1. FSSAI CFSO Recruitment 2025-26 — Overview
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducts recruitment for Central Food Safety Officers (CFSO), Technical Officers, Assistants and other Group A, B and C posts. FSSAI CFSO Recruitment 2025-26 is one of the most sought-after government exams for food technology, food science, biotechnology, microbiology, and life science graduates in India.
The recruitment is conducted through a national-level online written exam followed by document verification and a medical examination. Selected candidates are posted across India as Central government employees under FSSAI.
| Recruiting Body | Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) |
| Post Name | Central Food Safety Officer (CFSO), Technical Officer, Assistant |
| Vacancies | Expected 200+ across posts (2025-26 cycle) |
| Selection Process | Online Exam → Document Verification → Medical Exam |
| Job Location | Pan India |
| Official Website | fssai.gov.in |
2. Posts & Expected Vacancies
FSSAI regularly recruits across multiple technical and administrative posts. Based on previous cycles, the 2025-26 notification is expected to cover:
- Central Food Safety Officer (CFSO) — technical Group B post
- Technical Officer — Group A technical post
- Food Analyst — laboratory-focused technical role
- Assistant / Administrative Officer — Group B
- Personal Assistant, Hindi Translator and support staff
3. Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a degree in one of the following (or equivalent from a recognised university):
- Food Technology
- Dairy Technology
- Biotechnology
- Oil Technology
- Agricultural Sciences
- Veterinary Sciences
- Bio-Chemistry / Microbiology
- Master's in Chemistry
- Degree in Medicine
Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum 30 years as on the notification cut-off date. Age relaxation applies as per Government of India norms:
- • OBC — 3 years
- • SC / ST — 5 years
- • PwBD — 10 years (additional)
- • Ex-Servicemen — as per rules
Nationality
Must be a citizen of India.
4. FSSAI Food Inspector / CFSO Salary Structure
FSSAI CFSO and Technical Officer posts fall under the 7th Pay Commission Level 7 pay matrix. Here's the full breakdown of the food inspector salary in India:
| Pay Level | Level 7 (7th CPC) |
| Basic Pay | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~46% of basic (revised twice a year) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 8% – 24% depending on city class |
| Transport Allowance | ₹3,600 – ₹7,200 |
| Gross Salary (approx.) | ₹65,000 – ₹80,000 per month |
| In-hand Salary | ₹58,000 – ₹72,000 per month |
Additional perks: pension under NPS, medical benefits, LTC, gratuity, and career progression to senior technical grades.
5. Important Exam Dates 2025-26
| Notification Release | Expected Q4 2025 |
| Online Application Start | To be announced |
| Application Last Date | Typically 30 days from release |
| Admit Card Release | ~2 weeks before exam |
| Written Exam (Tier 1) | Expected early 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 4–6 weeks post exam |
Dates are indicative — confirm from the official FSSAI notification once published.
6. Exam Pattern
The FSSAI CFSO exam is a computer-based test (CBT) with objective multiple-choice questions. There is negative marking of 1/3 mark per wrong answer.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General English | 20 | 20 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20 | 20 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 20 |
| Technical Subject (Food Science) | 120 | 120 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Duration: 2 hours. Medium: English & Hindi.
7. Detailed Syllabus
Technical Subject (Food Science) — 60% weightage
- Food Chemistry & Nutrition
- Food Microbiology & Safety
- Food Processing & Preservation
- Food Analysis & Instrumentation
- Food Regulations & FSSAI Act 2006
- Dairy Technology
- Cereals, Pulses & Oilseeds Technology
- Fruits & Vegetables Technology
- Meat, Fish & Poultry Technology
- HACCP, GMP, GHP
- Food Packaging
- Food Additives & Contaminants
General Sections
- • English: Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, error spotting.
- • Reasoning: Analogies, series, coding-decoding, syllogism, blood relations.
- • Quantitative Aptitude: Percentages, ratio, time-speed-distance, DI, mensuration.
- • General Awareness: Current affairs, static GK, science, Indian polity.
8. Preparation Strategy
- 1. Master the FSSAI Act 2006 — every recruitment cycle carries 10–15 direct questions from the Act, its regulations, schedules and food category rules.
- 2. Build subject depth in Food Science — 120 of 200 marks come from technical subjects. Prioritise microbiology, chemistry, processing and analysis.
- 3. Solve full-length mocks weekly — CBT-style mocks build exam-day temperament and reveal weak zones.
- 4. Revise short notes daily — condensed PDF notes beat re-reading textbooks in the final 60 days.
- 5. Track current affairs — food-industry news, FSSAI notifications, and standing committees frequently appear in GK.
Prep with Shahwar Chaudhary EdTech
Structured video lectures, PDF notes, sectional and full-length mocks designed specifically for FSSAI CFSO, State FSO and Food Analyst exams — with performance analytics and doubt support.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary of an FSSAI Food Inspector / CFSO?
FSSAI CFSO / Food Inspector posts are on 7th CPC Level 7 with basic pay of ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400. In-hand salary typically ranges between ₹65,000 and ₹80,000 per month depending on city class.
Is there negative marking in the FSSAI CFSO exam?
Yes. 1/3 mark is deducted for each wrong answer. Unattempted questions carry no penalty.
Which degree is best for FSSAI CFSO?
A B.Tech / M.Sc. in Food Technology or Food Science aligns most directly with the 120-mark technical section. Biotechnology, Microbiology, Dairy Technology and allied life-science degrees are equally eligible.
How many attempts are allowed?
There is no fixed cap — candidates can appear until they cross the upper age limit (30 years, plus category relaxation).
Is the FSSAI CFSO exam bilingual?
Yes. Questions are set in both English and Hindi.
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