FSSAI Food Analyst Eligibility Criteria 2026, Check Qualifications and Age Limit

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India conducts the Food Analyst Examination (FAE) to ensure high standards in food quality testing across the country. Candidates aiming to appear for the upcoming examination must clearly understand the FSSAI Food Analyst Eligibility Criteria 2026 before applying. This article explains the qualifications, experience requirements, age limit, and important dates in a simplified and reliable manner.

FSSAI Food Analyst Eligibility Criteria 2026

The FSSAI Food Analyst Eligibility Criteria for is defined under the Food Safety and Standards Rules to ensure that only technically qualified and experienced professionals are entrusted with the responsibility of assessing food samples. These standards are structured to uphold scientific accuracy, regulatory compliance, and public health safety across the country.

For the 2026 recruitment cycle, the eligibility conditions primarily focus on the candidate’s academic background, hands-on experience in food analysis, and selection of the appropriate examination discipline. Applicants must strictly comply with the prescribed requirements, as no relaxation is permitted at any stage of the FSSAI Food Analyst Recruitment 2026 process.

FSSAI Food Analyst Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for the Food Analyst Examination 2026 must fulfill all eligibility conditions prescribed by FSSAI. These requirements relate to educational qualifications, professional experience, age limit, and examination discipline. Each criterion is mandatory, and applications not meeting the standards are liable to be rejected.

FSSAI Food Analyst Eligibility Criteria Educational Qualification

To satisfy the FSSAI Food Analyst Eligibility Criteria, applicants must possess a relevant academic qualification from a recognized institution in India. The qualification should ensure adequate scientific knowledge required for food analysis.

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree in:
  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Food Technology or Food Safety
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Dairy Technology or Dairy Chemistry
  • Biotechnology
  • Agriculture Science
  • Animal Science
  • Fisheries Science
  • Oil Technology
  • Veterinary Sciences
• Associate of the Institution of Chemists (India) through the Food Analysts examination conducted by the Institute

Degrees must be awarded by universities established under Indian law.

FSSAI Food Analyst Eligibility Criteria Essential Experience

Relevant professional experience is a critical part of the FSSAI Food Analyst Eligibility Criteria 2026. Candidates must demonstrate practical exposure to food analysis in a recognized professional environment.

• Minimum three years of experience in food analysis.
• Experience must be gained after acquiring the minimum educational qualification.
• Work experience should be from:
  • Recognized institutions
  • Research institutions
  • Approved research or food testing laboratories

Experience obtained during academic courses such as postgraduate or doctoral programs is not counted.

FSSAI Food Analyst Eligibility Criteria Age Limit

FSSAI has not prescribed any upper age restriction for appearing in the Food Analyst Examination.

• There is no upper age limit for candidates fulfilling the required qualifications and experience.

FSSAI Food Analyst Eligibility Criteria Educational Qualification and Experience Conditions

FSSAI follows strict verification norms regarding eligibility documentation. Candidates must carefully comply with these conditions while applying.

• No relaxation in educational qualifications or experience is allowed.
• Only scanned copies of:
  • Original degree certificates, or
  • Provisional degree certificates
    will be accepted (mark sheets alone are not valid)
• Experience will be calculated from the date of graduation to the last date of online application.
• Experience gained before graduation or outside the eligible period will not be considered.

FSSAI Food Analyst Eligibility Criteria Discipline Selection for Examination

Applicants must choose the examination discipline carefully during the application process, as it applies throughout the selection stages.

• Candidates must select either Chemical or Biological discipline
• The selected discipline applies to:
  • Computer Based Test (CBT)
  • Practical Examination
• Once selected, the discipline cannot be changed until completion of the examination

FSSAI Food Analyst Eligibility Criteria For Pre-Qualified Junior Analysts

FSSAI provides a special provision for candidates already serving as Junior Analysts.

• Pre-qualified Junior Analysts with not less than three years of relevant experience are eligible to appear directly for the Practical Examination. Candidates can refer to official instructions released by FSSAI for further details. Candidates can download official General Instructions PDF from the link given below:-

FSSAI Food Analyst Eligibility Criteria 2026: Download PDF