DRAP Jobs 2026 | Apply Online for 118 Deputy & Assistant Director Posts

DRAP Jobs 2026 | Apply Online for 118 Deputy & Assistant Director Posts. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has officially announced a massive recruitment drive (Adv. No. 01/2026) for 118+ vacancies, including Deputy Director (RO-13) and Assistant Director (RO-12) roles. This is not just another government job; it is a career-defining opportunity in the regulatory backbone of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sector.
In an era where job security is rare, DRAP offers a prestigious platform under the Ministry of National Health Services. Whether you are a Pharm D graduate, a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a specialist in Biomedical Engineering, Legal Affairs, or HR, this advertisement has a quota specifically for you.
However, competition is fierce. With the entire written screening conducted independently by Candidate Testing Services (CTS), a raw degree is not enough. You need a strategic roadmap. This guide will break down the complex eligibility criteria, decode the hidden syllabus patterns, and provide a step-by-step application walkthrough for the National Job Portal (NJP). We will also look at long-term salary benefits and use AI tools to sharpen your preparation.
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) |
| Sector | Government / Regulatory (Ministry of NHS) |
| Total Vacancies | 118+ |
| Key Posts | Deputy Director (RO-13), Assistant Director (RO-12) |
| Application Portal | National Job Portal (www.njp.gov.pk) |
| Testing Agency | Candidate Testing Services (CTS) – www.cts.org.pk |
| Last Date | Within 15 days of advertisement publication (May 2026) |
| Max Age Limit | 35-40 years (5-year general relaxation already included) |
DRAP Jobs Vacancies List
The recruitment covers Technical, Management, and Legal cadres. Here is the breakdown:
Deputy Director (RO-13):
- Total: 25 Posts (Pharma background required)
Assistant Director (RO-12):
- General Pharmacy: 66 Posts
- Chemist Specialist: 5 Posts
- Microbiologist: 4 Posts
- Biomedical Engineer: 3 Posts
- Biotechnologist: 1 Post
- Management Information (CS/IT): 3 Posts
- Budget & Accounts: 2 Posts
- Legal Affairs: 7 Posts
- Admin, HR & Logistics: 2 Posts
Eligibility Criteria for DRAP Jobs
| Post / Pay Scale | No. of Posts | Required Qualification | Experience Required | Max Age (incl. 5-yr relaxation) | Regional / Provincial Quota |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Director (RO-13) | 25 | Ph.D in Pharmacy or related Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacognosy) | 02 years | 40 years | Merit (1), Punjab Women (10), Punjab Minorities (1), Sindh Rural (2), Sindh Urban (2), KPK (2), Balochistan (2), KPK Ex-FATA (1), AJK (1), Disability (1) |
| M.Phil / Master in Pharmacy or related Pharmaceutical Sciences | 04 years | ||||
| Pharm D / B. Pharmacy | 06 years | ||||
| Assistant Director (RO-12) – General Pharmacy | 66 | Pharm D or B. Pharmacy | Relevant pharma experience preferred | 35 years | Merit (8), Punjab Women (29), Punjab Minorities (4), Sindh Rural (4+2+1+1), Sindh Urban (5+1), KPK (4+2+1), KPK Ex-FATA (3), AJK (2), Disability (2) |
| Assistant Director (RO-12) – Chemist | 05 | 16-year degree in Chemistry or relevant field | Relevant pharma experience preferred | 35 years | Merit (1), Punjab (2), Sindh Rural (1), KPK (1) |
| Assistant Director (RO-12) – Microbiologist | 04 | 16-year degree in Microbiology or relevant field | Relevant pharma experience preferred | 35 years | Punjab (2), Sindh Rural (1), KPK (1) |
| Assistant Director (RO-12) – Biomedical Engineer | 03 | 16-year degree in Biomedical Engineering or relevant field | Relevant pharma experience preferred | 35 years | Punjab (1), Sindh Rural (1), KPK (1) |
| Assistant Director (RO-12) – Biotechnologist | 01 | 16-year degree in Biotechnology or relevant field | Relevant pharma experience preferred | 35 years | Punjab (1) |
| Assistant Director (RO-12) – Management Information | 03 | Master’s in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or equivalent | 03 years subject experience | 35 years | Merit (1), Sindh Rural (1), KPK (1) |
| Assistant Director (RO-12) – Budget & Accounts | 02 | CMA / CA / MBA (Finance) / M.Com / MA Economics | Experience in financial management preferred | 35 years | Merit (1), Sindh Urban (1) |
| Assistant Director (RO-12) – Legal Affairs | 07 | LL.B. with Bar Association membership | 03 years subject experience preferred | 35 years | Merit (1), Punjab (3), Punjab Women (1), Sindh Urban (1), Balochistan (1) |
| Assistant Director (RO-12) – Admin, HR & Logistics | 02 | Master’s in HRM or equivalent / Master (16-year) in Public Administration | 03 years related experience | 35 years | Merit (1), Sindh Urban (1) |
| Category | Basic Education | Experience Required | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Director (Pharma) | Ph.D / M.Phil / Pharm D / B. Pharmacy | 2 to 6 years (varies by degree) | 40 years |
| Assistant Director (Pharma) | Pharm D / B. Pharmacy | Preferred (not mandatory) | 35 years |
| Assistant Director (Subject Specialist) | 16-year degree in Chemistry / Microbiology / Biomedical Eng / Biotech | Preferred | 35 years |
| Assistant Director (IT/MIS) | Master’s in CS / Bioinformatics | Mandatory 03 years | 35 years |
| Assistant Director (Finance) | CMA / CA / MBA Finance / M.Com / MA Econ | Preferred | 35 years |
| Assistant Director (Legal) | LL.B. + Bar Association membership | Preferred 03 years | 35 years |
| Assistant Director (Admin/HR) | Master’s in HRM or MPA | Mandatory 03 years | 35 years |
Important Note
| Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Basic qualification in Pharmacy | Mandatory for Sr. 1 & 2. Without a pharmacy degree, you cannot apply for those posts. |
| HEC Subject Relevancy Certificate | Required if your degree title does not exactly match the listed fields. |
| Age calculation | From the closing date of applications. 5-year general relaxation is already included in the 35/40 figures. |
| Conflict of Interest (Section 18, DRAP Act 2012) | If you or your family have financial/professional interest in pharma business, you are disqualified. |
| NOC for Govt employees | Mandatory at the time of interview. No exception. |
Salary & PPS/BPS Scale
DRAP operates on its own RO (Regulatory Officer) scale system, separate from standard BPS, but comparable to it.
- Deputy Director (RO-13): Equivalent to BS-18/19.
- Estimated Starting Gross: PKR 150,000 – 200,000+ (including allowances).
- Perks: House rent, medical coverage for family, and government vehicle entitlement for field duties.
- Assistant Director (RO-12): Equivalent to BS-17.
- Estimated Starting Gross: PKR 100,000 – 150,000.
While the salary is attractive, taxes and deductions apply. Before accepting an offer, use the Salary Calculator to compute your exact take-home pay in Islamabad. This helps you budget for relocation if you are from Karachi or Lahore.
Also Check: Excise and Taxation Department Punjab Jobs 2026: Apply Online for 198+ Constable Vacancies
Syllabus & Test Pattern
The test is conducted by CTS (Candidate Testing Services). Their pattern is known for being difficult and time-bound. Do not expect simple textbook questions.
Proposed Distribution (70/20/10 Rule):
70% Technical/Subject Knowledge
- Pharmacy Graduates: Pharmacology (drug mechanisms), Pharmaceutical Chemistry (formulations), Drug Laws (DRAP Act 2012, Drug Rules 1976).
- Engineers/Microbiologists: ISO standards, Sterilization techniques, Medical device regulations.
- Legal: Constitutional remedies, Contract Act 1872, Civil Procedure Code.
20% General Ability & IQ
- English (Grammar, Comprehension).
- Basic Maths (Percentages, Ratios, Averages).
- Analytical Reasoning (Syllogisms, Blood relations).
10% Departmental & Current Affairs
- Current Health News: Recent drug recalls (e.g., contaminated syrups issues), WHO updates.
- DRAP Functions: Difference between Registration, Licensing, and Inspection.
Pro-Tip for Pharmacy Grads: Focus on “Post-Marketing Surveillance” and “Adverse Drug Reactions.” These are hot topics in 2026 regulatory science.
Required Documents
At the Time of Online Apply (NJP)
You need scanned copies (JPEG/PDF under 200KB):
- Recent Passport size photograph.
- CNIC (Front & Back).
- Matric & Intermediate Certificates.
- Degree (Pharm D/PhD/MSc).
At the Time of Interview
- NOC (No Objection Certificate): Critical if you work in a Govt/Semi-Govt department. Without this, you cannot sit for the interview.
- HEC Subject Relevancy Certificate: Irrelevant if your degree title is exact, but essential for niche subjects.
- Experience Letters: Must mention “full-time” and job duties.
Technical Preparation Checklist
To ensure your CV doesn’t get rejected for formatting errors, use the Resume Checker before uploading. It scans for ATS-friendly keywords like “GMP,” “Quality Assurance,” and “Regulatory Filing.”
How to Apply for DRAP Jobs?
Step 1: Register on NJP
- Go to www.njp.gov.pk. If you don’t have an account, sign up using your CNIC and mobile number.
Step 2: Find the Advertisement
- Search for “Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan” or “Adv. No. 01/2026”.
Step 3: Fill the Form
- Select your specific quota (e.g., Punjab Women, Sindh Rural, Disability). Crucial: Selecting the wrong quota is the #1 reason for rejection.
Step 4: Pay CTS Fee
- After applying on NJP, you will get a system-generated slip. Pay the fee at any online branch (JazzCash/Easypaisa/1Link) as per CTS schedule.
Step 5: Download Slip
- Visit www.cts.org.pk after 10 days to download your Roll Number Slip.
Critical Instructions for Applicants
Do not skip this section.
- No TA/DA: You pay for your travel to the test center. Plan your budget now.
- Roll Number Slips: Only available on the CTS website (www.ets.org.pk), not on the DRAP website. Save this link.
- The 15-Day Window: The clock starts ticking from the day this newspaper ad was published. Do not wait for the “last date”; NJP servers crash frequently.
- Conflict Declaration: Be honest in the declaration form. Lying about a conflict of interest leads to immediate dismissal years later (as stated in Clause 10).
Official Advertisement

Preparation Strategy & Pro-Tips
Landing a job at DRAP is different from passing a university exam. Here is how to avoid the common traps.
1. The “CTS” Nightmare
CTS tests are known for negative marking and “out-of-syllabus” questions. Last year, many Pharmacy graduates failed because the paper included 20% Biostatistics. Do not just study Pharmacology; brush up on your basic research methodology and math.
2. The Interview is a Viva Voce
The panel includes senior pharmacists and legal advisors. They will ask:
- “Why is Paracetamol suspension recalled if it crystallizes?”
- “What is the difference between NRA and NRFA?”
If you freeze under pressure, build muscle memory. You should Practice Job Interviews with AI to simulate the high-pressure regulatory panel. Practice answering questions about ethical violations and drug pricing.
3. Avoid the “Overqualification” Mistake
If you have a PhD and are applying for Assistant Director, you must demonstrate why. In your cover letter, state clearly: *”Applying for RO-12 to understand grassroots enforcement before moving to policy roles.”* Otherwise, the committee might think you are just waiting for a Grade 20 slot.
4. The Disability & Minority Quotas
DRAP has specific quotas (Disability, Minorities, Women). If you fall under these, your cutoff marks for the test are lower. However, do not rely on this. Often, the competition within the quota is fierce because the number of seats is tiny (e.g., 2 seats for Disabled quota).
Pro-Tip: If you are unsure whether you fit the “Subject Specialist” role (e.g., Chemist vs. Microbiologist), consult the Career Change Advisor tool. It analyzes your transcript and suggests which specific AD position matches your coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a Pharm D graduate eligible for the Assistant Director (Microbiologist) post?
No. Unless your degree specifically states “Microbiology” or you have an HEC Equivalence certificate for that field. The “Subject Specialist” posts require specific degrees in Chemistry, Microbiology, or Engineering. Pharm D graduates should apply for the 66 general Assistant Director (Pharmacy) posts.
The ad says “15 days.” How do I calculate the last date?
Count 15 days starting from the date printed on the newspaper (e.g., May 2nd, 2026). Midnight of the 15th day is the deadline. If the 15th day is a public holiday, the next working day is the deadline, but never risk waiting until then.
Can a candidate from Balochistan apply for a Punjab quota seat?
No. The quota is strictly enforced (Province/Domicile based). A Balochistan candidate can only apply against the Balochistan quota seats mentioned in Column 4. Applying against “Merit” is allowed for any province, but the merit score is usually the highest in the country.
I have 5 years of private pharma sales experience. Is that “relevant” for Deputy Director?
Possibly partial. Relevant experience for DRAP usually means Regulatory Affairs, Quality Control (QC), or Production. Sales and Marketing experience is generally considered less relevant unless you were involved in post-marketing safety monitoring.
What happens if I pass the test but fail the medical exam?
You will be disqualified. DRAP requires a complete medical examination by a DRAP-authorized medical officer. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or color blindness (for lab officers) are often disqualifying.
Is the Assistant Director (RO-12) a gazetted officer post?
Yes. In DRAP, RO-12 and above are generally considered equivalent to gazetted gazetted officers because they hold quasi-judicial powers regarding drug inspections.






