OSSC FSO Syllabus 2026: The Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) is conducting recruitment for Food Safety Officer (FSO) posts under the Combined Graduate Level Recruitment Examination for Group-B & Group-C Specialist Posts/Services (CGLRE Specialist-2025). A total of 84 vacancies (including women’s reservation) have been announced for the Group-B post under the Office of the Commissioner of Food Safety, Odisha (Health & Family Welfare Department). The post carries a pay scale of Level-9, Cell-1 of the ORSP Rules, 2017, along with admissible allowances.
OSSC FSO Exam Date 2026
- Preliminary Examination Date: Expected in September/October 2026
- Admit Card, Main Exam, and further stages: To be notified later
Candidates should regularly check the official OSSC website for updates on exam dates, admit cards, and results.
OSSC FSO Vacancy 2026
| Category | Vacancies (Women) |
|---|---|
| UR | 44 (09) |
| SEBC | 08 (03) |
| SC | 13 (01) |
| ST | 19 (04) |
| Total | 84 (17) |
Additional reservations apply for PwD, Ex-Servicemen, and Sports Persons as per rules.
OSSC FSO Eligibility Criteria 2026
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctorate degree in Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, Agricultural Science, Oil Technology, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Chemistry from a recognized university/institution; or relevant medical degrees (MBBS, BDS, BHMS, BUMS, BAMS, etc.). Adequate knowledge of computer applications is mandatory. Candidates must also meet Odia language requirements.
- Age Limit (as on 01 January 2025): 21–42 years (relaxations for SEBC/SC/ST/Women/PwD/Ex-Servicemen as per government norms).
OSSC FSO Selection Process 2026
The selection process has three stages:
- Stage I – Preliminary Examination (qualifying for shortlisting)
- Stage II – Main Written Examination (Technical Paper) + Computer Skill Test (qualifying)
- Stage III – Certificate Verification
The final merit list is prepared based on marks secured in the Main Written Examination (Technical Paper). Candidates must qualify the Computer Skill Test.
OSSC FSO Exam Pattern 2026
Preliminary Examination
- Mode: CBRE/OMR
- Questions: 150 (Objective MCQs)
- Marks: 150
- Duration: 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 mark per wrong answer
- Shortlisting: Approximately 5 times the number of vacancies (category-wise and post-wise) for the Main Exam.
Main Written Examination (Technical Paper)
- Mode: CBRE/OMR
- Questions: 100 (Objective MCQs)
- Marks: 200
- Duration: 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
- Negative Marking: 0.5 mark per wrong answer
- Focus: Technical subjects relevant to Food Safety Officer.
Computer Skill Test
- Qualifying in nature
- Minimum qualifying marks: Generally 50% (or as specified; some sources note 15/50)
- Covers practical computer skills
- Candidates shortlisted (about 1.5 times vacancies) based on Main Exam marks + CST qualification proceed to Certificate Verification.
OSSC FSO Syllabus 2026
Paper-I (Composite Paper) – 100 Marks
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| General Studies | Indian History, Geography, Indian Polity, Economics, General Science, Environmental Issues, Human Rights, Current Affairs, World History events |
| Mathematics (HSC Level) | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics |
| Computer Applications (Theory) | Windows OS, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, Internet & Email usage |
| English | Grammar usage, Vocabulary, Basic comprehension |
Paper-II (Technical Paper) – 100 Marks
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Food Safety & Standards | Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSAI), Rules & Regulations, Food Laws |
| Food Science / Technology | Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Food Processing & Preservation |
| Nutrition | Basic Nutrition, Balanced Diet, Nutritional Deficiencies |
| Food Quality & Hygiene | Food Adulteration, Quality Control, Food Hygiene Practices |
| Public Health | Food-borne Diseases, Safety Measures, Sanitation |
Computer Skill Test (Qualifying) – 50 Marks
| Test Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Practical Computer Skills | MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet usage, Basic computer operations |
Preliminary Examination – Indicative Syllabus
- Arithmetic (10th standard)
- Data Interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency – 10th standard)
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability, General Mental Ability
- Current Events of National and International Importance
- Computer / Internet Awareness
Main Written Examination – Technical Paper Syllabus
Section A: Food Safety Standards, Act, Rules & Regulations
- Food definitions, food additives, and processing aids
- Contaminants, toxic substances, and heavy metals
- Pesticides, pest control, antibiotic residues, and microbiological control
- Genetically modified foods, organic foods, functional foods, and proprietary foods
- Packaging and labelling of foods
- Restrictions on advertisements and prohibition of unfair trade practices
- Responsibilities of Food Business Operators (FBOs)
- Liability of manufacturers, packers, wholesalers, distributors, and sellers
- Food recall procedures
- Licensing and registration of food businesses
- Hygienic and sanitary practices (GMP, GHP, HACCP, personal hygiene)
- Water pollution, potable water sources and purification methods
- Food and water-borne diseases
Section B: Chemistry
- Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids – definition, classification, properties, and significance
- Essential and non-essential amino acids
- Vitamins (fat-soluble and water-soluble) – sources, properties, and significance
- Enzymes – definition, classification, properties, and co-enzymes
- Chemical components of foods (macro and micronutrients), dietary sources, and biochemical roles
- Nutritional deficiency disorders
- Estimation of acid value, iodine value, and saponification value of lipids
- Food spoilage – microorganisms, conditions, factors, and control
- Food poisoning (intoxication) – bacterial, fungal, and algal
- Food preservation – storage, physical and chemical methods
- Fermentation of food items (e.g., cheese, yoghurt, bread)
Computer Skill Test – Indicative Syllabus
- Computer Fundamentals
- MS Windows
- Office Software (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint)
- MS Access (Database)
- Usage of the Internet and available services
- Basic Networking Concepts and Communication Technology
Preparation Tips
- Focus heavily on the Technical Paper (Food Safety Act/Rules and Chemistry), as it determines the final merit.
- Study the FSS Act, Rules, and Regulations thoroughly, including recent amendments and FSSAI guidelines.
- Practice numerical aptitude, reasoning, and current affairs for the Prelims.
- Strengthen food chemistry concepts (nutrients, spoilage, preservation, analytical values).
- Practice computer applications practically for the Skill Test.
- Solve previous years’ papers and take timed mock tests, keeping the higher negative marking in Mains in mind.
- Refer to standard books on Food Technology, Food Chemistry, and the official FSSAI manuals/Act.
FAQs
Q1. What is the OSSC FSO Syllabus 2026?
The syllabus includes two papers—Paper I (General/Composite) and Paper II (Technical). Paper I covers General Studies, Mathematics, Computer Knowledge, and English, while Paper II focuses on Food Safety laws and Chemistry.
Q2. What subjects are included in Paper I?
Paper I (Composite Paper) includes:
- General Studies (History, Polity, Economy, Current Affairs, etc.)
- Mathematics (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Trigonometry)
- Computer Applications (MS Office, Internet, Windows)
- English (Grammar, Vocabulary)
Q3. What topics are covered in Paper II (Technical Paper)?
Paper II mainly includes:
- Food Safety and Standards Act & Rules
- Chemistry (basic to applied level related to food science)
Q4. What is the exam pattern for OSSC FSO 2026?
- Two papers (100 marks each)
- Objective-type questions (MCQs)
- Each paper duration: 1.5 hours
- Total marks: 200
Q5. Is there any negative marking in OSSC FSO Exam?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in Paper II (Technical).
Q6. What is the selection process for OSSC FSO 2026?
The selection process includes:
- Main Written Examination
- Computer Skill Test (qualifying)
- Document Verification
Q7. What is the weightage of Paper I and Paper II?
Both papers carry equal weightage of 100 marks each, making a total of 200 marks.
Q8. Is the Computer Skill Test important?
Yes, but it is qualifying in nature. Candidates must have basic knowledge of MS Office and computer operations.
Q9. Does the OSSC FSO syllabus change every year?
No, the syllabus generally remains the same, with only minor updates if any.
Q10. How should I prepare for OSSC FSO 2026?
- Focus on both general subjects and technical knowledge
- Revise Food Safety laws regularly
- Practice mock tests and previous papers
- Strengthen the basics of Chemistry and Current Affairs
Q11. Is there any interview in OSSC FSO recruitment?
No, there is no interview stage. Selection is based on the written exam + qualifying tests.
Q12. What level of Mathematics is asked in the exam?
Mathematics is generally of HSC (Class 12) level, covering basic concepts and problem-solving.
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