UPSC EPFO APFC 2023 Complete Information

The APFC EPFO is one of the examinations which has been initiated by the UPSC.

When we talk about exams which is highly looked up to by government job aspirants, one cannot help but think of the prestigious UPSC CSE exam.  However, it is not the topic of discussion this time.  

While, I understand that UPSC CSE is an exam that we can talk endlessly about, but it’s time I introduce you to another high-end exam of the UPSC verse, viz, UPSC EPFO APFC.  

The EPFO APFC examination, as you must have guessed it, is conducted by the UPSC for recruitment of the suitable candidates for the post of EO/AO and APFC in Employee Provident Fund Organization.    

While, this exam holds a premium position in the list of most reputed exams, yet, because of irregularities in the process, this examination often goes under the radar. This even leads to the cases where, even when the notification arrives, it does not garner much attention from the aspirants. 

Another slightly negative factor is the less buzz that surrounds the exam as there is little to no reliable information available on the internet about UPSC EPFO APFC. 

Despite all this, the exam is competent in nature; but a lesser turnout than the average would mean that suitable candidates for the exam will get fair chance, which according to me can be looked upon as a good opportunity for the aspirants.  

Therefore, if you are planning to prepare for this exam and are looking for reliable information regarding all aspects about UPSC EPFO APFC then I welcome to this blog. 

With reference to this, I will be discussing about everything that you need to know about this exam, starting from the full form, job profile, salary, eligibility criteria, notification, syllabus, exam pattern, booklist to cutoff, result and exam centre.  

Assuming that you are now ready and energized to go along with me, let us begin!  

UPSC EPFO APFC & EO/AO Full Form

To be begin with, the full form of EPFO is Employee Provident Fund Organization for which this exam is conducted to recruit candidates for the post of APFC and EO/ AO.   

The term of APFC is a short form which stands for Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner.  

The full meaning of EO is Enforcement officer, whereas AO is an abbreviation for Accounts Officer.  

Let us now move on to know more about overview of this exam.   

UPSC EPFO APFC Exam

Conducted by Union Public Service Commission, the EPFO APFC is a combination of abbreviations used for this nationwide examination to recruit Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner at the Employee Provident Fund Organization. 

The candidates who have completed their graduation are eligible to apply for this exam.  

Talking about EPFO APFC exam, despite the inconsistencies in the exam process,   

despite its inconsistent nature, the exam has a set pattern and a fixed body that manages its smooth functioning. 

When it comes to the selection procedure for this exam, it follows an organized principle. 

The journey to becoming an APFC officer in EPFO goes through a two – stage assessment procedure which consists of: 

• Phase – I  
• Interview  

While, the Phase 1 is known as the recruitment test, the second phase entails the Personal Interview. It is only after successfully clearing both the stages, that a candidate becomes an APFC officer. 

As this exam is just a 2-stage process, it may seem like an easy task to crack UPSC EPFO APFC, but the reality is different. 

It takes an insurmountable effort to secure selection for this post. However, to guide you on the right path for the exam, I have recently started a YouTube channel viz, UPSC Pedia by Anuj Jindal. 

On the channel everything related to the APFC has been discussed in depth. For instance, if you are looking for a free UPSC APFC Course, the details are on the channel. You can subscribe to the channel for regular updates and material.  

However, you don’t need to leave just now because you are about to receive more crucial information in the following sections. 

UPSC EPFO APFC Job Profile

Now, that you have got an overall idea about the exam, it’s time to figure out about the UPSC EPFO APFC Job profile. 

It is interesting to know about job profile of an Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner since it is defined in terms of responsibilities yet it is multifaceted in nature.

Therefore, the officers working in EPFO are expected to be quite competent and offer justice to the duties they perform.  

Once appointed as an officer, the selected candidate will perform the following duties: 

• To enforce orders of the provisions and schemes along with ensuring compliance under Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.  
• Conducting inquiries over complaints on account and settlement of claims 
• Inspect accounts of the employers to ensure EPF contributions are made on timely basis and verify the records of the contributions.  
• Enforce legal provisions if the employers fail to comply with the provisions given under EPF Act, 1952.  
• Addressing grievances and resolving disputes between employees and employers related to EPF contributions.  
• Provide information and educate the employees and employers about prescribed forms and provisions under EPF act, the benefits and process for making contributions or withdrawals.  
• Performing administrative functions like preparing reports, maintaining records, and supervision of the staff work.  
• Maintaining cash books, verification of bank statement, MIS returns etc. 

After discussing the job profile in detail, it’s time to talk about EPFO APFC salary.  

UPSC EPFO APFC Salary

The UPSC EPFO APFC Salary is an aspect that is subject to change, however, what remains static is the fact that an APFC officer receives a decent sum and lives a lucrative life.

When it comes to the salary of an Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner, then I would outrightly state that it is difficult to assert how much an APFC officer earns in the prevailing time. However, as per the information available about the scale and basic pay, salary can be assessed.

Moreover, with the existence of perks and benefits, the CTA of an APFC officer goes up exponentially.

To elaborate on this, let me bring certain numbers in consideration.

The Grade pay as per 7th pay commission is 5400, and the basic pay stands at Rs.47,600. Adding a dearness allowance of Rs. 18,088 to this figure, house rent allowance of Rs. 12852, transport allowance of Rs. 4968, and fixed medical allowance of Rs. 2000, a grand amount of Rs. 85508 will be formed, which exactly is the figure that defines EPFO APFC Salary.

UPSC EPFO APFC Notification 2023 

Latest Update: The UPSC EPFO APFC exam 2023 is scheduled to take place on 2nd July 2023.  

UPSC published the Official notification of APFC & EO/AO on 25th February 2023. This notification came out with the maximum vacancies till now.  

UPSC APFC & EO/AO notification came out with a total of 577 vacancies.   

You can apply for this exam as the application process started on the same date as the release of notification and continues till 17th March 2023.  

Prior to the 2023 notification, UPSC came out with the notification in 2015 when a total of 170 vacancies were declared. Before 2015, it transpired in 2012 and prior to that in 2004.  

The exam for UPSC EPFO APFC 2023 will be conducted on 2nd July 2023. 

UPSC EPFO APFC & EO/AO Vacancy 

Out of these 577 vacancies, 418 vacancies are reserved for the post of EO/AO (Enforcement Officer/ Accounts officer) and 159 vacancies are reserved for APFC (Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner).  

For 159 vacancies reserved for APFC, the total number of vacancies reserved for different categories is as follows: 

• A total of 68 vacancies are reserved for General or Unreserved Category (UR). 
• 25 vacancies are reserved for candidates belonging to SC category, while for candidates from ST category have 12 vacancies for the post.  
• 38 vacancies are for the candidates from OBC category.  
• For applicants from EWS category, 16 vacancies are reserved. While, 8 vacancies are reserved for candidates of PwBD category.  

Talking about the number of vacancies reserved for the post of EO/AO in EPFO, out of 418 vacancies, the following are reserved for different categories:  

•  Out of these vacancies, 204 vacancies are for Unreserved Category (UR)  
• There are 57 vacancies reserved for the SC category. Whereas, a total of 28 vacancies are reserved for the candidates belonging to the ST category.   
• 78 vacancies are reserved for the applicants who belong to the OBC category.   
• 51 vacancies for candidates who belong to the EWS category. While, 25 vacancies for candidates with Physical disability (PwBD) 

To simplify the details regarding number of vacancies reserved, I have provided below the table for you to check: 

UPSC EPFO APFC Eligibility Criteria 2023

To fulfill the UPSC EPFO APFC Eligibility Criteria and appear in the exam, a candidate needs to note whether he belongs in the range of the permitted age and has acquired the required educational qualification.

Following are the main heads of APFC Exam Eligibility:

1) Age Eligibility

As per the previous UPSC EPFO APFC recruitments, a candidate who is above the age of 21 and is below 35 years of age is eligible on the age front.

There is a relaxation of 5 years on the age limit if you belong to SC/ST category, and of 3 years in the case of the OBC category.

However, this is from the past, the new notification may come up with an updated age limit. But till then keep this limit in mind because such type of eligibility criteria rarely changes. Yet, if it does change this space will update you on the same.

That’s all with the UPSC EPFO APFC age limit, let’s proceed with the educational eligibility.

2) Educational Qualification

Candidates must have completed graduation from a recognised university in any discipline. That’s all that is needed to appear in the exam.

What’s motivating about UPSC EPFO APFC Educational Qualification is that there is no basis for restricting the eligibility on the account of the minimum marks that a candidate must have secured in graduation.

UPSC EPFO APFC Application Form 2023

Latest Update: The online registration process for the UPSC EPFO APFC exam began on 25th February 2023 and remained active till 17th March 2023 (06:00 PM) for the exam that will be conducted on 2nd July 2023.  

In case any candidate wished to make correction in his/her application form, the window for modification remained available from 18th March 2023 to 24th March 2023.   

With the arrival of notification still obscure, nothing concrete about the UPSC EPFO APFC Application Form 2023 can be inferred.

The link to apply online opens upon the release of the notification, hence, at this juncture, it is not feasible to start any discussion on this topic.

However, whenever the notification will drop, I will update you with the process of applying online, with relevant steps.

Yet, one key information about the application form that can be borrowed from previous recruitments and can be delivered here is, details of the application fee.

As per the latest edition of the recruitment, the candidates who wish to apply for both the posts are required to pay Rs 50. Whereas, for those who want to apply only for one post must pay the application fee of Rs. 25.  

The candidates belonging to General, EWS and the OBC category shall pay Rs.25 to complete their registration. 

While the rest of the categories which includes SC/ST/ PwBD and women candidates are exempted from paying any application fees. 

Again! As for other details, whenever the notification will drop, I will update you with the process of applying online, with relevant steps. 

How to Apply for EPFO APFC

Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC or click on https://www.upsconline.nic.in. 

Step 2: Then, while filling in the details in the online registration form, you must upload the documents such as photograph, signature and identity proof.  

Step 3: Next, you are required to provide the correct and active e- mail address in the application form.  

Step 4: After submitting the application form, you can download and take a print out of your registration form for future reference.  

UPSC EPFO APFC Admit Card 2023

Latest Update: The admit cards for UPSC EPFO APFC have been officially released on 14th June 2023 and you can click on the provided link to download the admit card for EPFO APFC exam: https://www.upsconline.nic.in/.

Utilized for the purpose of verification, the admit card for UPSC EPFO APFC is one of the most important documents that the candidate is expected to carry on the day of the examination.  

The UPSC EPFO APFC admit card has been officially released on the official website of UPSC, the link to download the admit card shall be remain available till the day of the examination, i.e., 2nd July 2023.  

Since, the admit cards have been out for candidates to access, it is imperative for applicants to know precisely the step-by-step manner to download the admit card.   

How to Download EPFO APFC Admit Card 

To help you access the admit card for EPFO APFC exam, I have provided below the process to download your hall ticket: 

Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC and select the download link for UPSC admit card 

Step 2: Now, go over to the section of admit card for UPSC EPFO APFC and click on e- admit cards for various examinations.  

Step 3: Select the button to download for Enforcement Officer/Accounts Officer and/or Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner, EPFO, 2023.  

Step 4: After the new page is redirected, select “Registration ID/Application Number” or the option of “Roll Number” 

Step 5: Enter Registration ID and date of birth or Roll Number and date of birth. Fill the captcha code carefully.  

Step 6: Your admit card will now be displayed on- screen. Download and take a print out of your UPSC EPFO APFC admit card for future reference.  

UPSC EPFO APFC Exam Pattern 2023

To get hold of the UPSC EPFO exam pattern you need to wholly understand the exam first. There are two phases in the UPSC EPFO APFC & EO/AO exam namely, Phase 1 and Phase 2. 

While, the Phase 1 is the objective exam with multiple choice-based questions in the entire examination process, the Phase 2 is the alias of the Personal Interview. 

The exam pattern of the Phase 1 includes the following: 

• The exam consists of 120 questions for a total of 300 marks with a time duration of 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete the paper.  
•  Negative marking of 1/3 marks is allotted upon marking a wrong answer. 

Talking about the Phase 1 exam, the UPSC EPFO paper for EO/AO is divided into two sections: Section A and Section B 

1. Section A contains only the General English part. 
2. Section B includes a variety of subjects, such as: 

• Indian Culture, Heritage and Freedom Movements, and Current Events 
• Population, Development, and Globalization, Governance and Constitution of India 
• Accounting and Auditing, Industrial Relations, Labor Laws, Insurance,  
• Basic knowledge of Computer applications 
• General Science 
• Elementary Mathematics, Statistics, and General Mental Ability,  
• Social Security in India, Present trends in the Indian Economy. 

Coming to the exam pattern of Phase 2, since it is Personal Interview, there is no pattern mentioned for it. The personality test is a total of 100 marks.  

UPSC EPFO APFC Syllabus 2023

To effectively prepare for the exam, one of the initial and perhaps the most important step is to inculcate the UPSC EPFO APFC & EO/ AO Syllabus 2023.  

While we have already discussed the defined pattern for the Phase 1 exam and the subjects that come under it. However, it’s time for you to know the detailed syllabus of the same. 

I have provided below the complete syllabus of both the sections given in the Phase 1 paper: 

1. General English 
• Idioms & Phrases 
• Tenses 
• Word Formation 
• Fill in the Blanks  
• Synonyms & Antonyms 
• Verb & Adverbs 
• Prepositions 
• Vocabulary 
• Theme Detection 
• Articles 
• Sentence Completion 
• Error Correction 
• Conclusion 
• Subject-Verb Agreement 
• Passage Completion 
• Grammar 
• One Word Substitutions,  
• Comprehension & Unseen Passages,  
• Sentence Rearrangement,  
• Conjunctions,  
• Active And Passive Voice 
• Spotting the Error,  
• Cloze Test 
2. Indian Culture 
• Stone Age  
• The Harappan Civilization  
• Mauryan Period 
• Post- Mauryan Phase: The period of Shungas, Kanvas, and SatavahanasKushana Empire, Gupta Empire, Temple Architecture Styles, Literature and Philosophy. 
3. Population 
• Births and deaths 
• Mobility and migration 
• Population aging, Population changes 
• Population estimates and projections. 
4. Globalization 
• Global issues (category) 
• Climate justice 
• Economic inequality 
• Fairtrade  
• Forced migration 
• Global dimming  
• Human overpopulation 
• Human trafficking 
5. Governance 
• Board Oversight of Mission-Critical Risks 
• Environmental, Social, and Governance Oversight 
• Human Capital Management 
• Audit Committee Oversight of Internal Controls  
• Corporate Culture and Whistleblower Protections 
• Board Diversity 
6. Accounting 
• Financial Reporting 
• Tax  
• Personal Financial Planning 
• Firm Practice Management 
• Governmental Audit Quality 
• Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality 
• Not for Profit 
• Forensic and Valuation Services 
• Information Technology 
• Professional Ethics 
• Plain English Accounting 
• Business, Industry, and Government 
• Audit Quality 
• Fair Value Measurement. 
7. Basic Computer Knowledge 
• MS Word 
• Microsoft OneNote 
• Microsoft Access 
• Introduction to Computer Science 
• Boolean Algebra 
• Computer Networks 
• Emerging Technologies and Web Publishing 
• PC Software and Office Automation 
• Database Management System 
• Data Structures 
• MS PowerPoint 
• MS Vision and MS Excel 
•  Microsoft Outlook 
• The Internet 
• Workplace Productivity Tools 
• MS Project 
• Microsoft Publisher 
8. General Science 
• Chemical bonding and molecular structure  
• Electrochemistry and chemical kinetics 
• Haloalkanes and Haloarenes  
• States of matter: gasses and liquids 
• Laws of motion 
• Units and measurements 
• Physical, Gravitation, Kinetic theory,  
• Mechanical properties of solids 
• Thermodynamics 
• Motion in a straight line 
• Electrostatic potential and capacitance  
• Electromagnetic induction 
• Current electricity 
• Magnetism and Matter 
• World, Oscillations  
• Ray optics and optical instruments 
• Alternating current 
• Atoms, Nuclei, Wave Optics, Motion in a plane 
• Classification of elements and periodicity in properties 
• Environmental chemistry 
• Biomolecules, Solid-state, Systems of particles and rotational motion 
• Mechanical properties of fluids 
• Moving charges and magnetism  
• Electric charges and fields  
• P-block elements 
• Electromagnetic waves 
• Semiconductor electronics 
• Thermal properties of Matter 
9. Elementary Mathematics 
• Abacus and HCF 
• Fractions and Decimals 
• Place Value & Face Value 
• Addition and subtraction  
• Multiplication and Division 
• Counting 
• Counting Money 
10. Statistics 
• Describing and displaying data 
• Linear regression and correlation 
• Experiments and sampling 
• Probability 
• Hypothesis tests and confidence intervals 
11. General Mental Ability 
• Coding-Decoding 
• Blood Relations  
• Alphabet Test 
• Sitting Arrangements 
• Direction Sense Test 
• Mathematical Operations 
• Arithmetical Reasoning 
• Analogy 
• Classification 
• Series 
• Number 
• Ranking, and Time Sequence Test 
• Eligibility Test 
• Inserting the Missing Character 

That’s all the syllabus that you need to cover. However, to further enhance your knowledge about APFC exam syllabus, I have a video. 

Watch the video and know what’s relevant with respect to the EPFO APFC exam syllabus 2023. 

UPSC EPFO APFC Booklist 2023

Enlightening you about thein UPSC EPFO APFC Booklist is the next in chorological order. Hence, without any delay, let me highlight the books and resources that are ideal as per the prevailing requirements of the exam.

• Constitution: Laxmikanth & Manish Sir’s classes
• Governance: Manuj Jindal IAS
• History: ISC 11th and 12th
• Geography: ISC 11th and 12th Dr. Khullar
• Economics: Nitin Singhania IAS + Anuj Jindal UPSCpedia
• Accounts: NCERT 11th and 12th + TS Grewal + DK Goel
• Auditing: ICAI Auditing & Assurance
• Industrial Relations: Anuj Jindal UPSCpedia + ICSI Module 3: Elective 9.6
• Insurance: ICSI Elective 9.3
• Quant: ‘Feel free to learn’ YouTube channel
• Current: PIB Current, Spotlight, VisionIAS

You can find all the content related to current affairs here.

I have made a concise list of the sources that are necessary.

I have given further knowledge about the sources and booklist in the video attached below.

UPSC EPFO APFC Previous Year Papers

In usual circumstances I would have stated that, “If the APFC exam interests you, then ideally you should seek and solve the UPSC EPFO APFC Previous Year Papers.”

But since this exam brings the idiom- once in a blue moon- to life, therefore, referring previous year question papers won’t contribute much value to your cause. Why?

What do you think, an exam which took place almost 8 years ago, how the questions from that period would stand in the relevancy ground of 2022. The dynamics have changed and I am sure the exam that will happen this time around will feature an entirely different level.

So, the most feasible way to start preparing would be give a stare at the syllabus and set a plan to cover all the topics.

However, if you still want to take a glimpse of the previous year papers then I won’t leave you disappointed.

Below are the links that contain the PDF documents of EPFO APFC Previous Year papers.

• UPSC EPFO APFC 2015 Previous Year Paper
• UPSC EPFO APFC 2012 Previous Year Paper (with Answer Key)

UPSC EPFO APFC Cut-Off

I have some credible data available regarding the UPSC EPFO APFC Cutoff. As you know the exam materialises in two phases, thus, each phase presents an individual cutoff.

For written test, i.e., Phase 1, a cutoff out of 100 comes out. And for Phase 2 as well, a cutoff out of 100 is prepared. Based on the performance in the two phases a final cutoff develops.

To spread clarity, here’s a table I’ve made, which highlights the cutoff story of the APFC Exam 2015.

UPSC EPFO APFC Result

The exam process which starts at the release of notification often ends with the declaration of the final result. Same is the case with UPSC EPFO APFC exam.

Regarding the UPSC EPFO APFC, out of a total 300 marks, the minimum marks required to attain suitability in interviews for candidates according to the different categories is as follows: 

• Unreserved Category – 50 Marks 
• OBC Category – 45 Marks 
• SC/ST/PH – 40 Marks

Although, nothing can be uttered about the potential UPSC APFC recruitment, but past can be reflected to get a better understanding of the time frame of the entire examination process. 

So, looking at that, it is certain that the exam follows a typical UPSC trait of carrying the exam journey for a full year. 

The UPSC EPFO APFC Phase 1 exam is scheduled to commence on 2nd July 2023.

The result for UPSC EPFO APFC and EO/AO Result has been declared on 21st July 2023.

You can check the Result for the same, you can click on the UPSC APFC and EO/AO Result provided link. 

Following that, the Interview of the selected aspirants of Phase 1 will take place. After the Interview is conducted, the final result containing the names of the selected candidates shall be declared on the official website of UPSC .  

As I earlier stated that the result section culminates the process, hence, with that allow me to conclude this blog and offer you an exciting asset that will let you ace UPSC EPFO APFC 2023 examination. 

Steps to Check EPFO APFC Result

After giving the examination, the aspirants are usually awaiting the release of the official result for the same. The result for the EPFO APFC exam is released on the UPSC website. To help you with the process of checking the result, I have provided the steps below: 

Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC  

Step 2: Next, click on the option of “Examination” and select “Active Examination from drop–down menu.  

Step 3: Search for the link of the UPSC EPFO APFC result and click on it.  

Step 4: The result will display on your screen in the form of a PDF and search for your roll number in the list of selected candidates.  

Step 5: You can download and take a printout of the result for future reference.  

UPSC EPFO APFC Exam Centre 

While applying online for the UPSC EPFO APFC, the candidates must be careful while selecting the centre for giving the examination.  

As the exam venue is affirmed in the admit card which releases prior to the commencement of the exam, the candidate must appear in the given exam centre for sitting for the exam.   

To know about the exam centres where the EPFO APFC exam will be scheduled to take place, I have provided the list of the same in PDF attached here.   

Conclusion

As it was promised at the start of the blog that you will be provided with all the relevant information regarding UPSC EPFO APFC exam, and indeed at this moment as you are reading this, I hope you have adequate knowledge about the exam and might be thinking of appearing in the exam too.

Thus, if that is your intention then let me conclude the blog on a high and present to you an asset that will prepare for the EPFO APFC exam.

I have devised and designed a complete UPSC EPFO APFC Course just for you. Check out the course now and enroll in it.

Remember this motto! YOU CAN ACE, THAT’s THE ONLY PHRASE.

All the best!