The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) has released the official notification for the recruitment of Food Safety Officers under the Department of Public Health and Medical Education. This significant opportunity, advertised under Notification No. 57/2024 dated 31.12.2024, invites eligible candidates to apply for permanent positions categorized under the “III Executive” grade. With an attractive pay scale of ₹36,200 – ₹1,14,800 and additional allowances, this recruitment drive aims to strengthen the state’s commitment to food safety and public health. Candidates interested in this government role must meet specific educational qualifications, age criteria, and participate in a structured selection process that includes a written test and interview.
Overview of the Advertisement
Item
Details / Instructions
Post Name
Food Safety Officer
Advertisement No.
57/2024/31.12.2024
Department
Department of Public Health and Medical Education, Government of Madhya Pradesh
Job Status and Category
Permanent post under the “III Executive” category
Salary Scale
₹36,200 – ₹1,14,800 (plus Dearness Allowance and other benefits as per periodic government orders)
Selection Process
Candidates will be shortlisted based on an OMR-based objective written test. Shortlisted candidates (including those who score the same marks as the top 3 times the vacant posts) will be called for an interview. The recruitment process may involve a first counseling session (merit list), a second counseling session (if vacancies remain), and even a third counseling session if required.
Employment Registration
Candidates from Madhya Pradesh are required to have valid employment registration. Non-residents are exempted in accordance with the High Court’s instructions.
Important Dates and Timeline
Event
Date
Time / Additional Details
Online Application Start
28.03.2025
Applications will open from 12:00 PM.
Online Application End
27.04.2025
Applications will no longer be accepted after 12:00 PM on the final day.
Error Correction Period
01.04.2025 – 29.04.2025
Candidates may make corrections to their online form during this period at a fee of ₹50 per correction session.
Admit Card Release
To be announced
The admit card for the written test will be published on the official MPPSC website.
Written Examination Date
To be announced
The date for the objective test will be declared on time; further information will be uploaded on the website.
Deadline for Document Submission
For candidates successful in the written test
Candidates must dispatch the required documents by the specified date for the interview stage.
Application Process and Payment Details
Aspect
Details
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online only. Candidates need to fill in the online form available on the websites www.mppsc.mp.gov.in and www.mponline.gov.in.
Payment Methods
Payment of the application fee can be made via credit/debit cards, or internet banking. Payment can also be made in cash through MP Online’s authorized kiosks.
Payment Verification
Ensure that the payment details on the online application indicate “Payment Done” clearly, as the application will not be processed otherwise.
Error Correction Fee
If any correction is needed in the online form during the error correction period, a fee of ₹50 per correction session will be applicable. For category changes (unreserved to reserved or vice versa), additional fee differences will also be charged as specified.
Application Fee
The prescribed fee is ₹500 for unreserved category candidates and ₹250 for candidates belonging to reserved categories. If the category changes during error correction, the fee difference (if applicable) must be paid, keeping in mind that the fee difference will not be refunded for certain category conversions.
Educational Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following academic qualifications:
Field of Study / Qualification
Details / Recognized Courses
Food Technology
Candidates should have a recognized bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree – or an equivalent qualification approved by the relevant central authority – in Food Technology.
Dairy Technology / Dairy
A candidate must have a recognized qualification in Dairy Technology or related areas as prescribed.
Biotechnology / Food Biotechnology
Candidates must have completed a recognized course (Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctorate) in Biotechnology or Food Biotechnology following the regulations specified under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Oil Technology
The degree or diploma must be from a recognized institute/university offering the relevant course in Oil Technology.
Agricultural Science, Veterinary Science, Bio-Chemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, Medicine
Candidates must have obtained a recognized undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral degree in any of the above fields or in any equivalent course notified by the Food Authority after proper central approval.
Age Limit and Calculation
Aspect
Rules / Instructions
Age Calculation Date
Age will be calculated as of 01 January 2025.
Minimum Age Requirement
The candidate must be at least 21 years old.
Maximum Age Limit
The upper age limit is 40 years, though age relaxations are applicable. With all applicable relaxations (for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, persons with disability, ex-servicemen, and female candidates), the overall age cannot exceed 45 years. Detailed relaxations are specified in the notification.
Reservation and Quota Details
The post vacancies are divided into two parts—the Main Part (approximately 87%) and the Provisional Part (approximately 13%). Details are as follows:
Main Part (87%)
Category
Total Posts
Madhya Pradesh Resident (UR)
SC
ST
OBC
EWS
Other Reserved (e.g., OH, VH, HH, MD)
Food Safety Officer
106
28
16
28
24
10
(Reserved posts may include specific numbers: e.g., 6, 8)
Provisional Part (13%)
Category
Total Posts
Estimated / Tentative Details
Food Safety Officer
14
These are provisional posts subject to the reserved criteria set by the commission.
*Note: The exact numbers and ratios may change as per final court orders, government notifications, and commission instructions.
List of Required Documents and Certificates
Candidates must attach self-certified copies of all relevant documents along with the online application. The list is as follows:
Sl. No.
Document Description
Number of Copies / Page Range
Important Instructions
1
Attendance Certificate (Original)
As per specified page numbers
Must be attached along with the online application in original.
2
Personal Details Form (1 original and 5 photocopies)
5 photocopies (numbering should not be done on copies)
Ensure that the form is complete as directed.
3
Self-Certification Form (3 originals)
As per the prescribed page numbers
4
Declaration Letter (Confirming not being debarred from any exam/interview)
01 original
5
High School / Matriculation Marksheet
As per specified page range
6
Higher Secondary Marksheet
As per the specified range
7
Mark Sheets and Degree Certificates of Graduation or the related qualification (Food Technology/Dairy/ Biotechnology, etc.)
As required based on the qualification
It is mandatory to have a recognized qualification from a recognized university/institute in one of the specified areas.
8
Certificate of Residency (Local Resident Certificate)
As per specified page range
The certificate must include the date, embossed seal, and serial number.
9
Caste Certificate (For reserved category candidates)
As per the prescribed format
In the case of a married woman, the certificate must include the candidate’s name and her father’s name. Certificates issued by other states will not be accepted.
After filling the application, click “Proceed for Payment”. Only after the successful transaction is the payment status displayed as “Payment Done”.
Fee Amount
For candidates in the unreserved category, the fee is ₹500; for reserved category candidates, it is ₹250.
Error Correction Process
Should a candidate require any corrections in the submitted application, corrections can be made online from 01.04.2025 to 29.04.2025 at a fee of ₹50 per correction session. Changes in category may incur additional charges as per the fee-difference norms.
Additional Note
After submission, any changes cannot be made once the error correction period ends. Be assured that the details provided in the application form will be used as the final official record.
Examination Process and OMR Sheet Instructions
Sl. No.
Guidelines
Details / Essential Points
1
Examination Center
The examination will be conducted at centers located in Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Gwalior. Allocation of the examination center will be based on the candidate’s city preference and availability.
2
OMR Sheet Usage
Candidates must use only a black ballpoint pen for filling out the OMR sheet. Make sure each answer is clearly filled in a single bubble—excessive or incomplete shading may result in the answer being rejected.
3
Timely Reporting and Departure
Arrive at the exam center with your admit card, a valid photo ID, and at least two black ballpoint pens. Latecomers will not be allowed to enter the examination hall.
4
Protection of the OMR Sheet
Handle the OMR sheet carefully; any bending, cutting, or damage might invalidate the sheet during computer scanning.
5
Unapproved Devices and Materials
Electronic items such as mobile phones, calculators, digital devices, pagers etc. are strictly forbidden in the examination room. Any misuse or possession of these items will lead to severe action.
6
Additional Instructions
Follow all the detailed instructions provided on the OMR sheet and in the question booklet. Incomplete or incorrect markings may lead to questions being cancelled.
Examination Center Allocation, Travel Allowance, and Other Arrangements
Aspect
Instructions / Procedure
Center Allocation
Based on the information provided in the application, the candidate will be allotted an exam center. Once allotted, requests for a change in city or center will not be entertained.
Travel Allowance
Candidates belonging to the Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Section, and persons with disability are eligible for travel allowance from their residence to the exam center as per government guidelines.
Travel Fee Disbursement
The travel expenses will be reimbursed directly via online payment into the candidate’s bank account. Details such as bank name, account number, and IFSC Code must be provided in the application.
Specific Instructions for OMR Sheet, Answer Sheet, and Examination Script
Topic
Instructions
Answer Marking on the Sheet
Candidates must mark only one option (A, B, C, or D) next to each question using a black ballpoint pen. Marking more than one bubble or incorrect shading may result in the answer being declared invalid.
Question Paper Set Code
Fill in the set code bubbles on the OMR sheet carefully. An incorrect set code will result in the answer sheet not being evaluated against the correct answer key.
Personal Information Entry
The candidate should fill in his/her correct name and roll number in the allocated space on the OMR sheet only. No extra details should be written on any other part of the sheet.
OMR Sheet Care
Ensure that the OMR sheet remains free of any smudges, errors, or corrections done by non-approved means (e.g., white-out, erasing with correction fluid).
Confidentiality
Disclosure of any information regarding the examination paper before, during, or after the test is strictly prohibited and may lead to disqualification and legal action.
Additional Guidelines for the Examination Hall
Detail
Specific Instructions
Entry Requirements
Candidates must bring the admit card, a valid photograph, and a government-issued photo identity card to the exam center. Only essential items such as two black ballpoint pens are allowed.
Conduct in the Examination Hall
Talking, using unauthorized communication devices, and any form of cheating is strictly forbidden. Violations may result in immediate disqualification, cancellation of the answer sheet, or further legal/civil actions.
Exit Protocol
Once the exam is over, the invigilator will collect the answer sheets. Leaving the hall without permission may lead to criminal proceedings and disqualification.
Time Management
No extra time will be granted after the stipulated examination duration. Specific provisions for candidates with disabilities or as per board-approved guidelines (e.g., additional 20 minutes per hour) may be available as mentioned in the instructions.
Detailed Instructions for OMR Sheet Marking
Aspect
Instructions
Use of Ballpoint Pen
Use only a black ballpoint pen. Do not use pencils or any other type of marker.
Marking the Answer
Shade only one bubble per question completely. Partial or multiple marks will result in the question being declared invalid.
Set Code Marking
Mark the designated bubbles for the question paper set code carefully. The answer evaluation will be based on this code, so ensure it is accurate.
Roll Number Entry
Enter your roll number in the prescribed columns (with separate columns for lakh, thousand, hundred, ten, and units). Incorrect or incomplete marking may lead to non-evaluation of the answer sheet.
Correcting Errors
Once marked, do not attempt to erase or correct any mistakes with white-out or any other means as corrections will render the sheet invalid.
Sheet Integrity
Keep the OMR sheet in pristine condition. Do not crease, tear, or damage it in any way.
The application fee is ₹500 for candidates in the unreserved category and ₹250 for candidates belonging to reserved categories.
3. As of which date is age calculated?
The age of the candidate will be calculated as on 01 January 2025.
4. What are the eligibility criteria regarding educational qualifications?
The candidate must have a recognized degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate) in Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, Oil Technology, Agricultural Science, Veterinary Science, Bio-Chemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry or Medicine, or an equivalent course approved by the central authority.
5. How can I make corrections to my application if needed?
Corrections may be made online between 01.04.2025 and 29.04.2025. A fee of ₹50 per correction session will be charged. Additional charges may apply if you change your category between reserved and unreserved.
6. What are the important instructions regarding the OMR sheet?
Use only a black ballpoint pen; mark only one bubble per question; ensure that your roll number and other personal details are correctly entered; do not attempt to erase or alter any markings; handle the sheet carefully to avoid any damage which will affect the scanning process.
7. How are exam centers allocated?
Exam centers are allocated based on your city preference and availability provided at the time of application. Once the preference is set, any requests for change will not be entertained.
8. What travel allowances are available?
Candidates belonging to reserved categories such as Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Section, and Persons with Disability are eligible for travel allowance from their residence to the allotted exam center under the government guidelines.
9. What is the significance of the “Payment Done” message during application completion?
The “Payment Done” message confirms that the required application fee has been successfully paid. Without this confirmation, your application will not be considered complete.
10. What action is taken for any malpractice or use of unauthorized devices during the exam?
Any candidate found using unauthorized aids or engaging in malpractice (cheating, copying, irregular behavior) will be disqualified immediately. Legal proceedings or further disciplinary actions may be taken as per the rules laid out in the notification.
