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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 Notification under Advertisement No. 07/2026 for 186 Drug Inspector vacancies in the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Department of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
The online application process began on 27 June 2026 and will continue until 17 July 2026 (6:00 PM). Graduates in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology, or Microbiology can apply for this prestigious Group ‘B’ Gazetted Central Government post.
UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Department | Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
| Post Name | Drug Inspector |
| Advertisement No. | 07/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 186 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Apply Online Starts | 27 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17 July 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Job Type | Central Government |
| Pay Level | Level-7 (7th CPC) |
| Headquarters | CDSCO Headquarters, New Delhi |
| Posting | Anywhere in India |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Drug Inspector Notification 2026
UPSC has published the official recruitment notification for 186 Drug Inspector posts under Vacancy No. 26060752127. The notification contains detailed information regarding eligibility, reservation, salary, selection process, duties, probation period, and service conditions.
Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before submitting the application.
UPSC Drug Inspector Notification 2026
UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 27 June 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 27 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 17 July 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Recruitment Test | To be Announced |
| Interview | To be Announced |
UPSC Drug Inspector Vacancy 2026
UPSC has announced 186 vacancies for Drug Inspector posts.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 55 |
| EWS | 41 |
| OBC | 39 |
| SC | 35 |
| ST | 16 |
| Total | 186 |
Additionally, 8 vacancies are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) across eligible categories.
UPSC Drug Inspector Eligibility Criteria 2026
Applicants must satisfy the educational qualification and age criteria prescribed in the notification.
Educational Qualification
Candidates should possess any one of the following qualifications from a recognized university or institute:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy; or
- Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences; or
- Degree in Medicine with specialization in Clinical Pharmacology; or
- Degree in Medicine with specialization in Microbiology.
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| UR | 30 Years |
| OBC | 33 Years |
| SC/ST | 35 Years |
| PwBD | As per Government Rules |
Age relaxation is applicable according to UPSC recruitment rules.
UPSC Drug Inspector Apply Online 2026
The online application process started on 27 June 2026. Eligible candidates must apply through the UPSC Online Recruitment (ORA) portal before 17 July 2026.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the UPSC Online Recruitment (ORA) portal.
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR), if not already registered.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Select Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026.
- Fill in the online application form.
- Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page.
UPSC Drug Inspector Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS (Male) | ₹25 |
| SC/ST | Nil |
| Women | Nil |
| PwBD | Nil |
The application fee is payable online and is non-refundable.
UPSC Drug Inspector Selection Process 2026
The selection process may include the following stages:
- Shortlisting of applications
- Recruitment Test (if conducted)
- Personal Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
UPSC may directly shortlist candidates for interviews if the number of applications is manageable.
UPSC Drug Inspector Salary 2026
Selected candidates will be appointed in Pay Level-7 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
Expected Salary
- Approximate In-hand Salary: ₹60,000–₹75,000 per month (depending on city and allowances)
Benefits
Candidates will also receive:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- National Pension System (NPS)
- Medical Facilities
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Other Central Government allowances
Roles and Responsibilities of a Drug Inspector
Drug Inspectors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of medicines in India. According to the official notification, their responsibilities include:
- Inspecting licensed drug manufacturing units.
- Examining manufacturing processes, quality control systems, and storage facilities.
- Collecting drug samples for laboratory testing and analysis.
- Investigating complaints related to spurious or substandard drugs.
- Initiating legal action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 against violators.
Why Apply for UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026?
The Drug Inspector post in CDSCO is one of the most prestigious regulatory jobs in India’s pharmaceutical sector. Selected candidates get the opportunity to work in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines across the country while enjoying attractive pay, career growth, job security, and nationwide service exposure.
FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are available under UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026?
A total of 186 Drug Inspector vacancies have been announced.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 17 July 2026 (6:00 PM).
Q3. What is the educational qualification required?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a Degree in Medicine with specialization in Clinical Pharmacology or Microbiology.
Q4. What is the age limit for UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026?
The maximum age is 30 years for UR, 33 years for OBC, and 35 years for SC/ST, with additional relaxation for PwBD candidates.
Q5. What is the pay level for the Drug Inspector post?
Selected candidates will be appointed in Pay Level-7 under the 7th CPC along with Central Government allowances.
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