Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 – Complete Schedules (A–Y) with Mnemonics
By Arvind Sharma, B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Assistant Professor, MUIT
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 – All Schedules Summary
As per D. Pharm syllabus | Explained with Easy Mnemonics & Examples
What is a Schedule?
A Schedule is an annexure or appendix to the Act/Rules that contains detailed classifications, standards, and requirements for drugs, cosmetics, and related regulatory controls.
There are 30 Schedules (A to Y) under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
Important Schedules You Must Know (D.Pharm Level)
Schedule A – Forms
All types of licensing and application forms
Trick: “A for Application”
Schedule B – Fees
Government lab testing fees for analysis of drugs
Trick: “B for Bill (Fees)”
Schedule C & C1 – Biological & Special Products
Covers vaccines, sera, toxins, insulin, antibiotics
Trick: “C for Cold-chain products” (need refrigeration)
Schedule D – Exemptions
Drugs exempted from certain provisions (e.g. imports)
Trick: “D for Duty-Free/Drop Rules”
Schedule E1 – Poisonous Substances
Contains list of Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani (ASU) poisonous drugs
Trick: “E for Evil (Toxic)”
Schedule F – Blood & Biological Standards
Deals with blood banks, vaccines & surgical dressings
Trick: “F for Fluid (Blood)”
Schedule G – Prescription Drugs
Drugs that require medical supervision
Label: “Caution: It is dangerous to take this preparation except under medical supervision”
Trick: “G for Guidance Needed”
Schedule H – Prescription-Only Drugs
Sale only on prescription of RMP
Must have "Rx" label
Trick: “H for Hospital drugs”
Schedule H1 – Antibiotic & Controlled Drugs
Stronger version of H – Includes 3rd gen. antibiotics, anti-TB drugs
Requires prescription + register entry + red warning box
Trick: “H1 = H + 1 extra rule”
Schedule X – Narcotics & Psychotropics
High abuse potential – e.g. Pentazocine, Amphetamines
Requires special license, storage (lock & key), record
Trick: “X = eXtreme control”
Schedule M – GMP Guidelines
Covers Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
For manufacturing units – hygiene, air quality, equipment
Trick: “M for Manufacturing Standards”
Schedule N – Equipment List for Pharmacy
Minimum equipment required in a pharmacy
Trick: “N for Necessities of shop”
Schedule P – Shelf Life/Expiry
Specifies expiry periods of drugs
Trick: “P for Period of expiry”
Schedule R – Surgical Dressings
Rules for sterile dressings, bandages, cotton
Trick: “R for Roll bandages”
Schedule Y – Clinical Trials
Rules for clinical trials, ethics committee, approval
Trick: “Y for Yes/No in clinical research”
Quick Revision Table – Key Schedules Mnemonic
| Schedule | Description | Mnemonic Clue |
|---|---|---|
| A | Forms & formats | A for Application |
| B | Lab testing fees | B for Bill |
| C | Biological products (e.g., vaccines) | C for Cold chain |
| C1 | Special biologicals (e.g., insulin, sera) | C1 for Critical |
| D | Exemptions (import/export, foreign companies) | D for Duty-free |
| E1 | ASU system poisonous substances | E for Evil |
| F | Standards for blood banks, vaccines | F for Fluids |
| F1 | Blood storage rules for hospitals | F1 = First aid fluid storage |
| G | Drugs requiring medical supervision | G for Guidance |
| H | Prescription-only drugs | H for Hospital Rx |
| H1 | Antibiotics, anti-TB (strict control) | H1 = H + 1 (extra rule) |
| I | Omitted | |
| J | Omitted | |
| K | Exemptions for specific drugs/conditions | K for Kind Exemption |
| L | Standards for cosmetics | L for Lipstick/Lotion |
| M | GMP for manufacturing units | M for Manufacturing |
| M1 | GMP for Homeopathic drugs | M1 = Manufacturing 1 (homeopathy) |
| N | Equipment required for retail pharmacy | N for Need list |
| O | Omitted | |
| P | Shelf life/expiry periods of drugs | P for Period |
| Q | Standards for hair dyes | Q for Queer colors (dye) |
| R | Standards for surgical dressings | R for Rolls (bandages) |
| S | Standards for cosmetics under BIS | S for Skin products |
| T | Standards for disinfectants & insecticides | T for Termite killers |
| U | Particulars for manufacturing records | U for Updates in records |
| V | Particulars for testing records | V for Verification logs |
| W | Omitted | |
| X | Narcotic/psychotropic drugs (high control) | X for eXtreme drugs |
| Y | Clinical trials, ethics, approval | Y for Yes/No research |
Conclusion:
These Schedules under the D&C Act ensure:
- Safe manufacture, sale, and use of drugs
- Protection of public health
- Clear regulatory framework for pharmacists
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