FSSAI CFSO Syllabus 2026, Check Exam Pattern

The FSSAI CFSO Syllabus 2026 is released to help aspirants prepare systematically for the Central Food Safety Officer examination conducted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The CFSO exam assesses candidates on general aptitude, computer literacy, food laws, food science, microbiology, nutrition, and food safety systems. A clear understanding of the FSSAI CFSO exam pattern and detailed syllabus is essential to score well, as the exam carries negative marking and emphasises subject-specific knowledge related to food safety and standards.

FSSAI CFSO Syllabus 2026

The FSSAI CFSO Syllabus 2026 is officially divided into two parts: Part A and Part B, as prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Part A is common for all posts and assesses candidates on General Intelligence, General Awareness, English Language Comprehension, and Computer Literacy, testing basic aptitude and digital skills.

Part B is specific to the Central Food Safety Officer (CFSO) post and focuses on functional and technical subjects, including the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI rules and regulations, food science, food microbiology, nutrition, food processing, quality assurance, and food safety management systems. A clear understanding of the FSSAI CFSO syllabus and exam pattern is essential for targeted preparation and scoring well in the examination.

FSSAI CFSO Exam Pattern 2026

The FSSAI CFSO Exam Pattern consists of a Computer-Based Test (CBT – Stage I). There is no interview, and the final selection is based on CBT scores.

Key Highlights of Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Total Questions: 120 MCQs
• Total Duration: 180 minutes
• Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer
• Medium: English & Hindi (except English language section)

FSSAI CFSO Syllabus in Detail

The FSSAI CFSO syllabus in detail covers both general and technical domains essential for the role of a Central Food Safety Officer.

Part A: General Aptitude & Computer Literacy

1. General Intelligence

• Analogies, similarities & differences
• Space visualization
• Problem-solving & logical reasoning
• Number and figure series
• Classification and relationships

2. General Awareness

• Current affairs
• Indian history, culture & geography
• Economic scene
• Indian Constitution & polity
• Sports and scientific developments

3. English Language Comprehension

• Reading comprehension
• Grammar (noun, pronoun, verbs, articles, prepositions)
• Synonyms & antonyms
• Spotting errors
• Idioms & phrases

4. Computer Literacy

• MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Emails & Internet usage
• Google Docs
• Digital signatures
• Social media platforms

Part B: Functional Knowledge
1. Indian & International Food Laws

• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
• FSSAI Rules & Regulations
• Licensing and registration of FBOs
• Codex Alimentarius Commission
• WTO SPS & TBT Agreements
• National & international accreditation bodies

2. FSSAI: Role, Functions & Initiatives

• Genesis and evolution of FSSAI
• Structure and responsibilities of Food Authority
• Standards, enforcement & laboratory ecosystem
• Eat Right India initiative
• Food fortification & RUCO
• Role of State Food Authorities

3. Food Science, Technology & Analysis

• Food preservation & processing principles
• Food packaging methods
• Food chemistry & human nutrition
• Macro and micronutrients
• Food additives & contaminants
• Food microbiology & foodborne pathogens
• HACCP, GMP, GHP, GAP, GLP
• Food sampling & testing methods
• Quality assurance & quality control

FSSAI CFSO Syllabus Important Topics to Focus On

Candidates preparing for the FSSAI CFSO exam 2026 should prioritize the following high-scoring areas:

• Food Safety Laws & Standards: The FSS Act, 2006 and its regulations form a significant portion of Part B. Aspirants should master licensing requirements, labeling and packaging rules, contaminant standards, and provisions for supplements and novel foods.
• FSSAI Initiatives: Static questions often come from flagship programs (Eat Right India, fortified foods, RUCO, etc.) and organizational structure. Understand the evolution of FSSAI and current national food safety campaigns.
• Food Processing & Preservation: Focus on common preservation methods (canning, freezing, dehydration), processing operations, and packaging principles. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and quality procedures are high-yield areas.
• Nutrition & Food Chemistry: Key topics include macronutrients (carbs, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), food fortification, functions of additives (colorants, sweeteners, preservatives), adulteration, and nutraceuticals.
• Food Microbiology: Concentrate on major foodborne pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, etc.), spoilage mechanisms, sanitation standards, and the basics of HACCP/GMP/GHP/GLP.
• Food Analysis: Sampling methods, classical vs. instrumental analysis (chromatography, spectrometry), and QA/QC basics are frequently tested.
• General Aptitude (Part A): In Reasoning and Intelligence, practice analogies, series, classifications, puzzles, and verbal reasoning (similarities/differences) regularly. For General Awareness, keep up with current affairs (especially related to science, environment, and food/agriculture) as well as static GK (Indian history, geography, polity). In English, reinforce grammar rules (parts of speech, articles, tenses) and vocabulary (synonyms/antonyms, idioms). Computer questions are usually straightforward – know MS Office basics, Internet usage, email and social media terms.