UPSC EPFO 2025 Complete Information

UPSC EPFO Notification 2025

The official UPSC EPFO notification for the EO/AO and APFC 2025 exams is yet to be released. As per a recent RTI (March 2025), it is expected to be released in June/July month of 2025. Once released, I’ll update this page with the latest UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC notification.

UPSC EPFO Important Dates 2025

Here are the expected dates of the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams.

Click on the link to download the UPSC EPFO 2025 Notification PDF for free. (The link will be active once the UPSC EPFO 2025 notification is released.)

UPSC EPFO Vacancies 2025 

• Looking at the past five exams,
  • The number of UPSC EPFO EO/AO vacancies has varied from 291 to 421.
  • The number of UPSC EPFO APFC vacancies has varied from 159 to 253.
• However, as per the latest UPSC EPFO RTI, you can expect,
  • 74 vacancies in the APFC 2025 recruitment.
  • 156 vacancies in the EO/AO 2025 recruitment.

UPSC EPFO Eligibility Criteria 2025

UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC eligibility criteria include age limit, educational qualification, nationality, and number of attempts.

Here is a quick way to check your eligibility in just 30 seconds.

UPSC EPFO Age Limit & Relaxation 2025

• Age for the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams is calculated as of the last date for submission of the online application.
• There is no minimum age mentioned in the official notification. 
• The maximum age limit for EO/AO posts for the unreserved/general category is 30 years.
• The maximum age limit for APFC posts for the unreserved/general category is 35 years.

UPSC EPFO Education Qualification 2025

UPSC EPFO EO/AO: A bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognized university or institute is the minimum educational qualification required to be eligible to apply for the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam.

UPSC EPFO APFC: Here are the essential and desirable educational qualifications required to be eligible for the UPSC EPFO APFC exam:

• Essential: Degree from a recognized University or equivalent
• Desirable: Diploma in Company Law/Labour Laws/Public Administration

Nationality for UPSC EPFO

You should be an Indian citizen to be eligible for the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams. 

Number of Attempts for UPSC EPFO

• UPSC puts no restriction on the number of attempts.
• As long as you meet all the eligibility criteria, you are eligible to apply for the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams.

For more information, click on the link: UPSC EPFO Eligibility criteria for the EO/AO and APFC.

UPSC EPFO Pattern 2025

The selection procedure of the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams consists of:

1. Phase 1 (Recruitment Test)
2. Phase 2 (Interview)

UPSC EPFO EO & APFC Pattern 2025

Here is the UPSC EPFO EO/AO & APFC pattern:

• Phase 1, also known as a recruitment test (RT), is an objective-type test conducted in offline mode.
• It lasts 2 hours and carries a total of 300 marks.
• The test consists of 120 questions, each carrying 2.5 marks.
• Negative marking applies, with a deduction of 1/3rd of a mark for every incorrect answer.

• Phase 2, also known as personality test or interview, assesses your personality, suitability, and communication skills.
• It carries a total of 100 marks, and there is a category-wise minimum cut-off, which is
  • 50 marks for UR/General
  • 45 marks for OBC
  • 40 marks for SC/ST/PH

After understanding the UPSC EPFO pattern of EO/AO and APFC, it’s time to take a look at the syllabus.

UPSC EPFO Syllabus

The official syllabus of the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams broadly comprises the following topics:

1. General English
2. Indian Freedom Struggle
3. Current Events and Developmental Issues
4. Indian Polity & Economy
5. General Accounting Principles
6. Industrial Relations & Labour Laws
7. General Science & Knowledge of Computer Applications
8. General Mental Ability & Quantitative Aptitude
9. Social Security in India

For a detailed syllabus, click on the link: UPSC EPFO Syllabus. 

UPSC EPFO Previous Year Questions

Here are the solved PYQs and answer keys of the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams with links to download them in PDF format for free.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO Previous Year Questions

• UPSC EPFO EO/AO Previous Year Paper 2023
• UPSC EPFO EO/AO Previous Year Paper 2021
• UPSC EPFO EO/AO Previous Year Paper 2017

UPSC EPFO APFC Previous Year Questions

• UPSC EPFO APFC Previous Year Paper 2023
• UPSC EPFO APFC Previous Year Paper 2015
• UPSC EPFO APFC Previous Year Paper 2012
• UPSC EPFO APFC Previous Year Paper 2004
• UPSC EPFO APFC Previous Year Paper 2002

Read the UPSC EPFO previous year paper article to know the most important topics list.

UPSC EPFO Cut Off Marks

Below, I have mentioned the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC cut off marks of the past years:

Important Note: UPSC released the EPFO cut off along with the final result. As you know the interviews for the EO/AO 2023 exam are completed on 6 December 2024, and we are waiting for the final result. In the meanwhile, our experts at EduTap have analyzed the previous cut offs to determine the expected cut offs.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO 2023 Cut Off Marks (Expected)

UPSC EPFO EO/AO 2021 Cut Off Marks

UPSC EPFO EO/AO 2017 Cut Off Marks

UPSC EPFO APFC 2023 Cut Off Marks

UPSC EPFO APFC 2015 Cut Off Marks

Here, I have provided a detailed UPSC EPFO cut off analysis to further help you in your preparation.

UPSC EPFO Exam Analysis

Below, I have provided the analysis of the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams.

UPSC EPFO EO Exam Analysis

• The difficulty level of the UPSC EPFO EO/AO 2023 exam ranged from moderate to difficult, with a majority of the questions leaning towards the harder side.
• These questions were primarily based on static concepts.
• The exam also saw an increase in the number of lengthy, multiple statement-based questions compared to previous years, with fewer one-liner questions being asked.

Here you can check the in-depth analysis of the UPSC EPFO EO/AO 2023 exam.

UPSC EPFO APFC Exam Analysis

• The difficulty level of the UPSC EPFO APFC 2023 exam ranged from moderate to difficult, with a majority of the questions leaning towards the harder side.
• As is typical of UPSC exams, it tested a mix of factual knowledge, conceptual understanding, and analytical skills. 
• Most questions were concept-based, requiring the application of knowledge to solve them.
• There were no straightforward questions.
• The exam format included one-liners, multiple statements, chronology-based questions, and matching questions, which contributed to a time-consuming experience.

Here you can check the in-depth analysis of the UPSC EPFO APFC 2023 exam.

Get complete UPSC EPFO exam analysis for EO/AO and APFC exams.

UPSC EPFO Preparation Strategy 2025

Below, I mentioned a practical study plan. Let’s also understand how much you need to study each day.

Working Professionals

You can study 5 to 6 hours in two shifts:

• Morning Shift: 6:00 am to 8:30 am
• Evening Shift: 8 pm to 11 pm  

Full-Time Aspirants

You can study 7 to 8 hours in three shifts:

• Morning Shift: 8:00 am to 10:30 am
• Afternoon Shift: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm
• Evening Shift: 5 pm to 8 pm

UPSC EPFO EO/AO & APFC Study Plan​

Here is the 6-month UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC study plan:

1. Days 1 – 40:
   1. Morning Shift: Accountancy
   2. Evening Shift: Quantitative Aptitude
2. Days 41 – 65:
   1. Morning Shift: Social Security
   2. Evening Shift: Logical Reasoning
3. Days 66 – 90:
   1. Morning Shift: Indian Economy
   2. Evening Shift: General English
4. Days 91 – 125:
   1. Morning Shift: Indian Culture, Heritage & History
   2. Evening Shift: Industrial Relations & Labor Laws
5. Days 126 – 135:
   1. Morning Shift: Computer Awareness
   2. Evening Shift: Industrial Relations & Labor Laws
6. Days 136 – 165:
   1. Morning Shift: Governance & Constitution of India
   2. Evening Shift: Auditing + Insurance
7. Days 166 – 180:
   1. Morning Shift: PDG
   2. Evening Shift: General Science + Statistics

Important Notes: 

• Avoid Auditing, Insurance, and Statistics, and Population, Development, and Globalization if you are only preparing for the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam.
• After completing this schedule, if you still have time for your UPSC EPFO exam, practice mock tests, revise, and stay updated on the latest current affairs.

UPSC EPFO Preparation Tips 2025

Here are the preparation tips for the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams:

• Allocate more time to weak areas while maintaining a balance with your strong subjects.
• Regularly practice mock tests for time management and exam simulation.
• Review your performance in mock tests, identify mistakes, and learn from them.
• Keep a separate notebook for important formulas, concepts, and notes.
• Prioritize understanding over rote memorization.

After getting familiar with the UPSC EPFO preparation strategy, it’s time to understand the subject-wise important books.

Best Books for the UPSC EPFO Preparation

Here are the recommended books and resources to prepare for the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams:

1. General English
   1. Objective General English by SP Bakshi
      • Best for grammar and vocabulary practice
      • Includes comprehensive exercise sets
   2. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
      • Excellent for vocabulary building
      • Contains word grouping techniques
2. Indian Culture, Heritage, and Freedom Movement
   1. Modern Indian History (11th to 12th classes) by NCERT
      • Covers all major historical events
      • Clear and concise presentation
   2. Indian Art & Culture by Nitin Singhania
      • Comprehensive coverage of cultural aspects
      • Well-structured content with diagrams
3. Governance and Constitution of India
   1. Political Science (9th to 12th classes) by NCERT
      • Fundamental concepts
      • Basic understanding of Indian polity
   2. Indian Polity by M Kaxmikanth
      • Detailed coverage of constitutional topics
      • Updated with recent amendments
4. Present Trends in Indian Economy
   1. Indian Economy (9th to 11th classes) by NCERT
      • Basic economic concepts
      • Current economic scenarios
   2. Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
      • Contemporary economic issues
      • Policy analysis
5. General Science Books
   1. General Science (6th to 10th classes) by NCERT
      • Comprehensive coverage of core scientific concepts
      • Clear explanations of scientific principles
6. Accountancy
   1. Accountancy (11th to 12th classes) by NCERT
      • Clear explanation of basic to advanced accounting concepts
      • Includes real-world examples and case studies
   2. Introduction to Accountancy by S Chand
      • Covers the fundamentals of accounting for newcomers
      • Illustrates concepts with real-world applications
7. Industrial Relations and Labour Laws
   1. Industrial Relations and Labour Laws by Piyali Ghosh
      • Detailed overview of industrial relations and labour laws
      • Real-world examples and case studies for practical understanding
8. Computer
   1. Computer Awareness by Arihant
      • Covers a wide range of topics, from basic to intermediate computer knowledge
      • Focuses on concepts and skills relevant to competitive exams.
9. Elementary Maths
   1. Quantitative Aptitude by Dr. R S Aggarwal
      • Covers a wide range of quantitative topics with detailed explanations
      • Offers numerous practice problems with solutions for thorough preparation
      • Designed to build speed and accuracy
10. Reasoning Ability
    1. A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by Dr. R S Aggarwal
       • Covers a wide spectrum of verbal and non-verbal reasoning topics
       • Simplifies complex reasoning concepts for easy comprehension
       • Offers numerous practice questions to reinforce learning
11. Insurance Books
    1. JAIIB book for Paper 1 – Principles and Practices of Banking by Macmillan
       • Covers fundamental principles and practices relevant to Insurance
       • Presents Insurance concepts in a clear and organized manner
12. Population, Development, and Globalization Books
    1. Indian Geography (11th to 12th classes) by NCERT
       • Presents geographical concepts in a clear, organized, and systematic manner
       • Connects geographical concepts to practical scenarios and contemporary issues
    2. Indian Geography by Ramesh Singh
       • Offers reliable and in-depth geographical insights
       • Includes the latest geographical data and current trends
13. Auditing
    1. Accountancy (11th to 12th classes) by NCERT
       • Covers the fundamental concepts and practices of auditing
       • Includes recent case studies and real-world examples.
    2. Introduction to Accountancy by S Chand
       • Presents fundamental auditing concepts in a clear and accessible manner
       • Guides through the essential principles of auditing with practical examples
14. Statistics
    1. Statistics for Economics (11th class) by NCERT
       • Presents complex statistical ideas in a simplified manner for easy understanding.
       • Builds a strong foundation in statistical principles with clear explanations and examples.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO Toppers Strategy

Read the UPSC EPFO toppers strategy article to get insights on how rankers prepared for the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam.

EPFO EO Officer Job Profile 

Enforcement/accounts officer is a highly respectable position that offers an excellent salary, allowances, and various other perks. These benefits are one of the motivating factors for aspirants to become EO/AO officers and secure their future.

The job profile of an EO/AO depends on the department in which they are posted. Once you are appointed as EO/AO, you will have to carry out the following roles and responsibilities.

• Inquiries of account and settlement of claims.
• To enforce orders of the provisions and schemes under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
• Educate about the prescribed forms
• Attend prosecution cases.
• Conduct surveys.
• Address employee grievances.
• Maintain cash book, bank statement verification, MIS returns, etc.
• Issue warrants on the defaulting employer.

EPFO APFC Job Profile

As an assistant provident fund commissioner, you are the spine of the organization. You are responsible for the enforcement and administration of the act and scheme provisions. Your work area is very broad, and your roles and responsibilities depend on your department.

The job profile of an APFC in EPFO includes the following responsibilities:

• Ensuring Compliance
• Inspecting Accounts
• Conducting Inquiries
• Enforcing Legal Provisions
• Resolving Disputes
• Providing Information
• Administrative Responsibilities

UPSC EPFO Promotion

Here’s a breakdown of the promotions that lie ahead for an EPFO EO/AO officer and assistant provident fund commissioner.

Entry Level: Enforcement Officer/Accounts Officer (EO/AO)

• Starting Basic Salary: ₹44,900 per month
• Grade Pay: ₹4,800
• Pay Level: Level 8

Promotion 1: Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC)UPSC EPFO Exam Analysis

• Estimated Time: After completing 5 years as an EO/AO
• Basic Salary: ₹56,100 per month
• Grade Pay: ₹5,400
• Pay Level: Level 10

Promotion 2: Regional Provident Fund Commissioner – II (RPFC-II)

• Estimated Time: After completing 5 years as an APFC.
• Salary Range: ₹15,600–₹39,100
• Grade Pay: ₹6,600
• Pay Level: Level 11

Promotion 3: Regional Provident Fund Commissioner – I (RPFC-I)

• Estimated Time: After completing 5 years as an RPFC-II.
• Salary Range: ₹15,600–₹39,100
• Grade Pay: ₹7,600
• Pay Level: Level 12

Promotion 4: Additional Central Provident Fund Commissioner

• Estimated Time: After completing 6 years as an RPFC-II.
• Salary Range: ₹37,400–₹67,000
• Grade Pay: ₹8,900
• Pay Level: Level 13A

Promotion 5: Additional Central Provident Fund Commissioner (Headquarters)

• Estimated Time: After completing 4 years as an Additional Central Provident Fund Commissioner.
• Salary Range: ₹37,400–₹67,000
• Grade Pay: ₹10,000
• Pay Level: Level 14

Final Position: Central Provident Fund Commissioner

• Appointment: Based on the recommendation of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
• Salary Range: ₹37,400–₹67,000
• Grade Pay: ₹10,000.
• Pay Level: Highest Level

For better understanding, I have given the above information in an infographic.

UPSC EPFO Salary

• The starting basic pay for an EPFO EO/AO officer is ₹9,300 to ₹34,800 per month, while an Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC) earns a starting basic pay of ₹56,100 per month.
• These salaries are supplemented by additional allowances such as house rent allowance (HRA) and dearness allowance (DA).

Here you can find the detailed UPSC EPFO salary for the APFC and EO/AO posts.

Who Should Prepare for the UPSC EPFO EO Post?

UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam is open to all graduates, so anyone with a bachelor’s degree can apply for the exam. However, should everyone apply for this exam? Let’s understand.

1. UPSC Aspirants Looking for Respectable Plan B

UPSC EPFO EO/AO is a decent plan B for UPSC aspirants looking for respectable alternatives. While the UPSC EPFO EO/AO position doesn’t match the high profile and extensive authority of coveted positions like IAS/IPS, it provides a good career trajectory.

A significant portion of the UPSC CSE syllabus overlaps with the EPFO EO/AO syllabus, so by covering a few new topics, you can comfortably prepare for the EO/AO exam. 

2. State PCS Aspirants

State PCS aspirants can also benefit from appearing for the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam. The streamlined selection process, requiring only the written test and an interview, can save you from the multi-stage PCS examination.

Moreover, the State PCS syllabus also overlaps with the EPFO EO/AO syllabus. So, you only need to cover a few new topics such as labor laws, accounting, insurance, etc.

3. SSC Aspirants

Some parts of the SSC syllabus overlap with the UPSC EPFO EO/AO syllabus. So, SSC aspirants can take this exam.

4. Banking Aspirants

The overlap between the banking exam syllabus and the UPSC EPFO EO/AO syllabus is minimal. Banking exams primarily focus on quantitative aptitude, reasoning, English, and current affairs, whereas the EPFO EO/AO exam, besides quant, English, and reasoning, also requires knowledge of social security, labor laws, history, polity, and other related subjects. 

Given this significant difference, banking aspirants should carefully evaluate if pursuing the EPFO EO/AO exam aligns with their career goals and be cautious about impulsive decisions.

Who Should Prepare for the UPSC EPFO APFC Post?

UPSC EPFO APFC exam is open to all graduates, so anyone with a bachelor’s degree can apply for the exam. However, should everyone apply for this exam? Let’s understand.

1. UPSC CSE Aspirants

UPSC Civil Services aspirants should consider the UPSC EPFO APFC exam as a viable option. Given that it’s a direct recruitment for Assistant Commissioner position, similar to the post held after clearing the civil services exam, it presents a comparable career path.

However, unlike the civil services exam, the UPSC EPFO APFC recruitment selection process is significantly shorter, involving only a written test and an interview.

Furthermore, a significant portion of the UPSC civil services syllabus overlaps with the EPFO APFC syllabus. So, you only need to cover a few new topics such as labor laws, accounting, insurance, etc.

2. State PCS Aspirants

State PCS (Provincial Civil Services) aspirants can also benefit from appearing for the UPSC EPFO APFC exam. The streamlined selection process, requiring only a written test and an interview, can save you from the multi-stage PCS examination.

Moreover, the State PCS syllabus also overlaps with the EPFO APFC syllabus. So, you only need to cover only a few new topics such as labor laws, accounting, insurance, etc.

3. UPSC EPFO EO/AO Officers

The UPSC EPFO APFC exam offers a clear career progression path for existing EO/AO officers. Typically, advancing to the APFC position requires significant time.

However, clearing the APFC exam accelerates this process, and you will get a higher position and benefits associated with it quickly.

4. UPSC EPFO EO/AO Aspirants

Individuals preparing for the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam should also consider attempting the  APFC exam. The EO/AO syllabus is a subset of the APFC syllabus, with an addition of 4 new topics: Auditing, Insurance, Statistics, and Population, Development, and Globalization.

So, if you are preparing for the EO/AO exam, you should also cover these 4 topics and go for the UPSC EPFO APFC exam to get a higher position. 

5. SSC Aspirants

Some parts of the SSC syllabus overlap with the UPSC EPFO APFC syllabus. So, SSC aspirants should give this exam for a better position. While an SSC exam typically leads to an inspector-level position, by clearing the EPFO APFC exam, you’ll directly become a commissioner.

6. Banking Aspirants

The overlap between the banking exam syllabus and the UPSC EPFO APFC syllabus is minimal. Banking exams primarily focus on quantitative aptitude, reasoning, English, and current affairs, whereas the EPFO APFC exam, besides quant, English, and reasoning, also requires knowledge of social security, labor laws, history, polity, and other related subjects. 

Given this significant difference, banking aspirants should carefully evaluate if pursuing the EPFO APFC exam aligns with their career goals and be cautious about impulsive decisions.

UPSC EPFO Exam Centers

The UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC 2025 Phase 1 recruitment test will be held across a wide range of centers throughout India. These centers are spread across different regions:

Important Note: The details of the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC interview centers will be mentioned in the interview call letter.

How to Apply for the UPSC EPFO Online

Follow the below-mentioned steps to apply for the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams.

Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC.

Step 2: Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process by providing your basic details to create an account.

Step 3: Log in with the UPSC EPFO registration ID and password received after OTR completion.

Step 4: Fill in the personal, educational, and professional details in the online registration form.

Step 5: Submit scanned copies of a recent photograph, signature, and any other specified certificates.

Step 6: Thoroughly review your application, pay the required fees, and submit the application form.

Step 7: After submitting the application form, you can download and take its printout for future reference.  

Important Note: You need to separately fill out the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams.

How to Download UPSC EPFO Admit Card

Follow the below-mentioned steps to download the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC 2025 admit card:

Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC.

Step 2: Go to the Admit Card section appearing on the right side of the homepage and select the download link. 

Step 3: Now click on e-admit cards for various examinations.  

Step 4: Click on the download button for Enforcement Officer/Accounts Officer and/or Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner, EPFO, 2025.

Step 5: Now select the “By Registration Id/Application No or By Roll Number option”.

Step 6: Enter your Registration ID and date of birth or Roll Number and date of birth and fill in the captcha code.

Step 7: Your admit card will now be displayed on the screen. Click on the download button and take a printout of your UPSC EPFO EO/AO or/and APFC admit card for future reference.

UPSC EPFO Result

Click on the link below to download the UPSC EPFO result for the EO/AO and APFC posts 2023.

UPSC EPFO Training

After cracking the UPSC EPFO EO/AO or APFC exam, the officers initially undergo a 6 month training at PDUNASS, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security, Janakpuri, Delhi. 

Conclusion

On this page, I have covered all the important information you need regarding the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC 2025 exams, which includes notification, exam dates, vacancies, eligibility criteria, pattern, syllabus, cutoff, result, and more. I hope this information will help you get a complete picture of the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams, and you can prepare with confidence.