EPFO APFC Exam

Comprehensive
Guide Book
Sta Your Successful Journey
 Preface

This comprehensive guide is your dedicated resource to help you navigate the challenges and excel in
the EPFO APFC examination. Crafted by experienced educators, the guide provides a wealth of
knowledge, such as syllabus, important topics, resources, cut-offs, job profile, salary, benefits, and so
much more.

Without such knowledge, you may struggle to understand the detailed structure of the exam, including
the pattern, subjects, etc. This lack of clarity can lead to inefficient and unfocused preparation which
decreases your chances of cracking the exam. Moreover, you may end up wasting your precious time
and energy in finding the above-mentioned information. Also, there always will be uncertainty about
the source’s credibility from where you gathered the information.

This guidebook will provide you with all the necessary information that you’ll need to understand this
exam and EPFO as an organization, such as:

• What to prepare?
• From where to prepare?
• What will be your role and responsibility in the EPFO?
• What will be your Lifestyle as an Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner?
• What will be your salary after joining the organization?

By diving deep into these aspects, this guidebook aims to equip you with a comprehensive
understanding of the exam and the associated professional journey, ensuring you approach the exam
well-prepared with confidence.

Best of luck on your journey to becoming an assistant provident fund commissioner.

 Table of Contents
Part A: About EPFO
Chapter 1: What is EPFO?..................................................................................................................1-1

Chapter 2: Brief History of EPFO.......................................................................................................1-1

Chapter 3: Functions of EPFO............................................................................................................2-2

Chapter 4: Departments in EPFO......................................................................................................2-2

Chapter 5: Hierarchy in EPFO............................................................................................................3-3

Part B: About APFC Exam

Chapter 6: Exam Stages.................................................................................................................... 4-4

Chapter 7: Pattern............................................................................................................................. 4-5

Chapter 8: Eligibility...........................................................................................................................5-6

Chapter 9: Syllabus............................................................................................................................ 6-20

Chapter 10: Cut-Offs......................................................................................................................... 20-20

Chapter 11: Is the Recruitment Regular?...........................................................................................21-21

Chapter 12: Who Should Prepare for This Exam?............................................................................. 21-21

Part C: About APFC Job & Lifestyle

Chapter 13: What is Training Like?.................................................................................................... 22-22

Chapter 14: Job Profile & Functions of APFC................................................................................... 22-23

Chapter 15: Salary, Allowances, and Benefits....................................................................................23-23

Chapter 16: Promotion Opportunities...............................................................................................23-24

Chapter 17: All About Postings......................................................................................................... 24-24

Part D: Resources to Prepare for the APFC Exam

Chapter 18: Resources to Prepare for the APFC Exam............................................................... 25-28

Part E: Our 6-Step Formula to Become an APFC in EPFO

Chapter 19: What is the 6-Step Formula?......................................................................................... 29-33
Part F: EPFO APFC Online Coaching
Author’s Note
What Next?
Part A
About EPFO
 1

1 What is EPFO?

The full form of EPFO is Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation. It is

a statutory, autonomous body that regulates and manages the
Provident Funds (PF) in India. It comes under the Ministry of Labour
and Employment.

The mission of EPFO is “To extend the reach & quality of publicly managed
old-age income security programmes through consistent and ever improving
standards of compliance and benefit delivery in a manner that wins the
approval and confidence of Indians in our methods, fairness, honesty and
integrity, thereby contribu ng to the economic and social well-being of
Indians”.

EPFO provides social security to the employees through these 3

schemes-
• The Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952 (EPF)
• The Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 (EPS)
• The Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 1976 (EDLI)

EPFO is one of the world's largest Social Security

Organisations in terms of clientele and the volume of
financial transactions undertaken. At present, it
maintains 24.77 crore accounts (Annual Report 2019-20)
pertaining to its members.

2 Brief History of EPFO

The Employees' Provident Fund came into existence with the promulgation of the Employees'
Provident Funds Ordinance on November 15, 1951. It was replaced by the Employees' Provident
Funds Act, 1952. The Act is now referred to as the Employees' Provident Funds & Miscellaneous
Provisions Act, 1952 which extends to the whole of India. The Act and Schemes framed there are
administered by a tri-partite Board known as the Central Board of Trustees, Employees' Provident
Fund, consisting of representatives of Government (Both Central and State), Employers, and
Employees.
 2

3 Functions of EPFO

ENFORCEMENT OF
THE ACT ACROSS THE
COUNTRY

MAINTENANCE OF SETTLEMENT OF
INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS
ACCOUNTS
5 MAJOR
FUNCTIONS
OF EPFO

About EPFO | 04

ENSURING PROMPT MAINTAINING &

PENSION PAYMENTS UPDATING
RECORDS

4 Depa ments in EPFO

There are several departments in EPFO, a few of them are as mentioned below -

• Training department • Banking & Investment department

• Accounts department • Recovery department
• Compliance department • Public Relations or Publicity department
• Technical department • Human Resource department
 3

5 Hierarchy in EPFO

1 Central Provident Fund

Commissioner (CPFC)

2 Additional Central
Commissioner (Headquarters)

3 Regional Provident
Fund Commissioner - I

4 Regional Provident Fund

Commissioner - II

5 Assistant Provident Fund

Commissioner (APFC)

Hierarchy
in EPFO
6 Enforcement/Accounts
Officer

7 Section Supervisors

8 Social Security
Assistants

9 Data Entry Operators

10 Multi-tasking staff
Part B
About APFC Exam
 4

6 Exam Stages

APFC in EPFO are

Recruitment recruited through a Interview
2 stage recruitment
Test process

7 Pa ern

Let’s first see when the UPSC EPFO APFC examination was held in the past.

If we start from the year 2000, the UPSC EPFO APFC examination has taken place a total of 5 times -
notification came out in the year 2002, 2004, 2012, 2015, and the last recruitment notification came
out in 2023.

In 2004, the examination pattern consisted of a written test followed by an interview. The written test
was of 100 marks, there were 120 questions that were to be answered by the aspirants in 2 hours
duration. Please note that there was no negative marking in the examination.

In 2012, the examination pattern consisted of a written test followed by an interview. The written test
was of 100 marks, there were 100 questions that were to be answered by the aspirants in 2 hours
duration. There was 1/3 negative marking in the examination.

In 2015, the examination pattern consisted of a written test followed by an interview. The written test
was of 100 marks, there were 120 questions that were to be answered by the aspirants in 2 hours
duration. There was 1/3 negative marking in the examination.

In 2023, the examination pattern consisted of a written test followed by an interview. The written test
was of 300 marks, there were 120 questions (2.5 marks each) that were to be answered by the
aspirants in 2 hours duration. There was 1/3 negative marking in the examination.
 5

For your easy understanding, here is the overview of the UPSC EPFO APFC exam pattern:

Recruitment Test Interview Details

• Interview Details -
• Total Duration - 2 Hours
◦ Total Marks - 100 Marks
• Total Marks - 300 Marks
◦ Category-wise Minimum
• Total Questions - 120
cut-off marks
(2.5 marks each)
▪ UR - 50 marks
• Negative Marking - 1/3rd
▪ OBC - 45 marks
• Objective Type
▪ SC/ST/PH - 40 marks
• Offline Mode

8 Eligibility

Understanding the eligibility criteria before applying for the exam is important as it ensures a seamless
application process and prevents unintentional disqualification. Without a clear understanding of these
criteria, you may unknowingly overlook certain requirements, leading to disqualification from the
selection process. This could result in losing a valuable opportunity and hinder your dream of joining
EPFO as an APFC. So, let's understand the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility criteria include two major categories:

Age
• Maximum is 35 years*
(Minimum age limit is not mentioned in the notification)

1.1. Age Relaxation

There is some age relaxation for some specific categories.

APFC: Age Limit Relaxation

S.No. Category Age Relaxation Upper Age Limit

1 General None 35

2 Other Backward Castes (OBC) 3 Years 38

 6

3 SC/ST 5 Years 40

4 Ex-Servicemen (including Military Services) 5 Years 40

5 Central Govt. Employees 5 Years 40

6 Employes of EPFO 5 Years 40

7 PwD (General/EWS) 10 Years 45

8 PwD (OBC) 13 Years 48

9 PwD (SC/ST) 15 Years 50

Educational Quali cation

• Essential: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
• Desirable: Diploma in Company Law/Labour Laws/Public Administration

Important Note: The Qualifications are relaxable at the discretion of the Union Public Service
Commission, for reasons to be recorded in writing, in the case of candidates otherwise well qualified.

9 Syllabus

A thorough understanding of the syllabus significantly impacts your preparation strategy and success in
the examination. It provides insights into the specific subjects and topics that will be evaluated. This
knowledge enables you to create a tailored study plan according to your strengths and weaknesses.

Below is the detailed syllabus of the EPFO APFC exam:

General English
Here is the detailed general English syllabus:
 7

• Parts of Speech • Conditional Sentences

• Structure of Sentence • Prepositions
• Subject-Verb • Conjunctions
• Agreements • Articles
• Nouns • Adjectives
• Pronouns • Determiners
• Verbs • Adverbs
• Tenses • Active-Passive
• Modals • Rearrangement Para Jumbles
• Reading Comprehension • Synonyms
• Complex Preposition • Antonyms
• Phrasal Verbs • One word substitution
• Idioms & Phrases

General Science
Here is the detailed general science syllabus:

Physics

• Units and Measurements

• Kinematics including distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration
• Dynamics and Newton’s laws of motion
• Electricity
• Pressure and its applications
• Light – Phenomenon like Refraction, Reflection, Total Internal Reflection, Dispersion, Diffraction
and Interference
• Uniform Circular Motion and Simple Harmonic Motion

Chemistry Biology

• Physical and Chemical changes • Food Components

• Elements, Compounds and Mixtures • Health and Diseases
• Atoms and Molecules • Cells and Tissues
• Chemistry in daily life • Organ systems – Digestive system,
• Energy – Renewable and Non-Renewable Skeletal system, Muscular system,
• Metals and Non-metals Respiratory system, Circulatory system
• Acids and Bases and Reproductive System
 8

Space Technology Impo ant Technologies

• Satellites and orbits • Nuclear Technology

• Indian Space Programme • Biotechnology
• Important Space Agencies of the world • Information and Communication
• Applications of Space Technology Technology
• Nanotechnology

Current Events

Indian Culture, Heritage and Freedom Movement

Here is the detailed syllabus of Indian Culture, Heritage and Freedom Movement:

Decline of Mughal Empire and

Rise of Regional Powers Advent of Europeans

• Reasons for Disintegration of Mughal • Advent of Portuguese in India

Empire • Dutch in India
• Later Mughals after Aurangzeb • Advent of English in India
• Emergence of Regional Powers • Advent of Danes in India
• Weakness of Regional Politics • Advent of French in India

Rise of British in India Early Reforms During British Rule

• Anglo French Struggle for Supremacy • Administrative reforms under British rule
• British Conquest of Bengal • Aspects of British Administration in India
• British conquest of Mysore and Maratha • Civil Services
Empire • Police System
• British conquest of Sindh, Punjab and • Judicial System
Awadh • The Army
• British annexation beyond Indian frontiers • Development in Press
• Reorganization of British Political system • Development in Communication and
• Police Administration Education
• Revenue Administration • Development of Railways
• Significant policies of British to consolidate

Revolt of 1857
• Causes of Revolt of 1857
• Beginning and Spread of Revolt
• Suppression of Revolt
• Cause for the failure of Revolt
• Nature of Revolt
• Consequences of 1857 Revolt
Swadeshi Movement and Rise of Extremisim
• Understanding Extremists • Swadeshi Movement
Impo ant Events from 1908 - 1918
• First phase of Revolutionary Activities
• Delhi Durbars
• First World War and Nationalist Movement
• Entry of Mahatma Gandhi in Indian Freedom Struggle
• Important Congress Sessions between 1908 - 1918
Impo ant Events from 1919 – 1929
• Post War Economic Hardships
• Government of India Act, 1919
• Rowlatt Act 1919
• Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movement
• Swarajist and 2nd Phase of Revolutionary
Interview
• Growth of left movement in India
• 2nd Phase of Revolutionary Struggle
• Simon Commission and Nehru report
9
Rise of Nationalism & Formation of INC
• Reasons for Rise of Indian Nationalism
• Political Associations before Indian
National Congress
• Highlights of Pre – Congress Political work
• Foundation of Indian National Congress
• Early Nationalists – the Moderate Era
• Contributions of Moderate Nationalists
• Powers and Functions of Parliament
• Prominent Moderate Leaders
• Indian Council Act of 1892
• Morley Minto Reforms
Impo ant Events from 1929 to 1939
• Civil Disobedience Movement – First phase
• Karachi Congress Session
• Round Table Conferences
• Second Phase of Civil Disobedience
Movement
• Communal Award and Poona Pact, 1932
• Government of India Act of 1935
• Aftermath of Civil Disobedience Movement
• Provincial Elections of 1937
 10

Impo ant Events from 1940 to 1947

• Wardha Resolution • Constitutional deadlocks after Quit

• August Offer and Individual Satyagraha India Movement
• Cripps Mission • Indian National Army and RIN mutiny
• Quit India Movement • Run up to Independence

Socio – Religious Reform Movements

• Backdrop of Indian Renaissance
• Important Reform Movements and their leaders – Eastern India
• Important Reform Movements and their leaders – Western India
• Important Reform Movements and their leaders – North India
• Other Important Movement and their leaders
• Reform Movements of other Religions

Miscellaneous Topics of Modern History

• Anti – Colonial Rebellions in India • Politico – Religious Uprisings

• Tribal Uprisings • Major Peasant Movements

Miscellaneous Topics of Ancient and Medieval History

• Indus Valley Civilization • Gupta Age

• Vedic Age • Harsha Empire
• Rise of Mahajanpadas • Delhi Sultanate
• Mauryan Dynasty • Mughal Rule in India
• Post Mauryan

Religion & Philosophy in India Sculptures & Architecture in India

• Schools of Indian Philosophy • Sculptures in Indus Valley Civilisation

• Buddhism & Jainism
• Bhakti & Sufi Movement in India
• Important Saints in India
• Ancient Indian Art - Mauryan & Post
Mauryan; Gupta & Post Gupta Art
• Sculptures Under Delhi Sultanate & Mughal
Rule
• Modern Sculpture
• Pottery in India
• Architecture During Indus Valley Civilisation
• Rock Cut & Cave Architecture
 11

Temple Architecture in India

• Indo Islamic Architecture

Indian Music Indian Dance Forms

• History of Music in India • History of Dance in India

• Anatomy of Indian Music • Important Aspects of Dances in India
• Types of Musical Instrument • Classical Dance Forms in India
• Schools of Indian Music – Hindustani & • Folk Dance Forms in India
Carnatic Music
• Popular Folk Music Styles
• Popular Folk Theatre

Indian Paintings Indian languages & Literature

• Pre Historic Paintings in India
• Mural Paintings in India
• Miniature Paintings in India
• Folk Painting Styles in India
• Modern Indian Paintings
• Language Families in India
• Scripts in India
• Linguistic Composition in Indian Population
• Literature in India

Impo ant Fairs & Festivals in India

UNESCO World Heritage in India

Population, Development and Globalization

Here is the detailed syllabus of Population, Development and Globalization:

Indian Geography Population

• Landforms in India – Mountains & Hill • Distribution of Global Human Population

Ranges; Plateaus; Islands etc. • Population in India – Attributes;
• Political Geography – Borders of India; Distribution; Census 2011 Data
Locations of States/UTs
• Drainage Systems – Rivers; Lakes; Wetlands.
• Important Places in News
 12

Development Globalisation

• Concept of Development – Meaning; • Meaning of Globalisation

Pillars; Processes • Triggers & Barriers for Globalisation
• Human Development – Concept; Human • Impact of Globalisation
Development Index

Environment

• Basics About Pollution & Climate Change

Governance and Constitution of India

Here is the detailed syllabus of Governance and Constitution of India:

Constitutional Framework of India Indian Union and Its Citizens

• Historical Background of Indian Constitution • Making of Indian Union Indian Citizenship

• Making of Indian Constitution
• Features of Indian Constitution Rights and Duties of Indian Citizens
• Preamble of Indian Constitution
• Fundamental Rights
• Amendment of Indian Constitution
• Directive Principles of State Policy
• Basic Structure Theory of Indian Constitution
• Fundamental Duties

Centre State Relations Executives in India

• Legislative Relations • UNION EXECUTIVE

• Administrative Relations ◦ President of India
• Financial Relations ◦ Vice President of India
• Committees/Commissions for Centre State ◦ Prime Minister of India
Relations ◦ Council of Ministers at Centre
• Interstate Relations – Interstate Councils, ◦ Cabinet Committees
Zonal Councils etc. • STATE EXECUTIVE
• Emergency Provisions in India ◦ Governor
◦ Chief Minister
◦ Council of Ministers at State
 13

Legislatures in India

• Parliament of India • State Legislature

◦ Composition of Parliament of India
◦ Presiding Officers of the Parliament
◦ Proceedings of Parliament
◦ Legislative Procedure in Parliament
◦ Annual Financial Statement – Budget
◦ Powers and Functions of Parliament
◦ Parliamentary Privileges
◦ Committees of the Parliament
◦ Composition of State Legislature
◦ Eligibility of a Member of State
Legislature
◦ Presiding Officers of the State Legislature
◦ Proceedings of State Legislature
◦ Legislative Proceedings in the State
Legislature
◦ Election System in India

Judiciary in India

• Supreme Court of India • National Legal Service Authority

• High Courts in India • Tribunals in India
• Subordinate Courts

Constitutional and Non – Constitutional Bodies in India

• Major Constitutional Bodies • Pressure Groups

• Major Non – Constitutional Bodies • Regulatory Bodies
• Quasi – Judicial Bodies

Local Governments in India Miscellaneous Topics

• Panchayati Raj Institutions • Union Territories

• Municipalities • Scheduled and Tribal Areas
• Special Provisions for Some State
• Comparison of Indian Constitution with
other Countries

Present Trends in Indian Economy

Here is the detailed syllabus of Present Trends in Indian Economy:

Introduction to Demand and Supply

• Microeconomics V Macroeconomics • Basics of Supply

• Basics of Demand • Equilibrium

Elasticity of Demand
• Concept and Factors Affecting Demand
• Shift in Demand Curve
• Price Elasticity of Demand
• Cross Elasticity of Demand
• Income Elasticity of Demand
Pove y Alleviation and Employment Generation in India
• Poverty
◦ Poverty and its Types
◦ Measurement of Poverty
◦ Poverty Related Sustainable
Development Goals
Economic History of India
• Indian Economy: A Brief Overview
• Various Sectors of the Economy
• Features of the Indian Economy
• Concerns Facing the Indian Economy
• Underdevelopment
• Meaning and Types of Economic Planning
• Economic Planning in India Before and
After Independence
• Economic Reforms in India
• NITI Aayog
In ation
• Meaning and its Causes
• Effects of Inflation
• Important Terms associated with Inflation
• Measures to Control Inflation
• Measuring Inflation
• Inflation Targeting in India
• Trends of Inflation in India
14
Measurement of Growth
• Basics of Economy
• Circular Flow of Income
• Gross Domestic Product
• Important Macroeconomic Identities
• Growth, Welfare and Development
• Market Structures
• Employment in India
◦ Employment Generation in India
◦ Types of Unemployment in India
◦ Measurement of Unemployment
◦ Status of Employment in India
Monetary Policy
• Basics of Monetary Policy
• Monetary Policy in India
• Instruments of Monetary Policy
• Types of Monetary Policy
• Financial Institutions in India
Fiscal Policy
• Basics of Budget
• Basics of Fiscal Policy
• Components of Budget
• Measures of Government Deficit
• Public Debt in India
• Goods and Services Tax
 15

Regional Economic Cooperation

• Regional Economic Integration

• South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations
• Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
• Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar
• Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
• Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
• One Belt, One Road and Maritime Silk Route
• Shanghai Cooperation Organization
• Indian Ocean Rim Association
• Indian Ocean Commission
• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
• BRICS
• India’s Experience with Free Trade Agreements

International Economic Institutions

• Introduction • The International Monetary Fund

• The World Bank • World Trade Organisation

Opening UP of the Indian Economy, Balance of Payment

• Balance of Payment • Types of Currencies

• Exchange Rate • Exchange Rate Management in India

Industrial and Labour Policy

• Introduction • National Investment and
• Evolution of India’s Industrial Policy • Manufacturing Zones
• Disinvestment • National Manufacturing Policy
• Micro, Small and Medium • Industrial Corridors
• Enterprises in India • Indices/Surveys to Measure Industrial
• Special Economic Zones Performance in India
• Labour Policy
 16

Finance Commission

• Appointment • Procedures and Functioning

• Composition of Finance Commission • 14th Finance Commission
• Roles & Responsibilities • 15th Finance Commission

Accountancy & Auditing

Here is the detailed Accountancy syllabus:

Introduction to the Accounting Theory Base of Accounting

• Meaning of an economic event • Accounting principles and conventions

• Branches of Accounting • Accounting terminology
• Understanding the process of accounting
• Objective of Accounting

Recording of Transactions

• Business Transactions and Source Document

• Accounting Equation
• Accounting books – Journal, Ledger, cash book and other accounting books
• Rules of Debit and Credit
• Types of Accounts
• Logic of recording of transactions
• Trial Balance
• Concept, importance, and role of Trial balance
• Types of accounting errors
• Formation of Trial balance
• Suspense Account

Bills of Exchange Accounting Standards

• Concept and introduction • Accounting for share capital

• Parties of Bill of Exchange
• Modus operandi of Bills of Exchange
• Promissory note
• Discounting of Bills – Process
• Rebate of Bill of Exchange
• Accounting for inventory and investment
• Accounting for bonus shares and
buyback of shares
 17

Preparation of the Final Accounts Ratio Analysis

• Understanding of Trading account, Profit • Concept and type of ratios.

and loss account and balance sheet

Auditing
Introduction to Auditing

• Classification of Audit • Company Auditor • Vouching

Industrial Relations and Labour Laws

Here is the detailed Industrial Relations and Labour Laws syllabus:

Industrial Relations Labour Laws

• Overview of industrial relations • Payment of wages act, 1936

• Indian labour force • Minimum wages act, 1948
• Trade union • Industrial employment (standing orders) act,
• Collective bargaining 1946
• Industrial discipline and grievance • Trade unions act, 1926
procedure • Factories act, 1948
• Industrial conflicts and disputes • Industrial disputes act, 1947
• Settlement of industrial disputes
• Labour welfare
• Wages
• Workers participation management
• International industrial relations
• Industrial health & safety
• Miscellaneous

Insurance
Here is the detailed Insurance syllabus:

Introduction to Insurance

• Insurance – Basic Concept and Definition • Modus Operandi of Insurance

• Risk and Insurance • Basic Terminology of Insurance
• Different parties of Insurance
 18

Principles of Insurance Types of Insurance

• Principle of utmost good faith • Life Insurance and its types

• Principle of insurable interest • Term Insurance
• Principle of proximate cause • Unit-linked Insurance Plan
• Principle of subrogation • Pension plans
• Principle of loss minimization • Money back Policy
• Principle of indemnity • General Insurance and its types
• Principle of contribution • Motor insurance
• Home insurance
• Fire insurance
• Miscellaneous other type of insurance

Insurance as a Pa of Social Security

• Insurance schemes
• Insurance role in social security
• Difference between social security insurance schemes and private insurance schemes
• Current state of insurance in India
• Emerging concepts in the insurance industry

Social Security
Here is the detailed Social Security syllabus:

Social Security Schemes Social Security Legislations

• Types of retirement schemes • Employees compensation act, 1923

• National pension system • Employees’ state insurance act, 1948
• Atal pension yojana • Employees’ provident fund and
• Social security schemes miscellaneous provisions act, 1952
• Maternity benefit act, 1961
• Payment of gratuity act, 1972

Basic Knowledge of Computer Applications

Here is the detailed syllabus of basic knowledge of computer applications:
 19

Introduction to Computer

• Computer – Definition and Major parts of Computer

• Uses of Computer, along with advantages and disadvantages of using computer.
• History of Computer
• Generation of Computer
• Types of Computers

Computer Organisation and Data Processing Cycle

• Computer Organisation
• Data Processing Cycle
• Instruction Cycle

Hardware and So ware Memory

• Introduction to the computer hardware and • Introduction

software parts, Input and Output devices • Memory Hierarchy
• Functions of Motherboard • Memory Management
• Types of Software • Memory Measurement

Operating System Computer Network

• Introduction
• Functions of operating system
• Types of operating system
• Basic understanding of MS-DOS and
windows
• Introduction
• Components of computer network
• Types of Computer network
• Computer network architecture
• Network Protocols
• Network topology
• Introduction to the Internet

Commonly Used Sho -cuts and Full Form Used in Computer Parlance

Quantitative Aptitude
Here is the detailed quantitative aptitude syllabus:

• Simplification • Profit and Loss • Time and Distance

• LCM and HCF • Simple and Compound Interest • Boats and Streams
• Percentage • Average • Mensuration 2D and 3D
• Ratio and Proportion • Time and Work • Data Interpretation
• Mixture and Allegation • Pipe and Cistern • Probability
 20

General Mental Ability Statistics

Here is the detailed syllabus of general mental Here is the detailed syllabus of statistics:
ability: • Basics of Statistics
• Alphabetical and Alphanumeric Series • Understanding of the core concepts
• Coding and Decoding • Mean, Median and Mode
• Syllogism • What is standard deviation and its use
• Direction Sense • What is dispersion and its application
• Ranking and Order part
• Blood Relation • Sampling and different methods of
• Letter Series Sampling
• Analogy
• Clock
• Calendar
• Dice
• Venn Diagram
• Counting Figure
• Cube and Cuboid

10 Cut-O s

Analyzing the previous years' cut-offs is paramount for you as it offers valuable insights into the level of
performance required for a competitive edge. Armed with this knowledge, you can identify trends and
prioritize high-scoring sections to tailor your preparation strategically.

Please note that the cut-offs of 2023 have not been released yet. We’ll update them once UPSC
releases 2023 cut-off marks. The table below shows cut-off for recruitment test, interview and final
selection for the year 2015:

2015 Cut-Off Marks

Category UR OBC SC ST PH(HI) PH(OH)

Recruitment Test 66.50 60.5 56.5 54.5 51.5 44.5

Interview 50 45 40 40 - -

Final Selection 268.37 249.86 234.74 229.30 221.94 201.54

 21

11 Is the Recruitment Regular?

As per the past trends, recruitment for the post of APFC is not so regular. The last 5 recruitments were
held in the year 2023, 2015, 2012, 2004, & 2002.

In 2023, UPSC released 159 vacancies for the post of APFC in EPFO.

12 Who Should Prepare for This Exam?

Anyone who aspires to be a Class A officer that too of a commissioner level with very less
effort should consider preparing for this exam.

There can be multiple motivation factors to prepare for this exam, for eg., you get postings in metro
cities, have an opportunity to work on a wider canvas, great work-life balance, job security, job
satisfaction and most important you will be working in the world’s largest Social Security
Organisations.
Part C
About APFC Job &
Lifestyle
 22

13 What is Training Like?

After the recruitment, all the officers initially undergo a 45-day on the job training in the field offices.
After completion of on the job training, APFC (Probationers) have to undergo 3 to 6 months of
Foundation Course Induction Training at National Academy for Training & Research in Social Security
(NATRSS), New Delhi and National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT), Nagpur.

The Induction Training broadly includes classroom sessions on many functional areas viz. EPF & MP
Act, Civil Procedure Code & Criminal Procedure Code, Labour laws, Central Labour Machinery,
Provident Fund investment & management, Officer like Qualities (OLQs) sessions, Behavioural
Management sessions, etc.

14 Job Pro le & Functions of APFC

The provident fund commissioners and assistant provident fund commissioners are the spine of the
organization. They are responsible for the enforcement and administration of the Act and scheme
provisions. The work area is very broad. Some of the many job roles are as below:
Enforcement, Exemption & Recovery Quasi Judicial Authority

• Enforcement of the Act to all • Conducting inquiry which shall be deemed

establishments under the Act.
• Ensuring Compliance of exempted PF
trusts.
• They have been notified as Recovery
Officers by the Central Government for
recovering the PF dues from employers by
using the powers akin to that of a civil
court.
to be a judicial proceeding
• Power to recover damages from the
employers by way of penalty.
• Powers akin to a civil court for enforcing
attendance and production of records of any
person for the purpose of inquiry

Finance & Accounts, Banking, Pension, Legal

• Settlement of Claims, Preparation of Accounts of members and establishments
• Preparation of Balance Sheet
• Ensuring filing and follow up of criminal cases filed against the employers in the Courts of
Magistrates
• Liaisoning with banks for smooth pension disbursement.
 23

Human Resource Management (HRM) Customer Service

• Recruitment, Promotion and all • Ensuring timely resolution of grievances

administrative matters
• Looking after administrative Vigilance
• Legal matters related to service
• Staff Associations
• Organizing Bhavishya Nidhi Adalat every
month.
• Ensuring technological upgradation and
computerization in EPFO
• Carrying out training & research in the field
of social security in the national academy
and zonal training institutes.

Intelligence

• Monitoring and providing permission to inspections

• Monitoring investment in equities
• Keeping watch on timely investment and returns
• Work related to Social Security Agreements with other countries

15 Salary, Allowances, and Bene ts

Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner is a Group A service. The basic pay for the APFC position is Rs
15,600 to Rs 39,100 with a Grade Pay of Rs 5400. In addition to the basic pay, they are entitled to
various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport
Allowance (TA) which vary depending on the location of their posting. So, in-hand salary with
allowances is Rs 1 lakh+ per month (without income tax deduction). Also they are liable to leased
accommodation, travel allowance, monthly medical allowance, etc.

16 Promotion Oppo unities

Promotion structure for joining as an APFC in EPFO is quite smooth. After being an APFC for 5 years,
you are promoted to Regional Commissioner II (However, after 4 years you get a senior time scale that
increases your grade pay to 6600). Then, in the next 5 years you are promoted to Regional
Commissioner I . After completion of 5-6 years as Regional Commissioner I, you are promoted to
Additional Central Commissioner (Headquarters) who heads a zone or is in incharge of the head office
(New Delhi) and there are only 12 vacancies for this post.
 24

Here's an overview of the promotion hierarchy for APFC:

APFC Promotions

S.No. Duration Designation

1 You’ll join here Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC)

2 After the Next 5 Years Regional Commissioner II

3 After the Next 5 Years Regional Commissioner I

4 After the Next 5-6 Years Additional Central Commissioner (Headquarters)

17 All About Postings

After getting recruited as an APFC, you can be posted

anywhere in India. Generally you are posted in a zone, not
more than 9 years and in a particular office you are not
supposed to stay more than 3 years. There are about 140
regional offices and 114 district offices of EPFO. Regional
offices are generally in Tier 1 & Tier 2 cities and district
140 regional o ces
offices are generally in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities. So basically you 114 district o ces
can be posted in any of these offices.
Part D
Resources to Prepare
for the APFC Exam
 25

18 Resources to Prepare for the APFC Exam

Resources to prepare for the APFC exam can be divided into -

Magazines Newspapers Websites

Books

Subject Books Websites Newspapers Magazines

• Objective General
English by SP
Bakshi - For
Read editorial
Grammar and
section of The
General English Comprehension NA NA
Hindu/The Indian
• Word Power Made
Express
Easy By Norman
Lewis - For
Vocabulary

• Modern Indian
History NCERT
Books - For History
Indian Culture, and Indian Culture
Heritage and • Indian Art & Culture
NA NA NA
Freedom by Nitin Singhania
Movement • Spectrum’s A Brief
History of Modern
India - For Freedom
Movement
 26

Governance • Political Science NCERTs NA NA NA

and of Class 9th to 12th (If
Constitution you do not have any
of India prior background of
political system)
• M Laxmikanth

Present Trends • NCERTs of Class 9th to NA • The NA

in Indian 11th Hindu
Economy • Indian Economy by • Indian
Ramesh Singh Express

General • NCERTs of Class 6th to • ISRO website (For • The NA

Science 10th Space missions of Hindu
India) • Indian
• Department of Express
Biotechnology
website (For latest
developments &
initiatives in
scientific sector)
• Department of
Science &
Technology (For
latest
developments &
initiatives in
scientific sector)

Population, • Indian Geography PIB Development • The NA

Development NCERTs of class 11th & Reports & Indices) Hindu
and 12th • Indian
Globalization • Indian Economy by Express
Ramesh Singh - For
static part of
Development and
Globalization

Current Events NA • PIB The Hindu Yojana

• UNESCO website Indian Kurukshetra
Express
• Down To Earth
website
 27

• Accountancy
NCERTs of class
Accountancy 11th & 12th
NA NA NA
and Auditing • Introduction to
Accountancy by
S. Chand

Insurance JAIIB book for Paper IRDAI website - ebooks NA Google some
1 - Principles and (https://www.irdai. topics for
Practices of Banking gov.in/ADMINCMS their
/cms/whatsNew_L definition
ayout.aspx?page=
PageNo2489&flag =1)

• Industrial • Ministry of Labour

Industrial Relations and Employment website
Relations and Labour Laws by (for updated NA NA
Labour Laws Piyali Ghosh information of
(updated edition) labour laws)

• PIB
• PRS
• Ministry of Social
Justice and
Empowerment
• Ministry of Women
and Child
Development
Social Security NA NA NA
• Ministry of Health
and Family welfares
• Ministry of Minority
Affairs
• Ministry of Labour
and Employments
• Ministry of Housing
and Urban Affairs
 28

Computer Computer NA NA NA
Awareness by
Arihant

Elementary Quantitative NA NA NA
Maths Aptitude by Dr. R.S.
Aggarwal

Statistics Statistics for NA NA NA

Economics NCERT
of class 11th

Apart from the resources mentioned in the table, syllabus, PYQs and mock tests should be your best
friends throughout your preparation journey of UPSC APFC examination.
Part E
Our 6-Step Formula to
Become an APFC in
EPFO
 29

19 What is the 6-Step Formula?

Set a
Clear Goal #1
Always remember that if you are not sure about WHY you want to take certain actions, it is most likely
that the action won’t yield results. Even if it does, you will not be satisfied with the result. Same is the
case with the EPFO APFC exam, you need to have the clarity in your mind of why you wish to prepare.

• Is it because of money & power, prestige, job security, social service?

• Is it the postings in metro cities that motivate you to take this exam?

Whatever may be the factor, you have to have your goal crystal clear to be always motivated & act
consistently to get success.

#2 Understand
the Exam
The syllabus and previous year questions are like the 2 headlights of your car of preparation. You miss
one of these and your car will meet with an accident, let me guarantee you this right here!

The biggest blunder aspirants like you commit is that they do not define the scope of the syllabus of
the examination and prepare under the impression that anything and everything can be asked in the
examination which is even remotely related to the syllabus!

Hell no! This is NOT the case. Download and print a copy of the syllabus and then do the same for
previous year questions.
 30

Go through the syllabus at least 10 times and then go through the previous year questions (year wise)
and see for yourself what are the important topics and in what depth they need to be studied for the
examination. Believe me, more than 90% of the so-called sincere aspirants do not do this.

Shortlist
Resources #3
Based on step 2 above, now is the time to shortlist your study sources - be it coaching material, books,
websites, magazines, or the like! And remember, once you prepare a list of the resources that you are
going to follow, DO NOT get swayed by new material that keeps flooding the market through
telegram, Facebook, websites, advertisements, etc! Keep your head down and focus on completing
your study sources. Yes, once you are done with your sources, you can move to a secondary source but
not before that!

Plan a
#4 Strategy
This is a very important step - you must plan a strategy for yourself. This strategy is for ‘you’ and ‘you’
alone. Do not compare your timetable with others, as study habits vary widely.

• Some students are early birds, while some are night owls.
• Some prefer long stretches, while some need short bursts.
• Some 7 days a week, while some keep a day or 2 for rest.

The point or the goal is to have a strategy that ‘works’ for ‘you’. It is not meant to earn a shower of
praises from your parents, friends or peers!
 31

Execute with
Consistency #5
Ah consistency! The ever-elusive thing! The secret to developing consistency is to make ‘micro easy
targets’. How? Let's compare 2 situations.

Situation 1
Student A makes a plan that he will study 8 hours everyday starting tomorrow and sets a goal for
himself for the next day - cover 50 pages of current affairs magazine, 20 pages of constitution of India
from a book,50 questions of arithmetical reasoning and read 20 pages of history. He starts his day full
of energy but towards the end of the day finds himself in quite an uncomfortable position realizing
that only 50% of the target has been covered. He is not able to sleep comfortably that night and gets
up the next morning tired and frustrated. Now he has to complete the pending tasks of Day 1 as well
as cover whatever he decided for Day 2 as well! Quite an uphill task, don’t you think?

Situation 2
On the other hand, Student B makes a plan that he will also study 8 hours a day and sets a goal of
completing 20 pages of current affairs magazine, 10 pages of constitution of India and 10 questions of
arithmetical reasoning. What will happen is that this student will complete his target ahead of schedule
and having done that feel elated, joyful and full of confidence! This will lead to a good night’s sleep
and hence even higher energy for the next Day!

Getting my rhythm? This is how you make ‘micro and ‘easy’ targets and achieve them daily and move
ahead with consistency

Develop
#6 Faith
Always think from your mind and feel from your heart. If you reverse this sentence, you will get
trapped in ‘emotions’. Being emotional isn’t bad at all, it’s good! Getting trapped in emotions is what
is bad! Once you complete step 1-5, you will start to develop faith in yourself. Have a little trust in your
mentors as well, talk to them, mail them, get in touch and see how they can help you!
 32

After you learn and understand this 6 Step Formula to dominate the EPFO APFC Exam, you can
literally apply it on any examination you are taking or might take in the future!

The above formula will always help you set a clear goal and plan all your activities around
that one clear goal.
 33

EduTap’s APFC Online Coaching

EduTap offers a 10-day free starter pack for the EPFO APFC exam. This trial period allows individuals
to explore the quality of study materials, practice tests, and educational resources available on EduTap.
By availing of the free starter pack, candidates can make an informed decision about the effectiveness
of EduTap's preparation tools for the EPFO APFC exam before committing to a subscription.
Created by experienced teachers, this course includes subject-wise videos, study notes, practice tests,
and more, as per the latest pattern and syllabus. This pack gives you a glimpse of what preparing for
the EPFO APFC exam is like. Over 10 days, you’ll learn,

• Why EPFO is a sought-after place to work,

• What the exam format is,
• Who can apply, and
• What topics you need to study.

Other Free EPFO APFC Study Material by EduTap

YouTube Channel Telegram Channel

EduTap - UPSC EduTap – RBI | NABARD | SEBI |
PFRDA | EPFO
 34

Author’s Note

• All information in this guidebook is provided after thorough research and is true and complete to
the best of our knowledge. Although we have made strong efforts to verify every piece of
information from an authentic source, we take no responsibility in case of errors.

However, if any inadvertent errors are found while you are reading this guide book, do let us know at
hello@edutap.co.in and it will be updated within 2-3 working days.
 35

What Next?

This guidebook has equipped you with the essential information that can help you understand the
APFC exam and how to crack it. Here are some tips that can further help in your exam preparation.

• Analyze Previous Year Papers: Analyze the PYQ papers to understand the exam trends and the
type of questions asked. Failing to do so might leave you unprepared for the diversity of questions
that could be posed during the exam, putting you at a disadvantage.

• Practice Mock Tests: Regularly practice mock tests to simulate exam conditions. This helps improve
time management, accuracy, and familiarity with the exam format. Without regular simulation of
exam conditions, you may encounter challenges in managing your time effectively during the actual
exam.

• Focus on Weak Areas: Solving mock tests and analyzing PYQs help you identify your strengths and
weaknesses. Now you can allocate more time to strengthen your weak areas. Regularly assess your
progress and adapt your study plan accordingly.

• Supplement Your Resources: Do not stick to only one resource for preparation. It is recommended
to always supplement your preparation with additional resources for overall preparation. However,
do not go overboard with it.

• Make Notes: Take detailed notes summarizing key points, essential concepts, and important facts
to ensure retention. This will serve as a quick reference during revision.

• Stay Positive and Motivated: Maintain a positive mindset throughout your preparation. Surround
yourself with supportive individuals, and believe in your ability to succeed.

By following these recommendations and leveraging the resources provided in this guidebook, you can
significantly enhance your chances of becoming an Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner.
Remember, the key is to stay focused, committed, and persistent on your path to success.

We at EduTap wish you the very best in your EPFO APFC Exam preparation.
 36

Study Notes
About Us
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