Topics Covered: EPFO EO/AO Grade A Toppers Strategy for Phase 1(Recruitment), EPFO EO/AO Grade A Toppers Strategy for Phase 2(Interview), EPFO EO/AO Selected Students Success Stories, EPFO EO/AO Toppers Suggested Resources.

If you’re an aspirant looking forward to cracking the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam, you need to follow a practical strategy that works! The best way is to analyze the UPSC EPFO toppers strategies. But how do you find such a preparation strategy? Well, that’s what this article is all about.

Below, I have listed the proven UPSC EPFO preparation strategies that EO/AO toppers followed to clear their exam. You can go through them, learn what worked for these toppers, get inspiration from their stories, and fine-tune your preparation strategy accordingly.

How the UPSC EPFO EO/AO Toppers Strategy Can Help You

We’ve interviewed various UPSC EPFO EO/AO toppers and recorded their success stories. These insights would help you:

  • Understand the mistakes that EPFO EO/AO rankers made so you can avoid them.
  • Get inspiration from the experience and dedication of EPFO EO/AO toppers.
  • Learn how EPFO EO/AO toppers approached the exam and stayed focused.
  • Know the resources, books, and other materials that EPFO toppers use for their EPFO EO/AO exam preparation. 
  • Learn how EPFO toppers effectively managed their time to cover the syllabus and practice.

Below, I have mentioned some of the key UPSC EPFO preparation strategies by toppers. These strategies have worked for them, and I’m sure they can work for you too.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO Toppers Strategy: Anushri Jha

EPFO EO AO Topper Strategy by Anushri Jha, an MBA in Agribusiness

Let me tell you about Anushri Jha:

  • With a background in agriculture, Anushri Jha aimed to enter the civil services, but had to secure a job after the loss of her father. 
  • She worked for 3 years until she discovered the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam in 2020.
  • Despite her full-time job, she balanced her work and preparation and managed to clear the EPFO EO/AO exam in her first attempt.

Below, she has shared her strategy and resources that helped her crack the EPFO EO/AO exam in her first attempt.

Click on the link for the EPFO EO/AO Preparation Strategy by Anushri Jha.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO
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UPSC EPFO EO/AO Toppers Strategy: Divya Joshi

EPFO EO AO Topper Strategy by Divya Joshi, a B.Sc graduate in Physics

Let me share with you the inspiring story of Divya Joshi:

  • With a background in Physics, Divya faced several challenges studying subjects like accounting and labor laws that were new to her.
  • Divya also had to prepare for the EPFO EO/AO exam with her full-time job.
  • Fortunately, the odds turned in her favor and Divya managed to crack the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam in her first attempt.

Below, she has shared her strategy and resources that helped her crack the EPFO EO/AO exam in her first attempt.

Click on the link for the EPFO EO/AO Preparation Strategy by Divya Joshi.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO Toppers Strategy: Vikash Kumar

EPFO EO AO Topper Strategy by Vikash Kumar, an electrical engineer

Let me tell you about Vikash Kumar:

  • Coming from an engineering background, Vikash Kumar has been working as a station master in Indian Railways since 2018.
  • In 2020 he discovered the UPSC EPFO notification for the EO/AO and started to prepare seriously for the exam.
  • Although Vikash was engaged in a full-time job, he managed to prepare for the EPFO EO/AO exam with complete dedication and thus cleared the exam in his first attempt.

Below, he has shared his strategy and resources that helped him crack the EPFO EO/AO exam in his first attempt.

Click on the link for the EPFO EO/AO Preparation Strategy byVikash Kumar.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO
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UPSC EPFO EO/AO Toppers Strategy: Dibangna Mohan

EPFO EO AO Topper Strategy by Dibangna Mohan, an computer science engineer

Let me introduce you to Dibangna Mohan:

  • Dibangna, an engineer and a FIDE-rated chess player, had been preparing for civil services since 2019 while also working as a software engineer.
  • She decided to appear for the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam in 2020 after seeing the notification.
  • After a year and a half of preparation, she successfully cleared the exam in her first attempt in 2021.

Below, she has shared her strategy and resources that helped her crack the EPFO EO/AO exam in her first attempt.

Click on the link for the EPFO EO/AO Preparation Strategy by Dibangna Mohan.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO
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UPSC EPFO EO/AO Toppers Strategy: Dikshant Minori

EPFO EO AO Topper Strategy by Dikshant, an electrical engineer

This is the success story of Dikshant Minori:

  • Dikshant completed his B.Tech and was placed in TCS in 2019 but chose not to take the job but focus on exams like GATE and IES.
  • After unsuccessful attempts in these exams, he shifted his focus to state civil services exams and later came across the UPSC EPFO EO/AO notification.
  • He started preparing for the exam and even though the exam was delayed multiple times due to COVID-19, Dikshant cleared the EPFO EO/AO exam in his first attempt, in 2021.

Below, he has shared his strategy and resources that helped him crack the EPFO EO/AO exam in his first attempt.

Click on the link for the EPFO EO/AO Preparation Strategy byDikshant Minori.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO Toppers Strategy: Shubham Pathak

EPFO EO AO Topper Strategy by Shubham Pathak, a mechanical engineer

Let me introduce you to Shubham Pathak:

  • Coming from an engineering background, Shubham Pathak started preparing for the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam in 2020 after the notification was released.
  • He was also working in a public sector organization with shifting schedules, which posed several challenges in his preparation journey.
  • Nevertheless, Shubham dedicated 2-2.5 hours each day and more on weekends and managed to crack the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam in his first attempt.

Below, he has shared his strategy and resources that helped him crack the EPFO EO/AO exam in his first attempt.

Click on the link for the EPFO EO/AO Preparation Strategy by Shubham Pathak.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO
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UPSC EPFO EO/AO Toppers Strategy: Praveen Kumar

EPFO EO AO Topper Strategy by Praveen, an engineer

This is the story of Praveen Kumar:

  • Praveen completed his B.Tech in 2016 and began preparing for civil services
  • After facing multiple setbacks in civil services, he came across the EPFO EO/AO exam.
  • He started preparing for the EPFO EO/AO exam and dedicated 2 months of full-time preparation.
  • Finally, Praveen’s dedication bore fruit as he cleared the EPFO EO/AO exam in his first attempt.

Below, he has shared his strategy and resources that helped him crack the EPFO EO/AO exam in his first attempt.

Click on the link for the EPFO EO/AO Preparation Strategy by Praveen Kumar.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO Toppers Strategy: Vishnu Narayana

EPFO EO AO Topper Strategy by Vishnu, an engineer

This is the story of Vishnu Nayarana’s achievement:

  • Vishnu started preparation for UPSC Civil Services in 2018. 
  • While preparing for the Civil Services, Vishnu came across the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam and decided to attempt it.
  • Although new subjects like labor laws and accountancy were a challenge for him, he gradually gained clarity via mock tests.
  • Finally, Vishnu managed to clear the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam in his first attempt in 2021.

Below, he has shared his strategy and resources that helped him crack the EPFO EO/AO exam in his first attempt.

Click on the link for the EPFO EO/AO Preparation Strategy byVishnu Narayana.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO
Free E-Book
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UPSC EPFO EO/AO Toppers Strategy: Ishan

EPFO EO AO Topper Strategy by Ishan, am M.sc graduate in mathematics

Let me share with you the journey of Ishan:

  • Ishan completed his B.Tech and M.Sc. and was preparing for civil services while working for the AAI (Airports Authority of India).
  • He appeared for civil services thrice between 2018 and 2020, but the results were never in his favor.
  • He came across the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam in 2020 and balanced his job and studies while preparing for the exam.
  • Despite the challenges and long exam delays due to COVID, he cleared the exam in his first attempt by staying focused, being patient, and utilizing free YouTube resources for subjects like accounting and labor laws.

Below, he has shared his strategy and resources that helped him crack the EPFO EO/AO exam in his first attempt.

Click on the link for the EPFO EO/AO Preparation Strategy by Ishan.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO Toppers Strategy: Kumar Rishav

EPFO EO AO Topper Strategy by Kumar Rishav, an electronics and communication engineer

Let me tell you about Rishav:

  • Initially, Rishav started his preparation journey with civil services
  • However, he came across EPFO EO/AO in 2020. As the syllabus of EO/AO and civil services was similar, Rishav decided to prepare for it.
  • Rishav dedicated 2 months to learning new subjects, practicing mock tests, and revising his syllabus.
  • In 2021, Rishav was able to crack the EPFO EO/AO exam.

Below, he has shared his strategy and resources that helped him crack the EPFO EO/AO exam in his first attempt.

Click on the link for the EPFO EO/AO Preparation Strategy by Kumar Rishav.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO
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UPSC EPFO EO/AO Toppers Strategy for Written Test

Here’s the strategy toppers followed for the phase 1 or written test of the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam:

English Strategy for UPSC EPFO EO/AO

  • Most toppers emphasize the importance of practicing comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary daily.
  • Attempt mock tests and UPSC EPFO previous year question papers for the EO/AO exam to assess your preparation and sharpen your skills.
  • If you are confident in English, prepare for it on weekends. However, make sure to revise.

Indian Freedom Struggle Strategy for UPSC EPFO EO/AO

  • Focus on key events from 1857 to 1947, important freedom fighters & reform movements, and Acts & policies under British rule.
  • Toppers prefer choosing and sticking to a primary source (usually Spectrum’s Modern History) for focused preparation.
  • It’s important to link events chronologically, and try to understand their causes and effects, and avoid rote memorization.
  • Revision is crucial.

Current Events and Developmental Issues Strategy for UPSC EPFO EO/AO

  • Most toppers focus on government schemes, social welfare programs, and EPFO related issues.
  • Make sure to read the newspaper (The Hindu or Indian Express) daily and refer to monthly compilations of current affairs from different providers.
  • Taking notes on government schemes can help you with revisions.

Indian Polity & Economy Strategy for UPSC EPFO EO/AO

  • It’s important to understand constitutional provisions, including fundamental rights, duties, and directive principles.
  • Other focus areas include government structure, and basic economic concepts such as fiscal policies, banking, and inflation.
  • Most toppers referred to Laximant’s Indian Polity book, NCERTs, and Ramesh Singh’s book for preparation.
  • Revising your UPSC EPFO syllabus multiple times is key.

Indian Polity & Economy Strategy for UPSC EPFO EO/AO

  • It’s important to focus on ledger entries, profit & loss statements, reconciliation, and basic accounting principles including double entry system, journal entries, and balance sheets.
  • You can refer to NCERT books (class 11th and 12th) to understand the fundamentals.
  • For a deeper understanding, candidates can go for ICAI study material, online lectures, and coaching notes.
  • Make sure to practice consistently by attempting mock tests.

Industrial Relations & Labour Laws Strategy for UPSC EPFO EO/AO

  • Key focus areas include social security measures, industrial relations, and labor laws such as the Industrial Disputes Act, Trade Unions Act, and more.
  • To cover the above topics, most toppers referred to course material from EduTap.
  • Toppers also recommend watching YouTube tutorials and visiting government websites to study labor codes and acts.
  • Revision, similar to all other sections, is crucial.

General Science & Computer Strategy for UPSC EPFO EO/AO

  • Understanding of fundamental concepts of computer (MS Office, Internet, Networking) and science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) is required.
  • Toppers recommend NCERT Science textbooks from classes 6-10 for understanding the basic science concepts and online tutorials for computers.
  • Attempting mock tests and analyzing previous year’s questions can help you understand the types of questions and assess your preparation.
UPSC EPFO EO/AO
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General Mental Ability & Quantitative Aptitude Strategy for UPSC EPFO EO/AO

  • It’s important to understand the basic concepts of mental ability (Logical reasoning, data interpretation, and puzzles) and quantitative aptitude (percentages, time and work, profit, and loss, ratios, and more).
  • YouTube videos are a great source for a fundamental understanding of concepts.
  • Once you have understood the concepts, you can attempt mock tests and assess your preparation.

Social Security in India Strategy for UPSC EPFO EO/AO

  • Key focus areas include EPFO schemes, new labor codes, and government initiatives in social security.
  • To cover the above areas toppers referred to different coaching materials and government reports.
  • Toppers recommend practicing MCQs regularly to improve your grasp on this subject.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO Toppers Strategy for Interview 

Here is the interview strategy followed by many toppers for the EPFO EO/AO interview:

DAF Oriented Preparation

  • Almost all the toppers laid stress on DAF preparation for their interview as the panel often asks questions from the DAF. 
  • DAF or the Detailed Application Form includes details about the candidate’s professional experience, achievements, and hobbies.

EPFO and Current Affairs

  • Candidates should be up to date with current affairs, government schemes, and most importantly, EPFO-related topics (social security, labor law, functions of the EPFO, etc.)
  • This is because the panel is known to test the candidate’s knowledge of these subjects.

Communicate with Confidence

  • Demonstrate strong communication skills and use clear and concise language. 
  • Practice active listening and respond thoughtfully.

Honesty and Composure

  • Toppers recommend staying calm during the interview even if you don’t know the answer to any question. 
  • It’s always better to honestly accept that you do not know the answer instead of making blind guesses.

Mock Interviews

  • Mock interviews are crucial to help candidates identify areas of improvement and build confidence. 
  • You can ask your friends to interview you or approach coaching institutes that conduct mock interviews.

Additional Tips for EPFO EO/AO Preparation by Toppers

Here are some additional preparation tips shared by EPFO EO/AO selected candidates from their experience:

  • Make Your Study Plan: Analyze toppers’ strategies, but don’t copy them blindly. Identify your strengths and weaknesses to create a study plan that caters to your learning style and pace.
  • Single Resource: Don’t overload yourself with multiple resources. Research well, identify a reliable resource, and stick to it.
  • Optimize Time: Allocate dedicated time for each subject. If you’re a working professional, you may have to take out a few hours each day from your schedule and even study on weekends.
  • Practice Mock Tests: Take mock tests to simulate the actual exam environment. Identify preparation gaps and work on them.
  • Schedule Regular Revisions: Regularly revise concepts and practice questions to solidify your understanding.  
  • Stay Motivated: Surround yourself with positive influences and celebrate your progress. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks; learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.
UPSC EPFO EO/AO
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Toppers Recommended Books & Resources for EPFO EO/AO

Here are some of the resources toppers referred to for their EPFO EO/AO preparation:

UPSC EPFO EO/AO
Books and Resources
SubjectBooks/Resources


General English
Wren and Martin for grammar.
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis for vocabulary.
Sarvesh Kumar (SSC CGL) for practice.
Mock tests and previous year papers.

Indian Freedom Struggle
Spectrum’s Modern History by Rajiv Ahir.
The Struggle for India’s Independence by Bipin Chandra (additional context).
Current Events and Developmental IssuesThe Hindu or Indian Express for daily news.
Vision IAS or Insights IAS monthly magazines.
Government websites like PIB for government schemes.
Indian Polity & EconomyIndian Polity by M. Laxmikant.
NCERT Class 11 & 12 Economics for basics.
Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh for advanced concepts.
General Accounting PrinciplesNCERT Class 11 & 12 Accountancy books.
ICAI Module for MCQs and practice.
YouTube tutorials for accounting concepts.
Industrial Relations & Labour LawsCoaching materials (Edutap and others).
Bare acts from government websites (e.g., Industrial Disputes Act, Factories Act).
YouTube tutorials for explanations.
General Science & Knowledge of ComputerNCERT Science textbooks (Class 6-10) for basic science.
Online tutorials for MS Office, networking, and basic computer applications.
General Mental Ability & Quantitative AptitudeQuantitative Aptitude by Sarvesh Kumar.
Mock tests and YouTube channels for shortcuts and regular practice.
Social Security in IndiaGovernment reports and official documents on social security schemes.
Coaching materials (Edutap) for detailed study.
YouTube for explanations on labor codes.
Interview PreparationMock interviews with friends or coaching institutes.
YouTube mock interviews for insights.
DAF preparation (personal, educational, and work-related details).

Conclusion

There you have it, UPSC EPFO EO/AO preparation strategies that multiple toppers followed to clear the exam. 

While it’s a great idea to follow the toppers’ strategies, we recommend you analyze your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you create a preparation strategy suited to your needs, increasing your chances of clearing the UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam.