Regulatory authorities in India – ASU DTAB and ASU DCC MCQs With Answer
Understanding regulatory authorities in India is essential for B. Pharm students, especially the roles of ASU DTAB and ASU DCC in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) drug governance. This introduction covers legal framework, advisory functions, coordination between central and state drug control bodies, standards for manufacturing, quality control, clinical trial oversight, registration and pharmacovigilance specific to ASU drugs. Familiarity with Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and Drug Consultative Committee (DCC) helps future pharmacists navigate drug approval, licensing and compliance. Clear knowledge of these bodies strengthens safe, effective practice in traditional and modern pharmaceutical contexts. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. What does ASU stand for in the context of Indian drug regulation?
- Allopathic, Surgical, and Urgent care
- Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani
- Administrative, Scientific, and Utility
- Authority for Standardized Usage
Correct Answer: Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani
Q2. Which central body primarily coordinates drug regulation and approval in India for modern medicines?
- ASU DTAB
- State Drug Control Organization
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
- Drug Consultative Committee (DCC)
Correct Answer: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
Q3. What is the main function of the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)?
- Execute inspections of manufacturing units
- Provide technical advice to the central government on drug matters
- Grant manufacturing licenses directly
- Manage hospital pharmacy operations
Correct Answer: Provide technical advice to the central government on drug matters
Q4. What does the Drug Consultative Committee (DCC) primarily facilitate?
- International trade agreements for drugs
- Coordination between central and state drug regulatory authorities
- Clinical training for pharmacists
- Advertising approvals for medicines
Correct Answer: Coordination between central and state drug regulatory authorities
Q5. ASU DTAB is focused on regulatory guidance for which category of medicines?
- Synthetic chemical drugs only
- Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines
- Veterinary vaccines exclusively
- Homeopathic preparations only
Correct Answer: Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines
Q6. Which legal act forms the backbone of drug regulation in India, covering both modern and traditional drugs?
- The Pharmacy Act, 1948
- The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- The Indian Medical Council Act, 1956
- The AYUSH Practice Act, 1996
Correct Answer: The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
Q7. Which of the following is a typical role of ASU DCC?
- Conducting clinical trials single-handedly
- Standardizing coordination and policies between states for ASU drugs
- Manufacturing ASU medicines
- Granting patents for herbal formulations
Correct Answer: Standardizing coordination and policies between states for ASU drugs
Q8. Who benefits directly from clear guidelines issued by DTAB and DCC?
- Only international manufacturers
- Pharmacists, manufacturers, regulators and patients
- Only traditional healers
- Only clinical trial volunteers
Correct Answer: Pharmacists, manufacturers, regulators and patients
Q9. Which activity is commonly overseen by regulatory authorities for ASU drugs?
- Setting tuition fees for Ayurvedic colleges
- Establishing quality standards and monographs
- Designing marketing logos
- Providing clinical care in hospitals
Correct Answer: Establishing quality standards and monographs
Q10. What is pharmacovigilance in the context of ASU and conventional drugs?
- Promotion of drug sales
- Monitoring and reporting adverse drug reactions
- Manufacturing process optimization
- Label design and printing
Correct Answer: Monitoring and reporting adverse drug reactions
Q11. Which body typically issues guidelines for clinical trials of drugs in India?
- Local hospital administration
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
- Private pharmaceutical retailers
- National Medical Commission
Correct Answer: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
Q12. A primary difference between DTAB and DCC is that DTAB is mainly:
- An operational inspection wing
- A technical advisory board offering expert recommendations
- A manufacturing consortium
- A marketing regulatory cell
Correct Answer: A technical advisory board offering expert recommendations
Q13. The DCC usually includes representatives from which entities?
- Only central ministries
- State drug controllers and central regulatory authorities
- Private pharmaceutical companies exclusively
- International health organizations only
Correct Answer: State drug controllers and central regulatory authorities
Q14. Why is standardization important for ASU medicines?
- To increase advertising reach
- To ensure consistent quality, safety and efficacy
- To reduce packaging costs
- To restrict market access
Correct Answer: To ensure consistent quality, safety and efficacy
Q15. Which process is under central jurisdiction for new drug approvals in India?
- Local retail pricing approval
- Clinical trial approval and new drug licensing by CDSCO
- Village-level licensing
- Advertising campaign approval by DCC
Correct Answer: Clinical trial approval and new drug licensing by CDSCO
Q16. How do DTAB recommendations typically reach formal policy?
- Direct implementation by manufacturers
- Adopted by the central government after evaluation
- Voted on by the general public
- Automatically enforced by states
Correct Answer: Adopted by the central government after evaluation
Q17. Which of the following best describes ASU regulatory focus areas?
- Only export documentation
- Quality control, monographs, safety, licensing and pharmacovigilance
- Hospital bed allocation
- Academic curriculum development only
Correct Answer: Quality control, monographs, safety, licensing and pharmacovigilance
Q18. Which document often contains official standards for herbal and ASU ingredients?
- Monographs and pharmacopoeias
- Promotional brochures
- Trade invoices
- Patent specifications only
Correct Answer: Monographs and pharmacopoeias
Q19. State drug control organizations are primarily responsible for which task?
- Formulating central drug policy
- Implementing licensing, inspections and enforcement at the state level
- Appointing CDSCO leadership
- International treaty negotiation
Correct Answer: Implementing licensing, inspections and enforcement at the state level
Q20. Which regulatory measure improves patient safety for ASU products?
- Unregulated traditional claims
- Mandatory safety reporting and standardized labeling
- Exclusive online sales
- Hidden ingredient lists
Correct Answer: Mandatory safety reporting and standardized labeling
Q21. Which organization would a B. Pharm student consult to learn about national drug safety alerts?
- Local gym association
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
- Tourism department
- Chamber of commerce
Correct Answer: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
Q22. What is a key output of DTAB relevant to pharmacists?
- Retail store designs
- Technical recommendations on drug standards and classification
- International shipping schedules
- Pharmacy staffing rosters
Correct Answer: Technical recommendations on drug standards and classification
Q23. How can DCC meetings support uniform regulation across India?
- By issuing local manufacturing permits
- By harmonizing policies and resolving state-central regulatory issues
- By funding private companies directly
- By conducting patient care services
Correct Answer: By harmonizing policies and resolving state-central regulatory issues
Q24. Which activity is NOT typically within the scope of DTAB?
- Advising on drug classification
- Recommending safety standards
- Directly enforcing state-level inspections
- Advising on labeling norms
Correct Answer: Directly enforcing state-level inspections
Q25. For ASU products, pharmacovigilance systems help to:
- Increase product prices
- Detect and manage adverse reactions to traditional medicines
- Limit scientific research
- Promote only export markets
Correct Answer: Detect and manage adverse reactions to traditional medicines
Q26. Which body is best placed to coordinate laboratory standards and testing methods nationwide?
- Local retailers association
- Central regulatory authorities with input from DTAB/DCC
- Individual manufacturers alone
- State tourism boards
Correct Answer: Central regulatory authorities with input from DTAB/DCC
Q27. Why should B. Pharm students study ASU DTAB and ASU DCC?
- To become herbal product marketers
- To understand regulatory frameworks affecting drug quality, safety and legal compliance
- To learn cooking techniques
- To design hospital buildings
Correct Answer: To understand regulatory frameworks affecting drug quality, safety and legal compliance
Q28. Which statement about ASU drug registration is generally correct?
- ASU drugs never require any registration
- They often require adherence to standards and appropriate registration under national laws
- They are only registered internationally
- Registration is handled by tourism departments
Correct Answer: They often require adherence to standards and appropriate registration under national laws
Q29. Effective coordination between DTAB, DCC and CDSCO helps to:
- Delay drug approvals indefinitely
- Ensure consistent regulatory decisions and protect public health
- Remove all manufacturing standards
- Limit academic research opportunities
Correct Answer: Ensure consistent regulatory decisions and protect public health
Q30. As future pharmacists, students should engage with regulatory topics because:
- Regulation is irrelevant to pharmacy practice
- Understanding regulations ensures safe dispensing, compliance and improved patient outcomes
- It helps avoid clinical responsibilities
- It only matters for marketing teams
Correct Answer: Understanding regulations ensures safe dispensing, compliance and improved patient outcomes

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

