UPSC EPFO Exam Pattern 2025: Check UPSC EPFO Exam Pattern 2025 for EO/AO & APFC posts. Detailed marks distribution, question paper format, duration, syllabus coverage & negative marking rules. Download PDF inside.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Enforcement Officer/Accounts Officer (EO/AO) and Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC) examinations to recruit officers for the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
Every year, lakhs of aspirants apply for these prestigious posts because of the attractive salary, job stability, and authority these roles provide. However, before starting preparation, it is essential to understand the UPSC EPFO Exam Pattern 2025 in detail.
In this article, we will provide a complete breakdown of the UPSC EPFO exam format, including:
Question paper structure
Subject-wise marks distribution
Negative marking system
Time duration
Weightage of written test vs interview
Pros & cons of the pattern
This guide will help you strategize your preparation and avoid common mistakes that aspirants make during the exam.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC EPFO Recruitment 2025 |
| Posts | Enforcement Officer (EO), Accounts Officer (AO), Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper, OMR based) |
| Number of Questions | 120 (MCQs) |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | Yes (⅓ mark deducted for each wrong answer) |
| Medium | Bilingual – English & Hindi |
| Selection Stages | Written Test (75% weightage) + Interview (25% weightage) |
The UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam consists of a single written paper followed by an interview.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Marking Scheme | +2.5 for correct answer, –0.83 for wrong answer |
| Weightage | Written Test – 75%, Interview – 25% |
| Sections Covered | General English, Indian Freedom Struggle, Current Events, Polity, Economy, Labour Laws, Accounting, Science, Computer, Reasoning & Social Security |
The Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC) post is a Group A gazetted officer position. The exam pattern is similar to EO/AO but includes a wider range of subjects.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Marking Scheme | +2.5 for correct answer, –0.83 for wrong answer |
| Weightage | Written Test – 75%, Interview – 25% |
| Sections Covered | Indian Polity, Governance, Economy, Population & Globalization, Labour Laws, Insurance, Auditing, Elementary Maths, Statistics, Current Affairs, Social Security in India |
Though UPSC does not officially publish a section-wise breakup, analysis of previous year papers gives us an idea of expected weightage.
| Subject | Approx. Questions | Approx. Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General English | 15 | 37.5 |
| Indian Freedom Struggle | 10 | 25 |
| Current Events & Development Issues | 10 | 25 |
| Indian Polity & Economy | 15 | 37.5 |
| General Accounting Principles | 10 | 25 |
| Industrial Relations & Labour Laws | 15 | 37.5 |
| General Science & Computer | 10 | 25 |
| Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning | 20 | 50 |
| Social Security in India | 15 | 37.5 |
| Total | 120 | 300 |
| Subject | Approx. Questions | Approx. Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Polity & Constitution | 15 | 37.5 |
| Governance & Administration | 10 | 25 |
| Indian Economy & Globalization | 15 | 37.5 |
| Labour Laws & Industrial Relations | 15 | 37.5 |
| Accounting & Auditing | 10 | 25 |
| Insurance & Social Security | 15 | 37.5 |
| General English | 10 | 25 |
| Current Affairs | 10 | 25 |
| Statistics & Elementary Maths | 10 | 25 |
| Science & Computers | 10 | 25 |
| Total | 120 | 300 |
Correct Answer → +2.5 Marks
Incorrect Answer → –0.83 Marks
Unattempted Question → 0 Marks
👉 Example: If you attempt 100 questions and 70 are correct, 30 are wrong –
Marks from correct = 70 × 2.5 = 175
Marks deducted for wrong = 30 × 0.83 ≈ 25
Final Score = 175 – 25 = 150/300
This shows how negative marking can significantly reduce your score. Smart guessing is risky in EPFO, unlike exams with no penalty.
Balanced coverage of subjects (Polity, Economy, Labour Laws, English, Current Affairs).
Single written exam → Faster recruitment process.
Objective type → Easier to attempt compared to descriptive exams.
Bilingual paper (English & Hindi) → Accessible to all candidates.
Negative marking reduces scope of guessing.
Wide syllabus → Requires multidisciplinary preparation.
Only 2 hours for 120 questions → Strict time management needed.
Interview weightage (25%) → Can affect final merit list even if written score is high.
Understand the Weightage → Prioritize high-scoring sections like Polity, Labour Laws & Social Security.
Avoid Over-Guessing → Negative marking can kill your score. Attempt only when 70–80% sure.
Practice with Mock Tests → Build speed for 120 questions in 120 minutes.
Revise Labour Laws & Accounting Basics → Game-changer sections for EO/AO.
Stay Updated on Current Affairs → Focus on economy, labour policies, and government schemes.
Balance Static + Dynamic Subjects → History & Polity (static) vs Current Affairs (dynamic).
Q1. What is the UPSC EPFO exam pattern for EO/AO posts?
Ans: 120 MCQs (300 marks), 2 hours duration, with negative marking (⅓ mark deduction).
Q2. Is the EPFO exam bilingual?
Ans: Yes, the paper is available in both English and Hindi (except the English section).
Q3. What is the marking scheme in UPSC EPFO?
Ans: +2.5 marks for correct answer, –0.83 for wrong answer.
Q4. How much weightage is given to the written exam vs interview?
Ans: Written exam = 75%, Interview = 25%.
Q5. How many questions are asked in EPFO EO/AO exam?
Ans: 120 questions, each carrying equal marks.
Q6. Which section has the highest weightage?
Ans: Polity, Labour Laws, Social Security, and Reasoning typically carry the highest weight.
Q7. Is there any sectional cut-off in UPSC EPFO?
Ans: No, there is only an overall cut-off based on performance.
The UPSC EPFO Exam Pattern 2025 is designed to test both your knowledge and decision-making ability under pressure. With 120 questions in 120 minutes, the challenge lies in time management, accuracy, and balanced preparation.
By understanding the marks distribution, negative marking rules, and subject-wise weightage, you can build a strategy that maximizes your chances of clearing the exam.
Focus on core areas like Polity, Labour Laws, Social Security, Current Affairs, and General Mental Ability while keeping an eye on negative marking.
If you prepare smartly and practice regularly, securing a place in the UPSC EPFO merit list in 2025 is absolutely achievable. 🚀
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | [Apply Now] |
| Download Notice | [Official Notice] |
| Join Telegram Group | [Telegram Link] |
| Join WhatsApp Group | [WhatsApp Link] |
| UPSC Official Site | [Official Website] |
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