UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 Notification Out
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 Notification for the recruitment of 186 Drug Inspector posts under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Department of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
This recruitment offers an excellent opportunity for candidates holding qualifications in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Medicine to secure a prestigious Group ‘B’ Gazetted, Non-Ministerial Central Government Job.
The online application process started on 27 June 2026 and eligible candidates can submit their applications until 17 July 2026 (06:00 PM) through the official UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal.
Selected candidates will be appointed anywhere in India and will receive an attractive salary under Pay Level-8 of the 7th Central Pay Commission, along with various Central Government allowances and career advancement opportunities.
UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Department | Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
| Recruitment Name | UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 |
| Post Name | Drug Inspector |
| Total Vacancies | 186 Posts |
| Job Category | Central Government Job |
| Job Type | Group ‘B’ Gazetted, Non-Ministerial |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Dates | 27 June 2026 to 17 July 2026 |
| Selection Process | Recruitment Test (If Applicable), Interview & Document Verification |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC Drug Inspector Vacancy 2026 Details
A total of 186 vacancies have been announced for the Drug Inspector post.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 55 |
| EWS | 41 |
| OBC | 39 |
| SC | 35 |
| ST | 16 |
| Total | 186 Posts |
Educational Qualification
The educational qualification prescribed for the Drug Inspector post is as follows:
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Drug Inspector | Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences OR Degree in Medicine with specialization in Clinical Pharmacology or Microbiology from a recognized University |
Note: UPSC may relax the educational qualification for exceptionally qualified candidates as per recruitment rules.
Age Limit
The upper age limit is calculated as on 17 July 2026.
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 30 Years |
| OBC | 33 Years |
| SC / ST | 35 Years |
| PwBD | 10 Years Relaxation |
Age Relaxation
Reserved category candidates are eligible for age relaxation as per Government of India rules.
- OBC – 3 Years
- SC/ST – 5 Years
- PwBD – 10 Years
- Other Categories – As per Government Rules
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UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The selection process consists of the following stages:
Stage 1
- Online Application Scrutiny
Stage 2
- Recruitment Test (If Conducted)
Stage 3
- Personal Interview
Stage 4
- Document Verification
Final Selection
The final merit list will be prepared based on the Recruitment Test (where applicable), Interview performance, and verification of eligibility documents.
UPSC Drug Inspector Exam Pattern 2026
The detailed Recruitment Test pattern will be notified separately by UPSC if the number of applications received is large.
Generally, the selection may include:
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Test | Objective Type (If Conducted) |
| Interview | Personality Assessment |
| Document Verification | Final Eligibility Verification |
Negative Marking
The official notification has not specified any negative marking for the Recruitment Test. Candidates should refer to the detailed examination notice released by UPSC for complete information.
Expected Syllabus
General Subjects
- General Awareness
- Current Affairs
- General Science
- Reasoning Ability
- English Language
- Basic Computer Awareness
Subject Knowledge
Questions related to:
- Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Drug & Cosmetics Act
- Pharmaceutical Regulations
- Quality Control
- Drug Inspection Procedures
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹25 |
| SC / ST | Exempted |
| PwBD | Exempted |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
Payment can be made through the online payment gateway available on the UPSC ORA portal.
Salary Details
Selected candidates will be appointed under Pay Level-8 of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
| Post | Pay Level | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Inspector | Level-8 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 |
Additional Benefits
Selected candidates will also receive:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- Medical Benefits
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- National Pension System (NPS)
- Other Central Government Allowances
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | June 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 27 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 17 July 2026 (06:00 PM) |
| Recruitment Test | To Be Announced |
| Interview | To Be Announced |