursor unrelated to the poppy plant
Correct Answer: All parts of the dried opium poppy after harvesting, excluding seeds when specified
Q7. What does “essential narcotic drug” (END) denote in clinical and regulatory use?
- Any pharmaceutical banned for medical use
- A narcotic listed by authorities as essential for medical and scientific purposes (e.g., morphine for pain)
- A recreational drug allowed in certain festivals
- A cosmetic ingredient derived from opium
Correct Answer: A narcotic listed by authorities as essential for medical and scientific purposes (e.g., morphine for pain)
Q8. Which entity is primarily responsible for defining “small quantity” and “commercial quantity” for specific substances?
- The local municipal council
- The Central Government through official notification
- Individual pharmacies
- The World Health Organization directly
Correct Answer: The Central Government through official notification
Q9. Under NDPS-related definitions, the term “illicit traffic” most accurately covers which activity?
- Legal prescription-based dispensing in licensed pharmacies
- Illegal import, export, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic or psychotropic substances
- Proper disposal of expired controlled drugs
- Clinical research approved by ethics committees
Correct Answer: Illegal import, export, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic or psychotropic substances
Q10. In regulatory language, who is included in the definition of “person” for NDPS enforcement?
- Only natural persons (individuals)
- Individuals, companies, firms, associations and other legal entities
- Only government employees
- Only licensed pharmacists
Correct Answer: Individuals, companies, firms, associations and other legal entities
Q11. Which example is NOT typically classified as a psychotropic substance under NDPS schedules?
- LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)
- MDMA (ecstasy)
- Alcohol (ethanol)
- Barbiturates listed in the schedules
Correct Answer: Alcohol (ethanol)
Q12. Which of the following is a classic example of a narcotic opioid controlled under NDPS?
- Heroin
- Diazepam
- LSD
- Caffeine
Correct Answer: Heroin
Q13. “Contraband” in the NDPS context most nearly means:
- Any expired medication legally destroyed
- Any narcotic or psychotropic substance or precursor in respect of which an offence is committed
- A legal over-the-counter supplement
- A non-controlled industrial chemical
Correct Answer: Any narcotic or psychotropic substance or precursor in respect of which an offence is committed
Q14. In NDPS definitions, “intermediate” refers to:
- A final marketed pharmaceutical product only
- A substance produced or used during the manufacture of a narcotic or psychotropic substance
- A type of storage cabinet for drugs
- A clinical trial phase
Correct Answer: A substance produced or used during the manufacture of a narcotic or psychotropic substance
Q15. Which option best states the pharmacist’s core legal duty under NDPS definitions and rules?
- To dispense narcotics without records if the patient appears genuine
- To maintain accurate records, dispense on valid prescriptions and ensure secure storage of controlled substances
- To import narcotics directly for retail sale
- To administer narcotics in community settings without documentation
Correct Answer: To maintain accurate records, dispense on valid prescriptions and ensure secure storage of controlled substances
Q16. Which description most accurately defines “manufacture” exclusions under NDPS?
- Any conversion, extraction or production process
- Simple retail sale and distribution without production activities
- Chemical synthesis in licensed facilities
- Packaging after production
Correct Answer: Simple retail sale and distribution without production activities
Q17. Who is empowered to notify the lists/schedules of controlled substances and precursors?
- State-level municipal authorities
- The Central Government
- All licensed pharmacies collectively
- An international tribunal
Correct Answer: The Central Government
Q18. Which scenario best exemplifies “possession” in NDPS terms?
- Temporary custody of a narcotic under valid license or prescription
- Ownership of a non-controlled cosmetic
- Holding an over-the-counter analgesic pack
- Storing administrative documents at a pharmacy
Correct Answer: Temporary custody of a narcotic under valid license or prescription
Q19. What essential information must a prescription for a narcotic include to meet regulatory standards?
- Only the drug name without prescriber details
- Patient name, prescriber identity/registration, drug name, dose, quantity and signature
- Only the prescriber’s mobile number
- A generic note stating “use as needed”
Correct Answer: Patient name, prescriber identity/registration, drug name, dose, quantity and signature
Q20. Which authorities typically have statutory powers of search, seizure and arrest under NDPS enforcement?
- Only municipal health officers
- Police and customs officers empowered under the Act
- Retail pharmacists alone
- Private security personnel
Correct Answer: Police and customs officers empowered under the Act
Q21. What is the regulatory significance of classifying a substance as a “precursor”?
- Precursors are treated as harmless food additives
- Precursors are chemicals regulated due to their use in manufacture of narcotics
- Precursors are exempt from record keeping
- Precursors automatically become prescription medicines
Correct Answer: Precursors are chemicals regulated due to their use in manufacture of narcotics
Q22. Which of the following best defines “illegal import/export” under NDPS definitions?
- Import or export with valid license and documentation
- Movement of controlled substances across borders without required authorization
- Transport of medical samples for testing
- Licensed international research collaboration
Correct Answer: Movement of controlled substances across borders without required authorization
Q23. Which record is most critical for a pharmacy handling NDPS-listed medicines?
- Daily sales of non-controlled vitamins only
- A register of receipt, storage and supply of narcotic and psychotropic drugs
- Only employee attendance records
- Advertising invoices for the pharmacy
Correct Answer: A register of receipt, storage and supply of narcotic and psychotropic drugs
Q24. Under NDPS definitions, “illicit manufacture” most nearly means:
- Production of narcotics without lawful license or authorization
- Manufacture in licensed pharmaceutical companies only
- Compounding of valid extemporaneous prescriptions
- Industrial production of non-controlled chemicals
Correct Answer: Production of narcotics without lawful license or authorization
Q25. Which of these is correctly identified as a typical “schedule-listed” psychotropic drug rather than a simple analgesic?
- Paracetamol
- Diazepam (when scheduled under psychotropic lists)
- Vitamin C
- Topical emollient
Correct Answer: Diazepam (when scheduled under psychotropic lists)
Q26. Which practice would most likely constitute “illicit trafficking” by a pharmacy employee?
- Properly dispensing morphine on hospital prescription with records
- Diverting schedule-listed drugs for unauthorized sale
- Reporting loss of controlled stock immediately
- Following secure storage protocols
Correct Answer: Diverting schedule-listed drugs for unauthorized sale
Q27. What is meant by “commercial quantity” in NDPS regulatory language?
- A value chosen by an individual pharmacist
- The statutory threshold above which possession is treated as commercial-scale and attracts heavier penalties
- The minimum retail pack size for over-the-counter drugs
- A quantity defined by international traders only
Correct Answer: The statutory threshold above which possession is treated as commercial-scale and attracts heavier penalties
Q28. Which example best illustrates an “essential use” of a narcotic under NDPS definitions?
- Recreational use at social gatherings
- Administering morphine for severe cancer pain under medical supervision
- Using opium for unregulated home remedies
- Stockpiling controlled drugs for resale
Correct Answer: Administering morphine for severe cancer pain under medical supervision
Q29. Who can be held criminally liable under NDPS definitions for unauthorized manufacture of a scheduled substance?
- Only the owner of the premises, never the employees
- The person or persons who knowingly engage in or authorize unlawful manufacture, including operators and supervisors
- Only foreign suppliers
- Only the consumers of the substance
Correct Answer: The person or persons who knowingly engage in or authorize unlawful manufacture, including operators and supervisors
Q30. How does the NDPS framework view “medical and scientific use” when defining controlled substances?
- Medical and scientific use is irrelevant to scheduling
- Substances may be controlled yet permitted for legitimate medical and scientific purposes under strict regulation
- All scheduled substances are banned for any medical purpose
- Scientific use automatically permits public sale
Correct Answer: Substances may be controlled yet permitted for legitimate medical and scientific purposes under strict regulation
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com