The Bihar Technical Service Commission (BTSC) has announced 139 Food Safety Officer (FSO) vacancies under Advertisement No. 29/2026 for the Bihar Food Safety Service, Health Department, Government of Bihar. The recruitment is open to candidates with specified degrees in food technology, agriculture, veterinary science, microbiology, chemistry, medicine and other eligible disciplines. Online applications are scheduled from 25 September to 24 October 2026.
A key point in this recruitment is that eligibility depends heavily on the candidate’s exact degree and, for reservation benefits, Bihar domicile status. Selection is through a 100-mark Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by document verification. Here is a detailed breakdown of the vacancies, qualifications, age limits, examination and application requirements.
BTSC FSO Recruitment 2026: Key Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Bihar Technical Service Commission (BTSC) |
| Department | Health Department, Government of Bihar |
| Service | Bihar Food Safety Service |
| Post | Food Safety Officer |
| Advertisement No. | 29/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 139 |
| Recruitment Type | Regular Appointment |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 25 September 2026 |
| Last Date | 24 October 2026 |
| Minimum Age | 21 years |
| Maximum Age | 37 to 42 years, depending on category |
| Pay Level | Level 6 |
| Selection | CBT and Document Verification |
BTSC FSO Vacancy 2026
BTSC has advertised 139 Food Safety Officer posts. The vacancy distribution includes vertical reservations as well as horizontal reservations, as specified in the recruitment advertisement.
| Category | Main Vacancies | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 41 | 14 | 55 |
| EWS | 11 | 4 | 15 |
| SC | 17 | 6 | 23 |
| ST | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| EBC | 18 | 6 | 24 |
| BC | 12 | 4 | 16 |
| WBC | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 105 | 34 | 139 |
The category-wise figures should be read together with the reservation provisions in the official advertisement, particularly for candidates claiming Bihar-specific reservation benefits.
Who Can Apply for BTSC FSO Recruitment?
This is a specialised recruitment, so having a general graduation degree alone does not automatically make a candidate eligible.
The notification recognises several specific educational routes for appointment as Food Safety Officer. Eligible candidates may hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree in specified disciplines including:
- Food Technology
- Dairy Technology
- Biotechnology
- Oil Technology
- Agricultural Science
- Veterinary Science
- Bio-Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Medicine
The notification also includes specified medical qualifications such as MBBS, BDS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, BAMS and Bachelor of Sowa Rigpa Medicine and Surgery.
Another route is through a qualification or course recognised by FSSAI, New Delhi, with the required approval of the Central Government for appointment as Food Safety Officer.
Candidates should therefore compare the exact name of their degree and specialisation with the qualification provisions in Advertisement No. 29/2026 before applying.
BTSC FSO Age Limit 2026
The minimum age is 21 years as on 1 August 2026. The upper age varies according to category.
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| UR Male | 37 years |
| UR Female | 40 years |
| BC/EBC Male & Female | 40 years |
| SC/ST Male & Female | 42 years |
The date of birth mentioned in the Matriculation or equivalent certificate is used for determining age.
Additional Age Relaxation
The advertisement also provides specific additional relaxation provisions:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Persons with Disabilities | 10 years |
| Bihar Government regular employees with 3 years’ continuous service | 5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years + qualifying defence service, subject to the specified maximum age condition |
A candidate cannot claim multiple additional relaxations simultaneously where the notification restricts the claim to one such relaxation.
Bihar Domicile Is Important for Reservation
One of the most important conditions in this recruitment concerns Bihar domicile.
Reservation benefits are available to candidates who are permanent residents of Bihar, subject to the applicable rules and certificates. Candidates from outside Bihar are treated as unreserved for the purpose of reservation.
The notification also contains Bihar-specific provisions concerning women, benchmark disabilities, economically weaker sections, BC/EBC candidates, freedom fighters’ grandchildren and other eligible categories.
Candidates claiming reservation must select the appropriate category while completing the online application and possess the required certificate in the prescribed format. Category changes after registration are not permitted according to the recruitment conditions.
BTSC FSO Salary 2026
The Food Safety Officer post is placed at Pay Level 6.
The corresponding 7th Pay Commission matrix begins at a basic pay of ₹35,400 per month. Other admissible allowances and benefits will be governed by the applicable Bihar Government rules.
BTSC FSO Selection Process 2026
The recruitment uses a relatively straightforward selection structure:
Computer Based Test → Document Verification
There are no interview marks or work-experience marks in the selection process described in the supplied recruitment details.
Candidates qualifying in the written competitive examination are called for document verification. Attendance at the scheduled document-verification process is mandatory for shortlisted candidates.
BTSC FSO Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination is conducted as a Computer Based Test.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer Based Test |
| Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Question Type | Objective / MCQ |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Language | Hindi and English |
| Correct Answer | +1 mark |
| Wrong Answer | -0.25 mark |
| Normalisation | Applicable if conducted in multiple shifts |
The examination therefore includes negative marking. Candidates should take this into account while attempting questions rather than treating every question as an automatic attempt.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
The minimum qualifying percentage varies by category.
| Category | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| General | 40% |
| BC | 36.5% |
| EBC | 34% |
| SC/ST/Women/PwD | 32% |
| Candidates from outside Bihar | 40% |
Meeting the minimum qualifying percentage does not by itself mean final selection. Candidates must satisfy the overall recruitment and merit requirements and successfully complete the subsequent verification process.
CareerAlert24 Insight
The main eligibility filter in BTSC FSO Recruitment 2026 is the candidate’s academic background, not simply the level of education.
A candidate with a postgraduate degree cannot assume eligibility unless the underlying qualification falls within the disciplines accepted for Food Safety Officer appointment. Similarly, candidates with medical qualifications should verify that their particular qualification is among those recognised in the advertisement.
The second major point is Bihar domicile. An applicant from another state may be eligible to apply if the educational and other conditions are satisfied, but the reservation benefits available to Bihar residents do not automatically extend to them. This makes the distinction between eligibility to apply and eligibility for Bihar reservation benefits important.
Documents and Application Requirements
Candidates should keep the following information and documents ready as applicable:
- Matriculation certificate for date-of-birth verification
- Degree certificate
- Relevant mark sheets
- Category certificate, where applicable
- Bihar domicile/residence certificate, where applicable
- EWS income and asset certificate, where applicable
- BC/EBC non-creamy-layer certificate, where applicable
- PwD certificate, where applicable
- Ex-Servicemen documents, where applicable
- Recent photograph
- Valid photo ID
The application requires an Aadhaar number as the photo ID according to the supplied recruitment details. Where Aadhaar is unavailable, another permitted photo identity document such as PAN card or driving licence may be used. The same identification document should be carried to the examination.
The photograph should meet the prescribed specifications. Candidates are advised to follow the notification’s image requirements rather than uploading an old or unsuitable photograph.
BTSC FSO Application Fee 2026
The application fee is ₹100 for all candidates.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | ₹100 |
Online payment can be made using the payment methods permitted on the application portal. Applicable bank or payment gateway charges may be additional.
How to Apply for BTSC FSO Recruitment 2026
The application process is completely online.
- Visit the official BTSC website.
- Open the recruitment/application section for Advertisement No. 29/2026.
- Read the official advertisement before starting the form.
- Register using your own active mobile number and email ID.
- Enter personal, educational and category details.
- Provide the required photo identification details.
- Upload the recent photograph and required documents.
- Check every qualification and certificate entry carefully.
- Pay the ₹100 application fee online.
- Review the complete application before final submission.
- Submit the application before 24 October 2026.
- Download and preserve the submitted application and payment receipt.
The supplied recruitment details state that corrections are not permitted after submission, so candidates should not rush through the final submission stage.
Important Things BTSC FSO Applicants Should Not Miss
1. The minimum age is 21.
This is not a recruitment open to candidates immediately after completing school or a general undergraduate qualification without meeting the required age and degree conditions.
2. Your exact degree matters.
Food Safety Officer eligibility is based on specified disciplines and recognised qualifications.
3. Bihar domicile affects reservation.
Candidates from outside Bihar are treated as unreserved for reservation purposes.
4. There is negative marking.
Each incorrect answer carries a deduction of 0.25 mark in the CBT.
5. The exam is bilingual.
The supplied pattern specifies Hindi and English as the examination languages.
6. There is no interview component in the stated selection process.
The written CBT is followed by document verification.
7. The application cannot simply be treated as a formality.
Since the submitted details and category information are subject to the recruitment rules, candidates should verify their entries before final submission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with a degree that does not match the specified FSO qualification.
- Assuming every science or medical graduate automatically qualifies.
- Claiming Bihar reservation without meeting the domicile and certificate requirements.
- Entering an incorrect category during online registration.
- Ignoring the 0.25-mark negative marking in the CBT.
- Using an unsuitable photograph instead of following the prescribed specifications.
- Failing to carry the same photo ID used during the application to the examination.
BTSC FSO Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification / Advertisement | 25 September 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 25 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 24 October 2026 |
| Age Cut-off Date | 1 August 2026 |
| Examination Date | To be announced |
Candidates should rely on the official BTSC website for any later announcement regarding the examination date, admit card or other recruitment stages.
Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| BTSC FSO Official Notification | Advertisement No. 29/2026 |
| Apply Online | BTSC Apply Online / Recruitment Page |
| Official Website | Bihar Technical Service Commission |
| Latest Updates | BTSC Latest Updates |
Conclusion
BTSC FSO Recruitment 2026 offers 139 Food Safety Officer vacancies in the Bihar Food Safety Service. The recruitment is particularly relevant to candidates with the specified food, agriculture, veterinary, science and medical qualifications. Before applying, candidates should verify their exact degree, age, domicile or category status and required certificates. The online application window runs until 24 October 2026. Candidates should check the latest official BTSC advertisement and subsequent notices for any changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
BTSC has advertised 139 vacancies for the Food Safety Officer post under Advertisement No. 29/2026.
The last date for submitting the online application is 24 October 2026.
Candidates need one of the specified degrees or qualifications in disciplines such as Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, Agricultural Science, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry or Medicine, among other qualifications listed in the advertisement.
The minimum age is 21 years as on 1 August 2026. The upper age is 37 years for UR male candidates, 40 years for UR female and BC/EBC candidates, and 42 years for SC/ST candidates, subject to the applicable relaxation provisions.
Candidates should check the complete eligibility provisions, but the supplied recruitment details state that candidates from outside Bihar are treated as unreserved for reservation purposes. Bihar-specific reservation benefits are available only to eligible Bihar domicile candidates.
Yes. The CBT awards 1 mark for each correct answer and deducts 0.25 mark for each incorrect answer.
The stated selection process consists of a 100-mark CBT followed by document verification. No interview marks are specified.
The application fee is ₹100 for all candidates, with online payment through the permitted payment methods.
