The CDSCO Recruitment 2026 notification has been released for the post of Research Assistant (Pharmacognosy) at the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL), Kolkata. The position is a Group B, Non-Gazetted post in Pay Level-7 (₹44,900–₹1,42,400). Eligible candidates have to apply through the proper channel within the prescribed period.
For pharmacy and Pharmacognosy professionals looking for opportunities associated with India’s drug regulatory system, this recruitment notification is worth checking carefully.
Important: This is a deputation-based recruitment (including Short Term Contract) and should not be confused with a regular direct recruitment vacancy.
Quick Summary
CDSCO Recruitment 2026 is for one Research Assistant (Pharmacognosy) post at Central Drugs Laboratory, Kolkata. The post carries Pay Level-7 (₹44,900–₹1,42,400) and is being filled through deputation, including short-term contract. Applications must be submitted through the proper channel within 60 days from publication in Employment News.
CDSCO Recruitment 2026 Overview
Here are the major details of the CDSCO Research Assistant vacancy:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) |
| Department | Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
| Post Name | Research Assistant (Pharmacognosy) |
| Number of Posts | 01 |
| Classification | Group B, Non-Gazetted |
| Pay Level | Level-7 |
| Pay Scale | ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 |
| Place of Posting | Central Drugs Laboratory, Kolkata |
| Recruitment Method | Deputation |
| Short Term Contract | Included as per notification |
| Advertisement Date | 31 August 2026 |
| Application Mode | Through proper channel |
The notification was issued by CDSCO under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
CDSCO Vacancy Details 2026
According to Annexure-I of the notification, CDSCO is filling one post of Research Assistant (Pharmacognosy) at the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kolkata.
| Post | Vacancy | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Research Assistant (Pharmacognosy) | 01 | CDL, Kolkata |
Candidates should note that this is not an open direct-recruitment notification for freshers. The prescribed method of recruitment is deputation.
CDSCO Research Assistant Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is one of the most important parts of this notification.
According to Annexure-I, officers under the Central Government holding analogous posts, or officers meeting the prescribed regular-service requirements and possessing the educational qualifications prescribed for direct recruits, may be considered. The notification also states that a departmental Assistant Pharmacognocist with the specified regular service may be considered.
Educational Qualification
The supplied notification refers to the educational qualifications laid down for direct recruits in the applicable Recruitment Rules, but the specific degree/subject-wise educational qualification is not clearly reproduced in the provided vacancy details.
Therefore:
Educational Qualification: Not mentioned in detail in the official notification provided.
Candidates should verify the applicable Recruitment Rules/official CDSCO information before applying rather than assuming eligibility solely on the basis of a pharmacy degree.
Experience
The notification specifies eligibility in terms of government service/deputation requirements. It refers to officers holding analogous posts or officers with the prescribed regular service, and also mentions a departmental Assistant Pharmacognocist with 5 years’ regular service in the grade.
Candidates should match their individual service profile with the official Recruitment Rules before submitting the application.
CDSCO Research Assistant Age Limit 2026
Age Limit: Not mentioned in the supplied official notification details.
The main advertisement states that eligibility criteria, job requirements and age-limit-related requirements are to be considered as per the applicable Recruitment Rules attached/referred to in the notification.
Candidates should rely on the applicable official Recruitment Rules for the final age eligibility.
CDSCO Research Assistant Salary 2026
The Research Assistant (Pharmacognosy) position is placed in Pay Level-7.
| Salary Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level-7 |
| Pay Scale | ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 |
| Post Category | Group B, Non-Gazetted |
The official notification states that the pay and other terms and conditions of deputation, including short-term contract, will be regulated according to applicable DoPT orders as amended from time to time.
Recruitment Method and Deputation Period
The prescribed recruitment method is Deputation. The notification also refers to deputation including short-term contract.
Annexure-I states that the period of deputation shall ordinarily not exceed three years.
This distinction is important for applicants: the notification is primarily aimed at candidates who satisfy the relevant service and deputation conditions rather than candidates seeking an ordinary entry-level direct recruitment opportunity.
Selection Process
The notification does not provide a conventional written-examination or interview-based selection scheme.
Detailed Selection Process: Not mentioned in the official notification.
However, the prescribed application form states that the candidate’s information relating to essential qualifications and work experience, supported by relevant documents, will be assessed by the Selection Committee at the time of selection.
Therefore, candidates should ensure that all service records, qualifications, experience and supporting documents are complete and accurate.
Documents Required for CDSCO Recruitment 2026
Candidates need to submit the prescribed application along with the required supporting records. The notification lists documents including:
- Application in the prescribed Annexure-II format, duly filled and signed and countersigned by the Cadre/Appointing Authority.
- Attested copies of APARs/ACRs for the last five years.
- Integrity Certificate.
- Vigilance Clearance Certificate.
- Statement regarding major or minor penalties, if any, imposed during the last 10 years.
- Certificate confirming that the candidate’s particulars have been verified against service records.
- Cadre Clearance Certificate.
The notification clearly warns that an incomplete application or an application without the prescribed documents may be summarily rejected.
How to Apply for CDSCO Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates should apply offline through the proper channel using the prescribed Bio-Data/Curriculum Vitae proforma given in Annexure-II.
The application with full Bio-Data and supporting documents should be sent to:
Deputy Director (Admn.)
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road
New Delhi – 110002
The application must reach the authority within 60 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in Employment News.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Read the complete CDSCO vacancy notification and applicable Recruitment Rules.
- Confirm that you meet the deputation and qualification requirements.
- Fill out the prescribed Annexure-II Bio-Data/CV proforma.
- Enter qualification, service history and relevant work experience accurately.
- Attach the required APAR/ACR and clearance documents.
- Get the application forwarded/countersigned through the appropriate authority.
- Submit it through the proper channel to the CDSCO address given above.
- Ensure that the application reaches CDSCO within the prescribed deadline.
The Annexure-II form asks candidates to provide educational qualifications, essential/desirable qualifications and experience, employment history, nature of duties and other relevant service information.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Date | 31 August 2026 |
| Employment News Issue | 29 August–4 September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | Within 60 days from publication in Employment News |
The advertisement itself specifies the 60-day application window, so applicants should calculate and verify the applicable closing date from the official Employment News publication rather than relying on an assumed date.
Why Should Pharmacy Candidates Check This Opportunity?
This vacancy is particularly relevant to professionals whose qualifications and experience align with Pharmacognosy and who also satisfy the prescribed deputation/service conditions.
The role is located at the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kolkata, under CDSCO and carries Pay Level-7. For eligible professionals working within the applicable government/service framework, it may provide an opportunity to work in an organization connected with India’s drug regulatory and laboratory system.
However, B.Pharm, D.Pharm or M.Pharm students and fresh graduates should not assume they are eligible merely because the post relates to Pharmacognosy. The recruitment is on deputation and candidates must satisfy the official service and Recruitment Rule conditions.
Important Links
| Link | Purpose |
|---|---|
| CDSCO Official Website | Check official recruitment information and updates |
| Official Recruitment Notification/PDF | Read complete notification and application format |
| GDC Classes | Pharmacy job, exam and recruitment updates |
Note for WordPress admin: Add the actual official URLs to the table while publishing. Do not link to an unofficial copy of the notification when an official source is available.
CDSCO Recruitment 2026 FAQs
1. What is CDSCO Recruitment 2026 for?
This notification is for the recruitment of Research Assistant (Pharmacognosy) at the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kolkata, on deputation basis, including short-term contract as applicable.
2. How many vacancies are available?
There is one vacancy for Research Assistant (Pharmacognosy).
3. What is the salary for CDSCO Research Assistant?
The post carries Pay Level-7 with a pay scale of ₹44,900–₹1,42,400.
4. Where is the CDSCO Research Assistant vacancy located?
The post is at the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL), Kolkata.
5. Is CDSCO Research Assistant Recruitment 2026 a direct recruitment?
No. The notification specifies the method of recruitment as Deputation, with the main advertisement also referring to deputation including short-term contract.
6. Can fresh B.Pharm or M.Pharm graduates apply?
The notification is for deputation-based recruitment and contains specific service conditions. Therefore, fresh graduates should not assume eligibility based only on their pharmacy qualification. Eligibility must be checked against the official deputation requirements and applicable Recruitment Rules.
7. What is the last date to apply for CDSCO Recruitment 2026?
Applications must be submitted within 60 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in Employment News.
8. Where should the application be sent?
The application should be sent through the proper channel to the Deputy Director (Admn.), CDSCO, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi – 110002.
Conclusion
The CDSCO Recruitment 2026 notification offers one Research Assistant (Pharmacognosy) position at the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kolkata. The post is classified as Group B, Non-Gazetted and carries Pay Level-7 (₹44,900–₹1,42,400).
Eligible candidates should carefully check the deputation conditions and applicable Recruitment Rules, prepare the prescribed Annexure-II application form, attach all required documents and submit the application through the proper channel within the stipulated period.
For more pharmacy government job updates, pharmacist recruitment notifications, Drug Inspector preparation, GPAT resources and pharmacy competitive exam updates, candidates can regularly follow GDC Classes.
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