UPSC & Central Govt · Updated October 2026
FCI Category III ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
FCI Category III recruitment covers the Food Corporation of India's Group C posts: Assistant Grade III in the General, Accounts, Technical and Depot streams, Stenographer Grade II and Typist (Hindi). The recruitment is held zone-wise through an online examination in two phases, with a skill test for stenographer and typist posts.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Central Govt
Start for free with FCI Category III syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
FCI Category III exam overview and highlights
About FCI Category III
FCI Category III recruitment covers the Food Corporation of India's Group C posts: Assistant Grade III in the General, Accounts, Technical and Depot streams, Stenographer Grade II and Typist (Hindi). The recruitment is held zone-wise through an online examination in two phases, with a skill test for stenographer and typist posts. There is no interview for Category III posts.
The examination process for FCI Category III comprises 3 stages: Phase I: Online test, followed by Phase II: Online test, followed by Skill test and document verification. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — English Language, Reasoning Ability, Numerical Aptitude, General Studies, Post specific (Accounts / Technical) — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Phase I is a screening test; final merit is based on Phase II marks for the post applied for, with typing or stenography skill tests being qualifying, followed by document verification. Merit lists are prepared zone-wise.
Key subjects
- English Language
- Reasoning Ability
- Numerical Aptitude
- General Studies
- Post specific (Accounts / Technical)
What clearing FCI Category III leads to
- Assistant Grade III (General, Accounts, Technical, Depot)
- Stenographer Grade II
- Typist (Hindi)
- Compensation & Pay Scale: IDA pay scales starting around ₹28,200 to ₹30,000 depending on the post, plus allowances
- Central / Institutional appointment through Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency merit recommendation
- Structured time-scale promotions, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) elevation, and central allowances (DA, HRA, TA, Medical & NPS)
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency
- Frequency
- As and when vacancies are notified, zone-wise
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test)
- Languages
- English and Hindi
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (3 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-fourth of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer
- Official website
- fci.gov.in
FCI Category III — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of FCI Category III conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | FCI Category III |
| Conducting Body | Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency |
| Exam Category | UPSC & Central Govt |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | As and when vacancies are notified, zone-wise |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notified as vacancies arise, zone-wise, usually with a gap of a few years; Phase I a couple of months after the notification; Phase II, skill tests and document verification over the following months |
| Mode of Application | Online on fci.gov.in through the recruitment link given in the notification |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English and Hindi |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (3 Papers Total): Phase I: Online test → Phase II: Online test → Skill test and document verification |
| Negative Marking | One-fourth of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Phase I is a screening test; final merit is based on Phase II marks for the post applied for, with typing or stenography skill tests being qualifying, followed by document verification. Merit lists are prepared zone-wise. |
| Educational Qualification | Varies by post: graduation for AG-III General and Depot, B.Com for AG-III Accounts, science or food technology degree for AG-III Technical, graduation with shorthand speed for Stenographer Grade II, and graduation with Hindi typing speed for Typist (Hindi) |
| Age Limit | Typically 25 to 28 years on the crucial date depending on the post, with the usual relaxations |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | IDA pay scales starting around ₹28,200 to ₹30,000 depending on the post, plus allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Lakhs of applicants across zones for a few thousand posts |
| Official Website | fci.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
FCI Category III exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for FCI Category III. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Central Govt website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| FCI Category III Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Notified as vacancies arise, zone-wise, usually with a gap of a few years; Phase I a couple of months after the notification; Phase II, skill tests and document verification over the following months | As and when vacancies are notified, zone-wise |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency |
| FCI Category III — Phase I: Online test | Notified as vacancies arise, zone-wise, usually with a gap of a few years; Phase I a couple of months after the notification; Phase II, skill tests and document verification over the following months | Online (computer-based test) |
| FCI Category III — Phase II: Online test | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- Lakhs of applicants across zones for a few thousand posts. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official FCI Category III recruitment advertisement published by Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency.
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Payable online via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking on the Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency portal. Statutory fee concessions or exemptions apply for SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and eligible female/state-reserved categories as notified in the official FCI Category III advertisement.
How to apply online for FCI Category III
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit fci.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on fci.gov.in through the recruitment link given in the notification.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the FCI Category III application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final FCI Category III Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
FCI Category III eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for FCI Category III must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Central Govt.
Educational qualification
Varies by post: graduation for AG-III General and Depot, B.Com for AG-III Accounts, science or food technology degree for AG-III Technical, graduation with shorthand speed for Stenographer Grade II, and graduation with Hindi typing speed for Typist (Hindi).
Age limit & relaxations
Typically 25 to 28 years on the crucial date depending on the post, with the usual relaxations.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen.
Other conditions & standards
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness, character verification, and document authenticity norms (including valid EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwBD certificates in the prescribed format) at the time of verification.
FCI Category III — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
FCI Category III selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-fourth of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: Phase I is a screening test; final merit is based on Phase II marks for the post applied for, with typing or stenography skill tests being qualifying, followed by document verification. Merit lists are prepared zone-wise.
Stage 1: Phase I: Online test
Online (computer-based test) • 1 Paper (Phase I online test) • 100 Questions • 100 Total Marks • Duration: 60 minutes • A common screening test of 100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes with English, reasoning, numerical aptitude and general studies sections.
A common screening test of 100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes with English, reasoning, numerical aptitude and general studies sections.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Phase I online test 100 100 60 minutes Stage 2: Phase II: Online test
Online (computer-based test) • 2 Papers (Paper I (common), Paper II (post specific)) • 180 Questions • 180 Total Marks • Duration: 90 minutes • A common Paper I of 120 questions in 90 minutes for all posts and a post-specific Paper II of 60 questions for AG-III Accounts and AG-III Technical.
A common Paper I of 120 questions in 90 minutes for all posts and a post-specific Paper II of 60 questions for AG-III Accounts and AG-III Technical. Phase II marks decide the merit.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Paper I (common) 120 120 90 minutes Paper II (post specific)For AG-III Accounts and AG-III Technical 60 60 60 minutes Stage 3: Skill test and document verification
In person • Qualifying typing test for Typist (Hindi), stenography test for Stenographer Grade II, and document verification for all posts.
Qualifying typing test for Typist (Hindi), stenography test for Stenographer Grade II, and document verification for all posts.
FCI Category III subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
English Language — Part I (Reading comprehension)
- Reading comprehension
- Cloze test
- Error spotting
English Language — Part II (Sentence rearrangement)
- Sentence rearrangement
- Vocabulary
Reasoning Ability — Part I (Puzzles and seating arrangement)
- Puzzles and seating arrangement
- Syllogism
- Coding and decoding
Reasoning Ability — Part II (Inequalities)
- Inequalities
- Series and analogy
Numerical Aptitude — Part I (Simplification and approximation)
- Simplification and approximation
- Number series
- Data interpretation
Numerical Aptitude — Part II (Arithmetic)
- Arithmetic: percentages, ratio, averages, interest
- Time and work, speed and distance
General Studies: Current affairs & Indian history, polity and geography
- Current affairs
- Indian history, polity and geography basics
- Economy and agriculture
- FCI, food security and PDS
- General science and computer awareness
Post specific (Accounts / Technical)
- Accounting principles and financial statements
- Auditing and taxation basics
- Agriculture and crop production
- Botany, zoology and food chemistry
- Grain storage and pest control
FCI Category III salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
IDA pay scales starting around ₹28,200 to ₹30,000 depending on the post, plus allowances. Appointments under Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
IDA pay scales starting around ₹28,200 to ₹30,000 depending on the post, plus allowances.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency)
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
FCI Category III cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency releases stage-wise and category-wise FCI Category III cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
FCI Category III — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When FCI Category III is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one-fourth of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining FCI Category III Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the FCI Category III cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
FCI Category III admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
FCI Category III Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official FCI Category III Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on fci.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the FCI Category III e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
FCI Category III Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on fci.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
FCI Category III Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency declares the FCI Category III result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on fci.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official FCI Category III Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
FCI Category III mock tests
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FCI Category III Full Mock Test 1
Phase I: Online test · 100 questions · 60 minutes
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Phase I: Online test · 100 questions · 60 minutes
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Phase I: Online test · 100 questions · 60 minutes
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Phase I: Online test · 100 questions · 60 minutes
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Phase I: Online test · 100 questions · 60 minutes
FCI Category III previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all FCI Category III previous year papers by year
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Recent FCI Category III question papers
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Complete 10-year FCI Category III paper archive
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Predicted questions for FCI Category III
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for FCI Category III
- Apply for the zone where you are willing to serve, since Category III recruitment is zone-wise and posts are not transferable across zones.
- Prepare Phase I at SSC CGL Tier I level with emphasis on speed.
- Focus on Phase II, which decides merit, with regular full length mock tests.
- Stenographer and Typist candidates should practice the skill test daily alongside the written preparation.
- Keep a note of FCI's functions, food policy and agriculture news for general studies.
- Read the official FCI Category III notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
FCI Category III FAQs
Which posts come under FCI Category III?
Assistant Grade III in the General, Accounts, Technical and Depot streams, Stenographer Grade II and Typist (Hindi).
Is there negative marking in FCI Category III exams?
Yes, one-fourth of the marks of a question are deducted for each wrong answer in both online phases.
Is there an interview for FCI Category III posts?
No, selection is based on the online tests and, where applicable, a qualifying skill test.
What is the age limit for FCI Category III posts?
It varies by post, typically between 25 and 28 years on the crucial date, with relaxation for reserved categories. Check the notification for each post.
Is FCI Category III recruitment all India or zone-wise?
It is zone-wise. Candidates apply for one zone (North, South, East, West or North East) and are posted within that zone.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for FCI Category III?
FCI Category III is conducted by Food Corporation of India (FCI), through an outsourced testing agency across 3 stages: Phase I: Online test → Phase II: Online test → Skill test and document verification. Phase I is a screening test; final merit is based on Phase II marks for the post applied for, with typing or stenography skill tests being qualifying, followed by document verification. Merit lists are prepared zone-wise.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for FCI Category III?
Educational Qualification: Varies by post: graduation for AG-III General and Depot, B.Com for AG-III Accounts, science or food technology degree for AG-III Technical, graduation with shorthand speed for Stenographer Grade II, and graduation with Hindi typing speed for Typist (Hindi). Age Limit: Typically 25 to 28 years on the crucial date depending on the post, with the usual relaxations.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing FCI Category III?
IDA pay scales starting around ₹28,200 to ₹30,000 depending on the post, plus allowances.
When is the FCI Category III notification released and how can I apply online?
FCI Category III is held as and when vacancies are notified, zone-wise (Notified as vacancies arise, zone-wise, usually with a gap of a few years; Phase I a couple of months after the notification; Phase II, skill tests and document verification over the following months). Online on fci.gov.in through the recruitment link given in the notification.
Where can I practice free FCI Category III mock tests and solved previous year papers?
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How can I prepare for FCI Category III on SmartRank?
Select FCI Category III as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering English Language, Reasoning Ability, Numerical Aptitude, General Studies, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact FCI Category III pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.