Drugs Technical Advisory Board – constitution and functions MCQs With Answer is an essential topic for B.Pharm students focusing on drug regulation, public health policy, and quality control. This introduction explains the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), its constitutional basis under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, composition of technical experts and government officials, and its core functions—advisory role on licensing, safety, labeling, pharmacovigilance, GMP and schedule amendments. Understanding DTAB helps students connect regulatory theory with practical drug oversight, CDSCO interactions, and state drug control authorities. These questions emphasize key concepts, statutory relationships, and real-world regulatory responsibilities to strengthen exam readiness and professional competence. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. What is the primary role of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)?
- To act as the highest statutory advisory body to the Central Government on technical matters related to drugs and cosmetics
- To license pharmaceutical manufacturing plants directly
- To adjudicate drug-related legal disputes in courts
- To function as a state-level enforcement agency
Correct Answer: To act as the highest statutory advisory body to the Central Government on technical matters related to drugs and cosmetics
Q2. Under which legislation is the DTAB constituted?
- Indian Penal Code
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- Pharmacy Act, 1948
Correct Answer: Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
Q3. Who normally serves as the ex-officio chairperson of the DTAB?
- Director General of Health Services (DGHS)
- President of the Pharmacy Council of India
- Chief Justice of India
- Chairperson of WHO India
Correct Answer: Director General of Health Services (DGHS)
Q4. Which organization typically implements regulatory actions based on DTAB recommendations at the national level?
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
- National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
- Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council
- Medical Council of India
Correct Answer: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
Q5. Are DTAB recommendations legally binding on the Central Government?
- No, recommendations are advisory and guide policy decisions
- Yes, they have the force of law immediately
- Yes, but only for state governments
- No, and they have no influence on regulation
Correct Answer: No, recommendations are advisory and guide policy decisions
Q6. Which of the following is a core function of DTAB?
- Advising on safety standards, labeling, and classification of drugs
- Directly issuing drug manufacturing licenses
- Conducting routine inspections of pharmacies
- Prosecuting manufacturers for violations
Correct Answer: Advising on safety standards, labeling, and classification of drugs
Q7. How does DTAB contribute to pharmacovigilance?
- By providing technical guidance on adverse event monitoring and safety signals
- By collecting adverse event reports directly from patients
- By manufacturing vaccines for safety studies
- By issuing retail pharmacy licenses
Correct Answer: By providing technical guidance on adverse event monitoring and safety signals
Q8. Which types of experts are typically included in DTAB membership?
- Clinicians, pharmacologists, regulatory experts and government officials
- Only industry sales representatives
- Only elected politicians with no technical background
- Exclusively foreign experts with no local representation
Correct Answer: Clinicians, pharmacologists, regulatory experts and government officials
Q9. How does DTAB differ from the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC)?
- DTAB advises on technical scientific matters; DCC coordinates between central and state governments
- DTAB handles state licensing while DCC manages clinical trials
- DTAB is a judicial body; DCC is an executive enforcement agency
- They are identical bodies with different names
Correct Answer: DTAB advises on technical scientific matters; DCC coordinates between central and state governments
Q10. Which action can DTAB recommend regarding the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules?
- Amendments to schedules such as safety, labeling or manufacturing requirements
- Direct repeal of the entire Act by itself
- Appointment of judges to hear drug cases
- Issuing retail sales tax guidelines
Correct Answer: Amendments to schedules such as safety, labeling or manufacturing requirements
Q11. Who appoints the members of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board?
- The Central Government
- The State Governments only
- The World Health Organization
- The Supreme Court of India
Correct Answer: The Central Government
Q12. Can DTAB provide guidance related to clinical trial regulations and ethics?
- Yes, it advises on technical aspects and safety considerations in trials
- No, clinical trial matters are out of its scope
- Yes, but only for veterinary trials
- No, it only manages pharmaceutical marketing approvals
Correct Answer: Yes, it advises on technical aspects and safety considerations in trials
Q13. Which senior regulatory official commonly participates in DTAB discussions as a member or advisor?
- Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI)
- Chairperson of the Securities Exchange Board
- Director of Agricultural Research
- Head of the Meteorological Department
Correct Answer: Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI)
Q14. In drug labeling standards, DTAB’s role is to:
- Recommend technical requirements for labeling, indications, and warnings
- Design company logos for pharmaceutical firms
- Approve retail price labels
- Print labels for manufacturers
Correct Answer: Recommend technical requirements for labeling, indications, and warnings
Q15. If a marketed drug shows serious safety concerns, DTAB can:
- Advise the Central Government on measures including restriction or withdrawal
- Immediately seize all stocks without government action
- Install manufacturing machinery in factories
- Directly provide compensation to patients
Correct Answer: Advise the Central Government on measures including restriction or withdrawal
Q16. Is DTAB the same as CDSCO?
- No; DTAB is an advisory board, whereas CDSCO is the national regulatory agency
- Yes; they are two names for the same body
- No; CDSCO is only an international NGO
- Yes; DTAB is a regional office of CDSCO
Correct Answer: No; DTAB is an advisory board, whereas CDSCO is the national regulatory agency
Q17. DTAB primarily assists which central ministry in India?
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Ministry of Home Affairs
Correct Answer: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Q18. How can DTAB influence licensing policy for pharmaceuticals?
- By recommending technical criteria and policy changes to the Central Government
- By directly issuing pharmacy licenses in states
- By setting retail shop rental rates
- By controlling import tariffs on raw materials
Correct Answer: By recommending technical criteria and policy changes to the Central Government
Q19. Which of the following roles may members of DTAB perform?
- Provide expert technical opinion on safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs
- Conduct routine retail audits for state tax authorities
- Manufacture medicines for public distribution
- Represent pharmaceutical companies in trade disputes
Correct Answer: Provide expert technical opinion on safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs
Q20. Does DTAB have jurisdiction over cosmetics matters?
- Yes, it advises on technical matters related to cosmetics as well as drugs
- No, cosmetics are outside its purview entirely
- Only imported cosmetics are considered
- Only herbal cosmetics are within its scope
Correct Answer: Yes, it advises on technical matters related to cosmetics as well as drugs
Q21. Which authority typically executes DTAB’s technical recommendations at the state level?
- State Drug Control Authorities
- State Education Boards
- Municipal Water Departments
- State Tourism Offices
Correct Answer: State Drug Control Authorities
Q22. DTAB can provide guidance on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This guidance primarily affects:
- Manufacturing standards, quality control and inspection protocols
- Hospital admission policies
- Patent grant procedures
- Medical school curricula only
Correct Answer: Manufacturing standards, quality control and inspection protocols
Q23. Which schedule related to manufacturing standards may be influenced by DTAB recommendations?
- Schedule M (standards for manufacture, storage and distribution of drugs)
- Schedule X (consumer electronics standards)
- Schedule A (agricultural pesticides only)
- Schedule R (railway regulations)
Correct Answer: Schedule M (standards for manufacture, storage and distribution of drugs)
Q24. Can DTAB advise on import and export control of pharmaceuticals?
- Yes, it can give technical advice on import/export policy and standards
- No, international trade is never part of its role
- Yes, but only for food items
- No, only state governments handle imports
Correct Answer: Yes, it can give technical advice on import/export policy and standards
Q25. Does the DTAB include representatives from state governments?
- Yes, representatives from state health departments are usually included
- No, it is exclusively composed of private sector members
- No, only international experts participate
- Yes, but only from one selected state
Correct Answer: Yes, representatives from state health departments are usually included
Q26. The membership profile of DTAB mainly consists of:
- Technical experts in medicine, pharmacy, toxicology and government officials
- Celebrity influencers and media personalities
- Only undergraduate students
- Exclusive foreign investors
Correct Answer: Technical experts in medicine, pharmacy, toxicology and government officials
Q27. Which of the following is NOT a function of DTAB?
- Enforcement of criminal penalties and prosecution in courts
- Advising on technical aspects of drug safety and quality
- Recommending amendments to rules and schedules
- Providing inputs on clinical trial and pharmacovigilance policies
Correct Answer: Enforcement of criminal penalties and prosecution in courts
Q28. DTAB provides its recommendations primarily to which authority?
- The Central Government (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)
- The Reserve Bank of India
- The Ministry of External Affairs exclusively
- The State Transport Authority
Correct Answer: The Central Government (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)
Q29. Can DTAB revoke or suspend a specific drug manufacturing license directly?
- No, it can recommend actions but does not itself revoke licenses
- Yes, it directly cancels licenses without any other authority
- Yes, but only for cosmetics licenses
- No, it only grants patents
Correct Answer: No, it can recommend actions but does not itself revoke licenses
Q30. Which committee specifically facilitates coordination between central and state governments on drug control issues?
- Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC)
- Central Pollution Control Board
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development Council
- National Medical Commission
Correct Answer: Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC)
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