UPSC EPFO APFC Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Special Advertisement No. 52/2026 inviting online applications for 80 vacancies of Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC) in the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour & Employment. If you’re preparing for this prestigious Group ‘A’ post, understanding the UPSC EPFO APFC syllabus and exam pattern in detail is the first step toward a focused preparation strategy.
Also Read:UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment 2026
This article breaks down everything candidates need to know — from eligibility and vacancy details to the exam pattern, syllabus, and selection process.
UPSC EPFO APFC Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post | Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC) |
| Total Vacancies | 80 |
| Pay Scale | Level-10 in the Pay Matrix (7th CPC) |
| Selection Process | Recruitment Test + Interview |
UPSC EPFO APFC Exam Pattern 2026
The selection process for the APFC post consists of two stages: a Recruitment Test (RT) followed by an Interview.
Recruitment Test (RT) Pattern
- Duration: 2 hours
- Question Type: Objective (multiple-choice)
- Medium: English and Hindi
- Marking Scheme: All questions carry equal marks
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for every wrong answer. No penalty for unattempted questions.
Weightage of RT and Interview
| Stage | Marks | Weightage Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Recruitment Test (RT) | 300 | 75% |
| Interview | 100 | 25% |
Minimum Qualifying Marks (Interview)
| Category | Minimum Marks (out of 100) |
|---|---|
| General/EWS | 50 and above |
| OBC | 45 and above (relaxed standard) |
| SC/ST/PwBD | 40 and above (relaxed standard) |
Also Read: IIT JAM 2027 Notification Out
UPSC EPFO APFC Syllabus 2026
The Recruitment Test syllabus is broad-based, testing general awareness, reasoning, and domain knowledge relevant to labour administration. The key topics are:
- General English – Assesses command over the English language and workmanlike use of words.
- Indian Culture, Heritage and Freedom Movements
- Developmental Issues and Present Trends in the 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 Codes and Social Security in India
- Principles of Accountancy, Auditing and Insurance
- Current Events of National and International Importance
Since the exam covers labour laws, accountancy, economics, and current affairs together, candidates are advised to build a well-rounded preparation plan rather than focusing on a single subject.
Recruitment Test Centres
The RT will be conducted at 84 centres across India, including major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Jaipur, Patna, and Bhubaneswar, among others. Centre allotment follows a “first-apply-first-allot” basis, so early application submission is advisable to secure a preferred centre.
Reservation and Vacancy Breakup
Out of the 80 total vacancies:
- UR: 29
- EWS: 08
- OBC: 18
- SC: 15
- ST: 10
- PwBD (horizontal): 03
Job Profile and Duties of an APFC
An Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner handles a wide range of statutory and administrative responsibilities, including:
- Enforcement and recovery of PF dues
- Accounts and cash management
- Claim settlement
- General administration and MIS reporting
- Legal and pension-related functions
The post is permanent, based at New Delhi headquarters, and carries an All India Service liability, meaning selected officers may be posted anywhere in the country. The probation period is one year.