Union Public Service Commission Drug Inspector 2026 for 450 vacancies across 54 distinct central government positions. The largest vacancy block is Drug Inspector with 186 posts under the Ministry of Health, alongside specialist medical positions, engineering roles, and administrative posts spanning multiple departments.
Applications must be submitted online via the UPSC ORA portal before 17/07/2026 at 18:00 hours. The notification was released on 25/06/2026.
Union Public Service Commission Drug Inspector 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Recruitment Type | Direct Recruitment to Various Central Government Posts |
| Advertisement Number | 07/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 450+ posts across 54 distinct positions |
| Application Mode | Online at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/ |
| Job Locations | All-India (multiple ministries and departments) |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Release Date | 25/06/2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 25/06/2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17/07/2026 at 18:00 Hours |
| Eligibility Determination Date | 17/07/2026 |
| Interview/Recruitment Test Date | To be intimated separately by UPSC |
Vacancy Breakdown – All 54 Posts
UPSC Recruitment 2026 spans posts across the central government landscape. The Drug Inspector position under the Ministry of Health dominates the vacancy list with 186 posts, followed by substantial openings in medical specialist roles (Asst. Professor posts across multiple specialities totalling over 130 positions) and engineering positions. Additional vacancies exist in law, archaeology, defence, civil aviation, and administration.
| Sr. No. | Post Name | Department / Ministry | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joint Director (Crops Development Directorate) | Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | 6 |
| 2 | Medical Officer / Research Officer (Siddha) | Ministry of Ayush | 1 |
| 3 | Aeronautical Officer | DGCA, Ministry of Civil Aviation | 11 |
| 4 | Legal Officer | DGCA, Ministry of Civil Aviation | 12 |
| 5 | Company Prosecutor | Ministry of Corporate Affairs | 18 |
| 6 | Deputy Superintending Archaeologist | Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture | 2 |
| 7 | Senior Photographic Officer | Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence | 4 |
| 8 | Photographic Officer | Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence | 2 |
| 9 | Civilian Assistant Security Officer | Lower Formations of the Indian Army & DGQA, Ministry of Defence | 7 |
| 10 | Store Officer (Civilian) | DGAFMS, Ministry of Defence | 4 |
| 11 | Specialist Grade III (Orthopaedics) | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 4 |
| 12 | Specialist Grade III Asst. Professor (Cardiology) | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 9 |
| 13 | Specialist Grade III Asst. Professor (Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery) | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 4 |
| 14 | Specialist Grade III Asst. Professor (Neurology) | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 21 |
| 15 | Specialist Grade III Asst. Professor (Orthopaedics) – Sports Injury Centre | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 2 |
| 16 | Specialist Grade III Asst. Professor (Paediatric Nephrology) | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 1 |
| 17 | Specialist Grade III Asst. Professor (Paediatric Oncology) | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 1 |
| 18 | Specialist Grade III Asst. Professor (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation) | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 6 |
| 19 | Specialist Grade III Asst. Professor (Social & Preventive / Community Medicine) | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 11 |
| 20 | Specialist Grade III Asst. Professor (Urology) | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 6 |
| 21 | Assistant Director of Census Operations (Technical) | O/o Registrar General & Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs | 9 |
| 22 | Assistant Director (Disaster Management) | Ministry of Home Affairs | 4 |
| 23 | Library and Information Officer | Central Ground Water Board, Ministry of Jal Shakti | 1 |
| 24 | Sub-Regional Employment Officer | Directorate General of Employment, Ministry of Labour & Employment | 11 |
| 25 | Assistant Administrative Officer | Indian Bureau of Mines, Ministry of Mines | 1 |
| 26 | Assistant Chemist | Indian Bureau of Mines, Ministry of Mines | 4 |
| 27 | Ship Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General (Technical) | Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways | 1 |
| 28 | Engineer & Ship Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General (Technical) | Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways | 9 |
| 29 | Assistant Director General of Shipping | Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways | 1 |
| 30 | Rajbhasha Adhikari | Indian Railways, Official Language Directorate, Ministry of Railways | 7 |
| 31 | Medical Officer (Ayurveda) | Directorate of Ayush, Government of NCT Delhi | 2 |
| 32 | Consultant Biochemistry | Health & Medical Education Dept., UT of Ladakh | 1 |
| 33 | Consultant Dentistry / Dental Surgeon / Public Health Dentistry | Health & Medical Education Dept., UT of Ladakh | 2 |
| 34 | Consultant in Emergency Medicine | Health & Medical Education Dept., UT of Ladakh | 1 |
| 35 | Consultant Forensic Specialist | Health & Medical Education Dept., UT of Ladakh | 1 |
| 36 | Consultant ENT | Health & Medical Education Dept., UT of Ladakh | 2 |
| 37 | Consultant Paediatrician | Health & Medical Education Dept., UT of Ladakh | 3 |
| 38 | Consultant Physician | Health & Medical Education Dept., UT of Ladakh | 6 |
| 39 | Consultant Psychiatrist | Health & Medical Education Dept., UT of Ladakh | 2 |
| 40 | Consultant Radiologist | Health & Medical Education Dept., UT of Ladakh | 3 |
| 41 | Consultant Surgeon | Health & Medical Education Dept., UT of Ladakh | 5 |
| 42 | Consultant TB | Health & Medical Education Dept., UT of Ladakh | 1 |
| 43 | Assistant Engineer (Civil) | Public Health Engineering / Irrigation & Flood Control, UT of Ladakh | 11 |
| 44 | Scientific Officer (Document & Fingerprinting) | Forensic Science Laboratory, Home Dept., UT of Ladakh | 1 |
| 45 | Scientific Officer (DNA, Biology & Serology) | Forensic Science Laboratory, Home Dept., UT of Ladakh | 1 |
| 46 | Scientific Officer (Narcotics, Chemistry & Toxicology) | Forensic Science Laboratory, Home Dept., UT of Ladakh | 1 |
| 47 | Specialist Grade III Asst. Professor (Forensic Medicine) | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 3 |
| 48 | Specialist Grade III Asst. Professor (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery) | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 5 |
| 49 | Specialist Grade III Asst. Professor (Orthopaedics) | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 8 |
| 50 | Specialist Grade III Asst. Professor (Paediatrics) | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 14 |
| 51 | Specialist Grade III Asst. Professor (Paediatric Surgery) | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | 9 |
| 52 | Drug Inspector | CDSCO, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare | 186 |
| 53 | Lecturer / Assistant Professor in Special Education (MR/ID) | GRIID, Chandigarh Administration | 1 |
| 54 | Superintendent Jails | Ladakh Prisons Department, UT of Ladakh | 1 |
Eligibility Criteria
As per UPSC Advertisement No. 07/2026, eligibility varies significantly across the 54 posts, as these are specialist and technical positions spanning engineering, law, medicine, and administration. All candidates must be Indian citizens. The closing date for submission of the online application – 17/07/2026 – is the reference date for determining eligibility in every respect.
Essential Qualifications by Post Category
Engineering Posts (Aeronautical Officer, Assistant Engineer Civil): Candidates require a degree in the relevant engineering discipline from a recognised university. Aeronautical Officer requires a degree in Aeronautical, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, or Metallurgical Engineering. An Assistant Engineer (Civil) requires a Civil Engineering degree.
Medical Specialist Posts (Ministry of Health): All Specialist Grade III and Assistant Professor positions require MBBS followed by postgraduate medical qualifications (MD/MS/DNB) in the relevant speciality from a recognised institution, along with registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Drug Inspector: A degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences from a recognised university is required, along with specific experience as per the Drugs & Cosmetics Act requirements.
Legal Posts (Legal Officer, Company Prosecutor): A degree in Law from a recognised university is mandatory.
Agricultural Posts (Joint Director – Crops Development): A Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, or related disciplines, or a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering from a recognised university, with 3 years’ experience in production/productivity/planning/development/extension.
Medical Officer (Siddha): A degree in Siddha from a recognised university or statutory state board, with enrolment on the central or state register of Indian Medicine.
Detailed post-wise qualifications and experience requirements are available in the full UPSC Advertisement No. 07/2026 PDF.
Age Limit – Post-Wise
| Post | Age (UR) | Age (OBC) | Age (SC/ST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Director (Crops Development Directorate) | 40 years | 43 years | 45 years |
| Medical Officer / Research Officer (Siddha) | 35 years | 38 years | 40 years |
| Aeronautical Officer | 35 years | 38 years | 40 years |
| Legal Officer (DGCA) | 35 years | 38 years | 40 years |
| Company Prosecutor | 35 years | 38 years | 40 years |
Age Relaxation Explained
OBC candidates receive 3 years’ relaxation over the General upper age limit. SC and ST candidates receive 5 years’ relaxation over the General upper age limit.
Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) receive the following additional relaxation: PwBD (General) – 10 years; PwBD (OBC) – 13 years; PwBD (SC/ST) – 15 years. However, the maximum age for any PwBD candidate shall not exceed 56 years under any circumstances.
Ex-Servicemen who have completed continuous service of at least 6 months after attestation as on the closing date are eligible for 5 years’ relaxation. Central Government and UT Government servants in regular service may receive up to 5 years’ relaxation, subject to having completed 3 years of continuous regular service in the same line or allied cadre.
Who Should Apply?
Candidates with post-graduate medical qualifications (MD/MS/DNB) in clinical specialities are eligible for the medical specialist positions advertised under the Ministry of Health. Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences graduates with relevant experience meet the requirements for the Drug Inspector role. Engineering graduates in Aeronautical, Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical disciplines are eligible for technical posts. Law graduates can apply for legal officer and prosecutor positions. Applications are open to Indian citizens across all regions.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹25 |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | Nil |
| SC / ST (Male) | Nil |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability (All) | Nil |
Applications submitted without the prescribed fee will be rejected summarily. Fee once paid is non-refundable and cannot be held in reserve for any other examination. Female candidates, SC/ST candidates, and candidates with benchmark disability are fully exempted from fee payment. The fee can be paid online using Visa, Mastercard, or RuPay credit/debit cards, UPI, or internet banking.
Selection Process for UPSC Recruitment 2026
UPSC Recruitment 2026 follows a multi-stage process tailored to the nature and volume of applications for each post:
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Application Submission | Submit application at upsconline.nic.in by 17/07/2026 at 18:00 hours |
| Shortlisting | UPSC shortlists candidates based on information provided in the online application. Incorrect information leads to rejection through computer-based shortlisting |
| Recruitment Test (RT) / Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) | Conducted at major centres (Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Jaipur, Jammu, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Ranchi, Visakhapatnam) if the number of applications warrants a screening test |
| Personality Test / Interview | Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview. Candidates must bring a printout of the online application and all original/self-attested supporting documents |
| Final Selection & Appointment | Appointment orders issued by the respective Ministry/Department. UPSC may grant higher initial pay to candidates adjudged meritorious at the interview |
Pay Scale and Benefits (7th CPC Pay Matrix)
Selected candidates will receive pay as per the 7th Central Pay Commission Pay Matrix. The pay level is determined by the post and seniority, ranging from Level-7 to Level-11 with NPA (Non-Practising Allowance) for medical specialist posts.
| Post Category | Pay Level (7th CPC) |
|---|---|
| Joint Director, Specialist Grade III Medical Posts | Level-11 + NPA (medical posts) |
| Medical Officer (Siddha), Aeronautical Officer, Legal Officer, Deputy Superintending Archaeologist, Senior Photographic Officer | Level-10 (and Level-10 + NPA for Medical Officer Siddha) |
| Company Prosecutor, Photographic Officer, Civilian Assistant Security Officer, Store Officer | Level-7 |
| Assistant Engineer (Civil) | Level-10 |
In addition to basic pay, selected candidates are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other admissible allowances as per Central Government rules. Medical Specialist positions at Level-11 include Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) in addition to regular pay and allowances.
Documents Required for the Interview Stage
Candidates are not required to submit documents at the time of application. However, all shortlisted candidates called for an interview must carry originals and self-attested photocopies. Failure to produce the required documents will result in disqualification and forfeiture of the travel allowance reimbursement.
- Printout of the submitted Online Recruitment Application
- Photo ID proof (Aadhaar / Voter Card / PAN / Passport / Driving Licence)
- Date of birth certificate (Matriculation / SSC certificate)
- Educational qualification certificates (degree, diploma, mark sheets)
- Experience certificates from all previous/current employers
- Caste/Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) in the prescribed UPSC proforma from the competent authority
- PwBD disability certificate (minimum 40% disability) in the prescribed UPSC proforma
- Certificate for professional registration (NMC/MCI registration for medical posts; state pharmacy council for Drug Inspector; bar council for legal posts)
- Language/publication/NET/GATE/conference/internship certificates, if claimed
- Age relaxation certificate for Ex-Servicemen / Central Government employees in the prescribed UPSC proforma issued after the date of advertisement
- Declaration of intimation to Head of Office/Department (for persons already in regular Government service)
- Documents in a language other than Hindi/English must be accompanied by a transcript duly attested by a Gazetted Officer or Notary
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Applying for a post without meeting the exact essential qualification: UPSC shortlists strictly based on declared qualifications. Applying with a “similar” or “equivalent” degree without a formal equivalence order from the competent authority is grounds for rejection. Produce the equivalent order if claiming an equivalent qualification.
- Entering an inactive or incorrect email address: UPSC sends all interview schedules and document requirements exclusively by email. A wrong email means you will miss the interview call entirely. Double-check email before final submission.
- Submitting incomplete category documents: All category-based claims (caste, disability, ex-serviceman) must be supportable at the interview stage with original documents in the prescribed UPSC proforma – not general certificates from hospitals or district offices.
- Not declaring current government service: Persons already in regular government service must submit a declaration to UPSC that they have informed their Head of Office in writing. Omitting this can lead to disciplinary consequences.
- Bringing mobile phones or electronic devices to the examination/interview venue: Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly banned at UPSC halls, even in switched-off mode. Violation results in debarment from future examinations.
- Waiting until the last day to apply: The portal closes at exactly 18:00 hours on 17/07/2026. Server congestion near the deadline is common. Complete your application at least 2-3 days in advance.
- Submitting documents in languages other than Hindi/English without a notarised transcript: Any certificate in a regional language must be accompanied by a transcript attested by a Gazetted Officer or Notary.
How to Apply for UPSC Recruitment 2026
- Visit the UPSC ORA portal at upsconline.nic.in/ora/
- Register yourself on the portal if you are a new user. Provide your email address, mobile number, and create a password.
- Log in with your credentials and fill out the recruitment application form with accurate personal, educational, and professional details.
- Upload your recent colour photograph (JPG/JPEG format, size 4 KB to 8 KB, minimum dimensions 200 × 240 pixels) and signature (JPG/JPEG format, size 1 KB to 4 KB).
- Select the post(s) for which you wish to apply. You may apply for multiple posts, but ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for each.
- Review all information carefully for accuracy. Incorrect information may lead to rejection at the shortlisting stage.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable to your category) using a Visa, Mastercard, or RuPay debit/credit card, UPI, or internet banking. Female candidates and SC/ST/PwBD candidates are exempt from fee payment.
- Submit the completed application before 17/07/2026 at 18:00 hours.
- Download and save a copy of the submitted application form for future reference.
Complete your application at least 2-3 days before the final deadline to avoid portal congestion and server issues on the closing date. Keep your login credentials and application reference number safe for tracking and future correspondence.
What Happens After You Apply
- Application window closes on 17/07/2026 at 18:00 hours
- Shortlisting: UPSC will shortlist candidates based on the information provided in the online application (timeline to be announced)
- Recruitment Test (RT) / Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) for posts with large application volumes (dates to be intimated separately by UPSC)
- Personality Test / Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview at UPSC headquarters or designated centres (dates communicated separately)
- Final Selection: Merit list prepared based on performance in RT (if held) and interview, with higher initial pay consideration for meritorious candidates
- Appointment: Appointment orders issued by the respective Ministry/Department
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC Advertisement 07/2026 Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Apply Online | Apply Now |
| Prescribed Certificate Proformas | Download Certificate Proformas |
| Official UPSC Website | Visit Website |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is UPSC Recruitment 2026 (Advertisement 07) and what posts are available?
Ans. UPSC Recruitment 2026 (Advt. No. 07/2026) is a central government recruitment drive for 450+ vacancies across 54 distinct posts spanning multiple ministries and departments. The largest vacancy block is Drug Inspector with 186 posts under the Ministry of Health, followed by numerous medical specialist positions (Asst. Professor roles in various specialities), engineering positions, and administrative roles. As per UPSC Advertisement No. 07/2026 released on 25/06/2026, applications close on 17/07/2026.
Q2. Am I eligible to apply if I have a degree in a related field but not the exact discipline mentioned?
Ans. No. UPSC has strict eligibility criteria and requires the exact qualification mentioned for each post. If your degree is similar but not identical, you must obtain a formal equivalence certificate from the competent authority (e.g., university or statutory board). Without this equivalence order, your application will be rejected at the shortlisting stage itself, as UPSC uses computer-based screening. Applying without the exact qualification stated is grounds for immediate rejection.
Q3. Will I be notified about the interview date and venue?
Ans. Yes. UPSC sends all interview schedules, venue details, and document requirements exclusively via email to the address you provided during application. Ensure your email address is active and monitored regularly. If you do not receive communication within the expected timeline, contact UPSC through the official portal. Missing an interview call due to an incorrect or inactive email address will result in disqualification.
Q4. Can I apply for multiple posts in UPSC Recruitment 2026?
Ans. Yes, you may apply for multiple posts under the UPSC Advt. No. 07/2026, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each. However, you must be aware that different posts have different age limits, qualifications, and experience requirements. Apply only for posts you genuinely qualify for, as incorrect applications are rejected at shortlisting. Each post has a separate application, and you can apply for as many as you are eligible for without additional cost (beyond the one-time application fee if applicable).
Q5. What is the selection process, and will there be a written exam?
Ans. The selection process varies by post and includes: (1) Shortlisting based on information provided in the online application; (2) Recruitment Test (RT) or Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) if warranted by the volume of applications – UPSC will decide this after the application closes; (3) Personality Test / Interview. Not all posts will have a written test. For posts with large application volumes, UPSC may conduct an RT as a screening measure. The final selection is based on interview performance, and UPSC may grant higher initial pay to meritorious candidates at the interview stage.
Q6. I am already a government employee. Can I apply?
Ans. Yes, you can apply. However, you must submit a declaration to UPSC at the interview stage that you have informed your Head of Office/Department in writing about your candidature. Failure to do so can lead to disciplinary action against you. Additionally, your eligibility will be determined as of 17/07/2026 (the application closing date), and you will need to produce the necessary declaration letter signed by your employer when called for an interview.
Q7. What documents do I need to bring to the interview?
Ans. Bring the printout of your submitted online application, original copies and self-attested photocopies of all supporting documents, including: photo ID proof (Aadhaar/Voter Card/PAN/Passport/Driving Licence); date of birth certificate; educational qualification certificates and mark sheets; experience certificates; category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) in UPSC proforma; PwBD disability certificate if applicable; professional registration certificates (NMC for medical posts, bar council for legal posts, state pharmacy council for Drug Inspector); and any other documents supporting your claims (NET, GATE, publications, etc.). Failing to produce the required documents will result in disqualification.
Q8. What is the application fee, and how do I pay it?
Ans. The application fee is ₹25 for General, OBC, and EWS male candidates. Female candidates of all categories, SC, ST, and Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD), are fully exempted from fee payment. The fee can be paid online using Visa, Mastercard, or RuPay credit/debit cards, UPI, or internet banking of any bank. The fee is non-refundable once submitted and cannot be held in reserve for any other examination.
How to Proceed
Eligible candidates should submit their application via the UPSC ORA portal before 17/07/2026 at 18:00 hours to avoid rejection due to deadline expiry. After the application window closes, UPSC will release shortlists for the Recruitment Test (if applicable) and interview schedules at intervals as per the official timeline. Stay updated with our free job alert service at MyNaukriAlert.com for notifications on UPSC interview dates, admit cards, and final results.
