FSSAI Central Food Safety Officer (CFSO) & Technical Officer 2026: Official Notification, Pattern, Syllabus & Mock Tests
National recruitment conducted by FSSAI for Central Food Safety Officers (CFSO) and Technical Officers across its headquarters, national food laboratories, and import inspection ports.
Examination Overview
National recruitment conducted by FSSAI for Central Food Safety Officers (CFSO) and Technical Officers across its headquarters, national food laboratories, and import inspection ports.
| Exam Name | FSSAI Central Food Safety Officer (CFSO) & Technical Officer |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Periodic |
| Mode of Examination | Computer Based Test (CBT) / Written Examination |
| Language of Exam | English, Hindi & State Regional Languages |
| Official Website | https://fssai.gov.in/ ↗ |
Important Dates & Events
Timeline confirmed from official notices issued by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
| Event / Milestone | Important Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Notification Announcement | Periodic Cycle |
| Stage-1 CBT Examination | Scheduled pan India |
| Stage-2 CBT Examination | Post Stage-1 Results |
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Stage-1 CBT: 120 Questions, 480 Marks, 180 Minutes (General Aptitude 40 Qs, Functional Knowledge & Food Safety Act 80 Qs. 4 marks per correct answer, -1 per wrong answer). Followed by Stage-2 CBT in relevant technical specializations.
| Examination Parameter | Scheme Details | Remarks / Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| Question Format | Multiple Choice Questions (Objective MCQs) | 4 or 5 options per question |
| Evaluation Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) / Offline OMR Sheet | Centralized Evaluation System |
| Negative Marking Scheme | Standard 1/3rd or 1/4th negative deduction | Penalized for incorrect responses |
| Language Medium | Bilingual (English & Hindi) + Regional State Languages | Language toggle available in CBT |
| Normalization | Equipercentile or Percentile method across shifts | Multi-shift normalization applied |
Selection Process & Stages
Candidate progression through sequential recruitment tiers:
Preliminary / Tier 1 Examination
Comprehensive objective screening test covering core aptitude, reasoning, general knowledge and language skills.
Mains / Tier 2 / Skill Test
Advanced written assessment or post-specific technical/descriptive examination determining the final merit order.
Document Verification & Medical
Scrutiny of original certificates, category credentials, age proofs and required medical fitness examination.
Eligibility Criteria (Age & Educational Qualification)
Degree in Food Technology / Dairy Technology / Biotechnology / Oil Technology / Agricultural Science / Veterinary Sciences / Bio-Chemistry / Microbiology or Master's Degree in Chemistry. Age Limit: Up to 30 years.
| Parameter | Eligibility Condition | Relaxation Norms |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Criteria | Degree in Food Technology / Dairy Technology / Biotechnology / Oil Technology / Agricultural Science / Veterinary Sciences / Bio-Chemistry / Microbiology or Master's Degree in Chemistry. Age Limit: Up to 30 years. | Recognized Board / University required |
| Age Requirement | As specified in official notification (General Category) | SC/ST: +5 Years | OBC: +3 Years | PwD: +10 Years |
| Citizenship | Citizen of India | Subject of Nepal/Bhutan as per Central/State rules |
| Language Proficiency | Regional / English & Hindi working knowledge | Applicable as per State / National jurisdiction |
Detailed Syllabus by Subject
General Intelligence, Computer Literacy, English Language, Indian & International Food Laws, FSSAI Role & Functions, Principles of Food Preservation, Processing, Packaging, Microbiology, and Hygiene.
📖 General Studies & Current Affairs
- Current National & International Events
- Indian History & Freedom Struggle
- Indian & World Geography
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Indian Polity, Constitution & Governance
- Basic Economic Concepts & Budget Highlights
🔢 Quantitative & Numerical Aptitude
- Simplification, Number System, HCF & LCM
- Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar & Pie Charts)
🧩 Reasoning & Mental Ability
- Analogies, Classification & Series Completion
- Coding-Decoding & Blood Relations
- Direction Sense Test & Ranking Order
- Syllogisms, Statements & Assumptions
- Non-Verbal Reasoning & Figure Counting
📝 Language Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension Passages
- Vocabulary, Synonyms & Antonyms
- Grammar, Error Spotting & Sentence Correction
- Cloze Test, Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitutions & Spelling Check
Preparation Strategy & Cut-Off Trends
Historical scoring benchmarks and safe score targets for FSSAI Central Food Safety Officer (CFSO) & Technical Officer based on competitive trends:
| Category | Safe Target Percentage | Preparation Focus | Benchmark Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 75% - 82% | Speed + Negative Control in Reasoning & Quant | 90%+ Accuracy |
| OBC / EWS | 70% - 76% | High Scoring in Current Affairs & Language | 88%+ Accuracy |
| SC / ST | 62% - 70% | Syllabus Coverage & Previous Year Papers | 85%+ Accuracy |
| PwD / Ex-SM | 55% - 65% | Sectional Cut-Off clearance + Accuracy | 82%+ Accuracy |
Official Mock Test Series & CBT Practice
Practice full-length CBT tests matching the exact FSSAI CFSO pattern with bilingual questions and instant rank analysis.
20 Full-Length Mock Tests Series
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Start Free Starter Mock 1 →2027 Official Practice Series & Question Bank
2027 CYCLE READYTargeted subject-wise and topic-wise practice series for FSSAI Central Food Safety Officer (CFSO) & Technical Officer. Featuring expected question predictions, pattern mastery, and instant step-by-step CBT solutions.
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