HPSC Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026 is officially open: the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has released Advertisement No. 25/2026 inviting online applications for 45 posts of Food Safety Officer (Group-B) in the Food & Drugs Administration Department, Haryana. This guide is for science graduates aged 18–42 who want a secure Group-B state government job in Haryana with a starting pay of Rs.35,400 per month. Read on for eligibility, salary, application process, and everything else you need before the 19 October 2026 deadline.
HPSC Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026 offers 45 Group-B posts in Haryana’s Food & Drugs Administration Department with a pay scale of Rs.9300–34800 + Rs.4200 Grade Pay (FPL-6, Cell-1, starting pay Rs.35,400). Online applications open from 28 September 2026 and close on 19 October 2026 at hpsc.gov.in.
- Recruiting Body: Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC), Panchkula
- Post Name: Food Safety Officer (Group-B)
- Department: Food & Drugs Administration Department, Haryana
- Total Vacancies: 45 Posts
- Advertisement No.: 25/2026 (Date of Publication: 19.09.2026)
- Pay Scale: Rs.9300–34800 + GP Rs.4200, FPL-6 (Cell-1) — Starting Pay Rs.35,400/month
- Age Limit: 18–42 years (as on 19.10.2026)
- Application Open: 28 September 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 19 October 2026 (05:00 PM)
- Apply At: hpsc.gov.in
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is HPSC Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026?
- Who Should Apply for HPSC FSO 2026?
- Vacancy Details & Category-Wise Breakup
- HPSC Food Safety Officer Salary 2026
- Eligibility Criteria — Qualifications, Age & Relaxations
- Application Fee — Category-Wise Table
- How to Apply for HPSC FSO 2026 — Step-by-Step Process
- Selection Process — Exam Pattern
- HPSC FSO 2026 vs Other Haryana Govt Jobs
- Pros and Cons of HPSC Food Safety Officer Job
- Important Terms Related to HPSC FSO Recruitment
- Important Dates & Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is HPSC Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026?
HPSC Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026 is a state-level direct recruitment drive by the Haryana Public Service Commission to fill 45 Group-B posts in Haryana’s Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) Department. A Food Safety Officer (FSO) is a gazetted government official responsible for inspecting food businesses, collecting food samples, testing compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and ensuring that food products across Haryana meet the standards set by FSSAI. This is a permanent state government post with job security, regular pay revisions, pension benefits, and scope for promotion within the department.
The recruitment is governed by the Food Safety Officer (Group-B) Service Rules of the Food & Drugs Administration Department, Haryana, and the selection is made strictly through competitive examination conducted by HPSC, Panchkula.
Who Should Apply for HPSC FSO 2026?
This recruitment is best suited for candidates with a science background looking for a Group-B Haryana government job. Check the profiles below:
- 🎓 Food Technology graduates — B.Sc./M.Sc./Ph.D. in Food Engineering, Food Processing, Food Biotechnology, or related disciplines
- 🌾 Agriculture science graduates — degrees in Agriculture, Agriculture Engineering, Dairy Technology, Horticulture, Fisheries, or Food Nutrition & Dietetics
- 🧪 Science graduates — B.Sc./M.Sc. in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or Veterinary Sciences
- 🏥 Medical degree holders — MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, Bachelor of Sowa Rigpa Medicine and Surgery
- 🏛 Haryana domicile candidates aged 18–42 seeking a secure gazetted government job with Rs.35,400 starting salary
- 🎖 Ex-Servicemen (ESM/DESM) of Haryana looking for civil service employment with reservation benefits
- ♿ Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) — 2 posts reserved (1 Low Vision, 1 Deaf/Hard of Hearing) with zero application fee
- 👩 Women candidates of Haryana — eligible for concessional application fee of Rs.250 and age relaxation benefits
Vacancy Details & Category-Wise Breakup
HPSC has advertised a total of 45 posts for Food Safety Officer (Group-B). One of the DSC posts is included to cover a shortfall from the SC category under the current requisition.
| Category | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Un-reserved (UR) | 22 |
| DSC (Scheduled Caste) | 05 |
| OSC (Other Scheduled Caste) | 05 |
| BC-A (Non-Creamy Layer) | 05 |
| BC-B (Non-Creamy Layer) | 03 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 05 |
| Total | 45 |
| ESM — General (Horizontal) | 02 |
| PwBD — Low Vision (LV) | 01 |
| PwBD — Deaf, Hard of Hearing (D,HH) | 01 |
Note: 01 post of SC is for shortfall of SC category, included in this requisition. The number of posts may increase or decrease as per Government requirements. As per Government letter No. 14056-58 dated 17.07.2026, only Low Vision candidates are eligible for the seat reserved horizontally for Visually Impaired candidates.
HPSC Food Safety Officer Salary 2026 — Pay Scale & Benefits
The HPSC Food Safety Officer salary 2026 is structured under the Haryana Pay Scale with a starting gross monthly pay of approximately Rs.35,400, making it one of the competitive Group-B positions in Haryana state government service. The pay scale is Rs.9300–34800 with Grade Pay of Rs.4200 (FPL-6, Cell-1, Rs.35400).
| Pay Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | Rs.9300–34800 |
| Grade Pay (GP) | Rs.4200 |
| FPL (Fixed Pay Level) | FPL-6, Cell-1 |
| Starting Basic Pay | Rs.35,400/month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per Government revision (updated periodically) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Applicable as per posting location |
| Other Allowances | Medical, TA/DA, Leave encashment as applicable |
In addition to the base salary, a Haryana Food Safety Officer is entitled to pension benefits under the New Pension Scheme (NPS), annual increments, medical facilities, and leave benefits as per Haryana Government service rules. This makes the total compensation package significantly higher than the basic pay figure alone.
Eligibility Criteria — Qualifications, Age Limit & Relaxations
Candidates must satisfy all eligibility conditions as of the closing date, 19 October 2026. Below are the essential qualification requirements as per the official HPSC Advertisement No. 25/2026.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree from a recognized university in ONE of the following discipline categories:
- Food Technology disciplines: Food Engineering, Food Engineering & Technology, Food Processing & Preservation, Food Processing Technology, Food Technology & Management, Food Biotechnology, Food Plant Operations Management, Food Process Engineering & Management, Food Processing, Food Safety & Quality Management, Process and Food Engineering
- Dairy Technology / Biotechnology / Oil Technology
- Agricultural Science disciplines: Agriculture, Agriculture Engineering, Biotechnology, Dairy Technology, Fisheries, Food Technology, Food Nutrition & Dietetics, Horticulture
- Veterinary Sciences, Bio-Chemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, or Medicine from a recognized university
- Medical degrees: MBBS, BDS, Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery, Bachelor of Unani Medicine & Surgery, Bachelor of Siddha Medicine & Surgery, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery, Bachelor of Sowa Rigpa Medicine & Surgery
- Hindi or Sanskrit as one subject in Matric, or Hindi in Higher Education
Note: FSSAI-specified training (as per Section 1(b)) will be provided after appointment. No person with a financial interest in food manufacture, import, or sale can be appointed as FSO under Food Safety & Standards Rules, 2011.
Age Limit (as on 19.10.2026)
| Category | Age Relaxation | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General / UR | — | 42 years |
| Scheduled Castes of Haryana | 5 years | 47 years |
| Backward Classes of Haryana | 5 years | 47 years |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwBD) | 5 years (+5 if SC/BC/EWS) | 52 years |
| Widowed / Divorced / Separated Women | 5 years | 47 years |
| Unmarried Women | 5 years | 47 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Military service + 3 years | As applicable |
| Haryana Govt adhoc/contract employees | Equal to years of service | 52 years max |
Important: Age relaxation for reserved categories (DSC/OSC/BC-A/BC-B/ESM) applies only when posts are reserved for that specific category. The upper age limit with all relaxations combined shall not exceed 52 years for any candidate (except Ex-Servicemen).
Application Fee — Category-Wise Table
The application fee for HPSC FSO 2026 must be paid online (Net Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card) on or before 19 October 2026 by 05:00 PM. Fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances.
| Sr. No. | Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) — Haryana (40%+ disability) | NIL |
| 2 | OSC, DSC, BC-A (NCL), BC-B (NCL), ESM, EWS and Women Candidates of Haryana | Rs.250 |
| 3 | DESM of Haryana belonging to vertical category (OSC/DSC/BC-A/BC-B/ESM/EWS) | Rs.250 |
| 4 | DESM Candidates of Haryana — UR Category | Rs.1,000 |
| 5 | All Remaining Candidates | Rs.1,000 |
Applications submitted without the prescribed fee (unless fee remission is claimed) will be summarily rejected. Always save the payment confirmation receipt and your Application Number — you will need them for all future correspondence with HPSC. Do not apply multiple times; if you must re-apply due to an error, the last application with the highest application number will be considered.
How to Apply for HPSC FSO 2026 — Step-by-Step Process
HPSC accepts applications exclusively through the online portal at hpsc.gov.in. No offline or postal applications are accepted. The application window opens on 28 September 2026 and closes on 19 October 2026 at 05:00 PM. Follow this 4-stage process:
- Register Online: Visit hpsc.gov.in and register using your mobile number. A URN (Unique Registration Number) will be generated after successful registration.
- Fill the Application Form: Log in with your URN and fill in all required particulars — personal details, educational qualifications, category, experience, marks obtained, and passing year. Ensure all details are accurate as no change is allowed after submission.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay the prescribed fee online via Net Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card before 19 October 2026 by 05:00 PM. Without fee payment (unless exempted), the application is incomplete.
- Upload Signed Form & Documents: After payment, take a printout of your filled application form, check it carefully for any inadvertent error, sign it, and upload the signed copy along with all required supporting documents. Applications without the signed uploaded copy will be automatically rejected.
Documents to Upload: Scanned photo and signature, all educational degrees and marksheets, category certificates (DSC/OSC/BC-A/BC-B/EWS as applicable), PwBD certificate, Haryana Domicile/Resident certificate, Aadhar card/PAN/Voter ID, experience certificates (if applicable), ESM/DESM certificate issued by Zila Sanik Board (valid on closing date), and NOC for Haryana Government employees who have executed a bond.
Selection Process for HPSC Food Safety Officer 2026
HPSC follows a 3-stage competitive selection process for Group-B recruitment. The exact mode adopted depends on the volume of applications received.
- Stage 1 — Screening Test: An OMR-based objective test held when applications are very large in number. Candidates must correctly fill all OMR details (name, roll number, booklet series) — no manual checking of OMR sheets is done.
- Stage 2 — Subject Knowledge Test (SKT): A written test assessing domain knowledge relevant to food safety, food technology, and regulatory compliance under FSSAI guidelines. No re-checking or re-evaluation of SKT answer sheets is entertained.
- Stage 3 — Interview / Viva-Voce: The final stage for shortlisted candidates. Eligibility documents are verified only after the candidate qualifies for this stage.
HPSC may also shortlist candidates for the next stage based on: academic percentage, higher qualifications, experience in the relevant field, or by direct SKT & Interview (skipping screening test). The Commission’s decision on exam pattern is final and binding on all candidates.
HPSC FSO 2026 vs Other Haryana Government Jobs — Comparison
| Parameter | HPSC Food Safety Officer 2026 | HSSC Group-C Posts | HPSC Group-A (HCS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group | Group-B (Gazetted) | Group-C (Non-Gazetted) | Group-A (Gazetted) |
| Starting Pay | Rs.35,400/month | Rs.19,900–25,500/month | Rs.56,100+/month |
| Min. Qualification | Bachelor’s in Food/Agri/Medical Science | 10+2 / Graduation (varies) | Graduation (any stream) |
| Age Limit (UR) | 18–42 years | 17–42 years | 21–42 years |
| Selection Process | Screening + SKT + Interview | Written Test / Skill Test | Prelims + Mains + Interview |
| Total Vacancies | 45 Posts | Hundreds (multiple posts) | Limited (25–50) |
| Application Fee (UR) | Rs.1,000 | Rs.100–500 | Rs.1,000–1,500 |
| Competition Level | Medium (science graduates) | Very High (all graduates) | Very High (all graduates) |
| Best For | Science/Food Tech/Agriculture/Medical graduates | Class 10/12 pass candidates | Ambitious all-rounder graduates |
For candidates with a degree in Food Technology, Agriculture Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a medical qualification, the HPSC FSO 2026 is a strategically excellent choice. It is a gazetted Group-B post — a level above most HSSC jobs — with a starting pay of Rs.35,400, lower competition than HCS, and a well-defined career path within Haryana’s FDA Department. If you meet the educational criteria, this is one of the best government job opportunities in Haryana right now.
Pros and Cons of HPSC Food Safety Officer Job in Haryana
Advantages
- ✅ Gazetted Group-B post — higher status than HSSC Group-C jobs
- ✅ Rs.35,400 starting salary with regular Haryana Government pay revisions and DA increments
- ✅ Permanent government employment with NPS pension and job security
- ✅ Focused eligibility — science/food tech/agriculture graduates have dedicated posts; competition is domain-specific
- ✅ State-level regulatory authority — FSOs hold real enforcement powers under FSSAI; impactful public health work
Disadvantages
- ❌ Only 45 vacancies — limited seats for a large state-level candidate pool
- ❌ Haryana domicile restriction — most category benefits and fee concessions apply only to Haryana residents
- ❌ Tight application window — only 21 days from 28 Sep to 19 Oct 2026; document preparation must begin immediately
Important Terms Related to HPSC FSO Recruitment 2026
- HPSC (Haryana Public Service Commission): The constitutional body based in Panchkula, Sector-4, responsible for conducting Group-A and Group-B recruitments for Haryana Government. Website: hpsc.gov.in.
- Food Safety Officer (FSO): A Group-B gazetted officer appointed under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, empowered to inspect food businesses, collect samples, and issue improvement/prohibition notices.
- FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India): The central regulatory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare that sets food safety standards; FSOs enforce FSSAI regulations at the ground level.
- FPL-6 (Fixed Pay Level 6): The revised pay matrix level corresponding to the post, with Cell-1 entry pay of Rs.35,400 per month under the Haryana pay revision.
- URN (Unique Registration Number): The number generated at the time of online registration on hpsc.gov.in, required for logging in and completing the application form.
- SKT (Subject Knowledge Test): A written examination conducted by HPSC testing domain-specific knowledge relevant to food safety, food technology, regulatory compliance, and public health.
- Non-Creamy Layer (NCL): A criterion for BC-A and BC-B category candidates confirming they do not fall in the economically advanced segment of Backward Classes; NCL certificates for 2026-27 must be issued from April 2026 onward.
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section): A 10% reservation category for general category candidates whose annual family income is below Rs.8 lakh and who do not own substantial assets; EWS certificate must be valid for 2026-27.
- PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): Candidates with at least 40% disability entitled to fee waiver, age relaxation, and 2 reserved horizontal posts under HPSC FSO 2026.
- ESM/DESM: Ex-Servicemen of Haryana and their Dependents eligible for horizontal reservation and application fee concession; DESM certificate must be issued by the Zila Sanik Board and valid on the closing date.
Important Dates & Application Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Official Notification Publication | 19 September 2026 |
| Online Application Window Opens | 28 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 19 October 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Last Date to Deposit Application Fee | 19 October 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Eligibility Determined As On | 19 October 2026 (Closing Date) |
| e-Admit Card Release | To be announced on hpsc.gov.in |
| Screening Test / SKT Date | To be announced by HPSC |
Important Links
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (HPSC Portal) | hpsc.gov.in |
| Official Notification PDF | Download Official Notification (Agrijob Telegram) |
| FDA Haryana Service Rules | FDA Haryana Service Rules PDF |
| FSSAI Official Website | fssai.gov.in |
| Haryana Government Portal | haryana.gov.in |
| HPSC Helpline (Technical) | 1800-1800-431 | SR1-hpsc@hry.gov.in |
Conclusion — Should You Apply for HPSC FSO Recruitment 2026?
The HPSC Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026 is a rare and high-value opportunity for science, food technology, agriculture, and medical graduates in Haryana to secure a gazetted Group-B government post with a starting pay of Rs.35,400 per month, long-term job security, and meaningful public health impact. With only 45 seats available and an application window of just 21 days, acting fast is critical. Complete your registration at hpsc.gov.in from 28 September 2026 and submit your signed application with all documents by 19 October 2026 at 5 PM — do not wait for the last day.
- HPSC is recruiting 45 Food Safety Officers (Group-B) in Haryana FDA Department via Advertisement No. 25/2026
- Starting salary is Rs.35,400/month (Pay Scale Rs.9300–34800 + GP Rs.4200, FPL-6)
- Online applications open 28 September 2026 and close 19 October 2026 at 05:00 PM on hpsc.gov.in
- Eligible streams include Food Technology, Agriculture Science, Medical degrees, Chemistry, Microbiology, and more
- Application fee: NIL for PwBD; Rs.250 for reserved categories & Haryana women; Rs.1,000 for others
- Selection is through a 3-stage process: Screening Test → Subject Knowledge Test → Interview
Frequently Asked Questions About HPSC Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026
What is the last date to apply for HPSC Food Safety Officer 2026?
The last date to submit the online application for HPSC Food Safety Officer Recruitment 2026 is 19 October 2026 by 05:00 PM. The fee payment deadline is also 19 October 2026 at 05:00 PM. Applications submitted without fee payment (unless exempted) will be summarily rejected. The application window opens on 28 September 2026 at hpsc.gov.in.
What is the salary of HPSC Food Safety Officer in Haryana?
The HPSC Food Safety Officer salary 2026 is structured on pay scale Rs.9300–34800 with Grade Pay Rs.4200 (FPL-6, Cell-1). The starting monthly pay is Rs.35,400 per month. Additional benefits include Dearness Allowance (revised periodically), House Rent Allowance, medical benefits, NPS pension, and annual pay increments as per Haryana Government service rules.
How many posts are available in HPSC FSO Recruitment 2026?
HPSC has notified 45 total posts for Food Safety Officer (Group-B) in this recruitment. The breakup is: 22 UR, 5 DSC, 5 OSC, 5 BC-A, 3 BC-B, and 5 EWS. Additionally, 2 posts are reserved horizontally for ESM (General) and 2 posts for PwBD (1 Low Vision, 1 Deaf/Hard of Hearing). The post count may increase or decrease as per Government requirements.
What educational qualification is required for HPSC Food Safety Officer 2026?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree from a recognized university in Food Technology disciplines (Food Engineering, Food Processing, Food Biotechnology, etc.), Agricultural Sciences (Agriculture, Dairy Technology, Horticulture, Fisheries, etc.), Veterinary Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, Medicine (MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, etc.), or Oil Technology/Biotechnology/Dairy Technology. Knowledge of Hindi or Sanskrit is also required at Matric or Higher Education level.
What is the application fee for HPSC FSO Recruitment 2026?
The application fee for HPSC FSO 2026 is: NIL for PwBD candidates (40%+ disability) of Haryana; Rs.250 for OSC/DSC/BC-A/BC-B/ESM/EWS category candidates and all women candidates of Haryana; Rs.1,000 for DESM (UR) and all remaining candidates. Fee is payable online and is non-refundable once paid.
What is the age limit for HPSC Food Safety Officer 2026?
Candidates must be at least 18 years and not more than 42 years of age on or before the closing date of 19 October 2026. Age relaxation of 5 years is available for Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes of Haryana, widowed/divorced/separated/unmarried women, and PwBD candidates. Ex-Servicemen get relaxation equal to their military service period plus 3 additional years. The absolute maximum age with all relaxations is 52 years (except Ex-Servicemen).
What is the selection process for HPSC Food Safety Officer 2026?
The HPSC FSO 2026 selection process has 3 stages: Stage 1 — Screening Test (OMR-based, if applicant numbers are large); Stage 2 — Subject Knowledge Test (SKT) assessing domain-specific expertise in food safety, food technology, and regulatory compliance; and Stage 3 — Interview/Viva-Voce for candidates who qualify SKT. HPSC may skip the screening test and directly hold SKT + Interview in some cases. The Commission’s decision on exam pattern is final.
Is Haryana domicile mandatory for HPSC FSO 2026?
Haryana domicile is required to avail reservation benefits (fee concession, age relaxation, category-wise reservation). Reserved category candidates from other states compete only against UR/General category posts. Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or persons of Indian origin who have permanently settled in India are eligible to apply. The benefit of reservation is available exclusively to Haryana State Residents/Domiciles under the category specified in the notification.
