UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Union Health Ministry Expands QR Code-Based Drug Traceability Framework to Vaccines, Antimicrobials and Anti-Cancer Medicines

Q1. With reference to the Schedule H2 QR/Bar-Code framework for drugs in India, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Schedule H2 is part of the Drugs Rules, 1945.
  2. The Bar Code or QR Code is to be affixed on the primary packaging label, or on the secondary package label where space is inadequate.
  3. Schedule H2 was first applied to the top 300 brands of drug formulations with effect from 1 August 2023.
  4. Schedule H2 derives its statutory authority from the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. In the context of India's QR-code-based drug traceability regime expanded in June 2026, what does 'Schedule H2' of the Drugs Rules, 1945 exclusively prescribe?

  • A. Mandatory affixation of a Bar Code or Quick Response (QR) Code on the packaging label of specified drugs to enable authentication and track-and-trace
  • B. That the listed drugs may be sold only against the prescription of a registered medical practitioner, with no technology mandate
  • C. Maintenance of a separate register recording sale details of specified third-generation antibiotics and habit-forming drugs for three years
  • D. A complete prohibition on the manufacture, sale and distribution of the listed drugs except under a special central licence

Q3. The June 2026 amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945 brought how many new categories of drugs under the Schedule H2 QR/Bar-Code traceability mandate?

  • A. Two
  • B. Three
  • C. Four
  • D. Five

Q4. With reference to the schedules under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, consider the following: 1. Schedule H1 — covers certain third- and fourth-generation antibiotics and anti-TB drugs whose retail supply must be recorded in a register maintained for three years. 2. Schedule H2 — provides for Bar Code or QR Code based authentication of drugs through their packaging. 3. Schedule X — lists drugs that may be sold over the counter without the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner. 4. Schedule H1 — was created as a schedule under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. Schedule H1 — covers certain third- and fourth-generation antibiotics and anti-TB drugs whose retail supply must be recorded in a register maintained for three years.
  2. Schedule H2 — provides for Bar Code or QR Code based authentication of drugs through their packaging.
  3. Schedule X — lists drugs that may be sold over the counter without the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.
  4. Schedule H1 — was created as a schedule under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 1, 3 and 4
  • D. 3 only

Q5. With reference to the distinctions between schedules under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, consider the following statements: 1. Unlike an ordinary Schedule H drug, a Schedule H1 drug requires its supply to be entered in a separate register maintained for three years. 2. Both Schedule H and Schedule X drugs can be sold by retail only on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner. 3. Schedule H1, unlike Schedule H2, mandates affixation of a QR Code or Bar Code on every drug's packaging for track-and-trace. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Unlike an ordinary Schedule H drug, a Schedule H1 drug requires its supply to be entered in a separate register maintained for three years.
  2. Both Schedule H and Schedule X drugs can be sold by retail only on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.
  3. Schedule H1, unlike Schedule H2, mandates affixation of a QR Code or Bar Code on every drug's packaging for track-and-trace.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q6. As per the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), how many zonal offices does it operate across the country?

  • A. Four
  • B. Six
  • C. Seven
  • D. Thirteen

Q7. Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which one of the following is the highest statutory body advising the Central and State Governments on technical matters relating to drugs?

  • A. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
  • B. Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC)
  • C. Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)
  • D. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)

Q8. The gazette notification amending the Drugs Rules, 1945 to extend the Schedule H2 QR/bar-code authentication mandate to vaccines, antimicrobials and anti-cancer medicines was issued by which one of the following?

  • A. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  • B. Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
  • C. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • D. Ministry of Science and Technology

Q9. Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, the term 'controlled substance' most precisely refers to which one of the following?

  • A. A substance declared by the Central Government, by notification, on account of its possible use in the production or manufacture of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances (i.e. a precursor)
  • B. Any natural opium-derived alkaloid listed in the Schedule to the Act
  • C. A psychotropic substance possessed in a quantity less than the notified 'small quantity'
  • D. Any drug whose sale requires a prescription from a registered medical practitioner

Q10. In which year did the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act — the statute that classifies the NDPS-controlled drugs now brought under the QR-code traceability mandate — receive the assent of the President?

  • A. 1985
  • B. 1940
  • C. 1988
  • D. 1994

Q11. Which body functions as the National Coordinating Centre for antimicrobial resistance surveillance and operationalises the National AMR Surveillance Network (NARS-Net) under India's National Action Plan on AMR?

  • A. National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
  • B. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
  • C. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
  • D. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)

Q12. India's National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2.0, launched by the Union Health Minister during World AMR Awareness Week 2025, covers which of the following periods?

  • A. 2025–2029
  • B. 2024–2028
  • C. 2025–2030
  • D. 2023–2027