CDSCO Recruitment 2026: Apply Offline for 14 Drugs Controller Posts in Medical Devices Vertical

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has issued an official vacancy circular (No. Admin-11011(13)/2/2024-eoffice, dated 21-10-2026) for filling up 14 Group ‘A’ Gazetted Posts on a deputation (including short-term contract) basis. These senior-level regulatory positions are specifically allocated to the newly strengthened Medical Devices Vertical at CDSCO Headquarters, New Delhi.

The advertised openings comprise 01 post of Additional Drugs Controller (I), 04 posts of Joint Drugs Controller (I), and 09 posts of Deputy Drugs Controller (I). Qualified and willing officers currently serving under Central Government, State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, Recognized Research Institutions, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and Autonomous or Statutory Organizations can submit their applications through the proper administrative channel within 45 days from the date of publication of the vacancy advertisement in the Employment News.

Selected officers will be placed in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix ranging from Level 12 (Rs. 78,800 – Rs. 2,09,200/-) to Level 13A (Rs. 1,31,100 – Rs. 2,16,600/-) along with central deputation allowances as applicable. Below is the comprehensive guide covering the vacancy breakup, service eligibility, pay scale, required certificates, and the offline application submission procedure.

CDSCO Recruitment 2026 Highlights

CDSCO Recruitment 2026 Important Dates

CDSCO Vacancy Details 2026

Eligibility Criteria & Service Conditions

1. Eligible Source Cadres

• Officers serving under the Central Government, State Governments, or Union Territory Administrations.
• Officers working in Recognized Public Research Institutions, Universities, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), or Semi-Government / Autonomous / Statutory Bodies.
• Candidates must hold analogous posts on a regular basis in their parent cadre or department, or must have completed the required qualifying years of regular service in the preceding pay levels as specified in Annexure-I.

2. Educational Qualification & Specialization

• Relevant Technical Fields: Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Medical Devices Technology, Biotechnology, Mechanical/Electronics/Electrical/Instrumentation Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, or relevant Life Sciences from a recognized university.
• Professional Experience: Documented experience in regulatory affairs, clinical evaluation, standardisation, manufacturing inspection, testing, or quality management of medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics, or pharmaceuticals.

3. Age Limit for Deputation

In accordance with standard DoPT (Department of Personnel and Training) guidelines, the maximum age limit for appointment by deputation (including short-term contract) shall not exceed 56 years as on the closing date of receipt of applications.

Pay Scale & 7th CPC Emoluments

Selected officers will receive pay and allowances as per the 7th Central Pay Commission recommendations, along with deputation allowance and other central benefits:

• Additional Drugs Controller (I): Pay Level 13A (Rs. 1,31,100 – Rs. 2,16,600/-).
• Joint Drugs Controller (I): Pay Level 13 (Rs. 1,23,100 – Rs. 2,15,900/-).
• Deputy Drugs Controller (I): Pay Level 12 (Rs. 78,800 – Rs. 2,09,200/-).
• Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TPTA), and Deputation (Duty) Allowance as admissible under Central Government rules.

Selection Process

The appointment to these Group ‘A’ posts will be finalized through an administrative and technical selection mechanism:

1. Cadre Clearance & Scrutiny: Verification of administrative eligibility, vigilance status, and required service tenure in the parent department.
2. Evaluation of APARs: In-depth assessment of the officer’s Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs / ACRs) for the preceding five (05) years.
3. Personal Interaction / Committee Review: Review and personal interaction conducted by the designated High-Level Selection Committee constituted under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

How to Apply Offline for CDSCO Recruitment 2026?

Eligible and willing officers must route their applications through their respective Cadre Controlling Authority. Direct advance applications without forwarding endorsement will not be accepted. Follow these steps:

1. Download Circular & Bio-Data Proforma: Visit the official CDSCO portal (cdsco.gov.in) and download the Detailed Advertisement and Bio-data Form (Annexure-I).
2. Complete the Bio-Data: Fill out the prescribed proforma in typewritten or neat block letters, providing full details of educational credentials, cadre history, pay scale, and regulatory experience.
3. Attach Supporting Certificates: Attach self-attested photocopies of academic degrees, experience letters, and date of birth proof.
4. Submit to Parent Employer: Hand over the completed dossier to your Head of Department / Cadre Controlling Authority for official verification and endorsement.
5. Dispatch to CDSCO Headquarters: The parent authority must forward the duly authenticated application dossier to the address specified below within 45 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in the Employment News.

Postal Address for Submission:

Deputy Director Admn. (Drugs),
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO HQ),
FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi – 110002.

Documents Required to be Forwarded Through Proper Channel

The application packet forwarded by the parent department must include the following mandatory documents:

• Duly completed and signed Bio-data / Curriculum Vitae proforma.
• Attested photocopies of APARs / ACRs for the last five (05) years, with each page attested by an officer not below the rank of Under Secretary to the Government of India or equivalent.
• Cadre Clearance Certificate from the parent administrative department.
• Vigilance Clearance Certificate confirming that no disciplinary case or criminal proceeding is pending or contemplated against the officer.
• Integrity Certificate issued by the competent authority.
• Statement of Major / Minor Penalties imposed upon the officer during the last 10 years (or a ‘Nil’ penalty certificate).

Important Links

Conclusion

The CDSCO Recruitment 2026 offers an exceptional deputation opportunity for seasoned regulatory, biomedical, and pharmaceutical professionals serving in government departments, PSUs, and public research institutes. With 14 senior-level Group ‘A’ openings across Additional, Joint, and Deputy Drugs Controller cadres in the expanding Medical Devices Vertical, officers can make significant contributions to India’s medical technology and healthcare regulatory landscape.

Prospective applicants should ensure that their applications, complete with 5-year APARs, vigilance clearances, and integrity certificates, are routed through their parent cadre controlling authorities and reach the CDSCO Headquarters, FDA Bhawan, New Delhi well before the 45-day deadline.

Disclaimer: This recruitment article is compiled based on the official vacancy circular (No. Admin-11011(13)/2/2024-eoffice) issued by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation for informational purposes. Officers must refer to the official CDSCO website (cdsco.gov.in) and the Employment News notification for detailed Annexure-I terms and prescribed proforma before applying.