TNPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026: Notification, Vacancies, Eligibility, and Complete Syllabus
The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has released an official notification under the Combined Technical Services Examination (Non-Interview Posts) for the direct recruitment of Drug Inspectors in the Drug Control Administration Department.
If you hold a degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences, this is a prime opportunity to secure a high-profile, permanent state government desk in Tamil Nadu. Below is a fully detailed overview of important dates, precise vacancy distribution, comprehensive eligibility mandates, structural exam schemes, and the completely syllabus.
| Important Milestone Event | Official Date & Deadline |
| Official Notification Release Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Commencement of Online Applications | May 27, 2026 |
| Last Date & Time to Submit Online Application | June 25, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Application Correction Window Timeline | June 29, 2026 (12:01 AM) to July 01, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Written Examination Dates | To be announced later via the Commission’s site |
🧾Post Details, Salary Matrix, and Vacancy Matrix
- Name of the Position: Drug Inspector
- Post Code: 1972
- Department Name: Drug Control Administration
- Pay Matrix Scale: Level 20 (Approx. ₹37,700 – ₹1,19,500 base scale plus applicable state allowances)
- Total Vacancies: 9 Seats
Strict Eligibility Norms (As on July 1, 2026)
Age Limitations & Concessions
- Minimum Age Limit: All candidates must have completed a minimum of 21 years.
- Maximum Age Limit (Non-Reserved / General / “Others”): Must not have completed 32 years.
- Maximum Age Limit (Reserved Communities): Candidates belonging to SCs, SC(A)s, STs, MBCs/DCs, BC(OBCM)s, and BCMs must not have completed 37 years.
- Special Concessions: * Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (Differently Abled): Eligible for a uniform 10-year extension over their primary communal age limit.
- Ex-Servicemen: Up to 50 years max for General candidates; 55 years max for reserved categories.
🎓Essential Educational Background
Candidates must satisfy the required educational baseline on or before the official notification date (20.05.2026):
- Must possess a valid Degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) OR a Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- OR a Degree in Medicine accompanied by a distinct specialization in Clinical Pharmacology or Microbiology.
- Core Hierarchy Check: The basic path of academic studies must proceed lineally via SSLC (10th) + HSC (12th) or Diploma + Under Graduate Degree.
📝 Scheme of Examination
The final selection process relies strictly on a consolidated merit ranking compiled from Part B & Part C of Paper I plus the entirety of Paper II (Maximum Score: 450 Marks).
Structural Allocation:
📝 Paper I – General (Morning Session)
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Tamil Eligibility Test | 100 | 150 | SSLC |
| Part B | General Studies | 75 | (Included in total) | Degree Level |
| Part C | Aptitude & Mental Ability | 25 | (Included in total) | SSLC Level |
| Total | — | 200 | 300 | — |
🧪 Paper II – Specialized Subject (Afternoon Session)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacology & Microbiology |
| Subject Code | 516 |
| Total Questions | 200 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Standard | Degree Level |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
How to Apply: Step-by-Step TNPSC Portal Guide
- One-Time Registration (OTR): Log on to tnpscexams.in and register your basic details by paying a ₹150 fee (OTR is valid for 5 years). Ensure your Aadhaar card is linked to your OTR profile.
- Photograph Specifications: Upload a recent passport-size photograph on a clear white background with your Name and Date of Photography clearly printed at the bottom. Total dimension must be 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm.
- Application Fee: Click on “APPLY” against the Drug Inspector post code and complete the single subject application payment of ₹100 using Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards, or UPI.
- Mandatory Certificates Checklist: Ensure the following certificates are uploaded cleanly to prevent immediate rejection:
- SSLC / HSC Marks Sheets for Age & Tamil Language verification.
- Provisional or Original Degree Certificate in Pharmacy (B.Pharm).
- Mandatory Official Eye Fitness Certificate (Template found in Annexure V of the notification document).
- Community Certificate / PSTM Certificates (if claiming reservations).