The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has officially announced the recruitment process for the position of Food Safety Officer (Group-B) under the Food & Drugs Administration Department, Haryana. With the release of the revised syllabus on 16 October 2026, candidates must align their preparation strategies to meet the requirements of the upcoming competitive stages.
Overview of HPSC FSO Recruitment 2026
This recruitment, identified by Advertisement Number 25/2026, aims to fill critical roles within the state's food safety infrastructure. Candidates are advised to review the official details to ensure eligibility and readiness for the testing phases.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Haryana Public Service Commission |
| Post Name | Food Safety Officer |
| Department | Food & Drugs Administration Department, Haryana |
| Post Group | Group-B |
| Selection Process | Screening Test, Subject Knowledge Test, Interview/Viva-Voce |
| Official Website | hpsc.gov.in |
Examination Structure
The selection procedure involves three distinct stages. The Screening Test is slated for 6 December 2026, while the Subject Knowledge Test is scheduled for 31 January 2027.
Screening Test Details
The screening phase acts as a filter to shortlist candidates for the main test at a ratio of 4:1. Notably, the marks obtained here do not contribute to the final merit list.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Negative Marking | 1/4 mark deduction |
| Qualifying Marks | 25% |
Subject Knowledge Test
This stage focuses on core competencies and forms the primary basis for final selection (87.5% weightage).
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Marks | 150 |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Weightage | 87.5% |
| Qualifying Marks | 35% |
Preparation Strategy for HPSC FSO Exam 2026
- Revise fundamental concepts from graduation/postgraduation subjects.
- Focus on food safety topics: contamination, adulteration, hygiene, microbiology, and preservation.
- Review commonly used analytical methods and quality-control concepts.
- Study relevant food-safety legislation and regulations.
- Practice objective questions related to food science, microbiology, chemistry, and technology.
- Monitor the official HPSC website for updates regarding the syllabus and scheme.
- Give extra attention to technical concepts for the Subject Knowledge Test.
Screening Test Rules
- Five options provided per question.
- Darken the 5th option if not wishing to attempt a question.
- One-fourth mark deducted for incorrect answers.
- One-fourth mark deducted if a question is left blank without darkening the 5th option.
- Disqualification if no circle is darkened for more than 10% of total questions.
- Shortlisting criteria: 4x advertised posts (plus bracketed candidates).
Subject Knowledge Test Syllabus Units
- Unit I: Food Chemistry and Constituents
- Unit II: Human Nutrition and Public Health
- Unit III: Food Microbiology
- Unit IV: Primary Production and Food Supply
- Unit V: Food Commodities and Product Technology
- Unit VI: Preservation, Processing, Packaging and Storage
- Unit VII: Food Hazards, Hygiene and Safety Management
- Unit VIII: Food Sampling, Analysis and Laboratory Quality
- Unit IX: Indian Food Law and Regulatory Compliance
- Unit X: FSSAI Systems, Institutions and Initiatives
- Unit XI: International Food Control and Standards
- Unit XII: Food Biotechnology and Emerging Developments
Essential Resources
Candidates should utilize the following resources for official updates: