The purpose of present study was to develop chemically cross‐linked chitosan‐co‐poly(AMPS) hydrogel for pH‐responsive and controlled delivery of valsartan. Hydrogels were synthesized using the free radical polymerization technique. A polymer (high molecular weight chitosan) was chemically cross‐linked with monomer (2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS)) in aqueous medium. NʹNʹ‐Methylenebisacrylamide was used as a cross‐linker. Sodium hydrogen sulfite and ammonium peroxodisulfate were used as initiators. Drug loading was performed with valsartan as a model drug. Characterization of hydrogels was performed by SEM, FTIR, and DSC. Hydrogels were evaluated for pH‐responsive behavior by the equilibrium swelling ratio and swelling dynamics at low and high pH. The developed cross‐linked network showed pH‐dependent drug release characteristics. Maximum swelling, drug loading, and release have been observed at pH 7.4. It is concluded that highly stable chitosan and AMPS‐based polymeric matrices are developed. These polymeric matrices have potential to be used as a carrier for controlled delivery of valsartan.