Introduction: The NDPS Act (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) is central to pharmaceutical practice, defining prohibition, control and regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India. For B.Pharm students, understanding licensing, record-keeping, prescription norms, security, Essential Narcotic Drugs (ENDs), penalties and the roles of agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau is vital for safe dispensing and legal compliance. The Act balances preventing diversion and abuse with ensuring availability for medical and scientific use. This concise guide emphasizes practical responsibilities for pharmacists, pharmacy management and regulatory inspections under NDPS rules. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. What does NDPS Act stand for?
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act
- National Drugs and Pharmacy Services Act
- Narcotic Distribution & Prescription Statute
- National Drug Policy Statute
Correct Answer: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act
Q2. What is a primary objective of the NDPS Act?
- To ban all medications containing controlled substances
- To prohibit and regulate narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances while permitting medical and scientific use
- To regulate only the import of narcotics
- To promote recreational use of controlled substances
Correct Answer: To prohibit and regulate narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances while permitting medical and scientific use
Q3. Which of the following activities is prohibited under the NDPS Act except when licensed?
- Manufacture, possession, sale and transport of narcotic drugs
- Only medical prescription of narcotics
- Pharmaceutical research on psychotropics
- Educational discussions about narcotics
Correct Answer: Manufacture, possession, sale and transport of narcotic drugs
Q4. In which year was the NDPS Act enacted?
- 1971
- 1985
- 1999
- 2005
Correct Answer: 1985
Q5. How is an offence under the NDPS Act generally classified?
- Cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable
- Non-cognizable and bailable
- Cognizable and compoundable
- Only civil offence
Correct Answer: Cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable
Q6. Which central agency coordinates anti-narcotics enforcement in India?
- Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Correct Answer: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
Q7. Essential Narcotic Drugs (ENDs) were specifically introduced to law by which amendment?
- 1985 original Act
- 2002 amendment
- 2014 amendment
- 2020 amendment
Correct Answer: 2014 amendment
Q8. The main purpose of designating certain substances as Essential Narcotic Drugs (ENDs) is to:
- Completely ban these substances
- Ensure availability for medical and scientific use while maintaining control
- Allow over-the-counter sale
- Encourage non-medical consumption
Correct Answer: Ensure availability for medical and scientific use while maintaining control
Q9. What does a pharmacist require to legally possess and dispense NDPS substances?
- Standard drug retail license only
- No license if for emergency use
- Specific NDPS license or authorization as prescribed by the rules
- Only the pharmacist’s degree certificate
Correct Answer: Specific NDPS license or authorization as prescribed by the rules
Q10. Under NDPS rules, records of narcotic stocks should be maintained as:
- Informal notes kept at will
- Separate registers and accounts in the prescribed format
- Only electronic records are allowed
- No records required for small quantities
Correct Answer: Separate registers and accounts in the prescribed format
Q11. If a pharmacy discovers loss or theft of NDPS stock, the pharmacist must:
- Ignore it if minor
- Inform the designated NDPS authorities and file a police report immediately
- Return the remaining stock to supplier
- Dispose of records to avoid scrutiny
Correct Answer: Inform the designated NDPS authorities and file a police report immediately
Q12. How are penalties structured under the NDPS Act?
- Flat fine for all offences
- Penalties escalate according to quantity categories (small, greater, commercial)
- Only warning letters are issued
- Only imprisonment without fines
Correct Answer: Penalties escalate according to quantity categories (small, greater, commercial)
Q13. Which authority grants licenses for manufacture, import or export of narcotic drugs?
- Local municipal body
- Central Government or its designated licensing authority
- Any private association
- State medical colleges
Correct Answer: Central Government or its designated licensing authority
Q14. Psychotropic substances primarily affect which aspect of a person?
- Cardiovascular function only
- Mental functioning, mood and behavior
- Only gastrointestinal system
- Bone density
Correct Answer: Mental functioning, mood and behavior
Q15. Under NDPS Act, which forms of cannabis are regulated?
- Charas and ganja (and other specified cannabis derivatives)
- Only industrial hemp
- Only processed cannabis oils
- None; cannabis is unregulated
Correct Answer: Charas and ganja (and other specified cannabis derivatives)
Q16. A valid prescription for NDPS drugs must be issued by:
- A registered medical practitioner with required details and signature
- Any relative of the patient
- Pharmacy technician without supervision
- Anonymous note
Correct Answer: A registered medical practitioner with required details and signature
Q17. The NDPS Act applies to which categories of substances?
- Only narcotic drugs
- Only psychotropic substances
- Both narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
- Only over-the-counter medicines
Correct Answer: Both narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Q18. Enforcement of NDPS at the state level typically involves:
- State government authorities and police in coordination with central agencies
- Only local pharmacies
- Only international agencies
- Private security firms
Correct Answer: State government authorities and police in coordination with central agencies
Q19. Is the adulteration or tampering of narcotic drugs considered an offence under the NDPS Act?
- No, it is not covered
- Yes, it is an offence leading to penalties
- Only if more than a threshold amount is affected
- Only a civil matter
Correct Answer: Yes, it is an offence leading to penalties
Q20. How should expired or unusable NDPS stock be disposed of?
- Sold at discount to recover costs
- Disposed under supervision of designated authorities according to NDPS rules
- Flushed into wastewater
- Donated to research without permission
Correct Answer: Disposed under supervision of designated authorities according to NDPS rules
Q21. What are typical security requirements for storing NDPS drugs in a pharmacy?
- Kept in public display with other OTC drugs
- Stored in a locked, secure safe or cabinet separate from other medicines
- Left in unlocked drawers for quick access
- Stored off-site with a courier
Correct Answer: Stored in a locked, secure safe or cabinet separate from other medicines
Q22. The 2014 NDPS amendment introduced simplified measures such as single licenses and e-permits mainly to:
- Increase recreational availability
- Simplify medical distribution and prevent administrative barriers for ENDs
- Remove controls completely
- Privatize narcotics trade
Correct Answer: Simplify medical distribution and prevent administrative barriers for ENDs
Q23. Are offences under the NDPS Act generally compoundable?
- Yes, they are usually compoundable
- No, they are generally non-compoundable
- Only civil offences are compoundable
- Depends on municipal approval
Correct Answer: No, they are generally non-compoundable
Q24. Which ministry oversees the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)?
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Ministry of Commerce
- Ministry of Education
Correct Answer: Ministry of Home Affairs
Q25. A key role of the pharmacist under NDPS regulations is to:
- Ensure legal compliance, accurate dispensing and maintain required records
- Encourage non-medical use
- Avoid record keeping to expedite sales
- Manufacture narcotics without a license
Correct Answer: Ensure legal compliance, accurate dispensing and maintain required records
Q26. How should reporting frequency for NDPS records and returns be followed by pharmacies?
- Only when asked by a customer
- As prescribed by NDPS rules and licensing conditions (periodic reporting)
- Never required
- Once every decade
Correct Answer: As prescribed by NDPS rules and licensing conditions (periodic reporting)
Q27. Is medical use of morphine permitted under NDPS rules?
- No, morphine is completely banned
- Yes, permitted for medical use with appropriate authorization and controls
- Only for veterinary use
- Only in raw plant form
Correct Answer: Yes, permitted for medical use with appropriate authorization and controls
Q28. What is true about penalties for commercial quantity offences under NDPS?
- They are minor fines only
- They attract severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment and fines
- They are handled by civil courts only
- No penalties if unintentional
Correct Answer: They attract severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment and fines
Q29. Are psychotropic substances and narcotic drugs regulated under international conventions as well as national law?
- No, international conventions do not cover them
- Yes, both categories are subject to international drug control conventions and national regulations
- Only psychotropic substances are internationally regulated
- Only narcotics are under international control
Correct Answer: Yes, both categories are subject to international drug control conventions and national regulations
Q30. The NDPS Act aims to strike which balance important for pharmacy practice?
- Between complete prohibition and unrestricted sale
- Between control to prevent misuse and availability for treatment, research and legitimate medical use
- Between export and import duties
- Between marketing and advertising of narcotics
Correct Answer: Between control to prevent misuse and availability for treatment, research and legitimate medical use
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