Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) conducts common examination for the post of drug inspector. Candidates having graduation in Pharmacy/ Pharmaceutical Drugs/ Microbiology from a recognized University are eligible to apply for the exam. The exam will have objective type questions. Candidates are required to obtain a minimum of 40 % marks to qualify the exam. Final selection of the candidates will be based on their rank in the merit list against the vacancies.

Syllabus for APPSC Drug Inspector Exam

There will be a total of 300 questions in this examination. The examination is conducted in two sections. The first section consists of 150 questions from General Studies and Mental Ability for a maximum mark of 150. Questions will be asked from Contemporary developments in Science and Technology, Current Affairs, History of India with a focus on Andhra Pradesh, World Geography, Indian Economy, Mental Ability and Logical reasoning and Inferences.  Maximum time limit for this section is 150 minutes.

Second section comprises of 150 questions from subject paper for a maximum of 300 marks. Duration of this test is 150 minutes. Questions will be asked from the following topics.

• Sources of drugs
• Preparation of Infusions, Decoctions, Tinctures, Solutions
• Posology: Calculation of dosage for infants, children adults and elderly persons
• Brief outline of communicable diseases and their prevention
• First Aid: Emergency treatment of shock, snake-bites
• Classification of microbes their structure and identification
• Contamination of pharmaceuticals in hospital
• Sterilization: Definition, types, procedure and testing.
• Definition and types of incompatibilities
• Salient features of Drugs and Cosmetics Act
• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic substances Act

Reference books for APPSC Drug Inspector Exam

Books on General Studies

• Arihant IAS UPSC Civil Services (Pre) Chapter wise & Explanatory General Studies by Shiv Raj Singh
• Jawahar Concise Handbook of Geography of India for IAS & PCS General Studies Main Examinations
• Unique Quintessence of General Studies by J K Chopra
• S.Chand General Knowledge Digest and General Studies

Books on Mental Ability

• Ramesh General Intelligence Test/Mental Ability Test by by RPH Editorial Board
• Ramesh Mental Ability Test by Manoj Kr. Singh

Books on Subject Paper

• Handbook on Injectable drugs by L. A. Trissel
• Ophthalmic Drug Delivery System by Marcel Dekker
• Controlled Drug Delivery: Fundamentals and Applications by Robinson, J.R. Lee
• A Global History of Narcotics
• Profiles in Drug Synthesis by Gogate

Aspirants require thorough preparation to qualify the examination. Candidates can refer to previous question papers available from the internet. A minimum of 40% marks is required to qualify the written exam.