[Download] EPFO Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

The EPFO exam in India is conducted by UPSC for the post of Enforcement Officer/Accounts Officer. 

EPFO Notification

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will be issuing inviting online applications for direct recruitment through selection for two principal posts very soon:

• Enforcement Officer/Accounts Officer (EO/AO)
• Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC)

Website: https://www.upsconline.nic.in

Vacancy Details (as per 2025 notification)

Enforcement Officer/Accounts Officer

• Total Vacancies: 156
  • Reservation Breakdown:

    • SC: 23

    • ST: 12

    • OBC: 42

    • EWS: 01

    • UR: 78

  • Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): 9 vacancies (with further sub-reservation details provided for various disability categories).
• Nature of Post: Permanent, Group “B”, Non-Ministerial.
• Pay Scale: Level–08 in the Pay Matrix (as per 7th CPC).
• Maximum Age: 30 years (age relaxations applicable as per guidelines).

Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner

• Total Vacancies: 74
  • Reservation Breakdown:

    • SC: 7

    • OBC: 28

    • EWS: 7

    • UR: 32

  • Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): 03 vacancies (with sub-reservation in specified disability categories).
• Nature of Post: Permanent, Group “A”, Non-Ministerial.
• Pay Scale:Level–10 in the Pay Matrix (as per 7th CPC).
• Maximum Age: 35 years (with relaxations for designated categories).

Essential Qualifications

For Enforcement Officer/Accounts Officer

• Educational Qualification:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in any subject from a recognized university or institute.

  • Note: Qualifications are relaxable at the discretion of the Commission in exceptional cases (with reasons recorded in writing).

For Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner

• Educational Qualification:
  • Degree from a recognized University or equivalent.
  • Desirable: Diploma in Company Law / Labour Laws / Public Administration.

  • Note: As above, relaxations can be considered by the Commission for exceptionally well-qualified candidates.

Scheme and Syllabus for Combined Recruitment Test (CRT)

A pen & paper based Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) to shortlist the candidates for Interview for recruitment to the posts of Enforcement Officers/Accounts Officers and Assistant Public Provident Commissioner shall be conducted by the Commission.

The medium of the test is both Hindi and English. There is a penalty for wrong answers (one-third mark deducted per incorrect answer); no penalty if left blank.

Scheme:

• The test will be of two hours duration
• All questions will carry equal marks.
• The test will be objective type questions with multiple choices of answer. The medium of the test will be both English and Hindi.
• There will be penalty for wrong answers. Every wrong answer will carry a deduction of one-third of the marks assigned to that question. If no answer is marked for a question, there will be no penalty for that question.

Syllabus

• General English- To evaluate candidate’s understanding of English language & workman – like use of words.
• Indian Culture, Heritage and Freedom Movements.
• Developmental Issues and Present Trends in Indian Economy.
• Governance and Constitution of India.
• General Science and Basic Knowledge of Computer Applications.
• Elementary Mathematics, Statistics and General Mental Ability.
• Industrial Relations, Labour Laws and Social Security in India.
• Principles of Accountancy, Auditing and Insurance.
• Current Events of National and International Importance.

Weightage:

Also maintained in a 75:25 ratio (CRT:Interview) for final evaluation.

Additional Key Details

Duties & Responsibilities

• EO/AO & APFC Duties Include:

  • Enforcement, recovery, accounts, administration, cash management, legal, pension, and computer functions.

  • Specific functions include conducting inquiries, settlement of claims, maintenance of cash books, reconciliation of bank statements, and submission of MIS returns.

• Service Nature:

  • All India Service liability; officers may be required to serve anywhere in India.

Application & Test Logistics

• Application Mode:
  • Strictly online via https://www.upsconline.nic.in.

  • Applications through any other mode will not be accepted.

• Fee Details:

  • Rs. 25 for single-post applications; Rs. 50 for dual post applications (with fee exemptions for SC/ST/PwBD/women).

• Recruitment Test Centres:

  • Provided as per a detailed list across the country; candidates are allotted centres on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis (with a ceiling for some centres).

• Important Dates:

  • Closing date for applications: 23:59 HRS ON 18-08-2025.

  • Date of Recruitment Test will be intimated later on the UPSC website.

• Interview & Documentation:

  • Shortlisted candidates will have to provide original documents (with self-attested copies) at the interview.

  • Detailed instructions regarding the required documents (educational certificates, experience certificates, caste, and disability certificates) are provided in the notification.

Special Provisions & Relaxations

• Age Relaxations:

  • Detailed relaxations for SC/ST/OBC candidates and for candidates belonging to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as per government guidelines.

• Scribe and Compensatory Time:

  • Provisions for candidates with disabilities, including guidelines for qualification of scribe and conditions for awarding compensatory time.

Code of Conduct and Warning

• Misconduct:

  • Strict instructions are provided against furnishing false information, tampering with documents, or any irregularity in the application process.

  • Any misconduct may result in disqualification, debarment from future examinations, or criminal prosecution.

How to Apply

• Online Portal:
  • Candidates must apply through https://www.upsconline.nic.in.
• Documents Required at Time of Application:

  • Only photograph, signature, and identity proof are required with the online application.

• After Submission:

  • Candidates must take a printout of the final submitted application.

  • Modifications in application details are allowed as per specific guidelines for a short period after submission.

Requirement 

• Matriculation Certificate/Marksheet/Age Proof
• Education Certificate/Degree/Diploma certificate
• Reservation/Caste Certificate/EWS Certificate
• Certificate/ Document in respect of Age relaxation
• Experience Certificate
• Photograph

Note: If any document/ certificate furnished is in a language other than Hindi or English, a transcript of the same duly attested by a Gazetted officer or notary is to be submitted.