The GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026 notification has been issued by the Gujarat Subordinate Service Selection Board (GSSSB) for 84 Food Safety Officer (Class-3) vacancies. Eligible candidates with the required qualifications in Chemistry, Food Technology, Agricultural Science and other specified disciplines can submit their applications through the official OJAS portal.
The recruitment is being conducted under Advertisement No. 465/202627 for the office of the Commissioner, Food and Drugs Control Administration, under the Health and Family Welfare Department of Gujarat. The selection process will involve a competitive multiple-choice examination followed by document verification and preparation of a merit-based selection list.
GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Recruitment Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Gujarat Subordinate Service Selection Board (GSSSB) |
| Post Name | Food Safety Officer, Class-3 |
| Advertisement Number | 465/202627 |
| Total Vacancies | 84 |
| Department | Health and Family Welfare Department |
| Posting Organization | Commissioner, Food and Drugs Control Administration |
| Job Location | Gujarat |
| Qualification | Master’s Degree in Chemistry or an eligible degree in a specified discipline |
| Age Limit | 18 to 37 years before applicable relaxation |
| Initial Fixed Salary | ₹40,800 per month for five years |
| Regular Pay Scale | ₹29,200–₹92,300, Level-5, subject to applicable conditions |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 27 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 13 November 2026 |
| Selection Process | CBRT/OMR examination and document verification |
| Official Website | https://gsssb.gujarat.gov.in |
| Application Portal | https://ojas.gujarat.gov.in |
Important Dates for GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026
Candidates interested in GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026 should note the following dates to avoid missing the application deadline.
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 27 October 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 27 October 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 10 November 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 13 November 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Eligibility Cut-Off Date | 10 November 2026 |
| Examination Date | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
The examination schedule and admit card information will be published through the official GSSSB website. Candidates should check the official announcements regularly for updates.
GSSSB FSO Vacancy 2026: Category-Wise Details
Under Advertisement No. 465/202627, GSSSB has announced 84 vacancies for the Food Safety Officer, Class-3 position. The advertised vacancy distribution is given below.
| Category | Number of Posts | Women’s Reservation |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (General) | 40 | 13 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 8 | 2 |
| Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) | 19 | 6 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 7 | 2 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 10 | 3 |
| Total | 84 | — |
The notification also mentions eight vacancies reserved for ex-servicemen. The number of advertised posts may be revised according to the recruitment authority’s requirements.
Reservation and relaxation benefits are subject to the applicable Gujarat Government rules and the conditions stated in the official advertisement.
Vacancies for Candidates with Disabilities
The recruitment information states that disability-reserved vacancies for this cadre are being advertised separately under Advertisement No. 466/202627.
Eligible candidates should consult both the relevant notifications, where applicable, to understand the vacancies, reservation provisions and eligibility conditions that apply to them.
GSSSB FSO Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must meet the prescribed educational, age, nationality and other requirements to be considered for GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess the qualification specified in the recruitment rules for Food Safety Officer, Class-3.
The listed qualification routes include:
- A Master’s Degree in Chemistry.
- A degree in Food Technology.
- A degree in Dairy Technology.
- A degree in Biotechnology.
- A degree in Oil Technology.
- A degree in Agricultural Science.
- A degree in Veterinary Science.
- A degree in Biochemistry.
- A degree in Microbiology.
- A degree in Medicine.
The qualification must be awarded by a university or institution recognized under the applicable rules. Equivalent qualifications are acceptable only where recognized by the competent government authority.
The notification also refers to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s notification dated 21 September 2023, which recognizes specified disciplines under Food Technology and Agricultural Science.
Additional Recognized Disciplines
The recruitment details include the following disciplines under the specified qualification categories.
Disciplines covered under Food Technology:
- Food Engineering
- Food Engineering and Technology
- Food Processing and Preservation
- Food Processing Technology
- Food Technology and Management
- Food Biotechnology
- Food Plant Operations Management
- Food Process Engineering and Management
- Food Processing
- Food Safety and Quality Management
- Process and Food Engineering
Disciplines covered under Agricultural Science:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Dairy Technology
- Fisheries
- Food Technology
- Food Nutrition and Dietetics
- Horticulture
The notification also mentions certain bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral qualifications under the applicable recognition provisions.
Important: The list above is a summary of the supplied recruitment information. Candidates must verify the exact accepted degree, subject and qualification level in the official notification before applying.
Computer Knowledge Requirement
Candidates must possess the basic computer knowledge required under the applicable Gujarat Civil Services rules.
Acceptable proof may include:
- A computer training certificate or marksheet from a recognized training institute.
- A computer diploma, degree or certificate from a recognized institution.
- An educational qualification that included computer studies as a subject.
- Class 10 or Class 12 qualifications with computers as a subject.
According to the supplied recruitment details, candidates who do not have the required certificate may still apply if permitted under the notification, but must pass the prescribed computer knowledge test and provide the required certificate before appointment.
Language Requirement
Candidates must have adequate knowledge of Gujarati or Hindi, or both, as specified in the recruitment rules.
Nationality
Applicants must satisfy the nationality conditions prescribed under the Gujarat Civil Services Classification and Recruitment (General) Rules, 1967.
Financial Interest Restriction
The recruitment rules state that a person having a financial interest in the manufacture, import or sale of food articles cannot be appointed as a Food Safety Officer.
Candidates should read the official rules carefully to determine whether this restriction applies to their circumstances.
GSSSB FSO Age Limit 2026
The prescribed age range for GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026 is 18 to 37 years as of 10 November 2026, before applicable age relaxation.
Candidates must meet the minimum age requirement and remain within the applicable upper-age limit after considering any eligible relaxation.
Age Relaxation
Age relaxation may be available to eligible candidates under Gujarat Government rules.
The supplied recruitment information identifies the following general provisions:
| Category | Relaxation Mentioned |
|---|---|
| General-category women | 5 years |
| Reserved-category men | 5 years |
| Reserved-category women | 10 years, where applicable |
| Candidates with disabilities | Relaxation under applicable category and gender rules |
| Ex-servicemen | Qualifying military service period plus 3 years |
The maximum permissible age depends on the candidate’s category, gender, disability status and other applicable conditions. Candidates should not assume that all relaxations can automatically be combined.
Only candidates who satisfy the prescribed Gujarat-origin and reservation requirements can claim the relevant category benefits.
Required Reservation Certificates
Candidates claiming SEBC or EWS benefits must possess the appropriate certificates in the prescribed format and within the validity period specified in the advertisement.
Applicants should check the notification for the applicable certificate format, issue-date requirements and supporting documents.
For candidates claiming disability-related benefits, the required disability certificate and medical documentation must meet the applicable rules.
Ex-servicemen must provide the required service and discharge documents.
Important: Certificate requirements can affect both age eligibility and reservation claims. Review the official advertisement carefully before completing the application form.
GSSSB FSO Salary 2026
The Food Safety Officer position offers an initial fixed-pay arrangement followed by a regular pay scale, subject to the applicable service conditions.
| Employment Stage | Salary Details |
|---|---|
| First Five Years | Fixed pay of ₹40,800 per month |
| Regular Appointment After Five Years | ₹29,200–₹92,300 per month |
| Pay Level | Level-5 under the applicable pay structure |
During the first five years, selected candidates will receive the prescribed fixed remuneration and applicable benefits under the relevant government resolutions.
After completing five years of satisfactory service, candidates may become eligible for regular appointment in the Level-5 pay scale, subject to the applicable government rules and conditions.
The final appointment and service benefits will be determined by the competent authority.
GSSSB FSO Application Fee 2026
Candidates must pay the prescribed application fee through the online payment facility after completing the application process.
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Unreserved Candidates | ₹500 |
| Reserved Categories, Eligible Women, PwD Candidates and Ex-Servicemen | ₹400 |
The recruitment information states that the fee will be refunded to candidates who appear for the examination, subject to the prescribed conditions. Candidates who do not attend the examination will not receive the refund.
Online Fee Payment Methods
The available payment methods mentioned in the supplied information include:
- Debit card
- Internet banking
- UPI
- Digital wallets
Applicable transaction charges may be additional.
Candidates should retain the payment receipt or electronic receipt as proof of payment. An application for which the required fee has not been paid may be rejected.
The fee-payment deadline is 13 November 2026 at 11:59 PM. Verify the current payment instructions on the OJAS portal before making a transaction.
GSSSB FSO Selection Process 2026
The selection process for GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026 consists of a competitive examination and subsequent verification of documents.
1. Competitive Written Examination
Candidates must appear for the prescribed multiple-choice examination, which will be conducted through Computer-Based Response Test (CBRT) or Optical Mark Recognition (OMR), as determined by the Board.
The examination contains Part-A and Part-B in a single paper.
2. Document Verification
Candidates who meet the prescribed qualifying standards may be called for document verification. The number of candidates invited will depend on the category-wise vacancies, merit and the rules specified in the notification.
Candidates must produce their original educational certificates, identity documents and applicable reservation certificates.
3. Merit List and Selection
A category-wise selection list and, where applicable, a waiting list will be prepared according to the prescribed merit rules.
The Board will recommend selected candidates to the concerned department for further appointment procedures.
Meeting the minimum qualifying marks does not automatically guarantee selection or appointment.
GSSSB FSO Exam Pattern 2026
The examination is based on multiple-choice questions and covers general aptitude as well as the relevant professional subject.
Part-A: General Aptitude
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation | 30 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 |
| Constitution of India, Current Affairs, Gujarati and English Comprehension | 30 |
| Total | 90 |
Part-B: Subject-Specific Knowledge
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Questions related to the concerned subject and its application | 120 |
| Total | 120 |
Overall Examination Structure
| Examination Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 210 |
| Part-A Questions | 90 |
| Part-B Questions | 120 |
| Total Marks | 210, as indicated by the supplied pattern |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Examination Mode | CBRT/OMR |
| Negative Marking | One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question for each incorrect answer |
| Minimum Qualifying Standard | 40% separately in Part-A and Part-B |
Candidates should prepare for both sections because the supplied notification details specify a separate qualifying requirement for each part.
Negative Marking
A penalty of one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question will be applied for each incorrect answer, according to the provided examination scheme.
Candidates should read the final examination instructions carefully before attempting questions.
Answer Key and Examination Centres
A provisional answer key is expected to be published after the examination. Candidates may submit representations in accordance with the Board’s instructions.
A final answer key may be released after the review process. Examination centres will be assigned by the Board, and candidates must attend the centre specified on their admit cards.
The exact examination date, centre details and admit card release schedule will be announced separately.
Important Documents Required
Candidates applying for GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026 should prepare the documents applicable to their category and qualifications.
These may include:
- Class 10 certificate or marksheet for date-of-birth verification.
- Educational qualification certificates and marksheets.
- Computer qualification certificate, where applicable.
- Category or reservation certificate.
- Valid SEBC non-creamy layer certificate, where applicable.
- Valid EWS certificate, where applicable.
- Disability certificate, where applicable.
- Ex-servicemen service and discharge documents, where applicable.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Scanned signature.
- Bank passbook details or the prescribed banking document.
- Identity proof and other documents requested in the official notification.
The exact documents and file formats must be checked against the current instructions on the official application portal.
How to Apply Online for GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026
Candidates can submit their applications through the official Gujarat OJAS portal by following the steps below.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Open the official OJAS application portal:
https://ojas.gujarat.gov.in/
Candidates who do not already have a One Time Registration (OTR) must complete the registration process before applying, as required by the notification.
Step 2: Find the Recruitment Advertisement
Open the online application section and select GSSSB.
Locate Advertisement No. 465/202627 for Food Safety Officer, Class-3. Read the recruitment details carefully before proceeding.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Enter the required registration information, date of birth and other requested details.
Review the personal information and fill in all mandatory fields marked on the application form.
Step 4: Enter Educational Details
Provide the required educational information, including examination details, qualification information and other relevant particulars.
Ensure that the entries match your official certificates and marksheets.
Step 5: Provide Bank Account Details
The supplied application instructions require bank account information for the fee-refund process.
Enter the account holder’s name, bank name, account number and IFSC code accurately. Upload the prescribed supporting bank document in the permitted format.
Step 6: Upload Photograph and Signature
Upload the photograph and signature according to the dimensions, format and file-size limits specified on the application portal.
The supplied instructions mention a photograph measuring 5 cm by 3.6 cm and a signature measuring 2.5 cm by 7.5 cm, with each image in JPG format and no larger than 15 KB.
The photograph must meet the stated background and date requirements. Confirm the current specifications on OJAS before uploading.
Step 7: Save and Confirm the Application
Review all entered details and save the application to generate the required application number.
Use the confirmation facility on OJAS to verify the information and complete the confirmation process. Save the confirmation number for future reference.
Step 8: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the prescribed fee through the available online payment options before the payment deadline.
Download or print the payment receipt and retain it for your records.
Step 9: Print the Application Form
After confirmation and payment, print or save the application form and keep a copy for future reference.
Candidates should retain their application details and registered contact information until the recruitment process is completed.
Application deadline: 10 November 2026, 11:59 PM.
Fee-payment deadline: 13 November 2026, 11:59 PM.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Before submitting an application under GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026, keep the following points in mind:
- Read the official notification and confirm your eligibility.
- Make sure the educational qualification matches the accepted disciplines.
- Enter personal and academic details exactly as shown on official documents.
- Verify reservation and age-relaxation eligibility before claiming benefits.
- Keep the registered mobile number and email address active.
- Save the application number, confirmation number and payment receipt.
- Do not wait until the final day to complete the application or fee payment.
- Check the official website for examination notices, admit cards and answer-key updates.
- Follow the examination rules and instructions issued by the Board.
- Avoid relying solely on third-party summaries when making eligibility or application decisions.
Candidates who provide false information, submit invalid documents or violate examination rules may face cancellation of their candidature or other action under the applicable rules.
Scribe and Compensatory Time for Eligible Candidates
The supplied recruitment information includes provisions for eligible candidates with benchmark disabilities or other qualifying writing limitations to request a scribe or compensatory time, subject to the applicable rules.
Candidates seeking these facilities should consult the official notification for the required medical certificates, forms, deadlines and submission procedure.
The information supplied for this recruitment mentions compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour for eligible candidates.
Requests must be submitted according to the Board’s instructions and within the specified time. Candidates should not assume that the facility is approved until they receive the required confirmation.
GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026: Important Links
Candidates can use the following official links to access recruitment information and the online application portal.
| Description | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | OJAS Gujarat Portal |
| GSSSB Official Website | gsssb.gujarat.gov.in |
| Recruitment Notification | GSSSB Notification Section |
| Examination and Admit Card Updates | GSSSB Official Website |
The notification section may contain several advertisements. Candidates should locate Advertisement No. 465/202627 and verify that they are reading the correct Food Safety Officer recruitment notice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are available under GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026?
A total of 84 Food Safety Officer, Class-3 vacancies have been advertised under Advertisement No. 465/202627.
2. What is the last date to apply for GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026?
The last date for online applications is 10 November 2026, up to 11:59 PM.
3. What is the final date for paying the application fee?
The supplied recruitment details specify 13 November 2026, up to 11:59 PM, as the fee-payment deadline.
4. What qualification is required for the Food Safety Officer post?
Candidates need a Master’s Degree in Chemistry or an eligible degree in a specified discipline, such as Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Agricultural Science, Biotechnology, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology or Medicine, subject to the official qualification rules.
5. What is the age limit for GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026?
The stated age range is 18 to 37 years as of 10 November 2026, before applicable age relaxation.
6. What salary is offered to a Food Safety Officer?
The initial fixed pay is ₹40,800 per month for the first five years. Eligible candidates may subsequently qualify for regular appointment in the Level-5 pay scale of ₹29,200–₹92,300, subject to applicable conditions.
7. What is the application fee?
The stated fee is ₹500 for unreserved candidates and ₹400 for eligible reserved categories, women, candidates with disabilities and ex-servicemen, subject to the official fee rules.
8. What is the selection process?
The selection process includes a one-stage MCQ competitive examination conducted through CBRT or OMR, followed by document verification and preparation of a merit-based selection list.
9. Is negative marking applicable in the examination?
Yes. According to the supplied examination pattern, one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
10. Where can candidates apply for GSSSB FSO Recruitment 2026?
Applications are submitted through the official Gujarat OJAS portal at https://ojas.gujarat.gov.in/.
11. When will the GSSSB FSO examination take place?
The examination date has not been announced in the supplied recruitment information. Candidates should check the official GSSSB website for the latest schedule.
12. Is a computer qualification required?
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed basic computer knowledge requirement. The notification specifies acceptable forms of proof and conditions for candidates who need to complete the requirement before appointment.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes. Recruitment conditions, eligibility requirements, fees and dates must be confirmed against the official GSSSB notification before applying. The recruiting authority’s official instructions take precedence over this summary.
Leave a Comment