UPSC EPFO 2025 Syllabus and Exam Pattern for EO/AO and APFC
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- 05 Nov 2025
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the UPSC EPFO Exam 2025 to recruit Enforcement Officers (EO), Accounts Officers (AO), and Assistant Provident Fund Commissioners (APFC) for the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The UPSC EPFO exam is one of the most prestigious recruitment drives for government job aspirants in India. Understanding the syllabus, exam pattern, and selection process is crucial for effective preparation.
This article by Drishti IAS provides complete, up-to-date details on the UPSC EPFO Syllabus 2025, Exam Pattern, and Selection Process for both EO/AO and APFC posts.
UPSC EPFO 2025: Exam Highlights
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Organisation |
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) |
|
Conducting Authority |
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|
Eligibility |
EO/AO: Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university. APFC: Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline. |
|
Posts |
Enforcement Officer (EO), Accounts Officer (AO), Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC) |
|
Exam Mode |
Offline (OMR-based) |
|
Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
|
Total Questions |
120 |
|
Marks Distribution |
Written Test – 300 Marks, Interview – 100 Marks |
|
Duration |
2 Hours |
|
Languages |
English and Hindi |
|
Negative Marking |
1/3 mark deducted for every incorrect answer |
|
Selection Stages |
Written Test and Interview |
|
Official Website |
Important Dates
|
Event |
Date |
Link |
|
Notification Release |
22 July 2025 |
View PDF
|
|
Application Start Date |
29 July 2025 |
Closed |
|
Last Date to Apply |
22 August 2025 |
Closed |
|
Exam Date |
30 November 2025 |
Click Here for 2025 Paper |
|
Mode |
Offline (Pen and Paper) |
- |
|
Admit Card |
To be Released |
Click Here |
|
Result Date |
To be Announced |
Click Here |
|
Interview/Personality Test |
||
|
Personality Test Dates |
Will be Updated |
Click Here |
|
Final Result |
Will be updated |
Click Here |
UPSC EPFO Exam Pattern 2025
The UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC Exam 2025 consists of two main phases:
1. Phase 1 – Written Examination (300 Marks)
2. Phase 2 – Interview (100 Marks)
Written Examination Pattern
- The exam will contain 120 objective-type questions carrying 2.5 marks each.
- Each incorrect answer will attract a penalty of one-third mark.
- The test will be conducted for 2 hours in both English and Hindi.
- All questions carry equal weightage.
|
Component |
Details |
|
Total Questions |
120 |
|
Total Marks (Written) |
300 |
|
Interview Marks |
100 |
|
Duration |
2 Hours |
|
Marking Scheme |
+2.5 for each correct answer |
|
Negative Marking |
–0.83 per wrong answer |
|
Mode of Examination |
Offline |
UPSC EPFO Syllabus 2025 (Detailed Subject-Wise Breakdown)
The UPSC EPFO 2025 syllabus aims to test candidates on General Awareness, Analytical Ability, Governance, Law, and Social Security Concepts. The following sections outline all the major topics:
1. General English
Focus: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and usage.
Key Topics: Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word Substitution, Sentence Rearrangement, Idioms and Phrases, Tenses, Prepositions, Articles, Active–Passive Voice, Spotting Errors, and Reading Comprehension.
2. Indian Freedom Struggle, Culture, and Heritage
Focus: Historical and cultural developments from ancient to modern India.
Key Topics: Decline of the Mughal Empire, Advent of Europeans, Revolt of 1857, Rise of Nationalism, Gandhian Movements, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Indian Art, Music, Dance, and Architecture.
3. Current Affairs and Developmental Issues
Focus: National and international developments.
Key Topics: Government Schemes, Environment and Climate Issues, Sports, Defence Exercises, Awards, Appointments, International Organisations, Important Days, and Books & Authors.
4. Indian Polity and Governance
Focus: Constitutional and administrative structure of India.
Key Topics: Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles, Union and State Executive, Parliament, Judiciary, Local Governance, and Constitutional Bodies.
5. Indian Economy and Development
Focus: Economic policies and principles.
Key Topics: Demand and Supply, Inflation, National Income, Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy, Employment and Poverty Alleviation, Economic Reforms, and International Economic Institutions.
6. General Accounting and Auditing Principles
Focus: Basic concepts of accounting and auditing.
Key Topics: Accounting Standards, Recording Transactions, Final Accounts, Ratio Analysis, Auditing Principles, Internal Controls, Risk Assessment, and Company Audits.
7. Industrial Relations and Labour Laws
Focus: Employee welfare and industrial discipline.
Key Topics: Trade Unions, Collective Bargaining, Industrial Disputes, Labour Welfare, Wages, Workers’ Participation, Health and Safety, and Major Labour Laws including:
- Payment of Wages Act (1936)
- Minimum Wages Act (1948)
- Factories Act (1948)
- Industrial Disputes Act (1947)
- Trade Union Act (1926)
- Maternity Benefit Act (1961)
Also includes new Labour Codes on Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, and Occupational Safety.
8. Social Security in India
Focus: Laws and schemes promoting social welfare.
Key Topics: Employees’ Provident Fund Act (1952), Employees’ State Insurance Act (1948), Payment of Gratuity Act (1972), Employees’ Compensation Act (1923), Atal Pension Yojana, and National Pension System (NPS).
9. Quantitative Aptitude and Mental Ability
Focus: Numerical reasoning and logical skills.
Key Topics: Simplification, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Data Interpretation, Probability, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Series, and Direction Sense.
10. General Science and Computer Applications
Focus: Basic scientific and technological awareness.
Key Topics: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Space Technology, Computer Fundamentals, Hardware & Software, MS Office, Internet, Networking, and Data Processing.
UPSC EPFO Selection Process 2025
The selection process involves two stages:
1. Written Test (300 Marks): Objective exam to assess knowledge of general studies, current affairs, and professional subjects.
2. Interview (100 Marks): Personality test assessing communication skills, awareness, and suitability for the post.
Minimum Qualifying Marks in Interview
|
Category |
Minimum Marks Required |
|
General |
50 |
|
OBC |
45 |
|
SC/ST/PH |
40 |
Final selection will be based on the combined score of the written test and interview.
UPSC EPFO Interview 2025
The interview phase carries 25% weightage (100 marks) and evaluates:
- Personality and confidence
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Understanding of EPFO’s functions
- Awareness of current socio-economic issues
Candidates are advised to stay informed about labour reforms, pension schemes, and social welfare policies to perform well in this round.
Preparation Tips for UPSC EPFO EO/AO & APFC 2025
- Understand the syllabus thoroughly and make short notes on each subject.
- Focus on conceptual clarity—especially in Economy, Labour Laws, and Governance.
- Read newspapers and Drishti IAS Current Affairs for regular updates.
- Practice mock tests and previous papers to build accuracy and speed.
- Revise regularly and maintain a consistent study schedule.
Conclusion
The UPSC EPFO 2025 Examination is an exceptional opportunity for aspirants aiming to join India’s social security administration. With a structured preparation strategy, in-depth knowledge of the EPFO syllabus, and regular practice, you can successfully clear this prestigious exam.
Stay tuned to Drishti IAS for authentic updates, expert guidance, and free resources for UPSC EPFO EO/AO & APFC Exam 2025—including syllabus PDFs, mock tests, and previous year question analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the UPSC EPFO 2025 exam?
The UPSC EPFO 2025 exam is a recruitment drive conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for the positions of Enforcement Officer (EO), Accounts Officer (AO), and Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC) in the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
2. What are the eligibility criteria for the UPSC EPFO 2025 exam?
- EO/AO: Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
- APFC: Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
- Desirable: Diploma in Company Law, Labour Laws, or Public Administration.
3. What is the exam pattern for UPSC EPFO 2025?
The exam consists of two stages:
- Stage 1: Written examination with 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for 300 marks.
- Stage 2: Interview/personality test for 100 marks.
4. How many marks are allotted to the written exam and interview?
The written exam is for 300 marks, while the interview carries 100 marks.
5. What topics are covered in the UPSC EPFO syllabus?
The syllabus includes topics on:
- General English
- Indian Freedom Struggle, Culture, and Heritage
- Current Affairs and Developmental Issues
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Indian Economy and Development
- General Accounting and Auditing Principles
- Industrial Relations and Labour Laws
- Social Security in India
- Quantitative Aptitude and Mental Ability
- General Science and Computer Applications
6. What is the negative marking scheme in the UPSC EPFO exam?
For each incorrect answer, one-third mark (0.83) is deducted.
7. When will the UPSC EPFO 2025 exam be held?
The exam is scheduled for 30th November 2025.
8. Can the UPSC EPFO exam be taken in both English and Hindi?
Yes, the exam is conducted bilingually in both English and Hindi, except for the English section.
9. What are the minimum qualifying marks for the UPSC EPFO interview?
The minimum qualifying marks for the interview are:
- General: 50 marks
- OBC: 45 marks
- SC/ST/PH: 40 marks
10. How can I prepare for the UPSC EPFO 2025 exam?
To prepare effectively:
- Thoroughly understand the syllabus.
- Focus on conceptual clarity in subjects like Economy, Labour Laws, and Governance.
- Regularly read newspapers and current affairs.
- Practice mock tests and previous year papers.
- Revise the subjects and maintain a disciplined study schedule.
