The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is expected to release the UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2025 notification soon, offering a lucrative career opportunity for candidates in the pharmaceutical regulatory sector. With 85 expected vacancies, this recruitment drive is a golden chance for pharmacy and medical graduates to secure a prestigious government job.
This article provides detailed information on the UPSC Drug Inspector 2025 vacancy, including eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, and application process.
Key Highlights 6 May
- Total Expected Vacancies: Initially, discussions mentioned 303 and 404 Drug Inspector posts. Now, clarity has emerged that 303 positions are actively under process.
- Division of Posts:
- Some posts will be recruited via UPSC
- Some via State PSCs (SPSCs)
- A few directly by CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization)
🆕 First Official Notification Released (As of 24.04.2025)
- Issuing Body: Drug Control Department
- Number of Vacancies: 46 Posts
- Pay Grade: Level 8
- Age Limit: Maximum 30 years (No relaxation mentioned)
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Only B.Pharm degree holders are eligible
- Must be registered with the respective State Pharmacy Council
- No experience required – unlike previous years, the 18-month industrial experience condition is removed
- Freshers are eligible
🔁 Selection Process
- Direct Recruitment – No internal promotions.
- 100% selection based on written examination
- No interview/promotion quota for this batch
🧑🏫 Probation Period
- Selected candidates will be placed under a 2-year probation period
- This will involve training on drug regulatory roles and responsibilities
Live Update – 24 April 2025 About UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment
The Govt. of NCT of Delhi has released the draft recruitment rules (RRs) for the post of Drugs Inspector in the Drugs Control Department.
🗓️ Public Feedback Invited: Stakeholders can submit suggestions within 30 days from the date of publication.
📌 Note: This is not a recruitment notification. Actual UPSC job advertisement will be published after finalization of these rules. Stay tuned for updates!
Download draft recruitment rules
In November 2024, a notification was issued announcing 85 vacancies for the position of Medical Device and Drug Inspector. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a Public Notice on 26 February 2023 proposing amendments to the Recruitment Rules for Drug Inspectors in CDSCO. Draft rules were shared for stakeholder feedback, but the recruitment process has not been finalized yet. The delay affects the filling of 404 Drug Inspector vacancies, critical for strengthening drug regulation.
The Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) has urged the Union Health Minister to immediately fill 303 vacant Drug Inspector posts in CDSCO, citing a severe shortage of regulatory manpower. The IPA highlights growing concerns over spurious and substandard drugs due to lack of oversight. They emphasize that strengthening drug regulation is vital to safeguard public health and ensure medicine quality.
UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2025: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Drug Inspector |
| Expected Vacancies | 85 |
| Educational Qualification | Degree/ Post Graduate in Pharmacy (B.Pharm, M.Pharm) Pharmaceutical Science, Medicine, or Pharm.D from a recognized university |
| Age Limit | 18 to 44 years (Age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD as per government norms) |
| Salary | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 per month (Level 8, Pay Matrix as per 8th CPC) |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + Interview |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
| Experience | Freshers Can Apply Too Due To Recent Changes in Government |
UPSC Drug Inspector 2025: Important Dates
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification 1 | 24 April 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | To be announced |
| Last Date to Apply | To be announced |
| Exam Date | To be announced |
UPSC Drug Inspector Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification
- Degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) / Pharmaceutical Science / Medicine (MBBS) / Pharm.D from a recognized university.
- Candidates with relevant experience in drug regulation or pharmaceutical manufacturing will have an advantage.
2. Age Limit (As on Closing Date of Application)
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 44 years
- Age relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Ex-Servicemen as per government rules.
UPSC Drug Inspector 2025 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The selection process consists of two stages:
- Written Examination (Two Papers)
- Interview (Personality Test)
Paper-I: Pharmacy (200 Marks)
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Total Questions: 100 (Objective Type)
- Topics Covered:
- Forensic Pharmacy (Drugs & Cosmetic Act, Pharmacy Act, etc.)
- Manufacturing Pharmacy (Tablets, Capsules, Parenteral Preparations)
- Pharmaceutical Analysis (Limit Tests, Bioassays, Sterility Tests)
- Pharmacology & Toxicology (Drug Interactions, Adverse Effects)
- Pharmacognosy (Natural Drug Sources, Chemical Constituents)
Paper-II: General Knowledge (50 Marks)
- Duration: 1 Hour
- Total Questions: 50 (Objective Type)
- Topics Covered:
- Indian Constitution
- Science & Technology
- Current Affairs
- History, Geography, Economy
Interview (Personality Test – 100 Marks)
- Candidates qualifying in the written exam will be called for an interview.
UPSC Drug Inspector 2025 Salary & Job Profile
- Pay Scale: ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 (Level 8, 8th CPC)
- Job Role:
- Inspecting pharmaceutical manufacturing units.
- Ensuring compliance with Drugs & Cosmetics Act.
- Monitoring drug quality control & safety standards.
- Investigating spurious drug cases.
How to Apply for UPSC Drug Inspector 2025?
- Visit UPSC Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in
- Go to “Recruitment” → “Online Recruitment Application (ORA)”
- Find “Drug Inspector” Notification & Click “Apply Online”
- Register & Fill Application Form (Personal, Educational Details)
- Upload Documents (Photo, Signature, Certificates)
- Pay Application Fee (If Applicable)
- General/OBC: ₹25 (Exempted for Female/SC/ST/PwD)
- Submit & Take Printout for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC Drug Inspector 2025?
- The last date will be announced after the official notification release.
Q2. Is there negative marking in the UPSC Drug Inspector exam?
- Yes, there may be a penalty for wrong answers (details in official notification).
Q3. Can B.Pharm graduates apply for UPSC Drug Inspector?
- Yes, candidates with B.Pharm, Pharm.D, or MBBS degrees are eligible.
Q4. What is the selection process for UPSC Drug Inspector?
- Written Exam (Paper-I & Paper-II) + Interview.
Q5. What is the salary of a UPSC Drug Inspector?
- ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 (Level 8, 8th CPC)
Final Tips for UPSC Drug Inspector Preparation
✅ Focus on Pharmacy Acts & Regulations (Drugs & Cosmetics Act, Pharmacy Act).
✅ Practice MCQs on Pharmaceutical Sciences & General Knowledge.
✅ Follow Current Affairs (Especially related to Health & Pharma Sector).
✅ Solve Previous Year Papers for exam pattern understanding.
🔗 Important Links
- UPSC Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in
- Apply Online: UPSC ORA Portal
- Syllabus PDF: Download Here
Stay tuned for the official notification! Bookmark this page for updates on UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2025. 🚀
About UPSC
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s premier recruiting agency for central government jobs. It conducts examinations for prestigious posts like IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A & B services.
