Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released the official notification for the 11th Food Analyst Examination (11th FAE) 2026. This certification exam is a gateway for food professionals to become certified Food Analysts under the FSS Act, 2006.
The Computer-Based Test (CBT) is tentatively scheduled for March 8, 2026. To crack this highly competitive exam, candidates must have a thorough understanding of the syllabus, which covers Food Laws, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Human Nutrition.
Below is the complete guide on the exam pattern, subject-wise syllabus, and direct links to official resources.
FSSAI Food Analyst Exam 2026: Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Organization | Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) |
| Exam Name | 11th Food Analyst Examination (11th FAE) |
| Exam Date (Tentative) | March 8, 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 200 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 800 Marks |
| Official Website | www.fssai.gov.in |
FSSAI Food Analyst Exam Pattern 2026
The exam consists of a single paper with multiple-choice questions.
- Total Questions: 200
- Duration: 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
- Marking Scheme:
- +4 Marks for every correct answer.
- -1 Mark for every wrong answer (Negative Marking).
- Qualifying Marks: Candidate must secure 40% marks to qualify for the Practical Exam.
| Section | Subject / Topic | Weightage (%) | No. of Questions |
| 1 | Food Laws & Standards (India & International) | 20% | 40 |
| 2 | Planning Organization & Setting up of Food Analysis Lab (NABL/ISO 17025) | 10% | 20 |
| 3 | Principles of Food Preservation, Processing & Packaging | 5% | 10 |
| 4 | Principles & Basics of Human Nutrition | 5% | 10 |
| 5 | Food Chemistry | 40% | 80 |
| 6 | Food Microbiology & Food Hygiene | 15% | 30 |
| 7 | Physical, Chemical & Instrumental Analysis | 5% | 10 |
| Total | 100% | 200 |
Detailed FSSAI Food Analyst Syllabus 2026
The syllabus is divided into key domains. Below are the important topics you must cover.
1. Food Laws and Standards (India & International)
- FSS Act, 2006: Definitions, Authorities, Enforcement, and Penalties.
- FSS Rules & Regulations, 2011: Licensing, Labelling, Food Product Standards, and Additives.
- International Bodies: Role of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), WTO, SPS, and TBT agreements.
- Other Acts: AGMARK, BIS, Legal Metrology Act, Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act.
2. Planning, Organization & Laboratory Management
- Accreditation: NABL accreditation, ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards.
- Lab Safety: Handling chemicals, gases, fire safety, and waste disposal.
- GLP: Good Laboratory Practices, calibration of equipment, and sample handling.
3. Food Preservation, Processing & Packaging
- Preservation: Thermal processing (Pasteurization, Sterilization), Drying, Freezing, and Irradiation.
- Processing: Unit operations like mixing, separation, and filtration.
- Packaging: Active and Intelligent packaging, packaging materials (glass, plastic, metal), and labelling laws.
4. Human Nutrition
- Nutrients: Role of Macro (Carbs, Proteins, Fats) and Micronutrients (Vitamins, Minerals).
- Deficiency Diseases: Malnutrition, Anaemia, Scurvy, Rickets, etc.
- Metabolism: Digestion and absorption of food components.
- Dietary Standards: RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) and balanced diet.
5. Food Chemistry (High Weightage)
- Carbohydrates: Structure, classification, and reactions (Maillard reaction, caramelization).
- Proteins: Amino acids, protein denaturation, and enzymes.
- Fats & Oils: Rancidity, hydrogenation, and analysis of fats (Iodine value, Saponification value).
- Water: Water activity ($a_w$) and its role in food stability.
- Additives: Preservatives, antioxidants, coloring agents, and their analysis.
6. Food Microbiology & Hygiene
- Food Spoilage: Causes, spoilage organisms in different foods (milk, meat, cereals).
- Foodborne Diseases: Infections and intoxications (Salmonella, E. coli, Botulism).
- Food Safety: HACCP principles, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and GHP.
Important Official Links
Use the direct links below to access the official syllabus and notification.
| Link Description | Direct Link |
| Download Official Syllabus PDF | Click Here to Download |
| Apply Online (11th FAE) | Click Here to Apply |
| Official Website | www.fssai.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is there negative marking in the FSSAI Food Analyst Exam?
Ans: Yes, there is a negative marking of -1 mark for every incorrect answer.
Q2: What is the exam date for the 11th FAE 2026?
Ans: The computer-based test is tentatively scheduled for March 8, 2026.
Q3: Is a Master’s degree mandatory?
Ans: No, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields (like Food Tech, Chemistry, Microbiology) with 3 years of experience are also eligible.
Q4: Can I change my exam center later?
Ans: No, the exam center once selected during the application process is final and cannot be changed.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the latest official notification for the 11th Food Analyst Examination. The syllabus and exam pattern are subject to change at the discretion of FSSAI. Candidates are advised to visit the official website fssai.gov.in for regular updates.
