Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) Recruitment 2026 Overview
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, has issued an official recruitment advertisement for filling up 14 key executive positions. The vacancies include executive posts such as Additional Drugs Controller (I), Joint Drugs Controller (I), and Deputy Drugs Controller (I). Eligible and experienced officers from Central/State Governments, Autonomous Bodies, and recognized Research Institutions are invited to submit their applications offline on or before 25 December 2026.
This recruitment process aims to fill critical senior-level administrative and regulatory positions within the national drug regulatory framework. Selected officers will be involved in formulation, enforcement, and monitoring of national standards for drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices across the country.
CDSCO Vacancy Breakdown and Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for these high-level posts must possess the required educational background and official administrative experience as specified in the recruitment rules. Below is an overview of post designations, eligibility criteria, and qualifications required:
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Educational Qualifications & Minimum Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Drugs Controller (I) | 14 (Shared across cadres) | Degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences or Medicine with specialization in Clinical Pharmacology or Microbiology from a recognized University. Minimum prescribed years of experience in drug control administration, standardisation, or testing under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act. |
| Joint Drugs Controller (I) | 14 (Shared across cadres) | Graduate Degree in Pharmacy / Pharmaceutical Sciences / Medicine. Substantial experience in manufacturing, testing, and regulatory control of drugs and medical devices. |
| Deputy Drugs Controller (I) | 14 (Shared across cadres) | Degree in Pharmacy / Pharmaceutical Sciences / Medicine. Demonstrated experience in drug inspection, clinical trials monitoring, or central/state regulatory affairs. |
Age Limit and Relaxation Rules
The age criteria for candidates applying on a deputation basis (including short-term contract) follow the standard Government of India directives:
- Maximum Age Limit: The maximum age limit for appointment on deputation shall not exceed 56 years as of the closing date of receipt of applications (25 December 2026).
- Relaxation: Age relaxation for specialized categories or existing departmental candidates will be strictly governed as per Central Government Service rules and guidelines.
Pay Scale, Grade Pay, and Allowances
Appointed officers will be entitled to structured Central Government pay levels under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), along with applicable allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and Medical Facilities.
- Additional Drugs Controller (I): Pay Level 14 in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
- Joint Drugs Controller (I): Pay Level 13 in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
- Deputy Drugs Controller (I): Pay Level 12 in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
Selection Process and Evaluation Scheme
The selection for CDSCO recruitment will be conducted through a structured evaluation process consisting of the following stages:
- Shortlisting of Applications: Scrutiny of offline applications based on educational credentials, service history, and eligibility parameters.
- APAR Evaluation: Verification and assessment of Annual Performance Assessment Reports (APARs / ACRs) for the preceding 5 years.
- Personal Interview / Interaction: Candidates who meet all criteria will be called for a personal interview conducted by a selection committee.
- Vigilance & Cadre Clearance: Final selection is subject to obtaining clean vigilance clearance, integrity certificates, and major/minor penalty clearance certificates from parent departments.
How to Submit Offline Application Form
Interested candidates who fulfill the mandatory eligibility criteria must apply using the prescribed offline format. Follow these steps to ensure proper submission:
- Visit the official website of CDSCO at cdsco.gov.in.
- Navigate to the 'Recruitments / Vacancies' section and download the detailed official notification along with the application proforma.
- Fill in all required fields accurately, including personal information, educational qualification, complete employment history, and present scale of pay.
- Attach self-attested photocopies of relevant supporting documents, including educational certificates, birth certificate, and experience letters.
- Get the application forwarded through the proper channel along with necessary employer endorsements (Cadre Clearance, Integrity Certificate, Vigilance Clearance, and attested copies of APARs/ACRs for the last 5 years).
- Send the completed application packet via Speed Post/Registered Post to the designated address specified in the notification before the deadline: 25 December 2026.
Mandatory Documents Required for Submission
- Duly filled proforma application signed by the candidate and endorsed by the employer.
- Attested copies of educational qualifications from Matriculation onwards.
- Experience certificates detailing regulatory, clinical, or technical expertise.
- Cadre Clearance Certificate and Vigilance Clearance Certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Attested copies of APARs / ACRs for the preceding 5 years.
- Statement indicating major or minor penalties imposed, if any, during the last 10 years.