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The Food Safety Officer (FSO) exam in India is a highly sought-after opportunity for candidates aspiring to work in the field of food safety and public health. Conducted by various state public service commissions and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the FSO exam recruits candidates for roles that ensure the safety and quality of food across the nation.
This blog provides an in-depth guide to the FSO exam in India for 2025, covering eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, application process, and the most up-to-date information on exam dates and notifications.
Contents
Overview of the FSO Exam
The FSO exam is conducted by both central and state authorities to recruit Food Safety Officers responsible for enforcing food safety regulations, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with food standards. The primary bodies conducting these exams include:
- FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India): A statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, responsible for recruiting Central Food Safety Officers (CFSOs) and Technical Officers.
- State Public Service Commissions: States like Rajasthan (RPSC), Madhya Pradesh (MPPSC), and Telangana (TSPSC) conduct their own FSO recruitment exams.
The role of an FSO is critical in promoting safe and wholesome food, regulating food manufacturing, storage, distribution, and imports, and implementing initiatives like Eat Right India and Food Fortification.
Also Read: IBPS RRB Exam
FSSAI FSO Exam 2025: Central Recruitment
The FSSAI Recruitment 2025 notification for the Central Food Safety Officer (CFSO) and Technical Officer posts was released in January 2025 on the official website, www.fssai.gov.in. According to the latest updates, the application window and exam dates are as follows:
- Notification Release: January 2025
- Application Start Date: Expected in February 2025
- Application Last Date: To be announced (typically 30 days from the start date)
- CBT Stage 1 Exam Date: To be announced (tentatively April–May 2025)
- CBT Stage 2 Exam Date: To be announced (tentatively June–July 2025)
- Admit Card Release: Approximately 15–20 days before the exam
Candidates are advised to regularly check the FSSAI website for the official notification and exact dates, as these are subject to change. The previous recruitment cycle in 2021 saw 162 vacancies for CFSO and Technical Officer posts, and a similar or higher number is expected for 2025.
Eligibility Criteria for FSO
Just like any other government exam, the RPSC FSO recruitment exam has its own set of eligibility criteria. And those applicants must meet the requisite credentials to be deemed eligible. To apply for the FSSAI FSO (CFSO) exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, Oil Technology, Agricultural Science, Veterinary Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Chemistry from a recognized university.
- Alternatively, a Master’s degree in Chemistry or Medicine, or any equivalent qualification.
- Age Limit: Typically 25–35 years as of the application closing date, with relaxations for reserved categories (e.g., 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST, and 10 years for PwBD).
- Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India, or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees settled in India before January 1, 1962, or persons of Indian origin from specified countries with the intent to settle permanently in India.
Exam Pattern for FSO
The FSSAI Food Safety Officer (FSO) exam is conducted in two stages — Computer-Based Test (CBT) Stage 1 and CBT Stage 2. Each stage follows a distinct exam pattern and carries a different weightage for the subjects covered. Understanding the structure of both stages is essential for effective preparation.
Below, we’ve provided a detailed breakdown of the FSO exam pattern to help you get a clear idea of what to expect.
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) Stage 1:
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- Marking: +4 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers
- Sections:
- Part A: General Aptitude (Reasoning, Numerical Ability, Data Interpretation, Computer Literacy) – 25%
- Part B: Functional Knowledge (Food Safety and Standards Act, Food Chemistry, Microbiology, Nutrition) – 75%
- Weightage: 50% of the final merit
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) Stage 2:
- Duration: Varies by post (typically 180 minutes)
- Questions: Focused on technical and functional knowledge specific to the CFSO role
- Weightage: 50% of the final merit
No interview is required for CFSO or Technical Officer posts. Candidates are shortlisted for Stage 2 in a 1:20 ratio based on Stage 1 scores.
RPSC Food Safety Officer Syllabus
To crack any examination, the candidates must get acquainted with the set syllabus. The exam syllabus of the RPSC FSO Exam 2025 is segregated into 14 major units. Candidates prospecting to appear for the exam are required to go through each unit meticulously.
| Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 |
| a) Chemical bonds and forces b) Aliphatic and Aromatic hydrocarbons c) Different Methods of purification d) Solutions | a)Types of microorganisms associated with food b) Microbiological standards c) Sources of microorganisms in food d) Dairy fermentation | a)Biomolecules b) Vitamins and their types c) Enzymes d) Plant alkaloids and their uses. | a)Culture of animals used as food. b) Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cells. c) Human Physiology d) Respiration | a)Plant and animal tissue culture b) Importance of GM crops and products. c) Genetically modified plants/animals d) Statistical analysis. |
| Unit 6 | Unit 7 | Unit 8 | Unit 9 | Unit 10 |
| a)Agriculture with emphasis on Rajasthan. b)Soil fertility | a)Importance of livestock in the economy of Rajasthan b)Fundamentals of livestock | a)Food laws b) Hygiene and sanitation c)Postharvest physiology | a)Early history of Rajasthan. b)Prominent rulers and dynasties c) Emergence of modern Rajasthan | a)Visual art of Rajasthan b)Sculpture traditions of Rajasthan. c) Folk music d) Paintings |
| Unit 11 | Unit 12 | Unit 13 | Unit 14 |
| Religious cults and saints Rajasthani literature | Geography of Rajasthan Major forest types | a)Economy of Rajasthan b) Power resources | a)Current affairs of the state b)Prominent figures |
Application Process for FSO Exam
The application process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. To apply for the FSSAI FSO exam follow these steps:
- Visit www.fssai.gov.in and navigate to “Jobs @ FSSAI.”
- Select the CFSO post and click “Apply Online.”
- Register with basic details to generate a User ID and Password.
- Log in and fill out the application form with personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload a passport-sized photo, signature, and other required documents.
- Pay the application fee (INR 1500 for GEN/EWS/OBC, INR 500 for SC/ST/Women/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD) via online mode.
- Submit the form and save a copy for future reference.
Salary and Benefits for FSOs
Selected FSOs (CFSOs) receive a salary in the pay scale of INR 35,400–INR 1,12,400 (Level 6), along with allowances like Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Children Education Allowance. The job offers stability and opportunities for nationwide postings.
State-Level FSO Exams
Several states conduct their own FSO recruitment exams through their public service commissions. Below are details for key states based on the latest available information.
Rajasthan (RPSC) FSO Exam
- Notification: The RPSC FSO exam for 2023 was conducted on June 27, 2023, with the final answer key released on July 30, 2024. The 2025 notification is expected soon.
- Vacancies: 200 in 2023; 2025 vacancies to be announced.
- Exam Date: Tentatively June–July 2025.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, or related fields.
- Exam Pattern: Single offline objective exam (150 marks, 2.5 hours) covering general knowledge and food safety topics.
- Application: Apply via sso.rajasthan.gov.in.
Madhya Pradesh (MPPSC) FSO Exam
- Notification: Released on June 18, 2025, for 120 vacancies.
- Application Period: Ongoing as of July 2025; check www.mppsc.mp.gov.in for deadlines.
- Exam Date: To be announced (tentatively August–September 2025).
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Agriculture, Biotechnology, or related fields.
- Exam Pattern: Objective exam covering food safety, public health, and Madhya Pradesh-specific topics (history, geography, culture).
- Syllabus Highlights:
- Food preservation and packaging
- Nutrition and health programs (e.g., ICDS, National Food Security Mission)
- Tribal foods of Madhya Pradesh
- Application: Apply online via the MPPSC portal.
Telangana (TSPSC) FSO Exam
- Notification: The 2024 select list was released based on the November 7, 2022, exam. The 2025 notification is expected soon.
- Vacancies: 24 in 2022; 2025 vacancies to be announced.
- Exam Date: Tentatively November 2025.
- Eligibility: Graduate degree in Food Technology, Dairy Technology, or related fields, aged 18–44 years.
- Exam Pattern: Written exam (300 minutes) with objective questions.
- Application: Apply online via www.tspsc.gov.in.
Also Read: PSC Exams
Why Choose a Career as an FSO?
A career as a Food Safety Officer offers job security, a competitive salary, and the opportunity to contribute to public health. FSOs play a vital role in ensuring food safety, regulating the food industry, and promoting healthy eating habits. With increasing awareness of food safety in India, the demand for qualified FSOs is on the rise, making this an excellent career choice.
The FSO exam in 2025, whether conducted by FSSAI or state commissions like RPSC, MPPSC, or TSPSC, presents a significant opportunity for candidates passionate about food safety and public health. Stay proactive by checking official websites for the latest notifications, preparing thoroughly, and applying early to avoid last-minute issues. With dedication and the right resources, you can secure a rewarding career as a Food Safety Officer in India.
FAQs
For FSO exam, candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, Oil Technology, Agricultural Science, Veterinary Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Chemistry from a recognized university. A Master’s degree in Chemistry or Medicine may also be accepted. Age limit is typically 18–40 years, with relaxations for reserved categories
The FSO exam is moderately challenging, requiring thorough preparation in food safety laws, microbiology, and general aptitude. The FSSAI exam involves objective and technical questions, while state exams like RPSC include MCQs and interviews. Regular practice with mock tests and a strong grasp of the syllabus can make it manageable
FSO salaries vary by authority. FSSAI FSOs earn INR 35,400–INR 1,12,400 (Level 6), while state FSOs, like MPPSC, earn INR 36,200–INR 1,14,800, plus allowances like Dearness Allowance and House Rent Allowance. Salaries depend on the state/central government pay scales and seniority.
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