The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will conduct the FSSAI CFSO Exam 2026 for the recruitment of eligible candidates for the post of Central Food Safety Officers (CFSO). Candidates who will be appearing for the exam must check the FSSAI CFSO Syllabus 2026 to know all subject-wise topics from which questions will be asked in the exam. Understanding the syllabus before starting the preparation helps candidates to know what topics they need to study and what to avoid.
FSSAI CFSO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
The selection process for FSSAI CFSO Recruitment 2026 aims to assess candidates’ knowledge, professional competence, and suitability for the post of Central Food Safety Officer. The selection process will include a written exam, an interview, and document verification.
| FSSAI CFSO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026- Overview | |
| Orgaization | Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) |
| Exam Name | FSSAI CFSO Exam 2026 |
| Post | Central Food Safety Officer (CFSO) |
| Mode of Exam | Online (CBT) |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
| Number of Sections | 2 (Section A and B) |
| Number of Questions | 120 |
| Marks | 480 |
| Duration | 180 Minutes |
| Marking Scheme | Each Question Carries 4 Marks |
| Negative Marking | 1 Mark, For Each Incorrect Answer |
| Selection Process | Written Exam Interview Document Verification |
FSSAI CFSO Recruitment 2026 Notification- Click to Check
FSSAI CFSO Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates must also know the exam pattern, as the exam pattern explains the structure of the examination. It includes details such as the number of questions, total marks, duration of the exam, type of questions (objective or descriptive), and marking scheme. The FSSAI CFSO Exam 2026 will include 2 sections, i.e., section A (General Aptitude + Computer Literacy) and section B (Functional Knowledge).
- Mode of Exam: Online (CBT)
- Medium: English and Hindi
- Number of Sections: 2 (Section A and B)
- Number of Questions: 120
- Marks: 480
- Duration: 180 Minutes
- Marking Scheme: Each Question Carries 4 Marks
- Negative Marking: 1 Mark, For Each Incorrect Answer
| Section | Subjects | Numbe of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| A | General Aptitude + Computer Literacy | 40 | 160 | 180 Minutes |
| B | Functional Knowledge | 80 | 320 | |
| Total | 120 | 480 | ||
FSSAI CFSO Syllabus 2026
The FSSAI CFSO Syllabus covers both general and technical subjects required for the post of Central Food Safety Officer. Candidates preparing for the exam must understand each section carefully to score well. The syllabus is mainly divided into different parts, including General Aptitude, General Awareness, English Language, Computer Literacy, and technical subjects related to food safety.
Part A: General Aptitude & Computer Literacy
- General Intelligence
This section checks the candidate’s logical thinking and reasoning ability. Important topics include:
(i) Analogies, similarities & differences
(ii) Space visualization
(iii) Problem-solving & logical reasoning
(iv) Number and figure series
(v) Classification and relationships - General Awareness
This section tests knowledge of current events and general studies subjects. Topics include:
(i) Current affairs
(ii) Indian history, culture & geography
(iii) Economic scene
(iv) Indian Constitution & polity
(v) Sports and scientific developments - English Language Comprehension
This section evaluates understanding of the English language. Important topics are:
(i) Reading comprehension
(ii) Grammar (noun, pronoun, verbs, articles, prepositions)
(iii) Synonyms & antonyms
(iv) Spotting errors
(v) Idioms & phrases - Computer Literacy
This section checks basic computer knowledge. Topics include:
(i) MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
(ii) Emails & Internet usage
(iii) Google Docs
(iv) Digital signatures
(v) Social media platforms
Part B: Functional Knowledge
Part B of the FSSAI CFSO syllabus focuses on technical and professional knowledge related to food safety, laws, and food science. This section is very important as it tests the candidate’s subject expertise required for the role of Central Food Safety Officer.
- Indian & International Food Laws
This section covers important laws and regulations related to food safety in India and globally. Topics include:
(i) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
(ii) FSSAI Rules & Regulations
(iii) Licensing and registration of FBOs (Food Business Operators)
(iv) Codex Alimentarius Commission
(v) WTO SPS & TBT Agreements
(vi) National & international accreditation bodies - FSSAI: Role, Functions & Initiatives
This section focuses on the structure and responsibilities of FSSAI. Important topics are:
(i) Genesis and evolution of FSSAI
(ii) Structure and responsibilities of Food Authority
(iii) Standards, enforcement & laboratory ecosystem
(iv) Eat Right India initiative
(v) Food fortification & RUCO
(vi) Role of State Food Authorities - Food Science, Technology & Analysis
This is a core technical section that checks knowledge of food science and quality control. Topics include:
(i) Food preservation & processing principles
(ii) Food packaging methods
(iii) Food chemistry & human nutrition
(iv) Macro and micronutrients
(v) Food additives & contaminants
(vi) Food microbiology & foodborne pathogens
(vii) HACCP, GMP, GHP, GAP, GLP
(viii) Food sampling & testing methods
(ix) Quality assurance & quality control
