FSSAI Deputation Recruitment 2026 (DEP-02/2026): Joint Director, Manager IT & Junior Assistant Posts

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued Circular DEP-02/2026 inviting applications for 15 Group A and Group C posts — Joint Director, Manager (IT), and Junior Assistant Grade-II — to be filled on deputation (including short-term contract) on Foreign Service terms. Eligible government officers can apply online on www.fssai.gov.in from 06 June 2026 to 26 June 2026.

Quick Summary: FSSAI DEP-02/2026 Notification

Here's a quick overview of the FSSAI deputation notice for candidates who want the essential details before reading the complete breakdown below.

Important Dates for FSSAI Deputation Recruitment 2026

Candidates planning to apply on deputation should note these key dates carefully, as applications submitted outside this window through any mode other than the FSSAI portal will not be considered.

FSSAI has clearly specified that the cut-off date for ascertaining eligibility is the closing date of online applications, i.e., 26 June 2026, and only applications submitted online through the FSSAI portal within the due date will be considered.

FSSAI DEP-02/2026 Vacancy Details: Post-wise Breakdown

FSSAI is looking to fill a total of 15 posts across Group A and Group C categories through deputation. The table below shows the post name, pay level, number of vacancies, and tenure for each position.

The indicative place of posting for all three posts is "Anywhere in India," and FSSAI has clarified that the vacancies shown are indicative and may increase or decrease at the discretion of the Competent Authority.

Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI Deputation Posts 2026

Applicants wondering whether they qualify for these deputation posts can check the eligibility conditions below, which cover the parent cadre requirements, regular service experience, and educational qualifications for each post.

Joint Director (Pay Level-12) – Eligibility

This Group A post is open to officers from Central/State Government, Union Territories, Government Universities, Recognized Research Institutions, PSUs, or Semi-Government/Statutory/Autonomous Organizations who meet the following criteria:

• (a) Holding an analogous post on a regular basis in the parent cadre/department, OR with 5 years of regular service in Pay Level-11 or equivalent in the parent cadre/department; AND
• (b) A Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University (MBA desirable), OR
• (c) A full-time Degree in Law from a recognized University, OR
• (d) A Master's Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Technology, Food Science & Technology, Food & Nutrition, Edible Oil Technology, Microbiology, Dairy Technology, Agricultural/Horticultural Sciences, Industrial Microbiology, Toxicology, Public Health, Life Science, Biotechnology, Fruit & Vegetable Technology, Food Safety & Quality Assurance, or any other subject approved by FSSAI, OR a one-year PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Assurance, OR a BE/B.Tech in Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, Oil Technology, Food Process Engineering, Food Processing Technology, Fruit & Vegetable Technology, Food Safety & Quality Assurance, or a Bachelor's degree (minimum 4 years) in Medicine, Veterinary Sciences, Fisheries, or Animal Sciences, OR
• (e) A Doctorate Degree in any of the above subjects along with published research work in the related field.

Manager (IT) (Pay Level-11) – Eligibility

Officers from Central/State Government, Union Territories, Government Universities, Recognized Research Institutions, PSUs, or Semi-Government/Statutory/Autonomous Organizations are eligible if they meet the following:

• (a) Holding an analogous post on a regular basis in the parent cadre/department, OR with 3 years of regular service in Pay Level-7 or equivalent; AND
• (b) A B.Tech/M.Tech in Computer Science or any related Engineering discipline, OR an MCA, OR a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.

Junior Assistant Grade-II (Pay Level-02) – Eligibility

This Group C post requires officers from Central/State Government, Union Territories, Universities, Recognized Research Institutions, PSUs, or Semi-Government/Statutory/Autonomous Organizations to meet:

• (a) Holding an analogous post on a regular basis in the parent cadre/department, OR with 3 years of regular service in Pay Level-1 or equivalent, with experience in handling diary/dispatch and computer typing; AND
• (b) 12th Standard (or equivalent) from a recognized Board or University.

Age Limit for FSSAI Deputation Recruitment 2026

The maximum age limit for appointment on deputation under this notice is 56 years, calculated as on the last day of receiving online applications, i.e., 26 June 2026. There is no separate relaxed age category mentioned for this deputation cycle.

Tenure and Nature of Deputation

Candidates often ask how long a deputation appointment at FSSAI lasts and whether it can be extended — here's what the circular specifies.

• Appointments on deputation/Foreign Service Terms (including short-term contract) shall be for a period not exceeding one, two, or three years depending on the post in the first instance.
• The Joint Director post carries a tenure of 1 year, Manager (IT) carries 2 years, and Junior Assistant Grade-II carries 3 years.
• The tenure may be extended subject to availability of vacancy, based on Government of India guidelines, performance appraisal of the deputationist, and in consultation with the parent department.
• Deputation to these posts is exempted from the rule of immediate absorption.
• Terms of deputation, including pay, will be governed by DoPT Office Memorandum No. 6/8/2009-Estt. (Pay II) dated 17th June 2010 and other applicable orders/guidelines.

Pay Scale and IDA-CDA Equivalency for FSSAI Posts

Officials currently working in organizations that follow the IDA (Industrial Dearness Allowance) pay structure instead of CDA (Central Dearness Allowance) can refer to FSSAI's official IDA-CDA equivalency table (Annexure-II) to check their eligibility for these posts.

This equivalency, issued via Office Memorandum dated 9th October 2023, supersedes earlier equivalency norms and is effective immediately for all future FSSAI recruitments on Deputation/DR basis.

How to Apply for FSSAI Deputation Recruitment 2026

Eligible candidates need to follow a specific online application process, supported by a hard-copy application countersigned by their employer. Here's the step-by-step procedure:

1. Visit the official FSSAI website at www.fssai.gov.in.
2. Go to the "jobs@fssai (careers)" tab and locate the online application link for Circular DEP-02/2026.
3. Register and fill in the online application form, ensuring all details match your service records.
4. Confirm that you fulfill the eligibility criteria as on the closing date, 26 June 2026.
5. Submit the application online between 06 June 2026 and 26 June 2026 — applications not submitted online through FSSAI's portal will not be considered.
6. Take a printout of the finally submitted online application form.
7. Get the "Certification by the Employer/Cadre Controlling Authority" section completed and countersigned by your employer, confirming no vigilance/disciplinary case is pending, integrity is certified, and CR Dossier/APARs for the last 5 years are enclosed.
8. Forward the countersigned hard copy along with NOC, Vigilance Clearance, Integrity Certificate, and attested APARs through proper channel, with the tentative last date being 20 July 2026.

Special Note for Candidates Who Applied Under DEP-01/2025

Candidates who had already applied for Joint Director (Post Code: DEP-01/2025-02) or Manager (IT) (Post Code: DEP-01/2025-06) under the earlier deputation notice DEP-01/2025 need not apply again. However, such applicants must ensure that all required documents — countersigned hard copy of the finally submitted online application, certified APARs, NOC, and Integrity/Vigilance clearance certificates — have been submitted through proper channel. If any document is pending, it should be submitted within the current due date for receiving hard copies.

Documents Required for Employer Certification

The hard copy of the application must be accompanied by a certification from the applicant's employer or Cadre Controlling Authority. This certification confirms several important points about the candidate's service record:

• The information provided in the application is true and correct as per official records.
• The applicant possesses the educational qualifications and experience mentioned in the vacancy circular.
• If selected, the applicant will be relieved immediately.
• No vigilance or disciplinary case is pending or contemplated against the applicant.
• The applicant's integrity is certified.
• CR Dossier/APARs for the last 5 years, attested by an officer of the rank of Under Secretary (Govt. of India) or above, are enclosed.
• A statement on whether any major/minor penalty has been imposed during the last 10 years (or a list of such penalties, if any).

Eligibility Restrictions: Who Cannot Apply

Not every government employee is eligible to apply for these FSSAI deputation posts. The circular specifically excludes one category of officers from consideration.

Departmental officers in the feeder cadre category who are in the direct line of promotion shall not be eligible for consideration for appointment on deputation to these posts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for FSSAI Deputation Posts

Since this is a deputation-based recruitment requiring employer involvement, applicants should be extra careful to avoid the following common errors:

• Don't skip the employer certification: Without the countersigned certification from your Cadre Controlling Authority, your hard copy application will be incomplete.
• Don't apply if you're in the direct line of promotion in the feeder cadre: Such departmental officers are explicitly barred from consideration.
• Don't miss the online deadline: Applications received via email, post, or any mode other than the FSSAI online portal within 06–26 June 2026 will not be considered.
• Don't forget APARs and Vigilance Clearance: Ensure attested APARs for the last 5 years and a Vigilance Clearance Certificate are enclosed with the hard copy.
• Re-applicants from DEP-01/2025: If you already applied for Joint Director or Manager (IT) under DEP-01/2025, don't reapply — instead, verify your earlier documents have reached FSSAI through proper channel.
• Check IDA-CDA equivalency carefully: If your salary is on IDA basis, cross-check your pay scale against Annexure-II before applying to ensure you meet the eligibility for the post's pay level.

Important Links for FSSAI DEP-02/2026