GSSSB Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026: The Gujarat Subordinate Service Selection Board (GSSSB), Gandhinagar, has released two official recruitment advertisements for the post of Food Safety Officer (FSO), Class-3, under the Commissionerate of Food and Drugs Control Administration, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Gujarat.
A total of 90 vacancies have been announced through two separate advertisements. Advertisement No. 465/2026-27 covers 84 vacancies under regular recruitment, while Advertisement No. 466/2026-27 covers six vacancies under a special recruitment drive exclusively for eligible Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
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Candidates possessing the prescribed qualifications in Chemistry, Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, Agricultural Science, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Medicine or other officially recognized relevant disciplines can apply, subject to the detailed eligibility requirements.
Selected candidates will initially receive a fixed salary of ₹40,800 per month for five years. The recruitment notification also provides for subsequent regular appointment in Pay Level 5, ₹29,200–₹92,300, subject to applicable government conditions.
Online applications can be submitted through the Gujarat OJAS portal from 27 October 2026 at 6:00 PM to 10 November 2026 at 11:59 PM. The last date for online examination fee payment is 13 November 2026.
GSSSB Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Gujarat Subordinate Service Selection Board (GSSSB) |
| Department | Health and Family Welfare Department, Gujarat |
| Office | Commissionerate of Food and Drugs Control Administration |
| Post Name | Food Safety Officer (FSO) |
| Classification | Class-3 |
| Regular Advertisement | 465/2026-27 |
| PwBD Special Recruitment | 466/2026-27 |
| Regular Vacancies | 84 |
| PwBD Special Drive Vacancies | 06 |
| Total Vacancies | 90 |
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| General Upper Age Limit | 37 Years |
| Initial Salary | ₹40,800 Per Month |
| Subsequent Pay Scale | ₹29,200–₹92,300, Level 5 |
| Selection Process | Competitive Examination and Document Verification |
| Examination Marks | 210 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 27 October 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 10 November 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 13 November 2026 |
| Job Location | Gujarat |
| Application Website | https://ojas.gujarat.gov.in |
| Official Board Website | https://gsssb.gujarat.gov.in |
GSSSB Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 27 October 2026 |
| Application Opening Time | 6:00 PM |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 November 2026 |
| Application Closing Time | 11:59 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 13 November 2026 |
| Fee Payment Closing Time | 11:59 PM |
| Examination Date | Not Announced |
| Admit Card Release | Not Announced |
| Answer Key Release | Not Announced |
| Result Date | Not Announced |
Candidates must complete the application process before the closing date and pay the prescribed examination fee separately within the payment deadline
GSSSB Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026 Important Links
| Advt. 465/2026-27 Notification (Gujarati) | Download PDF |
| Advt. 465/2026-27 Syllabus | Download PDF |
| Advt. 466/2026-27 (PwD) Notification (Gujarati) | Download PDF |
| Advt. 466/2026-27 (PwD) Syllabus | Download PDF |
GSSSB Food Safety Officer Vacancy Details 2026
The board has published two separate recruitment advertisements for the same post.
Advertisement No. 465/2026-27 — Regular Recruitment
A total of 84 vacancies have been advertised.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (General) | 40 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 08 |
| Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) | 19 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 07 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 10 |
| Total | 84 |
Women Reservation Within the 84 Vacancies
The following positions are reserved for women within the respective category totals.
| Category | Women-Reserved Vacancies |
|---|---|
| General | 13 |
| EWS | 02 |
| SEBC | 06 |
| SC | 02 |
| ST | 03 |
| Total | 26 |
These women-reserved positions are included in the 84 vacancies and must not be added separately.
The regular advertisement also identifies eight positions under the applicable ex-servicemen reservation provisions.
Advertisement No. 466/2026-27 — PwBD Special Recruitment Drive
Six vacancies have been announced exclusively for eligible candidates with benchmark disabilities.
| Disability Group | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Group A — Low Vision (LV) | 02 |
| Group B — Deaf / Hard of Hearing | 02 |
| Group C — Specified Locomotor Disabilities | 01 |
| Group D & E — Specified Disabilities / Multiple Disabilities | 01 |
| Total | 06 |
Eligible disability categories and percentage requirements are specified in the special recruitment advertisement.
Important: Advertisement 466/2026-27 is a special recruitment drive. Candidates who do not meet the prescribed disability eligibility conditions cannot apply against these six vacancies.
Also Read: GSSSB Laboratory Assistant Answer Key 2026 Out: Download Response Sheet
GSSSB Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026 Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the prescribed educational qualifications under the relevant recruitment rules.
Essential Academic Qualifications
The notification specifies the following principal qualification routes:
Option 1: Master’s Degree in Chemistry
A Master’s Degree in Chemistry from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification recognized by the government.
OR
Option 2: Degree in a Prescribed Relevant Discipline
A degree in any of the following:
- Food Technology
- Dairy Technology
- Biotechnology
- Oil Technology
- Agricultural Science
- Veterinary Science
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Medicine
The notification also incorporates the relevant disciplines recognized under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notification dated 21 September 2023.
Additional Recognized Disciplines
The official notification identifies qualifications under Food Technology and Agricultural Science, including the following disciplines.
| Food Technology-Related Disciplines | Agricultural Science-Related Disciplines |
|---|---|
| Food Engineering | Agriculture |
| Food Engineering and Technology | Agriculture Engineering |
| Food Processing and Preservation | Biotechnology |
| Food Processing Technology | Dairy Technology |
| Food Technology and Management | Fisheries |
| Food Biotechnology | Food Technology |
| Food Plant Operations Management | Food Nutrition and Dietetics |
| Food Process Engineering and Management | Horticulture |
| Food Processing | |
| Food Safety and Quality Management | |
| Process and Food Engineering |
The notification refers to recognized Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate qualifications in these additional disciplines, subject to the applicable government notification and recruitment rules.
Candidates should verify the exact title and recognition of their degree before applying.
Computer Knowledge
Candidates must possess basic knowledge of computer applications as prescribed under the Gujarat Civil Services Classification and Recruitment (General) Rules.
The notification permits candidates without the relevant computer certificate at the application stage to apply, but they must produce the required evidence before appointment.
Language Knowledge
Candidates must possess adequate knowledge of Gujarati or Hindi or both.
Important Eligibility Restriction
A person having a financial interest in the manufacture, import or sale of any article of food is not eligible for appointment as a Food Safety Officer under the stated recruitment rules.
GSSSB Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
Age will be calculated as on 10 November 2026.
| Particulars | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| General Maximum Age | 37 Years |
| Age Calculation Date | 10 November 2026 |
Category-Wise Age Relaxation
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General Male | 37 Years |
| General Female | 42 Years |
| Reserved Category Male | 42 Years |
| Reserved Category Female | 45 Years |
| Eligible PwBD Candidates | Up to 45 Years, Subject to Applicable Rules |
| Ex-Servicemen | Relaxation Based on Service Period and Applicable Rules |
For the PwBD special recruitment drive, eligible candidates receive the applicable disability-related age relaxation, subject to the maximum age ceiling of 45 years.
Candidates should consult the relevant advertisement for their exact category-specific eligibility.
GSSSB Food Safety Officer Salary 2026
The notification specifies fixed remuneration for the first five years.
| Salary Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Fixed Monthly Salary | ₹40,800 |
| Initial Fixed-Pay Period | 5 Years |
| Subsequent Regular Pay Scale | ₹29,200–₹92,300 |
| Pay Level | Level 5 |
| Other Benefits | As Per Applicable Government Resolutions |
The subsequent regular pay scale is subject to the conditions prescribed by the Government of Gujarat.
This is a state government recruitment for a Class-3 post, not a private contractual vacancy.
GSSSB Food Safety Officer Selection Process 2026
Selection will be based on the competitive examination and subsequent recruitment procedures.
Stage 1: Competitive Examination
Candidates will appear in the examination conducted by GSSSB.
The official syllabus specifies Part A and Part B, carrying a total of 210 marks.
Stage 2: Merit Preparation
The board will prepare the merit list using examination marks or normalized marks, as applicable.
Stage 3: Document Verification
Candidates shortlisted according to merit and the applicable recruitment rules must produce their original certificates and supporting documents.
Stage 4: Final Selection
Final selection will be subject to eligibility verification, applicable reservation rules and the appointing authority’s requirements.
The notification does not announce a separate interview stage.
GSSSB Food Safety Officer Exam Pattern 2026
The board has issued separate detailed syllabus documents for Advertisement Nos. 465/2026-27 and 466/2026-27.
Both documents prescribe the following examination structure.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Reasoning and Data Interpretation | 30 | 30 |
| A | Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 |
| A | Constitution of India | 10 | 10 |
| A | Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
| A | Gujarati and English Comprehension | 10 | 10 |
| B | Technical Subjects Related to Food Safety Officer Qualification | 120 | 120 |
| Total | 210 | 210 |
Part A carries 90 marks, while Part B carries 120 marks.
Qualifying Standards
The recruitment notice prescribes separate minimum qualifying standards for Part A and Part B.
The general qualifying standard is 40% in each part, subject to the applicable provisions for reserved categories and other notified relaxations.
Candidates should not assume that scoring well in one part automatically compensates for failing the minimum standard in the other part.
GSSSB Food Safety Officer Syllabus 2026
Part A — General Subjects (90 Marks)
1. Reasoning and Data Interpretation — 30 Marks
Topics include coding-decoding, blood relations, age and height problems, directions, clocks, calendars, Venn diagrams, ranking, arithmetic progression, analogies, visual reasoning, probability, data interpretation, data sufficiency, symmetry, mathematical operations and logical analysis.
2. Quantitative Aptitude — 30 Marks
Topics include number systems, LCM and HCF, percentages, partnership, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, ratios, time and work, speed and distance, averages, algebra, equations, mensuration, coordinate geometry and trigonometry.
3. Constitution of India — 10 Marks
Topics include the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union and State governments, legislature, executive, judiciary, local self-government, elections and Indian democracy.
4. Current Affairs — 10 Marks
Current events of state, national and international importance.
5. Gujarati and English Comprehension — 10 Marks
Gujarati comprehension carries five marks and English comprehension carries five marks.
Questions assess comprehension, interpretation, inference and related language abilities.
Part B — Technical Subjects (120 Marks)
The official technical syllabus contains the following ten units.
| Unit | Technical Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Food Laws, Regulations, Certification and Development Schemes | 30 |
| 2 | Introduction to Basic Food Science | 20 |
| 3 | Food Microbiology and Food Biotechnology | 15 |
| 4 | Food and Nutrition | 05 |
| 5 | Food Preservation, Packaging and Storage | 05 |
| 6 | Agricultural Science | 05 |
| 7 | Food Safety, Quality Control, Hygiene and Standards | 15 |
| 8 | Animal Product Processing | 05 |
| 9 | Dairy Science | 10 |
| 10 | Food Processing Technology | 10 |
| Total | 120 |
Important Technical Topics
Food Laws and Regulations: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI, Food Safety and Standards Rules and Regulations, 2011, food adulteration, misbranding, BIS, AGMARK, Codex Alimentarius and certification procedures.
Basic Food Science: Food constituents, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, digestion, absorption, metabolism and physical and chemical properties of food.
Food Microbiology: Microorganisms, foodborne diseases, food poisoning, microbial growth, fermentation, food spoilage, microbial detection and biotechnology.
Food and Nutrition: Balanced diet, Recommended Dietary Allowances, malnutrition, nutritional deficiencies and Indian nutrition programmes.
Food Preservation and Packaging: Thermal and non-thermal preservation, food storage, packaging regulations and modern packaging technologies.
Agricultural Science: Farming systems, crop production, livestock, horticulture, fisheries and agricultural enterprises.
Food Safety and Quality Control: Food hazards, hygiene, sanitation, contamination control, HACCP, GMP, GHP, ISO standards and food safety management systems.
Animal Product Processing: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and related processing techniques.
Dairy Science: Milk chemistry, microbiology, pasteurization, sterilization, homogenization, dairy products and quality assurance.
Food Processing Technology: Food preservation technologies, non-thermal processing, nutraceuticals and related food-processing methods.
Candidates should download the complete 13-page official syllabus corresponding to their advertisement for all subtopics and examination instructions.
GSSSB Food Safety Officer Application Fee 2026
| Category | Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| Unreserved Category | ₹500 |
| Women of All Categories | ₹400 |
| SEBC | ₹400 |
| SC | ₹400 |
| ST | ₹400 |
| EWS | ₹400 |
| PwBD | ₹400 |
| Ex-Servicemen | ₹400 |
Applicable online transaction charges may be additional.
Examination Fee Refund
The notification states that candidates who appear for the examination are eligible for a refund of the examination fee under the prescribed conditions.
Candidates who remain absent from the examination are not eligible for the refund.
Last Date for Fee Payment: 13 November 2026, 11:59 PM.
How to Apply for GSSSB Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026?
Applications must be submitted through the Gujarat OJAS website.
Step 1: Visit the OJAS Portal
Open https://ojas.gujarat.gov.in.
Step 2: Complete One-Time Registration
Candidates must have OJAS One-Time Registration (OTR).
Applicants who have not registered should complete OTR before applying.
Step 3: Open Online Application
Click the Online Application section and select GSSSB.
Step 4: Choose the Correct Advertisement
Select the advertisement applicable to your eligibility:
- 465/2026-27 — Food Safety Officer, Class-3, Regular Recruitment.
- 466/2026-27 — Food Safety Officer, Class-3, PwBD Special Recruitment Drive.
Step 5: Apply Using OTR
Enter the OTR registration number and date of birth.
Proceed to the application form.
Step 6: Fill in Personal Details
Verify and complete all mandatory personal information, including name, date of birth, category and other required details.
Step 7: Enter Educational Qualifications
Provide the relevant degree and educational qualification details exactly as recorded in the original certificates.
Step 8: Provide Bank Account Details
Enter the bank account information requested for examination fee refund purposes.
Upload the required bank passbook image according to the portal instructions.
Step 9: Upload Photograph and Signature
Upload the photograph and signature in the format and dimensions prescribed by OJAS.
Step 10: Confirm the Application
Review the application carefully and complete final confirmation.
Save the generated confirmation number.
Step 11: Pay the Examination Fee
Use the online fee payment facility.
The notification lists online payment options including debit card, internet banking, UPI and wallets.
Step 12: Download the Application
Download and print the confirmed application form and payment receipt.
Preserve these documents for the examination and subsequent recruitment stages.
Documents Required for GSSSB Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026
Candidates should keep the following documents ready, as applicable:
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Scanned signature.
- Class 10 certificate or equivalent date-of-birth proof.
- Educational degree certificates and marksheets.
- Computer knowledge certificate, if available.
- Category certificate, if applicable.
- EWS certificate, if applicable.
- SEBC non-creamy-layer certificate, if applicable.
- PwBD certificate in the prescribed format, if applicable.
- Ex-servicemen supporting documents, if applicable.
- Bank account details and passbook image.
- OJAS registration details.
- Other relevant eligibility certificates.
Candidates must provide accurate information consistent with their original documents.
GSSSB Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026 Important Instructions
- There are two separate recruitment advertisements.
- Advertisement 465/2026-27 covers 84 vacancies.
- Advertisement 466/2026-27 covers six vacancies under the PwBD special recruitment drive.
- The combined vacancy count is 90.
- The PwBD special drive has separate disability eligibility conditions.
- Candidates must satisfy the prescribed educational qualifications.
- Basic computer knowledge and adequate Gujarati or Hindi knowledge are required.
- Age is calculated as on 10 November 2026.
- Candidates must apply through OJAS.
- OJAS One-Time Registration is required.
- The application deadline is 10 November 2026 at 11:59 PM.
- The examination fee deadline is 13 November 2026 at 11:59 PM.
- The examination fee must be paid online.
- Eligible candidates appearing in the examination may receive a fee refund.
- Candidates should preserve their confirmation number and application printout.
- Selection is based on the competitive examination and applicable recruitment rules.
- The examination carries 210 marks.
- Candidates must consult the detailed official syllabus.
- Vacancies may be increased or decreased under the board’s recruitment provisions.
- Further announcements will be published on the official GSSSB website.
Candidates should download the relevant notification and syllabus documents from the official GSSSB website.
FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are available in GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026?
A total of 90 vacancies have been announced through two separate advertisements.
Q2. What is the regular recruitment advertisement number?
The regular recruitment advertisement number is 465/2026-27.
Q3. What is the PwBD special recruitment advertisement number?
The special recruitment advertisement number is 466/2026-27.
Q4. How many vacancies are available under regular recruitment?
There are 84 vacancies.
Q5. How many vacancies are available under the PwBD special recruitment drive?
There are six vacancies reserved for eligible candidates with specified disabilities.
Q6. What is the last date to apply online?
The last date is 10 November 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Q7. What is the last date for examination fee payment?
The last date is 13 November 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Q8. What is the minimum age limit?
The minimum age is 18 years.
Q9. What is the maximum age limit?
The general upper age limit is 37 years, with applicable category-wise relaxation.
