UPSC EPFO 2024 Complete Information

UPSC EPFO 2024 Notification

The next notification for EO/AO and APFC posts of EPFO is expected within the next 6 months.

Important Dates of UPSC EPFO Notification

Here are the expected dates of the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC 2024/25 exams.

Read UPSC EPFO notification article for complete details on exam dates, vacancies, eligibility and application process.

UPSC EPFO Vacancies  

• Looking at the past five exams, the number of UPSC EPFO EO/AO vacancies has varied from 291 to 421 and the number of UPSC EPFO APFC vacancies has varied from 159 to 253.
• Based on this trend, you can expect 250+ UPSC EPFO EO/AO vacancies and 100+ UPSC EPFO APFC vacancies in the upcoming 2024-25 recruitment notification for the UPSC EPFO exam.

UPSC EPFO Eligibility

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

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

Age Limit for the UPSC EPFO Exams

• 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 post for the unreserved/general category is 35 years.

Education Qualification for UPSC EPFO

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 eligible for the UPSC EPFO APFC exam:

• Essential: Degree of 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 EO/AO and APFC Eligibility.

UPSC EPFO Pattern

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 2024 Pattern

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, and 40 marks for SC/ST/PH.

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

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.

Read the UPSC EPFO previous year questions article to download the last 5 papers of EO/AO and APFC in pdf format and the most important topics list.

UPSC EPFO Cut Off Marks

The table below shows the cut-off for the recruitment test, interview, and final selection for the UPSC EPFO EO 2021 and 2017.

The table below shows the cut-off for the recruitment test, interview and final selection for the UPSC EPFO APFC 2023 and 2015 exams:

The cut-offs of the UPSC EPFO APFC 2023 recruitment test and interview are yet to be released.

Read the UPSC EPFO cut off marks article to get written test and final selection cut-offs of UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams held in previous years.

UPSC EPFO Exam Analysis

Below we 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.

For an in-depth analysis of the UPSC EPFO EO/AO 2023 exam, click here.

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.

For an in-depth analysis of the UPSC EPFO APFC 2023 exam, click here.

Get complete analysis of UPSC EPFO exam for EO/AO and APFC posts here.

UPSC EPFO Preparation Strategy

Below, we have given a study plan. Let’s also understand how much you need to study each day.

Important Notes: 

• The above table is just a general UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC preparation strategy. 
• You should tailor the above given study-plan and preparation strategy to align with your strengths, weaknesses, and the available time. 
• Avoid Auditing, Insurance, and Statistics, and Population, Development, and Globalization if you are only preparing for the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam.

Preparation Tips for UPSC EPFO

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.

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:

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.

Job Profile of EPFO EO Officer 

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.

Job Profile of EPFO Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner

The assistant provident fund commissioners are the spine of the organization. They are responsible for the enforcement and administration of the act and scheme provisions. Their work area is very broad, and their roles and responsibilities depend on their 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.

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).

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 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 2024 Phase 1, recruitment test, is generally conducted across 75+ centers. 

Click on the link, UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC 2024 Exam Centers, to know about the exam centers. 

Important Note: The details of the 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 or click on https://www.upsconline.nic.in. 

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 a scanned copy 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 print out 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 2024 admit card:

Step 1

Visit the official website of UPSC https://www.upsconline.nic.in.

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, 2023.

Step 5

Now select “By Registration Id/Application No or By Roll Number option”.

Step 6

Enter 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 print out 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 EO/AO and APFC 2023 results.

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

We have discussed all the important information you need regarding the UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC 2024 exams, which includes notification, exam dates, vacancies, eligibility criteria, pattern, syllabus, cutoff, result, and more. We 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.