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Exams   »   UPSC EPFO Exam Pattern 2025

UPSC EPFO Exam Pattern 2025

UPSC EPFO Exam Pattern 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released a short notification for EPFO Recruitment 2025 on 22nd July, announcing 230 vacancies, including 156 for EO/AO and 74 for APFC posts. The detailed notification with syllabus and exam pattern will be out soon. Meanwhile, candidates can check the expected UPSC EPFO Exam Pattern 2025 based on the previous recruitment to plan their preparation effectively.

UPSC EPFO EO/AO Exam Pattern 2025

The UPSC EPFO EO/AO exam is conducted in offline mode, where candidates have to mark their answers on an OMR sheet using a blue and black ballpoint pen. The paper consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions, available in both Hindi and English section which is in English only. A total of 120 questions are asked, each carrying 2.5 marks, making the paper out of 300 marks. Candidates are given a composite time of 2 hours to attempt the paper. There is no sectional timing in the exam.

UPSC EPFO Exam Pattern 2025_4.1

UPSC EPFO APFC Exam Pattern 2025

The UPSC EPFO APFC Exam is also held in offline mode, where candidates must mark responses on an OMR sheet using a pen. The paper comprises objective-type MCQs covering a wide range of subjects relevant to the post of Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner. The test is bilingual (Hindi & English), expect for the English language section. The exam includes 120 questions totalling 300 marks, which each questions valued at 2.5 marks. The duration of the exam is 2 hours, and 0.83 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer. Just like the EO/AO test, there is no sectional timing.

UPSC EPFO Exam Pattern 2025_4.1

UPSC EPFO Exam Pattern 2025

The Union Public Service Commission will conduct the UPSC EPFO EO/AO written examination in offline mode at various centers across the country. The exam will be objective in nature and will test candidates on a wide range of topics. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern:

UPSC EPFO Exam Pattern 2025
Particulars Details
Mode of Exam Offline (Pen & Paper based)
Question Type MCQs (Objective)
Total Question 120
Total Marks 300
Medium Hindi & English
Duration 2 hours
Negative Marking 1/3rd (0.83 mark per wrong answer)
Sectional Time Limit Not Applicable

Mode of Examination

The recruitment test is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based). Candidates have to mark their responses on an OMR sheet using either a black or blue ballpoint pen.

Type of Questions & Paper Format

The exam comprises objective-type questions, which means each question will have multiple answer choices, out of which only one will be correct.

  • All questions are compulsory.
  • You must select the most appropriate answer from the given options.

Language Medium

The UPSC EPFO exam is conducted in a bilingual format:

  • You can choose to answer in either Hindi or English.
  • However, the English language section will be available only in English, regardless of your chosen medium for the rest of the exam.

Total Number of Questions

The test contains a total of 120 questions, distributed across various subjects as per the prescribed syllabus.

  • These questions are spread across different topics such as: Indian Polity, Economy, Current Affairs, General Accounting Principles, General English, etc.

Marking Scheme

Understanding how marks are awarded is crucial for strategizing your attempt.

  • Correct Answer: You will be awarded 2.5 marks for every right answer.
  • Incorrect Answer: For every wrong answer, 0.83 marks (1/3rd of 2.5) will be deducted.
  • Unattempted Questions: No marks are deducted or awarded if you leave a question unanswered.

Time Duration

The total time alloted for the recruitment test is 2 hours (120 minutes).

  • There is no sectional timing, so you can divide your time as per your strengths.
  • Time management will be critical – try to attempt all questions without rushing.

Cut-Off & Shortlisting

The cut-off (minimum qualifying marks) are not fixed and vary each year. They depend on:

  • The number of candidates appearing
  • Difficulty level of the paper
  • Vacancies available
  • The ratio of candidates to be called for the interview.

“Understand the pattern, master the strategy – your success in UPSC EPFO begins with smart preparation.”

Click here to check UPSC EPFO Salary 2025
Click here to check UPSC EPFO Previous Year Papers

UPSC EPFO Exam Pattern 2025_6.1

FAQs

Is there negative marking in the UPSC EPFO written exam?

Yes, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each wrong answer.

Is the exam pattern the same for EO/AO and APFC posts?

The core subjects are same for both the exams, but the APFC syllabus includes population, development, & globalisation, auditing and insurance statistics, Indian Culture, heritage, and freedom struggle.

Can I give the interview in Hindi?

Yes, candidates can choose either Hindi or English as the medium for the interview.