EPFO Exam 2026: UPSC EO/AO & APFC Syllabus, Dates & Preparation
Complete Guide to EPFO Recruitment, Exam Pattern, and Salary Structure
Updated: 5 days ago
Categories: UPSC Exams, Government Jobs, Commerce & Law
UPSC EPFO Recruitment 2026
A Premier Career in Social Security & Industrial Relations
1. Important Dates & Recruitment Timeline
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation operates under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Recruitment for EO/AO and APFC is usually conducted via a Recruitment Test (RT) followed by an Interview.
| Event | Timeline (Expected 2026) |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | March 2026 |
| Online Application Window | March – April 2026 |
| Exam Date (Recruitment Test) | July 2026 |
| Interview Phase | October – November 2026 |
2. Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
- EO/AO Age Limit: Maximum 30 years (General).
- APFC Age Limit: Maximum 35 years (General).
- Education: A Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Desirable: A degree in Law/Management or a Diploma in Company Secretaryship is preferred but not mandatory.
3. The Two-Stage Selection Journey
Stage 1: Recruitment Test (RT)
A pen-and-paper OMR based exam. This is a qualifying round but carries 75% weightage in the final merit list.
A pen-and-paper OMR based exam. This is a qualifying round but carries 75% weightage in the final merit list.
Stage 2: Interview
Candidates who clear the RT cutoff are called for a personal interview. It carries 25% weightage in the final selection.
Candidates who clear the RT cutoff are called for a personal interview. It carries 25% weightage in the final selection.
4. Syllabus: The "Industrial" Advantage
The EPFO exam is unique because it includes subjects not typically found in the UPSC Civil Services Prelims, specifically Industrial Relations and Labour Laws.
| Subject Category | Core Topics |
|---|---|
| General English | Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension |
| Indian Polity & Economy | Constitution, Current Economic Trends |
| Social Security | Schemes in India, Provident Fund Laws |
| Industrial Relations | Labour Laws, Trade Unions, Labour Welfare |
| General Accounting | Principles of Accounting, Financial Management |
5. Preparation Strategy & Salary Benefits
Working with EPFO provides a stable work-life balance compared to typical administrative field roles, with high-level corporate exposure.
Expert Advice:
- Master Accounting: Non-commerce students should focus on basic 11th and 12th NCERT accounting principles.
- Labour Laws: Stay updated with the Four New Labour Codes as they are critical for the 2026 exam cycle.
- Current Affairs: Focus heavily on government social security schemes (PM-SYM, Atal Pension Yojana, etc.).
Salary Structure (Level 8/10 Pay Matrix)
Initial In-hand Salary: ₹75,000 – ₹95,000 (Approx. depending on city)
Official Website: epfindia
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