GSSSB Food Safety Officer Exam Syllabus and Pattern 2026

Overview

The GSSSB Food Safety Officer Syllabus for the year 2026 has been issued for the Class-3 recruitment under Advertisement Nos. 465/2026-27 and 466/2026-27. This examination consists of a total of 210 questions, aligning with a maximum score of 210 marks. The assessment is divided into two parts: Part A, which accounts for 90 marks, and Part B, which encompasses 120 marks. Candidates will have three hours to complete the examination, and it includes a provision for negative marking, where a quarter of the marks allotted for an incorrect answer will be deducted. To qualify, candidates must secure at least 40% separately in both parts. More details, including the subject-wise syllabus and exam pattern, can be found on the official GSSSB website at gsssb.gujarat.gov.in.

Important Links

Selection Process

The selection procedure comprises a single-stage competitive examination, followed by a verification of eligibility and relevant selection standards. The stages are as follows:

1. Competitive Examination: A test divided into Part A and Part B, totaling 210 marks.
2. Merit List Preparation: Candidates are evaluated based on their performance in the examination according to the recruitment guidelines.
3. Document Verification: Candidates who qualify are required to present the necessary original documents.
4. Final Selection: This is based on merit, eligibility, and compliance with reservation policies.

Exam Pattern

Marking Scheme and Negative Marking

For each incorrect answer, a deduction of a quarter of the marks designated for that question (0.25 marks for a question worth 1 mark) will occur. Candidates should monitor their cumulative scores and adhere to official guidelines concerning unanswered questions.

Subject-wise Syllabus

Part A

• Reasoning and Data Interpretation (30 Marks):
  • Classification and analogy
  • Series of numbers and alphabets
  • Coding and decoding
  • Relationships between family members
  • Directions and distance
  • Ordering and ranking
  • Diagrams of Venn
  • Logical deductions and reasoning
  • Calendars and clocks
  • Sufficiency of data
  • Graphs, tables, and charts
  • Basic mathematics and probability reasoning
  • Interpreting data through percentages, ratios, and averages
• Quantitative Aptitude (30 Marks):
  • System of numbers
  • Highest Common Factor (HCF) and Lowest Common Multiple (LCM)
  • Decimal and fraction calculations
  • Ratios and proportions
  • Calculating percentages
  • Average values
  • Loss and profit
  • Simple and compound interest calculations
  • Partnership calculations
  • Work and time
  • Distance, speed, and time
  • Algebra and related equations
  • Geometry and measurement
  • Coordinate geometry concepts
  • Trigonometric principles
• Constitution of India (10 Marks):
  • Constitution's Preamble
  • Rights that are fundamental
  • Duties that are fundamental
  • Principles that guide state policy
  • State and Union Government structures
  • Judiciary, Executive, and Legislature
  • Self-governance at local levels
  • Constitutional bodies and organizations
  • Democracy in India and electoral processes
• Current Affairs (10 Marks):
  • Events at the international, national and state levels
  • Government initiatives
  • Advances in technology and science
  • Updates on public health
  • Developments in food safety
• Gujarati and English Comprehension (10 Marks):
  • Comprehension in Gujarati (5 Marks)
  • Comprehension in English (5 Marks)

Part B

• Food Laws, Regulations, Certification and Development Schemes (30 Marks)
• Introduction to Basic Food Science (20 Marks)
• Food Microbiology and Food Biotechnology (15 Marks)
• Food and Nutrition (5 Marks)
• Food Preservation, Packaging and Storage (5 Marks)
• Agricultural Science (5 Marks)
• Food Safety, Quality Control, Hygiene and Standards (15 Marks)
• Animal Product Processing (5 Marks)
• Dairy Science (10 Marks)
• Food Processing Technology (10 Marks)

Preparation Strategy

Given that Part B accounts for a significant portion of the total marks, candidates should focus on the technical syllabus while also thoroughly preparing for Part A. Here are some preparation tips:

• Study the official syllabus to understand unit weightage.
• Prioritize topics such as Food Laws, Basic Food Science, Microbiology, and Quality Control.
• Regularly practice reasoning and quantitative aptitude questions.
• Separate preparation for Gujarati and English comprehension.
• Revise important sections of the Constitution and recent current affairs.
• Engage in timed mock tests covering the complete question set.
• Review incorrect answers to reinforce learning in weaker areas.
• Aim to meet the qualifying marks in both sections individually.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Neglecting to practice timed mock tests.
• Overlooking weaker subjects during revision.
• Failing to follow the official syllabus closely.
• Ignoring negative marking while answering questions.
• Not balancing preparation between Part A and Part B.

Frequently Asked Questions