NPPA Latest DPCO Price List 2026
NPPA Latest DPCO Price List 2026
Revised Ceiling Prices of Scheduled Formulations under Drug Price Control Order, 2013
Official Gazette Notification S.O. 1575(E) dated 25.03.2026| Sl. No. | Medicine Name | Dosage Form & Strength | Unit | Ceiling Price (₹) w.e.f. 01.04.2026 |
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Information On DPCO & NPPA
NPPA Revises Medicine Prices: Latest DPCO List 2026 with WPI Adjustment
Effective from April 1, 2026
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has issued a significant order (S.O. 1575(E)) dated March 25, 2026, revising the ceiling prices of 767 scheduled formulations under the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), 2013. This update, published in the Gazette of India, adjusts prices based on the annual Wholesale Price Index (WPI), ensuring that essential medicines remain affordable while accounting for inflation.
Understanding the Key Terms: DPCO and NPPA
If you are searching for the latest medicine price list or trying to understand how to check medicine price in India, it is essential to understand the two key regulators:
What is DPCO in pharma?
The Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) is an order issued by the Government of India under the Essential Commodities Act, empowering the government to fix the ceiling prices of essential drugs.
What is the full form of NPPA?
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is the government body responsible for implementing the DPCO. It sets and revises the NPPA price list to ensure medicines are available at affordable rates.
⚙️ How Does NPPA Fix Drug Prices?
The pricing mechanism is governed by the DPCO, 2013. The NPPA fixes a ceiling price for scheduled formulations (drugs listed in the National List of Essential Medicines, NLEM). This is the maximum price a manufacturer can charge for that medicine, exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST).
For the April 1, 2026 revision, the NPPA applied the annual WPI change to the previous ceiling prices. This ensures that while medicine prices remain controlled, manufacturers can adjust for input cost inflation.
Key Highlights of the NPPA Order (S.O. 1575(E))
- Effective Date: April 1, 2026
- Revision Basis: Annual WPI increase of 0.64956% (for the year 2025 over 2024)
- Scope: 767 scheduled formulations covering a wide range of therapeutic categories, from antibiotics and cardiovascular drugs to anti-cancer and anti-retroviral medicines
Which Drugs Are Under DPCO? (The 2026 List)
One of the most common questions is, "Which drugs are under DPCO?" The table below provides a comprehensive list of medicines included in this latest revision, along with their revised ceiling prices (exclusive of GST).
Is Paracetamol Under Price Control?
Yes, paracetamol is a key scheduled formulation. As per the table below (Sl. No. 569 and 573), the ceiling price for a 500mg paracetamol tablet is fixed at ₹0.93 per tablet, and for 650mg, it is ₹2.05 per tablet (excluding GST). This ensures that this common analgesic remains affordable.
What Are Scheduled Formulations Under DPCO?
Scheduled formulations are drugs listed in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM). This list includes medicines that address the priority healthcare needs of the population. Examples from this notification include:
Anti-infectives
Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin
❤️ Cardiovascular
Amlodipine, Atorvastatin, Metoprolol
Anti-diabetic
Metformin, Glimepiride, Insulin
Anti-cancer
Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Paclitaxel
Anti-retroviral
Abacavir, Tenofovir, Zidovudine
Compliance and Implications for Manufacturers
The notification includes critical notes for pharma pricing policy compliance:
- Ceiling Price vs Retail Price: Manufacturers must ensure their retail price (MRP) does not exceed the notified ceiling price plus applicable GST.
- Anti-profiteering in pharma: If a manufacturer is selling at a price lower than the notified ceiling price, they can revise it upwards based on the WPI. However, if they are selling above the new ceiling price, they must reduce it immediately.
- Form V Filing: Manufacturers must issue a price list in Form V to the NPPA, State Drug Controllers, and dealers via the IPDMS portal.
How to Check Medicine Price in India
To check if a specific essential medicine price is regulated:
- Visit the NPPA Website: The official website hosts the NPPA ceiling price list download section.
- Search by Generic Name: Look for the generic name of your medicine (e.g., "Atorvastatin") in the "Scheduled Formulations" list.
- Cross-check MRP: Compare the MRP on your medicine strip with the notified ceiling price (plus GST). If the MRP is higher, it may be a violation of the DPCO.
Conclusion
The NPPA's latest order for 2026 demonstrates the government's commitment to balancing affordability and market dynamics through a structured price negotiation for medicines process. By revising prices based on the WPI, the authority ensures that generic medicine price control remains effective and sustainable. For consumers and healthcare professionals, this essential medicine list serves as a crucial reference for ensuring fair pricing.