The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued the official Recruitment Rules (RRs) for Drug Inspector – Group B under G.S.R. 832(E) dated 11 November 2025, replacing the old 2010 rules. These new rules establish one of the largest-ever CDSCO recruitment drives, with 419 Drug Inspector posts to be filled exclusively through UPSC.
This article delivers the complete, human-written, deeply detailed guide covering notification insights, vacancy distribution, eligibility, exam pattern, selection process, salary, probation, syllabus expectations, application process, official Gazette details, and preparation roadmap.
UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2025 – Complete Overview
The new Recruitment Rules officially restructure the Drug Inspector post under CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation). They define the eligibility, pay scale, probation, selection mode, age limit, and method of recruitment.
Key Highlights
- Total Posts: 419 (subject to variation based on workload)
- Recruiting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Department: CDSCO, DGHS, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
- Recruitment Mode: 100% Direct Recruitment through UPSC
- Post Classification: Group B, Gazetted, Non-Ministerial
- Pay Level: Level-8 (₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100)
- Probation: 2 years + 2-week mandatory induction training
- Educational Qualification: B.Pharm / Pharmaceutical Sciences / MBBS with Clinical Pharmacology / Microbiology
- Age Limit: Maximum 30 years (relaxations applicable)
UPSC Drug Inspector 2025 – Vacancy Details
| Particular | Details |
| Post Name | Drug Inspector |
| Department | CDSCO, DGHS |
| Recruitment Year | 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 419 |
| Classification | Group B, Gazetted, Non-Ministerial |
| Pay Scale | Level-8: ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 |
| Recruiting Agency | UPSC |
| Method of Recruitment | 100% Direct Recruitment |
The Gazette confirms 419 posts, which may increase or decrease depending on workload.
Important Dates (To Be Announced by UPSC)
| Event | Date |
| Gazette Notification | 11 November 2025 |
| UPSC Recruitment Notification | To be announced |
| Online Application Start | To be announced |
| Last Date to Apply | To be announced |
| Written Exam Date | To be announced |
| Interview | After written exam |
UPSC will issue the recruitment advertisement separately along with the detailed syllabus and application schedule.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold ONE of the following degrees:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy
- Bachelor’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Bachelor’s in Medicine with specialization in Clinical Pharmacology
- Bachelor’s in Microbiology
These qualifications must be from a recognized university or institute.
Relaxation Notes (as per Gazette)
- UPSC may relax qualifications for exceptionally well-qualified candidates.
- SC/ST candidates may receive relaxation in experience, if applied.
Age Limit (as per UPSC formats)
| Category | Age Limit |
| General / EWS | Up to 30 years |
| OBC | Up to 33 years |
| SC/ST | Up to 35 years |
| PwBD | Up to 40 years |
| Government Servants | Relaxable up to 5 years |
The crucial age-date will be announced in the UPSC advertisement.
UPSC Drug Inspector 2025 – Selection Process
Recruitment includes:
- Written Examination
- Paper I: Pharmaceutical Sciences (200 marks)
- Paper II: General Knowledge (50 marks)
- Interview / Personality Test
- Total: 100 marks
- Document Verification
Examination Format (Expected Based on Previous UPSC Practice)
- Objective-based questions for written exam
- Negative marking details will be announced in UPSC notification
- Interview assesses technical knowledge, regulatory understanding, and personality traits
Exam Pattern (Expected)
Although the Gazette does not directly provide exam pattern, past UPSC Drug Inspector/Drugs Control roles guide the likely structure:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Mode |
| Paper I | Pharmaceutical Sciences | 200 | 2 hours | Objective |
| Paper II | General Knowledge, Current Affairs | 50 | 1 hour | Objective |
| Interview | Personality Test | 100 | – | In-person |
Syllabus – Expected Sections
The official syllabus will be released only in UPSC advertisement. However, expected sections include:
Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug classification, formulations
- GMP, GLP, GDP, GCP
- Pharmacology, toxicology
- Microbiology, sterility, pyrogen testing
- Quality control & analysis
- Biopharmaceutics & pharmacokinetics
- Clinical trials, regulatory affairs
- Drug manufacturing processes
- Schedule M, Schedule Y, New Drugs guidelines
Acts & Rules
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945
- Pharmacy Act
- Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act
- Medical Devices Rules
- Clinical Trial Rules (New Drugs & Clinical Trials Rules, 2019)
General Knowledge
- Current events (health, pharma, national news)
- Indian polity, economy
- Science & technology
- Environmental & health updates
Job Role & Responsibilities
A Drug Inspector under CDSCO plays a vital part in ensuring drug safety and regulatory compliance across India.
Core Responsibilities Include:
- Inspect pharmaceutical manufacturing plants
- Ensure compliance with Drugs & Cosmetics Act
- Monitor drug quality and enforce regulatory standards
- Investigate spurious/adulterated drug cases
- Process drug manufacturing/marketing license applications
- Supervise quality control and batch records
- Ensure adherence to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
- Report violations and recommend actions
This is a regulatory, field-intensive, and compliance-driven central government role.
Salary, Pay Scale & Benefits
| Component | Details |
| Pay Level | Level-8 |
| Salary Range | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 |
| Allowances | DA, HRA, TA, LTC |
| Pension | NPS |
| Other Benefits | Medical facilities, travel benefits, job security |
CDSCO Drug Inspectors receive multiple central government perks.
Probation & Training
- Probation Period: 2 years
- Training: Mandatory induction training of 2 weeks
Successful completion of training is mandatory for confirmation.
Application Process (Through UPSC ORA)
When UPSC releases the advertisement, candidates must apply online through ORA (Online Recruitment Application) mode.
How to Apply
- Visit https://upsconline.gov.in/ora
- Select Drug Inspector – CDSCO
- Register using valid ID
- Fill personal, academic, and experience details
- Upload documents & photo/signature
- Pay the application fee
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹25
- SC/ST/PwBD/Women: Exempted
- Submit the application and print the form
UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2025: Gazette vs Old Rules Comparison
| Feature | 2010 Rules | 2025 Rules |
| Recruitment Year | 2010 | 2025 |
| Vacancies | ~100 | 419 |
| Educational Qualification | Pharmacy / Pharma Science | Pharmacy / Pharmaceutical Sciences / Medicine (Clinical Pharmacology) / Microbiology |
| Mode of Recruitment | Selection | 100% Direct Recruitment via UPSC |
| Probation | 1 year | 2 years + training |
| Pay Scale | PB-2 + GP4600 | Level-8 ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 |
| Training Requirement | Not mandatory | Mandatory 2-week induction training |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply?
UPSC will announce the official last date in its advertisement.
Q2. Is B.Pharm eligible?
Yes. B.Pharm is a primary qualifying degree.
Q3. How many vacancies?
419 posts. Subject to variation.
Q4. Is there negative marking?
UPSC will announce with the exam scheme.
Q5. Can freshers apply?
Yes. No experience requirement.
Preparation Strategy for UPSC Drug Inspector 2025
- Study Drugs & Cosmetics Act and Schedule M/Y
- Practice Pharmaceutical Sciences MCQs
- Strengthen basics in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Analysis
- Follow health & pharma current affairs
- Solve previous UPSC technical exams (DI, DCGI, GATC, ESIC)
Gazette
Final Summary
The UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2025 under G.S.R. 832(E) marks the largest expansion of CDSCO’s regulatory workforce. With 419 posts, upgraded eligibility norms, and Level-8 pay scale, this recruitment offers significant career growth for Pharma, Microbiology, and Clinical Pharmacology graduates.
Aspirants should begin early preparation for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Acts, and Current Affairs while awaiting the UPSC advertisement.
Stay updated. The official UPSC notification will follow soon.
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