The UPSC EPFO APFC Notification 2026 has been released for 80 Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC) vacancies within the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Ministry of Labour & Employment. The detailed notification was issued on August 21, 2026, following the indicative advertisement released earlier.
Online applications began on August 22, 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until September 11, 2026, by 6:00 PM. UPSC has also confirmed that the Recruitment Test will be conducted on December 20, 2026.
Table of Contents
UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Organisation | Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation |
| Post | Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner |
| Total Vacancies | 80 |
| Application Deadline | September 11, 2026, up to 6:00 PM |
| Recruitment Test | December 20, 2026 |
| Selection Process | Recruitment Test and Interview |
| Pay Level | Level 10, 7th CPC |
| Application Mode | Online |
The UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment 2026 process is open for 80 vacancies. Eligible candidates can apply online until September 11, 2026, while the Recruitment Test is scheduled for December 20, 2026.
Vacancy
UPSC has announced a total of 80 APFC vacancies. The largest share is for the Unreserved category, followed by OBC and SC candidates. Three posts within the overall vacancy count are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 29 |
| EWS | 8 |
| OBC | 18 |
| SC | 15 |
| ST | 10 |
| Total | 80 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy the educational qualification and age requirements prescribed by UPSC before submitting the online application.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess a degree from a recognised university or equivalent qualification.
A diploma in Company Law, Labour Laws or Public Administration is listed as a desirable qualification. It is not mandatory for candidates who otherwise meet the essential qualification.
Age Limit
The normal upper age limit for UR and EWS candidates is 35 years.
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| UR/EWS | 35 years |
| OBC | 38 years |
| SC/ST | 40 years |
Eligible PwBD candidates can receive relaxation of up to 10 years, subject to applicable government rules. Certain government employees and eligible EPFO employees are also entitled to relaxation under the conditions mentioned in the recruitment advertisement.
Application Fee
The application fee is ₹25 for candidates who are required to pay the fee.
Women, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempted from payment of the application fee.
Candidates should complete both the application and the applicable fee payment within the prescribed deadline.
Selection Process
Selection for the APFC post will primarily involve two stages:
- Recruitment Test
- Interview
Candidates must first qualify for the Recruitment Test scheduled for December 20. Candidates shortlisted on the basis of the written examination and subsequent scrutiny will be called for the interview.
For final merit, the Recruitment Test and Interview will carry weightage in the ratio of:
- Recruitment Test: 75%
- Interview: 25%
The interview carries 100 marks.
Exam Pattern
The APFC Recruitment Test will be conducted in offline pen-and-paper mode.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Pen and Paper |
| Question Type | Objective MCQs |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Medium | Hindi and English, except General English |
| Negative Marking | One-third of the marks is assigned to the question |
| Interview Marks | 100 |
| Final Weightage | RT 75% + Interview 25% |
Each incorrect answer will attract a penalty of one-third of the marks assigned to that question, while no penalty will be imposed for an unanswered question.
Syllabus
The Recruitment Test will assess candidates across general studies, aptitude and subjects relevant to EPFO administration.
Major areas include:
- General English
- Indian Culture, Heritage and Freedom Movements
- Indian Economy and developmental issues
- Governance and Constitution of India
- General Science
- Basic computer knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
- Statistics and General Mental Ability
- Industrial Relations
- Labour Codes
- Social Security
- Accountancy and Auditing
- Insurance
- Current Affairs of national and international importance
A notable update in the 2026 syllabus is the use of Labour Codes in place of the older Labour Laws framing highlighted in previous APFC preparation patterns.
Salary
The Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner post falls under Level 10 of the Pay Matrix under the 7th Central Pay Commission.
The post is a Group A position under EPFO and carries applicable Central Government allowances and benefits in addition to basic pay.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative Notification | August 19, 2026 |
| Detailed Notification | August 21, 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | August 22, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 11, 2026 |
| Recruitment Test | December 20, 2026 |
| Interview | To be announced |
Candidates should note that September 11, 2026, is also the crucial date for determining eligibility under the recruitment conditions.
How to Apply for UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment 2026
Candidates can submit the application through the UPSC Online Recruitment Application system.
The basic procedure is:
- Open the UPSC online recruitment application portal.
- Complete the required registration or login process.
- Find the Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner recruitment under Special Advertisement No. 52/2026.
- Enter personal, educational and other required information.
- Upload the prescribed documents.
- Pay the application fee, where applicable.
- Review all information carefully.
- Submit the application before 6:00 PM on September 11, 2026.
- Save or print the final submitted application for future reference.
Candidates should not wait until the final day, particularly where examination-centre allotment is subject to capacity limits.
Documents Candidates Should Keep Ready
Applicants should keep relevant records ready while completing the online form, including:
- Degree or educational qualification documents
- Date of birth proof
- Category certificate, where applicable
- PwBD certificate, where applicable
- Photograph and signature as prescribed
- Valid photo identity details
- Other certificates required to support claims made in the application
All details entered in the form should correspond to the supporting certificates, as shortlisted candidates may be required to submit documents during scrutiny.
What Candidates Should Do Now
The online application window is already active. Eligible graduates planning to appear for the APFC examination should complete their application by September 11, 2026 and begin preparation for the Recruitment Test scheduled for December 20, 2026.
The confirmed examination date gives candidates approximately four months from the opening of applications to prepare for the test. Particular attention should be given to Labour Codes, social security, accountancy, the Indian economy, polity, and current affairs, as these areas constitute a substantial part of the APFC syllabus.
