UPSC EPFO EO/AO & APFC 2025: Exam Structure, Syllabus & Preparation Guide

Exam Pattern & Structure

The UPSC EPFO EO/AO and APFC roles follow a two-stage selection process:

1. Written Recruitment Test (Phase I)
• Mode: Offline OMR-based exam
• Duration: 2 hours
• Questions: 120 MCQs worth 300 marks (2.5 marks each)
• Negative Marking: –0.83 marks for each incorrect answer (⅓ penalty)
• Language: Bilingual (English & Hindi), except English section is English-only
  
  
2. Interview (Phase II)
• Marks: 100
• Weightage: 25% of final score (written test is 75%)
  
  

Final merit is calculated by combining both phases. Syllabus Breakdown Core Sections for Both EO/AO & APFC

• General English: grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence correction, one-word substitutions, para-jumbles, etc.
• General Studies:
• Indian Freedom Struggle
• Current Events & Developmental Issues
• Indian Polity & Economy
• General Science & Computer Applications
• Industrial Relations & Labour Laws
• Social Security in India
• General Mental Ability & Quantitative Aptitude (including statistics for APFC)
• General Accounting Principles (journal, ledger, trial balance, ratio analysis)
  
  

Additional for APFC

• Indian Culture & Heritage
• Population, Development & Globalization
• Auditing & Insurance
• Elementary Mathematics & Statistics
  
  

Preparation Strategy Here’s how to approach your EPFO EO/AO or APFC preparation effectively:

Step	Action
1. Start with Syllabus Mapping	Break down topics micro-level (e.g., for Labour Laws: EPF Act sections, ILO conventions, etc.).
2. Build Foundation in English & Quant	Daily practice of vocabulary, grammar, and aptitude—both one-liners and application-based questions.
3. Deep Dive into Domain Papers	Prioritize Labour Laws, Accounting, Social Security, Auditing, and Insurance—these are core to the EPFO exam.
4. Overlay Current Affairs	Include up-to-date developments in labour reforms, social security schemes, economic trends within your GS practice.
5. Use Topic-Wise Tests	Ideate from basic to advanced MCQs (one-liner + analytical). Cover every sub-topic thoroughly.
6. Take Full-Length Mocks	Simulate the 120-question paper, timing conditions, and penalty system. Analyze performance critically.
7. Peer & Mentor Interaction	Doubt-solving, strategy discussions, and revisions help refine understanding.
8. Interview Prep	Focus on PR role knowledge, current labour reforms, and socio-economic awareness alongside soft skills readiness.

Final Words The EPFO EO/AO & APFC exams demand a structured, disciplined, and strategy-first approach. Whether you go for EO/AO or APFC, building clarity in domain topics—especially Labour Laws and Accounting—coupled with smart test practice, puts you ahead of the curve.