CSIR-CFTRI Technician (1) Exam Pattern 2026: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) has prescribed a multi-stage selection process for the post of Technician (1). Candidates will be shortlisted based on eligibility, then take a qualifying Trade Test and a competitive written examination.
The application form opened today to recruit Technician (1) candidates can apply online and will send their filled-in application with required documents to the designated authority.
Selection is through an entrance test, which is given here in this article, and qualifying marks are also mentioned, but our suggestion: do not be lured by the qualifying marks; aim for higher marks to be included in the merit list.
The final merit list will be prepared based on the marks obtained in Paper-II and Paper-III of the written examination. Paper-I and the Trade Test are qualifying in nature.
CSIR-CFTRI Technician (1) Exam Pattern 2026
The competitive written examination will be conducted in OMR-based or computer-based objective multiple-choice format.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination mode | OMR-based or Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Question type | Objective Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total questions | 150 |
| Total duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Examination standard | SSC + ITI / Class 12 level, as applicable |
| Question paper language | English and Hindi, except English-language questions |
| Total maximum marks | 400 |
| Final merit papers | Paper-II and Paper-III |
CSIR-CFTRI Technician (1) Exam Pattern 2026: Paper-Wise
Paper-I: Mental Ability Test
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Mental Ability Test |
| Number of questions | 50 |
| Maximum marks | 100 |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Marks per correct answer | 2 |
| Negative marking | No |
| Nature | Qualifying |
The Mental Ability Test will assess candidates’ general intelligence, quantitative aptitude, reasoning, problem-solving ability, and situational judgement. Candidates must secure the minimum threshold marks prescribed by the Selection Committee to have their Paper-II and Paper-III evaluated.
Paper-II: General Awareness and English Language
| Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 1 mark per wrong answer |
| English Language | 25 | 75 | 1 mark per wrong answer |
| Total | 50 | 150 | Applicable |
Duration: 30 minutes.
Paper-II tests candidates’ general awareness and English-language skills. Each correct answer carries three marks, while one mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
Paper-III: Concerned Subject/Trade
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Concerned subject/trade |
| Number of questions | 50 |
| Maximum marks | 150 |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Marks per correct answer | 3 |
| Negative marking | 1 mark per wrong answer |
The concerned subject will be based on the CSIR-CFTRI Technician (1) Recruitment 2026 essential qualification for the relevant trade. Candidates should prepare according to the trade and qualification specified for their post.
How Will the CSIR-CFTRI Technician (1) Merit List Be Prepared?
The merit list will be prepared according to the following rules:
- The Trade Test is qualifying in nature.
- Paper-I is also qualifying in nature and will not contribute to the final merit score.
- Paper-II and Paper-III will be evaluated only for candidates who meet the minimum threshold marks prescribed for Paper-I.
- The final merit list will be based on the combined marks obtained in Paper-II and Paper-III.
The maximum score considered for final merit will therefore be 300 marks.
Candidates should note that the minimum qualifying or threshold marks for the Trade Test and Paper-I will be decided by the Selection Committee for each advertised category of posts. CSIR-CFTRI Technician (1) Recruitment 2026 will publish these cut-off marks on its official website before the respective test or examination.
Also read: BHEL Artisan Recruitment 2027.
CSIR-CFTRI Technician (1) Tie-Breaking Rules
If two or more candidates obtain equal aggregate marks in the written examination papers considered for merit, the tie will be resolved using the following criteria in the order of preference:
- Higher marks in the concerned subject/trade: The candidate scoring higher marks in the relevant subject or trade will be placed higher.
- Fewer negative marks in the concerned subject/trade: If applicable, the candidate with fewer negative marks in the relevant subject/trade papers will receive preference.
- Fewer negative marks overall: The candidate with fewer negative marks in the written examination papers considered for merit will be placed higher.
- Date of birth: The older candidate will receive preference.
- Earlier acquisition of essential degree/qualification: The candidate who acquired the essential qualification earlier will be placed higher.
- Alphabetical order: If the tie remains unresolved, the alphabetical order of candidates’ first names will be considered.
These criteria will be applied sequentially until the tie is resolved.
Important Instructions for CSIR-CFTRI Technician (1) Exam Pattern 2026
- Prepare for the Trade Test as well as the written examination.
- Give special attention to Paper-I because failure to meet its prescribed threshold will prevent evaluation of Paper-II and Paper-III.
- Practise General Awareness, English Language, and trade-specific questions.
- Remember that incorrect answers in Paper-II and Paper-III attract negative marking.
- Check the official CSIR-CFTRI Technician (1) Recruitment 2026 website regularly for updates on the Trade Test, examination schedule, category-wise cut-offs, and other recruitment notices.
Official website: https://cftri.res.in/
FAQs
1. How many questions are there in the written examination?
There are 150 questions across three papers.
2. Is Paper-I included in the final merit list?
No. Paper-I is qualifying in nature. The final merit list is prepared based on Paper-II and Paper-III.
3. How many marks are considered for final merit?
A total of 300 marks are considered, comprising 150 marks for Paper-II and 150 marks for Paper-III.
4. Is there negative marking in the CSIR-CFTRI Technician (1) Exam Pattern 2026?
There is no negative marking in Paper-I. In Paper-II and Paper-III, one mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
5. What happens if two candidates secure equal marks?
The tie is resolved using the prescribed criteria, including concerned subject/trade marks, negative marks, age, date of acquiring the essential qualification, and alphabetical order.
6. Where will CSIR-CFTRI publish the qualifying cut-off marks?
The institute will notify the minimum threshold marks for the Trade Test and Paper-I on its official website before the respective examination stages.
