| Drug Inspector Salary Per Month in India 2025 generally falls between Rs.45,000 and Rs.65,000. In-hand salary varies across states and recruitment medium. Check detailed guide in this article. |
As noted above, there are salary variations across states and public service commissions for the post of drug inspectors. For example, APPSC Drug Inspectors get a monthly salary between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 60,000 per month. UPSC Drug Inspectors a slightly better salary as compared to state PCS. UPSC Drug Inspectors receive in-hand salary between ₹80,000 – ₹85,000/month (after deductions).
The pay scale is not same for BPSC, OPSC and UPSC. Before moving on to salary, let's us know who a drug inspector is.
What is Drug Inspector?
A Drug Inspector, appointed by either the state or central government, has the main job of watching over the making, storing, and sending of medicines, drugs, cosmetics, and food. They make sure these items meet the needed quality and safety rules. We will cover the job responsibilities in detail later in the article.
Before knowing the salary of Drug Inspectors in India, read Food Safety Officer Salary 2025, Complete Breakdown of Pay, Perks & Growth and How can You Become a Food Safety Officer, Eligibility, Job Prospects and Career Growth. These two article will help you develop a solid understanding of safety regulations.
UPSC Drug Inspector Salary
UPSC Drug Inspector post is a posting under the Central Government. The pay scale is Rs. 47,600 - Rs 1,51,100. There is a grade pay of Rs. 4800.
Component | Details (2025) |
Pay Level | Level-8 (as per 7th CPC) |
Basic Pay | ₹47,600 |
Dearness Allowance (DA) @ 50% | ₹23,800 |
House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹11,424 (24% of Basic for Class A cities) |
Transport Allowance (TA) | ₹3,600 – ₹7,200 (varies by city) |
Other Allowances | Risk Allowance, Medical, LTC, etc. |
Gross Salary (Approx.) | ₹86,000 – ₹90,000/month |
In-Hand Salary | ₹80,000 – ₹85,000/month (after deductions) |
Important Notes
- The pay scale aligns with Group B Gazetted Officer positions.
- Drug Inspectors might be assigned to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, CDSCO, or state regulatory agencies.
- Those chosen via UPSC typically work in central or union territories and adhere to central pay standards.
Read more: Health Inspector Salary in India 2025 | Pay Scale, Allowances & Career Growth
UPSC Drug Inspector Job Profile & Promotion Structure
The following are the details for promotion criteria and work responsibilities of a UPSC Drug Inspector.
Aspect | Details |
Job Title | Drug Inspector (Central Govt. - UPSC Selected) |
Department | Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) / MoHFW |
Core Duties | - Inspect drug manufacturing & distribution units - Ensure drug law compliance (Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940) - Sampling & lab analysis coordination - Report violations and recommend legal action - Monitor storage, labeling, and transport standards |
Work Areas | Field inspections, report writing, court proceedings, regulatory compliance |
Work Locations | Zonal Offices of CDSCO, Port Offices, or State/Central Drug Authorities |
Initial Post | Drug Inspector (Group B Gazetted) |
1st Promotion | Senior Drug Inspector (After 5–7 years of service, based on performance) |
2nd Promotion | Assistant Drugs Controller (After 10–12 years) |
3rd Promotion | Deputy Drugs Controller (Level 11) |
4th Promotion | Joint Drugs Controller |
Top-Level Post | Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) – Very few reach this level |
Promotion Criteria | Based on seniority, departmental exams (if any), vigilance clearance |
Explore: CBN Sub Inspector Salary 2025 | Pay Scale, In-Hand Salary & Allowances
BPSC Drug Inspector Salary 2025
The in-hand salary for a BPSC Drug Inspector ranges between ₹72,000 – ₹85,000 per month (after deductions). Check the breakdown below:
Component | Details / Amount (Approx.) |
Pay Band (6th CPC) | ₹9,300 – ₹34,800 |
Grade Pay | ₹5,400 |
Corresponding 7th CPC Pay Level | Level 9 |
Basic Pay (Entry) | ₹53,100 |
Dearness Allowance (33%) | ₹17,523 |
House Rent Allowance | ₹4,248 – ₹12,744 (8%–24%, city dependent) |
Transport Allowance | ₹3,600 – ₹7,200 |
Other Allowances | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 (field, risk, medical etc.) |
Gross Salary (Approx.) | ₹80,000 – ₹95,000 per month |
In-Hand Salary | ₹72,000 – ₹85,000 per month (after deductions) |
Important Notes
- The pay scale is still ₹9,300 – ₹34,800 based on the 6th CPC system, it's now considered Level 9 in the 7th CPC, which decides the actual pay.
- The Grade Pay of ₹5,400 means the starting basic pay is ₹53,100.
- Drug Inspectors under BPSC also receive DA, HRA, TA, NPS, and other benefits.
Compare it with CBI Sub Inspector Salary 2025 | Pay Scale, In-Hand Salary & Allowances
Job Profile and Promotions for BPSC Drug Inspector
A Drug Inspector with the BPSC checks out drug production sites to make sure drugs are made, stored, and sold the right way based on the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. They gather samples, confirm licenses, check drug quality, and report any illegal or poor practices. They also guide pharmacies and ensure everyone in the supply chain follows the rules.
With experience and strong work, Drug Inspectors can move up to Senior Drug Inspector, then Assistant Drugs Controller, and finally Deputy Drugs Controller. Each step up means a better salary, potentially reaching Level 11 or 12 under the 7th CPC, with possible earnings of ₹1.25 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh each month. Promotions depend on doing well on tests, how long they've worked there, and if there are open positions.
MPSC Drug Inspector Salary
MPSC Drug Inspector salary structure is tabulated below:
Component | Details (As per Pay Matrix 7th CPC) |
Pay Level | S-15 (Group B Gazetted) |
Basic Pay | ₹41,800 – ₹1,32,300 |
Starting Basic Pay | ₹41,800 |
Grade Pay (Pre-revised) | ₹4,600 |
Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~42% of Basic Pay (₹17,556 approx) |
House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹8,360 (20% in Class A cities) |
Travel Allowance (TA) | ₹3,600 – ₹7,200 (location-based) |
Gross Salary (Approx.) | ₹71,000 – ₹85,000 per month (initial stage) |
In-hand Salary | ₹65,000 – ₹75,000 (after deductions) |
- The Maharashtra Government reviews Dearness Allowance (DA) and House Rent Allowance (HRA) regularly. Allowances are given as per state provisons.
- Typical deductions from pay include things like National Pension Scheme (NPS) contributions and professional tax.
- Salary growth often depends on years of service, job performance, and advancements.
OPSC ,TSPSC and Gujarat Drug Inspector Salary
The table below details the salary for different state PCS exam for the post of Drug Inspector.
Exam Name | Pay Level | Pay Scale | Grade Pay | In-Hand Salary Range (2025) |
UPSC Drug Inspector | 8 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 | ₹4,800 | ₹68,000 – ₹75,000 |
BPSC Drug Inspector | 9 | ₹9,300 – ₹34,800 | ₹5,400 | ₹65,000 – ₹72,000 |
OPSC Drug Inspector | 10 | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | ₹4,600 | ₹62,000 – ₹70,000 |
TSPSC Drug Inspector | 11 | ₹51,320 – ₹1,27,310 | ₹5,400 | ₹70,000 – ₹78,000 |
Gujarat Drug Inspector | 10 | ₹15,600 – ₹39,100 | ₹5,400 | ₹58,000 – ₹65,000 |
Important Notes
- Your actual pay is your base pay, plus things like DA, HRA, and other allowances. This is after subtracting deductions for things like NPS and PF.
- Your pay might be a bit different based on which city category you work in (X, Y, or Z), your level of experience, and any updates made by the government.
- This information is compiled according to available data as of 2025. Actual salary may change and vary. Refer to official state PCS notifications to know exact details.
Drug Inspector Salary in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh in 2025
The table below details the salary for different state PCS exam for the post of Drug Inspector.
State | Pay Level / Pay Scale | In-Hand Salary (Approx.) | Recruitment Authority |
Himachal Pradesh | Level 10: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (7th CPC) | ₹62,000 – ₹72,000 | HPPSC (Himachal Pradesh PSC) |
Uttarakhand | Level 8: ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 (7th CPC) | ₹50,000 – ₹60,000 | UKPSC (Uttarakhand PSC) |
Uttar Pradesh | Level 7: ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 (7th CPC) | ₹48,000 – ₹55,000 | UPPSC (Uttar Pradesh PSC) |
- Your actual salary will depend on basic pay, DA, HRA, and other allowances specific to the state, minus deductions like PF and NPS.
- These positions are Group B Gazetted posts in all three states.
- Yearly pay raises, changes to dearness allowance, and city category can all change the final amount.
- The State PSCs usually hire through written tests and interviews.
- This information is compiled according to available data as of 2025. Actual salary may change and vary. Refer to official state PCS notifications to know exact details.
Salary of Drug Inspectors in Major Indian States 2025
Find below drug inspector salary in Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Tamil Nadu in 2025
State | Pay Level / Pay Scale | Estimated In‑Hand Salary (₹/mo) | Recruitment Body |
Punjab | Pay Level 9 (₹44,900–₹1,42,400) | ₹55,000 – ₹65,000 | Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) |
Haryana | Pay Level 9 (₹34,200–₹1,08,900) | ₹48,000 – ₹58,000 | Haryana PSC (HPSC) |
Telangana | Pay Level 11 (₹51,320–₹1,27,310) | ₹58,000 – ₹70,000 | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC) |
Rajasthan | Pay Level 11 (₹56,100–₹1,77,500) | ₹62,000 – ₹68,000 | Rajasthan PSC (RPSC) |
Madhya Pradesh | Pay Level 8 (₹47,600–₹1,51,100) | ₹55,000 – ₹70,000 | MP Public Service Commission (MPPSC) |
Assam | Pay Level 8 (Central pattern) | ₹55,000 – ₹70,000 | Assam PSC / Health Dept (Central cadre) |
Tamil Nadu | Pay Level 11 (₹51,320–₹1,27,310) | ₹58,000 – ₹65,000 | Tamil Nadu PSC (TSPSC) |
- These numbers include standard allowances, like DA at 43% and HRA based on city type (X, Y, or Z), plus common deductions for things like PF, NPS, and tax.
- Official announcements from recruiting groups such as PPSC, HPSC, TSPSC, RPSC, MPPSC, and Assam PSC will have the exact salary ranges and application steps.
- The salary structure shown here follows the 7th Pay Commission guidelines for Drug Inspectors.
- This information is compiled according to available data as of 2025. Actual salary may change and vary. Refer to official state PCS notifications to know exact details.
Drug Inspector Responsibilities and Job Profile
Here’s a list of what drug inspectors do:
1️⃣ They check drug factories to make sure they're following Good Manufacturing Practices.
2️⃣ They gather drug samples from pharmacies, suppliers, and producers to test the quality.
3️⃣ They check how medicines are stored, watching things like temperature, wetness, and expiration dates.
4️⃣ They keep an eye on drug licenses and look for drugs that are fake or past their expiration date.
5️⃣ They regularly send reports to their bosses or the Drug Control Administration.
6️⃣ They start legal cases against people who break the rules in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
7️⃣ They sometimes join raids and surprise inspections with the police or intelligence agencies.
8️⃣ They make sure drug labels and packaging meet the legal rules.
9️⃣ They train and guide new people in the field.
🔟 They give expert advice to courts in drug-related cases.
These responsibilities are managed by either the State Drug Control Department or the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), depending on whether the position is at the state or central level.
Drug Inspector Qualification/ Drug Inspector Eligibility
The table below mentions the required prerequisites to become a drug inspector in India:
Criteria | Details |
Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences or Medicine with specialization in Clinical Pharmacology or Microbiology from a recognized university. |
Minimum Marks Required | Usually 50% or more in the qualifying degree (varies by state/notification). |
Age Limit (General Category) | Typically 21 to 30 years (some states allow up to 35 years). |
Age Relaxation | OBC: +3 years, SC/ST: +5 years, PwD: +10 years (as per government norms). |
Citizenship | Must be an Indian Citizen. |
Physical Fitness | Some states require candidates to be medically and physically fit. |
Recruitment Authority | Conducted by State Public Service Commissions (like TSPSC, PPSC, RPSC) or UPSC for Central Posts. |
Selection Process | 1. Written Exam (Prelims & Mains or Single Paper) 2. Interview 3. Document Verification |
Exam Syllabus | Pharmacy-related subjects (Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, etc.), General Knowledge, Aptitude. |
Job Posting | Usually under the State Drugs Control Department or CDSCO (Central Government). |
Important to read for clarity:
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Drug Inspector Syllabus for UPSC & State PCS (2025)
The syllabus for Drug Inspector exams, whether it's from UPSC or a State Public Service Commission (PCS), usually has a set structure. It focuses on pharmacy, related laws, and general skills. Keep in mind that the specifics might change a bit based on who's running the exam, but the main topics are pretty similar. You'll be tested on things like Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Forensic Pharmacy (Drugs & Cosmetics Act), Microbiology, and Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence. It's really vital to know your stuff when it comes to making drugs, storing them, labeling, testing, and the rules we have for drugs in the country. Check BSc Forensic Science, Course Fee, Admission 2025, Syllabus, Top colleges, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Career & Salary
Besides the main pharmacy subjects, you'll often find a General Studies or General Knowledge section in most State PSC and UPSC exams. This could include current events, Indian government, basic science, English, and logical thinking. After the written test, there's usually an interview to check your practical knowledge, how well you can talk about things, and how aware you are of the drug rules in India. It's a good idea to check the official announcement from the specific PSC or UPSC to get the most correct details about the syllabus.
Also read Forensic Science Salary 2025, Scope, Placements, and Government Jobs 2025
How to Become Drug Inspector in India in 2025?
The detailed guide to become a Drug Inspector in India in 2025 is mentioned below:
- Finish high school with a science focus. Concentrate on physics, chemistry, and either biology or math during your 11th and 12th-grade years.
- Get a bachelor's degree in pharmacy or a related field. Earn a B.Pharm or a B.Sc. in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, or medicine, specializing in clinical pharmacology or microbiology, from an accredited school. Check Top 10 Government Pharmacy Colleges in Maharashtra 2025
- Meet the minimum grade needed. Get at least 50% in your graduation. The exact requirements might be different depending on the state.
- Get some job experience (not needed, but helpful). Some states like candidates who have one to two years of experience making or testing drugs. It's not required, but it makes you a stronger candidate.
- Keep up-to-date on job postings. Check websites such as UPSC, State PSCs (like TSPSC, PPSC, RPSC), or CDSCO for Drug Inspector job postings.
- Know the exam format and what's on it. The written test will cover topics like pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, and basic general knowledge.
- Study well for the exam. Use textbooks, old tests, and practice tests. If you need to, take a class to improve your preparation.
- Apply for the test online. Send in your application through the official website of the Public Service Commission. Make sure you upload all the required documents.
- Take the written test and interview. Pass the written test, then go through a personal interview, and have your documents checked.
- Get your assignment and training. If you are selected, you will be a Drug Inspector and get training from the State Drug Control Department or CDSCO.
The same is presented below for your convenience.
 – Step-by-Step Guide.webp)
