FSSAI Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially released the FSSAI Syllabus 2024 along with the FSSAI Notification 2024. Aspirants aiming for various positions such as Central Food Safety Officer, Assistant Managers, and Technical Officers should align their preparation strategies with the provided syllabus to enhance their chances of success. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the FSSAI Syllabus and Exam Pattern for 2024, ensuring candidates have all the necessary information for effective preparation.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to FSSAI Syllabus 2024
- FSSAI Exam Pattern 2024
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) I Exam Pattern
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) II Exam Pattern
- Detailed Syllabus for Various Posts
- Technical Officer
- Central Food Safety Officer
- Assistant Manager (IT)
- Assistant Manager
- Assistant Director (Technical)
- Conclusion
Introduction to FSSAI Syllabus 2024
The FSSAI Syllabus 2024 has been meticulously designed to cover all essential topics that candidates need to master for various roles within the organization. The syllabus includes key areas such as general awareness, quantitative aptitude, English language, and general intelligence. Each topic is aimed at evaluating the candidate's comprehensive abilities required for the respective posts.
FSSAI Exam Pattern 2024
The FSSAI Exam Pattern 2024 is structured to assess candidates through a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for different posts. The exam is divided into two main parts:
- General Aptitude and Computer Literacy: This section tests candidates on General Intelligence, General Awareness, and the English Language.
- Functional Knowledge Test: This section focuses on job-specific knowledge pertinent to the position applied for.
The marking scheme for the FSSAI Exam is structured to award +4 marks for each correct answer while deducting -1 mark for each incorrect response.
Computer-Based Test I Exam Pattern
The CBT I Exam Pattern includes the following subjects and question distribution:
| Subject | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| General Intelligence | 20 |
| General Awareness | 20 |
| English Language | 10 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 |
| Computer Literacy | 25 |
| FSSAI-Role, Functions, Initiatives (A General Understanding) | 25 |
| Total | 120 |
Computer-Based Test II Exam Pattern
The CBT II exam is designed with a total of 80 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to be answered within a duration of 180 minutes. The difficulty level is distributed as 20% easy, 30% medium, and 50% difficult.
| S.no | Question Type | No of Questions | Full Marks | Negative Marks | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Single correct option | 30 | +2 if only the correct answer is selected | -0.5 if wrong answer option chosen | 60 |
| 2 | Multiple correct options | 20 | +4 if the correct option(s) is selected | -2 in all other cases | 80 |
| 3 | Fill in the blanks (2 blanks) | 5 | +4 if only the correct answer is selected | -1 if wrong answer option chosen | 20 |
| 4 | Fill in the blanks (1 blank) | 10 | +4 if only the correct answer is selected | -1 if wrong answer option chosen | 40 |
| 5 | Comprehension | 10 | +2 if only the correct answer is selected | -0.5 if wrong answer option chosen | 20 |
| 6 | Matching list | 5 | +4 if only the correct answer is selected | -1 if wrong answer option chosen | 20 |
| Total | 80 | 240 |
Detailed Syllabus for Various Posts
The syllabus for each post under FSSAI covers specific areas of expertise. Below is a detailed breakdown of the syllabus for different posts:
FSSAI Mains Syllabus for Technical Officer
Principles of Food Preservation, Processing, and Packaging
- Food Processing Operations, Principles, Good Manufacturing Practices
- Overview of food preservation methods and their underlying principles including novel and emerging methods/principles
- Overview of food packaging methods and principles including novel packaging materials/techniques
Principles and Basics of Food Chemistry and Their Role in Human Nutrition
- Structure and functions of macro-and micronutrients
- Role of macro and micronutrients in human nutrition
- Overview of food additives to their technological functions
- Overview of anti-nutritional factors and their removal from foods
- Overview of enzymes as food processing aids
- Overview of nutraceuticals and functions of foods
- Overview of food contaminants and adulterants and their effects on human health
- Food allergens and allergenicity
- Importance of diet in alleviating health risks, especially non-communicable diseases
Food Microbiology & General Principles of Food Hygiene
- General Principles of food microbiology and overview of food-borne pathogens
- Overview of sources of microorganisms in the food chain (raw materials, water, air, equipment, etc.) and microbiological quality of foods
- Microbial food spoilage and Foodborne diseases.
- General principles and techniques in microbiological examination of foods.
FSSAI CBT 2 Mains Syllabus for Central Food Safety Officer
Principles of Food Preservation, Processing, and Packaging
- Food Processing Operations, Principles, Good Manufacturing Practices
- Overview of food preservation methods and their underlying principles including novel and emerging methods/principles
- Overview of food packaging methods and principles including novel packaging materials/techniques
Principles and Basics of Food Chemistry and Their Role in Human Nutrition
- Structure and functions of macro-and micronutrients
- Role of macro and micronutrients in human nutrition
- Overview of food additives concerning their technological functions
- Overview of anti-nutritional factors and their removal from foods
- Overview of enzymes as food processing aids
- Overview of nutraceuticals and functions of foods
- Overview of food contaminants and adulterants and their effects on human health
- Food allergens and allergenicity
- Importance of diet in alleviating health risks, especially non-communicable diseases
Food Microbiology & General Principles of Food Hygiene
- General Principles of food microbiology and overview of food-borne pathogens
- Overview of sources of microorganisms in the food chain (raw materials, water, air, equipment, etc.) and microbiological quality of foods
- Microbial food spoilage and Foodborne diseases
- General principles and techniques in microbiological examination of foods
FSSAI CBT 2 Mains Syllabus for Assistant Manager (IT)
Computer Science and Information Technology
- Digital Logic: Logic functions, Minimization, Design, and synthesis of combinational and sequential circuits; Number representation and computer arithmetic (fixed and floating point)
- Computer Organization and Architecture: Machine instruction and addressing modes, ALU and date-path, CPU control design, Memory interface, I/O interface (interrupt and DMA mode), instruction pipelining, Cache and main memory, Secondary storage.
- Programming and Data Structure: Programming in C; Functions, Recursion, Parameter passing, Scopes, Binding; Abstract data types, Arrays, Stacks, Queues, Linked Lists, Trees, Binary Search trees, Binary heaps.
- Algorithms: Analysis, Asymptotic notation, Notions of space and time complexity, Worst and average case analysis, Design, Greedy approach, Dynamic programming, Divide and conquer, Tree and graph traversals, Connected components, spanning trees, shortest paths, Hashing, Sorting, Searching, Asymptotic analysis (Best, worst, average cases) of time and space, upper and lower bounds, Basic concepts of complexity classes-P, NP, NP-Hard, NP-complete.
- INTERNET & WEB TECHNOLOGIES: HTML, JavaScript, JSON, AJAX, XML, Web Servers: Tomcat, Apache, WAMP, IIS, etc., Server programming Language- Java, .Net, PHP, Web Design Tools, API Integration, DNS & Web hosting, Static & Dynamic Web Development.
- IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Software Development Life Cycle, Requirement Analysis & Engineering, IT Project Planning & Execution, Unified Modeling Language, Software Analysis & Design, Concepts of OOPs, Object Oriented Analysis and Design, Software Change Management, IT Vendor Management, client/server architecture, deployment of web-based applications.
- SOFTWARE TOOLS & TECHNIQUES: Content Management System (CMS), Software Installation & Configuration, Database Management System, Database design, ER diagrams, Database Client.
- CYBER SECURITY AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES: Secure programming techniques, OWASP top 10 vulnerabilities, concepts on IoT, Cloud Technology, etc.
FSSAI CBT 2 Mains Syllabus for Assistant Manager
Section-1
- Communication theories: concept and process; Media laws, ethics, and regulations; corporate communication; writing for traditional media (newspapers, magazines, radio, television, etc.) and new media (website, blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc.); Advertising principles and concepts, Media planning, campaign planning; Advertising, Marketing and PR Research;
Section-2
- Work psychology and organizational behavior, Community psychology, application of psychology in Mass Media and information technology, the psychological problem of social integration, psychology, and economic development; Laws on social security, Industrial relations, and compensation;
Section-3
- Library classification, information sources, services and users, information and communication technology, library automation and networking, library management
FSSAI Syllabus for Assistant Director (Technical), Technical Officer, and Central Food Safety Officer
The FSSAI Syllabus and exam pattern for Assistant Director (Technical) and Technical Officer cover:
| Subject | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| General Intelligence | 10 |
| General Awareness | 10 |
| English Language Comprehension | 10 |
| Computer Literacy | 10 |
| Indian and International Food Laws | 20 |
| FSSAI – Roles, Functions and Initiatives | 20 |
| Subject Matter Knowledge | 40 |
| Total | 120 |
(A) General Aptitude and Computer Literacy
The following topics are covered under the General Aptitude and Computer Literacy section:
General Intelligence
- Verbal and Non-verbal Ability.
- Analogies.
- Similarities and Differences.
- Space Visualization.
- Problem Solving.
- Analysis, decision, and judgment making.
- Visual Memory.
- Discriminating Observations.
- Relationship concepts.
- Arithmetic Reasoning.
- Verbal and Figure Classification.
- Arithmetic number series and non-verbal series.
General Awareness
- Current Affairs.
- Indian Economy.
- Indian Polity.
- History.
- Geography.
- General Science.
English Language Comprehension
- Vocabulary.
- Grammar.
- Comprehension.
- Synonyms and Antonyms.
- Sentence Correction.
- Idioms and Phrases.
General Aptitude and Computer Literacy
General Intelligence
The General Intelligence section covers a wide array of topics to assess the analytical and reasoning capabilities of candidates. The topics include verbal and non-verbal ability, analogies, similarities and differences, space visualization, problem-solving, decision-making, judgment, visual memory, discriminating observations, relationship concepts, arithmetic reasoning, verbal and figure classification, and arithmetic number series and non-verbal series. These topics are fundamental in evaluating the logical reasoning and cognitive abilities of the candidates.
General Awareness
The General Awareness section tests the candidates' knowledge of current affairs and general knowledge. Topics include current affairs, India and neighboring countries, history, culture, geography, economic scene, general polity including the Indian Constitution, sports, and scientific research. This section aims to ensure that candidates are well-informed about the world around them, particularly in areas that directly or indirectly impact food safety and standards.
English Language Comprehension
English Language Comprehension is crucial for understanding and communicating effectively. The topics covered include vocabulary, grammar (nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, prepositions, conjunctions), word substitution, antonyms and synonyms, spelling errors, spotting errors in sentences, and idioms and phrases. Mastery of these areas is essential for clear and precise communication in professional settings.
Computer Literacy
In today's digital age, computer literacy is indispensable. The Computer Literacy section assesses candidates' proficiency with basic computer operations and commonly used software. Topics include working knowledge of computers, knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) including basic commands, Google Docs, emails, and commonly used social media platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter). Proficiency in these areas ensures that candidates can efficiently perform tasks that require digital literacy.
Functional Knowledge Test
Indian and International Food Laws
A thorough understanding of Indian and International Food Laws is vital for positions within the FSSAI. This section covers the legal frameworks and standards governing food safety in India and globally. Knowledge of these laws ensures that candidates can effectively implement and enforce food safety regulations.
FSSAI – Roles, Functions, and Initiatives
Understanding the roles, functions, and initiatives of the FSSAI is crucial. This section covers the genesis and evolution of FSSAI, structure and functions of the Food Authority, and various initiatives like Eat Right India, Food Fortification, Clean Street Food Hub, RUCO, and other initiatives. Familiarity with these topics ensures that candidates are aligned with the organizational goals and can contribute effectively to its mission.
Principles of Food Preservation, Processing, and Packaging
Knowledge of food preservation, processing, and packaging principles is essential for ensuring food safety and extending shelf life. This section covers the scientific principles and technologies used in these processes, which are crucial for maintaining food quality and safety.
Principles and Basics of Food Chemistry and Their Role in Human Nutrition
Understanding food chemistry and its role in human nutrition is fundamental for positions related to food safety. This section covers the chemical composition of food, nutritional values, and the impact of different food components on human health.
Food Microbiology and General Principles of Food Hygiene
Food microbiology and hygiene are critical for preventing foodborne illnesses. This section covers the study of microorganisms that affect food safety and the general principles of maintaining food hygiene. Knowledge in this area ensures that candidates can implement effective measures to control and prevent contamination.
General Concepts of Food Analysis and Testing
Food analysis and testing are essential for ensuring compliance with safety standards. This section covers the general concepts, methods, and technologies used in food analysis and testing. Proficiency in this area ensures that candidates can accurately assess food quality and safety.
Detailed Syllabus for Specific Posts
Assistant Director
For the post of Assistant Director, the syllabus includes General Intelligence, General Awareness, English Language Comprehension, Computer Literacy, Indian and International Food Laws, FSSAI – Roles, Functions, and Initiatives, and Subject Matter Knowledge. The examination pattern includes 120 questions distributed across these topics.
Technical Officer
The syllabus for Technical Officer includes similar sections as the Assistant Director, with a focus on General Intelligence, General Awareness, English Language Comprehension, Computer Literacy, Indian and International Food Laws, FSSAI – Roles, Functions, and Initiatives, and Subject Matter Knowledge. The total number of questions is also 120.
Assistant Manager (IT) and IT Assistant
For Assistant Manager (IT) and IT Assistant, the syllabus includes General Intelligence, General Awareness, English Language Comprehension, Indian and International Food Laws, FSSAI – Roles, Functions, and Initiatives, and Subject Matter Knowledge. The focus here is more on technical knowledge, with a total of 120 questions.
Assistant and Junior Assistant (Grade I)
The syllabus for Assistant and Junior Assistant (Grade I) covers General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Literacy, and FSSAI – Roles, Functions, and Initiatives. This comprehensive coverage ensures that candidates are well-rounded and equipped with necessary skills.
Personal Assistant
The Personal Assistant exam includes General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, Computer Literacy, and FSSAI – Roles, Functions, and Initiatives. Additionally, candidates must pass a skill test in stenography, which includes dictation and transcription.
Hindi Translator
For the Hindi Translator post, the syllabus covers General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Computer Literacy, FSSAI – Roles, Functions, Initiatives, and specific topics related to translation and official language policy. This ensures candidates are proficient in both general aptitude and language skills.
Deputy Manager and Assistant Manager
The syllabus for Deputy Manager and Assistant Manager includes General Intelligence, General Awareness, Computer Literacy, FSSAI – Roles, Functions, and Initiatives, and Subject Matter Knowledge. The focus here is on managerial and administrative knowledge, with a total of 120 questions.
Food Analyst
The syllabus for Food Analysts includes topics on Food Laws and Standards of India and International Food Laws, planning and organization of food analysis laboratories, physical, chemical, and instrumental analysis, and case studies for interpretation of analysis reports. This ensures candidates are well-versed in analytical techniques and regulatory standards.
Conclusion
The FSSAI Syllabus 2024 is comprehensive and tailored to ensure candidates possess the necessary knowledge and skills for various roles within the organization. Each section and topic is carefully chosen to evaluate different aspects of a candidate’s aptitude, technical knowledge, and practical skills. Thorough preparation according to this syllabus will equip candidates to excel in their respective exams and contribute effectively to the mission of FSSAI in ensuring food safety and standards in India.