How to Prepare for UPSC Drug Inspector Exam – Complete Guide

The UPSC Drug Inspector (DI) exam is one of the most prestigious pharmacy-related government job examinations in India. Drug Inspectors play a crucial role in ensuring drug safety, quality control, inspection of manufacturing units, and regulation under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940.

1. UPSC Drug Inspector Exam Pattern

The exam is conducted in two stages:

Stage 1 – Written Examination

• Objective type

• Professional knowledge (Pharmacy subjects)

• General aptitude + GK

• Pharmaceutical Laws & Regulatory Affairs

Stage 2 – Interview (In some cases direct recruitment- only step 1 written exam)

• Personality Test

• Technical + regulatory questioning

2. Syllabus Overview

A. Pharmacy Subjects

• Pharmaceutical Chemistry

• Pharmaceutics & Industrial Pharmacy

• Pharmacology

• Pharmacognosy

• Biopharmaceutics

• Microbiology & Biotechnology

• Pharmaceutical Analysis

• Biochemistry

• Physical Pharmacy

• Quality Assurance & GMP

B. Regulatory & Legal Sections

• Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940

• Drugs Rules 1945

• DPCO

• Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act

• Schedule M, M1, Y, T

• GMP, GLP, GCP

• WHO guidelines

C. General Studies

• Current affairs

• Indian polity

• Economy

• Basic science, English  & reasoning

3. Best Books for Drug Inspector Exam

• KD Tripathi – Pharmacology

• Lippincott – Pharmacology (for quick revision)

• Lachman – Industrial Pharmacy

• Remington – Pharmaceutical Analysis

• Drugs & Cosmetics Act Bare Act

• DPCO booklet

• Arihant General Studies

•  Drug Inspector MCQ Guides

2. Best Books forDrug Inspector Exam/ UPSC/ Other state PSC 

3. Subject-wise Strategy

4. Ideal Study Strategy (4–6 Months)

Month 1–2: Strong Fundamentals

• Revise B.Pharm subjects thoroughly

• Make handwritten notes

• Study GMP, GLP, Validation, Audits, QC/QA

Month 3–4: Exam-Focused Preparation

• Start solving DI-specific MCQs

• Read Bare Acts (extremely scoring)

• Learn Schedules, forms, definitions carefully

Month 5–6: Mock Tests + Interview Prep

• Attempt full-length tests

• Practice descriptive answers

• Prepare for technical interview:

  • How to conduct drug sampling

  • GMP violations

  • Adulterated vs spurious drugs

  • Batch manufacturing records

  • GLP documentation

5. Daily Timetable

• 2 hours – Pharmaceutics & QA/GMP

• 2 hours – Pharmacology

• 1 hour – Chemistry & Analysis

• 1 hour – Bare Acts & Schedules

• 1 hour – Current affairs + reasoning

• 30 mins – MCQs practice

6. High-Weightage Topics

• Schedule M, Y, T, U

• Validation, qualification

• Dissolution, stability studies

• Impurities & ICH guidelines

• Sampling & inspection rules

• Clinical trials rule 2019

• DPCO price control formulas

7. Tips for Interview Round

• Be confident

• Revise regulatory terms

• Prepare real-world case scenarios

• Demonstrate knowledge of GMP & inspection techniques

• Stay updated on drug recalls, FDA alerts

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Ignoring Bare Acts
❌ Studying only B.Pharm theory (need regulatory focus)
❌ Not practicing MCQs
❌ Weak GK & current affairs
❌ No interview practice

Conclusion

The UPSC Drug Inspector exam requires deep pharmacy knowledge + strong regulatory understanding. With consistent study, mock tests, and mastery of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, you can secure this prestigious government position.