EPFO EO/AO 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 EO/AO 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 EPFO?
• What will be your Lifestyle as an Enforcement/Account officer?
• 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.

Whether you're a first-time aspirant or looking to enhance your preparation, this guide serves as your
roadmap to success. Best of luck on your journey to becoming an enforcement/account officer.
 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 EO/AO Exam

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

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

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

Chapter 9: Syllabus............................................................................................................................ 6-17

Chapter 10: Cut-Offs .........................................................................................................................17-18

Chapter 11: Is the Recruitment Regular?...........................................................................................18-18

Part C: About EO/AO Job & Lifestyle

Chapter 12: What is Training Like? ................................................................................................... 19-19

Chapter 13: Job Profile & Functions of EO/AO.................................................................................19-19

Chapter 14: Salary, Allowances, and Benefits....................................................................................19-19

Chapter 15: Promotion Opportunities...............................................................................................20-20

Chapter 16: All About Postings......................................................................................................... 20-20

Part D: Resources to Prepare for the EO/AO Exam

Chapter 17: Resources to Prepare for the EO/AO Exam.................................................................. 21-24

Part E: Our 6-Step Formula to Become an EO/AO in EPFO

Chapter 18: What is the 6-Step Formula?..........................................................................................25-28
Part F: EPFO EO/AO 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 EO/AO Exam
 4

6 Exam Stages

The EPFO EO/AO exam is a 2-stage process—Recruitment Test and Interview. You must clear both
these exam phases to complete your dream of working as an Enforcement/Account officer in EPFO.

EO/AO in EPFO are

Recruitment recruited through a 2
Interview
stage recruitment
Test process

Having knowledge of the EPFO EO/AO Exam stages gives you clarity on the examination structure and
aids in effective preparation. It helps you develop a tailored strategic study plan, allowing you to
allocate time and resources efficiently, focusing on specific skills and subjects required at each stage.

7 Pa ern

You must have a thorough understanding of the exam pattern for effective preparation. In this way, you
get familiar with the various components of the exam such as the subjects, sections, marking scheme,
duration, etc. So, let's take a closer look at the 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
• Negative Marking - 1/3rd
▪ UR - 50 marks
• Objective Type
▪ OBC - 45 marks
• Offline Mode
▪ SC/ST/PH - 40 marks

The weightage of Recruitment Test and Interview can be 75:25 respectively.

 5

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 EO/AO. So, let's understand the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility criteria include two major categories:

Age
• Maximum is 30 years*
(Minimum age limit is not mentioned in the notification)

1.1. Age Relaxation

There is some age relaxation for some specific categories.

EO/AO: Age Limit Relaxation

S.No. Category Age Relaxation Upper Age Limit

1 General None 30

2 Other Backward Castes (OBC) 3 Years 33

3 SC/ST 5 Years 35

Ex-Servicemen (including Military

4 5 Years 35
Services)

5 Central Govt. Employees 5 Years 35

6 Employes of EPFO 5 Years 35

7 PwD (General/EWS) 10 Years 40

8 PwD (OBC) 13 Years 43

9 PwD (SC/ST) 15 Years 45

 6

Educational Quali cation

Bachelor’s Degree in any subject from recognised university or institute.

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 EO/AO exam:

General English
Here is the detailed general English syllabus:

• 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:
 7

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

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
• Anglo French Struggle for Supremacy
• British Conquest of Bengal
• British conquest of Mysore and Maratha
Empire
• British conquest of Sindh, Punjab and
Awadh
• British annexation beyond Indian frontiers
• Reorganization of British Political system
• Police Administration
• Revenue Administration
• 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
8
Early Reforms During British Rule
• Administrative reforms under British rule
• Aspects of British Administration in India
• Civil Services
• Police System
• Judicial System
• The Army
• Development in Press
• Development in Communication and
Education
• Development of Railways
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
 9

Impo ant Events from 1919 – 1929 Impo ant Events from 1929 to 1939

• Post War Economic Hardships • Civil Disobedience Movement – First phase

• 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
• 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

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
 10

Governance and Constitution of India

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

Constitutional Framework of India

• Historical Background of Indian Constitution • Preamble of Indian Constitution
• Making of Indian Constitution • Amendment of Indian Constitution
• Features of Indian Constitution • Basic Structure Theory of Indian Constitution

Indian Union and Its Citizens

• Making of Indian Union Indian Citizenship

Rights and Duties of Indian Citizens Centre State Relations

• Fundamental Rights • Legislative Relations

• Directive Principles of State Policy • Administrative Relations
• Fundamental Duties • Financial Relations
• Committees/Commissions for Centre State
Relations
• Interstate Relations – Interstate Councils,
Zonal Councils etc.
• Emergency Provisions in India

Executives in India

• UNION EXECUTIVE
◦ President of India
◦ Vice President of India
◦ Prime Minister of India
◦ Council of Ministers at Centre
◦ Cabinet Committees
• STATE EXECUTIVE
◦ Governor
◦ Chief Minister
◦ Council of Ministers at State
 11

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
12
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
 13

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
 14

Finance Commission

• Appointment • Procedures and Functioning

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

Accountancy
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
 15

Preparation of the Final Accounts Ratio Analysis

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

and loss account and balance sheet

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

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
 16

Basic Knowledge of Computer Applications

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

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
 17

Quantitative Aptitude General Mental Ability

Here is the detailed quantitative aptitude Here is the detailed syllabus of general mental
syllabus: ability:
• Simplification • Alphabetical and Alphanumeric Series
• LCM and HCF • Coding and Decoding
• Percentage • Syllogism
• Ratio and Proportion • Direction Sense
• Mixture and Allegation • Ranking and Order
• Profit and Loss • Blood Relation
• Simple and Compound Interest • Letter Series
• Average • Analogy
• Time and Work • Clock
• Pipe and Cistern • Calendar
• Time and Distance • Dice
• Boats and Streams • Venn Diagram
• Mensuration 2D and 3D • Counting Figure
• Data Interpretation • Cube and Cuboid
• Probability

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 years 2021 & 2017:

2021 Cut-Off Marks

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

Recruitment Test 187.39 173.12 160.51 156.30 171.43 101.67 154.61

Interview 50 45 40 40 50 40 40

Final Selection 359.33 244.51 234.39 231.87 246.08 169.28 242.99

 18

2017 Cut-Off Marks

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

Recruitment Test 49.50 44.50 42.50 43.50 30 33

Interview 50 45 40 40 - -

Final Selection 110.83 103.78 102.23 103.06 88.11 93.61

11 Is the Recruitment Regular?

As per the past trends, recruitment for the post of EO/AO is not so regular. The last 3
Recruitments of EO/AO were held in the year 2023, 2021, & 2017.

In 2023, UPSC released 418 vacancies for the post of EO/AO in EPFO.
Part C
About EO/AO Job &
Lifestyle
 19

12 What is Training Like?

After final selection, the Enforcement/Accounts Officers undergo trainings in any of the 5
training institutes of EPFO
• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security - New Delhi
• EPFO Zonal Training Institute South Zone - Chennai
• EPF Zonal Training Institute - Kolkata
• EPFO, Zonal Office - Haryana
• EPFO Zonal Training Institute, West Zone - Ujjain

The training is normally conducted for 2-3 weeks and then on the job training is done.

13 Job Pro le & Functions of EO/AO

Once you are appointed as EO/AO, you will have to carry out the following roles and
responsibilities.
• Inquiries of account and settlement of claims.
• To enforce orders of the provisions and schemes under the Employees’ Provident Funds and
Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952
• Educate about the prescribed forms
• Attend prosecution cases.
• Conduct surveys.
• Address employee grievances.
• Maintain cash book, bank statement verification, MIS returns etc.
• Issue warrants on the defaulting employer.

14 Salary, Allowances, and Bene ts

Enforcement/Accounts Officer is a Group B service. The basic pay for the EO/AO position is Rs 47,600
with a Grade Pay of Rs 4,800. 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, the in-hand salary with allowances is around Rs 80k+
per month. Also they are liable to leased accommodation, travel allowance, monthly medical
allowance, etc.
 20

15 Promotion Oppo unities

After joining the Employees Provident Fund Organisation as EO/AO, you need to serve at least 5-7
years on this post and then they are promoted to the post of Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner
(APFC). 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 incharge of the head office (New Delhi) and there are only 12 vacancies for this post.

Here's an overview of the promotion hierarchy for EO/AO:

EO/AO Promotions

S.No. Duration Designation

1 You’ll join here EO/AO

Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner

2 After 5-7 Years
(APFC)

3 After the Next 5 Years Regional Commissioner II

4 After the Next 5 Years Regional Commissioner I

Additional Central Commissioner

5 After the Next 5-6 Years
(Headquarters)

16 All About Postings

After getting recruited in EPFO as an EO/AO or 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
140 regional o ces
district offices are generally in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities. So 114 district o ces
basically you can be posted in any of these offices.
Part D
Resources to Prepare
for the EO/AO Exam
 21

17 Resources to Prepare for the EO/AO Exam

Resources to prepare for the EO/AO 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

• Spectrum’s A Brief
Freedom
History of Modern
Movement NA NA NA
India
 22

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)

Current Events NA • PIB The Hindu Yojana

• UNESCO website Indian Kurukshetra
Express
• Down To Earth
website
 23

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

• 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
 24

Computer Computer NA NA NA
Awareness by
Arihant

Elementary Maths Quantitative NA NA NA

Aptitude by Dr.
R.S. Aggarwal

Apart from the resources mentioned in the table, syllabus, PYQs and mock tests should be your best
friends throughout your preparation journey of UPSC EPFO EO/AO Examination.
Part E
Our 6-Step Formula to
Become an EO/AO in
EPFO
 25

18 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 EO/AO 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.
 26

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!
 27

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!
 28

After you learn and understand this 6 Step Formula to dominate the EPFO EO/AO 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.
 29

EduTap’s EO/AO Online Coaching

EduTap offers a 10-day free starter pack for the EPFO EO/AO 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 EO/AO 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 EO/AO 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 EO/AO Study Material by EduTap

YouTube Channel Telegram Channel

EduTap - UPSC EduTap – RBI | NABARD | SEBI |
PFRDA | EPFO
 30

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.
 31

What Next?

This guidebook has equipped you with the essential information that can help you understand the
EO/AO 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 Enforcement/Account officer. 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 EO/AO Exam preparation.
 32

Study Notes
About Us
We are a passionate team of experienced professionals
who understand the challenges of aspirants preparing for
government jobs. Our vision is to “create a nurturing
ecosystem for the aspirants so that they can feel safe,
guided, and mentored.”

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Our Mission
We empower students to achieve their goals through comprehensive guidance, expert mentorship,
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Why Choose Us
Our mentors walk with you every Our courses offer a comprehensive
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We have a track record of helping We help you connect with a

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paid subscribers) achieve their individuals who share your goals
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