UPSC EPFO APFC DETAILS
Overview▼
UPSC EPFO APFC 2026 Recruitment: Overview, Vacancies & Complete Guide
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) published Special Advertisement No. 52/2026 announcing 80 Group-A vacancies for the post of Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC) in the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The online application portal on upsconline.nic.in is active from August 22, 2026, to September 11, 2026 (18:00 HRS). The Pen and Paper Recruitment Test (RT) will take place on December 20, 2026, across 84 exam centers. Selected officers receive Level-10 pay matrix (7th CPC).
Official Notification Summary: UPSC Special Advertisement No. 52/2026 invites online applications for 80 Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC) vacancies in EPFO under the Ministry of Labour & Employment. The application portal is open on https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/ until September 11, 2026, at 18:00 HRS.
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Attempt PYQs for FREE1. UPSC EPFO APFC 2026 Key Highlights
The Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner position is a permanent Group-A Central Services post offering executive authority, competitive remuneration, and rapid career growth.
| Key Parameter | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Department & Ministry | Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Ministry of Labour & Employment |
| Advertisement Reference | Special Advertisement No. 52/2026 (Vacancy No. 26085201722) |
| Post Name & Classification | Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (Group-A, Non-Ministerial) |
| Total Vacancies | 80 Vacancies (UR-29, EWS-08, OBC-18, SC-15, ST-10, PwBD-03) |
| Pay Matrix & Scale | Level-10 in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC |
| Application Window | August 22, 2026 to September 11, 2026 (18:00 HRS) |
| Recruitment Test (RT) Date | December 20, 2026 (Offline Pen & Paper Mode) |
| Official Registration Portal | https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/ |
2. Category-Wise Vacancy Breakup
Out of the total 80 posts, reservations are distributed among vertical and horizontal categories according to Government of India rules:
3. Eligibility Summary: Age, Qualification & Nationality
Educational Qualification
Essential: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent in any stream.
Desirable: Diploma in Company Law, Labour Laws, or Public Administration.
Age Limits & Relaxations
Normal upper age limit is 35 years for UR/EWS. Age relaxations apply: 3 years for OBC (up to 38), 5 years for SC/ST (up to 40), up to 10 years for PwBD (up to 45, max ceiling 56), and 5 years for EPFO/Central Government servants. Crucial eligibility date is September 11, 2026.
4. Application Procedure & Fee Structure
Candidates must apply online via upsconline.nic.in/ora/ by completing the Universal Registration Number (URN) profile and Post-Specific module. Live photograph capture and three black-ink signatures are mandatory.
- Application Fee: Rs. 25/- for General, EWS, and OBC male candidates.
- Fee Exemption: All Female candidates, SC, ST, and PwBD applicants are completely fee-exempted.
- Payment Modes: SBI Internet Banking, Visa, Master, RuPay Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.
5. Exam Pattern, Weightage & Syllabus Structure
The selection consists of a 2-stage process: a Pen & Paper Recruitment Test (RT) followed by a Personality Test (Interview).
| Stage | Total Marks | Duration / Standard | Final Selection Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recruitment Test (RT) | 300 Marks | 2 Hours (Objective MCQs, 1/3 Negative Marking) | 75% Weightage |
| Personality Test (Interview) | 100 Marks | UR: 50, OBC: 45, SC/ST/PwBD: 40 marks minimum suitability | 25% Weightage |
Syllabus Scope: General English, Indian Culture, Heritage & Freedom Movements, Developmental Issues & Indian Economy, Governance & Constitution of India, General Science & Computer Applications, Elementary Mathematics, Statistics & General Mental Ability, Industrial Relations, Labour Codes & Social Security, Principles of Accountancy, Auditing & Insurance, and Current Events.
6. Admit Card & Examination Center Allocation
e-Admit Cards will be available for download on upsconline.nic.in roughly 2 to 3 weeks before December 20, 2026. Tests will be conducted across 84 centers. Center allocation follows a first-apply-first-allot rule with ceiling limits (except for Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, and Nagpur). Mandatory face authentication will be performed at the venue.
7. Salary, Career Progression & APFC vs Other Exams
Pay & Remuneration
APFC is a Group-A post in Level-10 Pay Matrix (Basic Pay Rs. 56,100 plus DA, HRA, TA, and statutory medical benefits). probation period is 1 year with Headquarters in New Delhi and All India Service Liability.
APFC vs EO/AO & CSE
Unlike EPFO EO/AO (Level-8 Group-B), APFC starts directly at Level-10 Group-A. Compared to UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), APFC has single-stage objective written test followed by interview, with no attempt limits.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of UPSC EPFO APFC?
UPSC EPFO APFC stands for Union Public Service Commission Employees Provident Fund Organisation Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner.
How many vacancies are announced for APFC in 2026?
A total of 80 vacancies have been announced under Special Advertisement No. 52/2026 (UR-29, OBC-18, SC-15, ST-10, EWS-08, PwBD-03).
What is the official advertisement number for UPSC APFC 2026?
The official advertisement reference is Special Advertisement No. 52/2026, Vacancy No. 26085201722.
What is the official exam date for the UPSC APFC Recruitment Test?
The Recruitment Test (RT) is scheduled for December 20, 2026, in offline Pen & Paper mode.
What is the online application start and end date?
Online registration opened on August 22, 2026, and closes on September 11, 2026, at 18:00 HRS.
What is the pay level for the Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner post?
APFC is a Group-A post carrying Pay Level-10 in the Pay Matrix as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC).
What is the essential educational qualification required for APFC?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent.
What are the desirable qualifications mentioned in the notification?
A Diploma in Company Law, Labour Laws, or Public Administration is specified as a desirable qualification.
What is the normal upper age limit for Unreserved (UR) candidates?
The normal upper age limit is 35 years as on the application closing date of September 11, 2026.
What is the upper age limit for SC and ST candidates?
SC and ST candidates receive a 5-year relaxation, making their upper age limit 40 years.
What is the upper age limit for OBC candidates?
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates receive a 3-year relaxation, making their upper age limit 38 years.
Are final year university students eligible to apply?
No. Candidates must possess their qualifying degree certificate or provisional result on or before September 11, 2026.
What is the application fee for UPSC APFC 2026?
The application fee is Rs. 25 for UR, EWS, and OBC male candidates. Female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are exempt.
Where can I fill out the application form for APFC 2026?
Applications must be submitted online through the official UPSC portal at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/.
What is the weightage ratio between the Recruitment Test and Interview?
The weightage ratio between the Recruitment Test (RT) and Interview is 75:25 in the final selection.
How many marks does the Recruitment Test (RT) carry?
The Recruitment Test carries a total of 300 marks and has a duration of 2 hours.
Is there negative marking in the UPSC APFC exam?
Yes. Every wrong answer results in a penalty deduction of 1/3rd (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question.
What are the minimum suitability marks for the interview stage?
Minimum qualifying marks out of 100 in the interview are 50 for UR/EWS, 45 for OBC, and 40 for SC/ST/PwBD.
When will the e-Admit Card be issued for UPSC APFC 2026?
e-Admit Cards will be available for download on upsconline.nic.in about 2 to 3 weeks before December 20, 2026.
Is there any restriction on the number of attempts for APFC?
No. Unlike UPSC Civil Services, there is no attempt limit for the APFC exam as long as age criteria are met.
What is the difference between APFC and EPFO EO/AO posts?
APFC is a Group-A post at Level-10 pay matrix, whereas EO/AO is a Group-B post starting at Level-8 pay matrix.
How many examination centers are designated for the APFC test?
The examination will be conducted across 84 cities across India.
Is face authentication mandatory at the examination center?
Yes. All candidates must undergo mandatory face authentication and identity verification at the venue entry.
What is the probation period for an appointed APFC officer?
The probation period for an Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner is one (01) year.
Does the APFC post carry All India Service liability?
Yes. APFC officers have All India Service liability and can be posted anywhere in India.
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Founder, Sleepy Classes IASShekhar Dutt is Founder of Sleepy Classes IAS. With 16+ years of teaching experience, he has guided hundreds of students to top ranks, including multiple single-digit UPSC ranks.
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Faculty - APFC Specific SubjectsPrashant Kumar is a faculty member at Sleepy Classes IAS, specializing in Economics, Polity, and PSIR, with more than 5 years of experience. He has also mentored many UPSC aspirants and reached the interview stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
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