UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026: The Union Public Service Commission has released the official notification for the recruitment of Drug Inspector posts at the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), under the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The recruitment drive aims to fill 186 vacancies for this prestigious Group ‘B’ Gazetted, Non-Ministerial position.
The online application process will commence on June 27, 2026, and the last date to submit applications is July 17, 2026, by 6:00 PM. Interested and eligible candidates can apply through the official UPSC online portal at upsconline.nic.in/ora/ .
UPSC Drug Inspector Vacancy 2026 Details
A total of 186 vacancies have been announced for the post of Drug Inspector. The category-wise distribution is as follows:
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 55 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) | 41 |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 39 |
| SC (Scheduled Castes) | 35 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribes) | 16 |
| Total | 186 |
UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 Notification Out
The Union Public Service Commission has announced vacancies for the post of Drug Inspector in the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. This recruitment offers a significant opportunity for pharmacy and medical graduates to join the central drug regulatory framework of India. The complete advertisement containing all details about eligibility criteria, reservation policies, and application procedures has been released on the official UPSC website.
UPSC Drug Inspector Notification 2026 PDF – [Download Here]
UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | June 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | June 27, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | July 17, 2026 (until 6:00 PM) |
| Interview Date | To be intimated separately |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Drug Inspector 2026
Citizenship
A candidate must be either:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, or
- A person of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Age Limit (as on July 17, 2026)
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| UR/EWS | 30 years |
| OBC | 33 years |
| SC/ST | 35 years |
| PwBD | Additional 10 years relaxation |
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences or Medicine with specialization in Clinical Pharmacology or Microbiology from a recognized University or Institute.
Note: Qualifications may be relaxed at the discretion of UPSC for exceptionally well-qualified candidates.
Pay Scale & Benefits
Selected candidates will be placed in Level-8 of the Pay Matrix as per the 7th Central Pay Commission. The position is classified as General Central Service Group-‘B’ Gazetted, Non-Ministerial.
Other Details:
- Probation Period: 2 years (with mandatory induction training of at least 2 weeks)
- Headquarters: CDSCO Headquarters, New Delhi
- Posting: Anywhere in India
How to Apply for UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can follow the steps below to submit their online applications:
Step 1: Account Creation
- Visit the official UPSC portal: https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/
- Create an account on the Online Application Portal
Step 2: Universal Registration
- Complete the Universal Registration process
- A Universal Registration Number (URN) will be generated, which remains constant for all UPSC applications
Step 3: Common Application Form (CAF)
- Fill in the Common Application Form
- Upload photograph (and capture live photo)
- Upload signature (three times on plain white paper with black ink)
Step 4: Post/Vacancy Specific Form
- Complete the post-specific module for Drug Inspector recruitment
- Upload all required documents/certificates
- Submit the application before the closing date
Step 5: Save Application Details
- Note down the generated Application Number (post/vacancy specific)
- Save a copy of the application for future reference
Selection Process for UPSC Drug Inspector 2026
The selection will be based on the following stages:
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Online Application Submission & Shortlisting |
| Stage 2 | Recruitment Test (if applicable) |
| Stage 3 | Interview (minimum qualifying marks: UR-50, OBC-45, SC/ST/PwBD-40) |
| Stage 4 | Document Verification |
Shortlisting Criteria (if applications are large in number):
- Based on Desirable Qualifications
- Higher educational qualifications than minimum prescribed
- Higher experience in relevant field
- Recruitment Test (RT)
FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are out in UPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026?
Ans: There are a total of 186 vacancies for the post of Drug Inspector.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC Drug Inspector 2026?
Ans: The last date for submission of online applications is July 17, 2026, until 6:00 PM.
Q3. What is the age limit for UPSC Drug Inspector 2026?
Ans: The maximum age is 30 years for UR/EWS, 33 years for OBC, 35 years for SC/ST, with additional 10 years relaxation for PwBD candidates.
Q4. What is the salary of a Drug Inspector in CDSCO?
Ans: The pay scale is Level-8 in the Pay Matrix as per the 7th Central Pay Commission.
Q5. What are the educational qualifications required?
Ans: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences or Medicine with specialization in Clinical Pharmacology or Microbiology from a recognized university.
