UPSC EPFO RECRUITMENT FOR EO/AO & APFC 2025

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) stands as one of India’s largest social security institutions, operating under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Every year, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts recruitment for the prestigious General Central Service Group ‘B’, Non-Ministerial post of Enforcement Officer/Accounts Officer (EO/AO) and the Group ‘A’ Gazetted post of Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC)—offering a distinct opportunity for aspirants aiming to serve in a rapidly growing, nationally significant sector.

EPFO: Expansion and Opportunity

EPFO has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few years, emerging as a cornerstone for the social and economic security of millions of Indians:

• Surge in Pension Beneficiaries: More than 2 million families now receive pensions through the Employees’ Pension Scheme, with the number of beneficiaries growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 6.5% in the last five years.
• Rising Active Contributors: The contributory membership of EPFO continues to climb rapidly, with a CAGR of around 7.5%—showcasing an ever-expanding workforce relying on EPFO’s services.
• Boom in Registered Establishments: The number of establishments under the EPFO’s coverage has nearly doubled in less than six years, marking a CAGR of about 12.5% in the past five years.

This upward trajectory means more operational challenges and greater service delivery responsibilities, leading to a sustained demand for dynamic officers and fresh talent at both the EO/AO and APFC levels.

Aspirational Careers for the Future

Given EPFO’s ongoing expansion, regular recruitment is expected to continue for at least the next five years. This makes consistent, long-term preparation essential for aspirants aiming to secure a stable and impactful career in government service. With every fresh notification, UPSC is searching for committed, versatile professionals who can contribute to the ever-evolving social security landscape of India.

If you’re targeting a role where your work affects millions and taps into the heart of India’s workforce, preparing for the EPFO EO/AO and APFC exams is your gateway to meaningful public service and professional growth.

Category-Wise Vacancies (Current Cycle)

The notification announces positions for two cadres:

PwBD seats are further sub-allocated into:

• Blindness/Low Vision (B/LV)
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH)
• Specific Learning Disability/Mental Illness (SLD/MI)
• Locomotor Disability (for APFC only)

Age Structure & Relaxations

• Cut-off date: All age limits are as on the online application closing date.
• Age relaxation: Applicable to central government employees, ex-servicemen, PwBD, and other categories in accordance with government rules.
• Proof and documentation must accompany any claim for relaxation.

Educational Qualifications

• EO/AO: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) from a recognized university.
• APFC: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline); Desirable: Diploma in Company Law, Labour Laws, or Public Administration.

Selection Process: Single Test for EO/AO & APFC in 2025

• Single Combined Recruitment Test (CRT): One objective, bilingual (English/Hindi), two-hour exam for both EO/AO and APFC, with negative marking (1/3 per incorrect answer).
• Interview: Weightage of written test and interview will be 75:25 in final selection.

• Qualifying Marks:

  • General/EWS: 50
  • OBC: 45
  • SC/ST/PwBD: 40

• Merit lists: Candidates are allotted to the posts based on preferences and merit order.

Detailed Syllabus

Candidates must prepare for a unified syllabus, comprising:

1. General English: Comprehension, correct usage, grammar, vocabulary.
2. Indian Culture, Heritage, and Freedom Movements
3. Developmental Issues and Present Trends in Indian Economy
4. Governance and Constitution of India
5. General Science and Basic Computer Applications
6. Elementary Mathematics, Statistics, and Mental Ability
7. Industrial Relations, Labour Laws, and Social Security in India
8. Principles of Accountancy, Auditing, and Insurance
9. Current Events of National and International Importance

Application Workflow

• Register: Obtain Universal Registration Number (URN) via UPSC portal; Note: Edits are not allowed after submission.
• Fee: Rs. 25 for one post, Rs. 50 for both. Women/SC/ST/PwBD candidates are fee-exempt.
• Application withdrawal: Not permitted.
• Preference selection: Candidates indicate choice of post during application.
• Reporting: Arrive 30 minutes early on exam day with Aadhaar (preferred ID) or other accepted identification.

Exam Centres and Logistics

• Count: 78 official centres nationwide.
• Centre selection: Choice allowed at application; allocation is first-come, first-served.
• Special note: Some centres (Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, Nagpur) follow modified seating capacities.
• Helpline: 011-24041001 for official assistance and support during application process.

Accessibility & PwBD Provisions

• Scribe and extra time: Available for eligible candidates.
• All disability (<40%) accommodations: Strictly as per updated rules.
• TA reimbursement: Via bank transfer only.

With its expanding contributor base and strategic importance to India’s workforce, the EPFO continues to recruit fresh talent through rigorous, fair, and transparent processes. Whether you’re preparing for the EO/AO or APFC post, focusing on the new unified syllabus and application guidelines will place you at an advantage in this highly competitive recruitment cycle. Stay updated, prepare with depth and breadth, and aim for a transformative career in public service.

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