Will There be Separate Exams for EPFO EO/AO and APFC?

UPSC has released vacancies for two posts under EPFO EO/AO and APFC. This has left many candidates confused, especially about whether there will be separate exams or interviews for each post. Questions like, “Will there be two different exams?” or “Are interviews going to be conducted separately for EO/AO and APFC?” are quite common. To clear all such doubts, we have put together this article with simple explanations and updated information.

Will There be Separate Exams for EPFO EO/AO and APFC?

A major change has been made in the UPSC EPFO 2025 recruitment that candidates must be aware of. For the first time, the selection process for both EO/AO (Enforcement Officer/Account Officer) and APFC (Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner) will be conducted through a single common exam. This change is aimed at streamlining the recruitment process and making the process more efficient for all stakeholders involved.

UPSC Introduces Combined Exam for EO/AO and APFC in 2025

In a major shift from previous years, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced that the recruitment for EPFO EO/AO and APFC will now be conducted through a single combined examination. Previously, these two posts had separate exams and interviews, but this year, there will be just one written test and one interview for both roles.

One Written Test, One Interview

Under this new pattern, candidates applying for either or both posts will sit for the same written exam, with no separate question papers. Once the written test is conducted, a unified interview process will follow for all shortlisted candidates.

Post Allocation Based on Merit and Cut-Offs

The meaning of this recruitment test is combined, the final selection will still be post-specific either for EO/AO or APFC. After both stages of the selection process, candidates will be allocated posts based on:

• Their total score in the exam and interview,
• Post-specific cut-off marks
• Their ranking and availability of vacancies.

What Should Aspirants Do Now?

This year, candidates have only one chance to secure a post in either EPFO EO/AO or APFC, as both will be filled through a single combined exam and interview. Your performance in the written test and interview will decide which post you are finally allotted. Since there’s no second opportunity or separate exam for each post, aspirants must take this chance seriously and prepare with full dedication. This is a golden opportunity to be considered for both posts through one selection process, so focus on building a strong strategy that ensures success across both stages.