UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment 2026: 80 Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner Vacancies, Salary, Eligibility

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Special Advertisement No. 52/2026 for direct recruitment by selection to the post of Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC) in the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India.

A total of 80 vacancies have been announced for the APFC post. The position is a Group-A, Non-Ministerial post with Pay Level-10 under the 7th Central Pay Commission. Candidates with a degree from a recognised university or equivalent qualification are eligible to apply, while a diploma in Company Law, Labour Laws or Public Administration is listed as a desirable qualification.

The online application process will begin on 22 August 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until 11 September 2026, 6:00 PM. UPSC has also scheduled a pen-and-paper Recruitment Test (RT) on 20 December 2026 for shortlisting candidates for the interview.

If you are looking for a central government job with a Group-A status, this UPSC EPFO APFC recruitment is certainly worth checking.

UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The APFC post is permanent and carries All India Service liability, meaning selected officers may be required to serve in any part of India. The prescribed probation period is one year.

UPSC EPFO APFC Vacancy 2026

UPSC has notified 80 Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner vacancies.

Category-wise Vacancy

Out of the 80 vacancies, 3 posts are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

PwBD Reservation

The notification provides the following reservation distribution for PwBD candidates:

The notification identifies the post as suitable for a number of specified disability categories, subject to the conditions mentioned in the advertisement.

UPSC EPFO APFC Salary 2026

The Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner post carries Pay Level-10 in the Pay Matrix as per the 7th CPC.

Apart from the basic pay under the applicable Pay Matrix, a Group-A Central Government position generally carries admissible allowances and benefits according to applicable government rules.

The post is permanent and classified as Central Board Group-A, Non-Ministerial, equivalent to the corresponding Group-A level in the Central Government.

Other Service Benefits / Conditions

• Probation: 1 year

• Headquarters: New Delhi

• Service liability: All India

• Organisation: EPFO

• Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Labour & Employment

• Pension: NPS applicable as specified in the notification

UPSC EPFO APFC Eligibility Criteria 2026

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess:

A Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.

This means candidates from different graduation disciplines can apply, provided their degree is from a recognised university/institution or is otherwise accepted as equivalent under the applicable rules.

Desirable Qualification

The following is mentioned as a desirable qualification:

• Diploma in Company Law

• Diploma in Labour Laws

• Diploma in Public Administration

This diploma is desirable, not the essential educational qualification. The essential qualification for the APFC post is a recognised university degree or equivalent.

Is Work Experience Required for UPSC EPFO APFC?

The notification does not prescribe mandatory post-qualification work experience for the APFC post.

The essential educational requirement is a recognised university degree/equivalent, while the diploma mentioned above is desirable.

However, candidates should carefully read the complete notification regarding qualification relaxations and the Commission's discretion in specific circumstances.

UPSC EPFO APFC Age Limit 2026

The maximum age varies according to the candidate's category.

The age limit mentioned in the notification is 35 years for UR/EWS, 38 years for OBC and 40 years for SC/ST. PwBD candidates can receive further relaxation of up to 10 years, subject to the prescribed maximum age limit of 56 years.

Age Relaxation for Other Categories

The notification also contains provisions for age concessions and relaxations for eligible categories such as:

• Ex-Servicemen

• Commissioned Officers

• PwBD candidates

• Other categories covered under applicable Government of India rules

Candidates should check the detailed conditions in the official notification before claiming any relaxation.

Nationality / Citizenship

A candidate must generally be:

1. A citizen of India; or

2. A subject of Nepal; or

3. A subject of Bhutan; or

4. A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India; or

5. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.

For categories other than Indian citizens, the prescribed Government of India certificate of eligibility is required.

UPSC EPFO APFC Application Fee 2026

The application fee is quite low compared with many other government recruitment examinations.

The ₹25 fee can be paid through Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, UPI or Internet Banking. There is no fee exemption for OBC/EWS/Unreserved male candidates.

Important Fee Rules

• Fee must be paid by the closing date/time.

• Applications without the prescribed fee, where applicable, will be rejected.

• The fee is non-refundable.

• Once paid, the fee cannot be adjusted against another examination/recruitment.

UPSC EPFO APFC Important Dates 2026

UPSC has specifically announced 20 December 2026 as the date for the pen-and-paper Recruitment Test for APFC. The interview date for shortlisted candidates will be communicated separately.

UPSC EPFO APFC Selection Process 2026

The selection process consists primarily of:

Step 1 – Online Application

Candidates submit the Online Recruitment Application through the UPSC portal.

Step 2 – Recruitment Test

A pen-and-paper based Recruitment Test (RT) will be conducted by UPSC.

Step 3 – Shortlisting

Candidates will be shortlisted for the interview based on their application information and performance in the Recruitment Test.

Step 4 – Interview

Candidates who qualify the applicable shortlisting criteria will be called for an interview.

Step 5 – Document Verification

Shortlisted candidates must produce the required original documents along with self-attested copies.

Step 6 – Final Selection

The final selection will be based on the applicable weightage of the Recruitment Test and Interview.

The notification specifies 300 marks for the Recruitment Test and 100 marks for the Interview, with a 75:25 weightage respectively.

UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment Test Pattern 2026

The Recruitment Test is an important part of this recruitment.

The test will consist of objective-type multiple-choice questions. Every question carries equal marks, and one-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for a wrong answer. No penalty applies when a question is left unanswered.

UPSC EPFO APFC Syllabus 2026

The APFC Recruitment Test syllabus covers a fairly broad range of subjects.

These topics are broadly listed in Appendix-I of the notification.

APFC Recruitment Test – Weightage

The notification says that the Recruitment Test and Interview will carry 300 and 100 marks respectively, with a 75:25 ratio.

Interview Minimum Suitability Standard

These are the category-wise minimum interview suitability standards mentioned in the notification.

UPSC EPFO APFC Exam Centres 2026

The Recruitment Test will be conducted at 84 centres across India. Candidates should apply early because, except for Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata and Nagpur, there is a ceiling on the number of candidates allotted to individual centres. Centre allocation is therefore on a first-apply-first-allot basis.

Complete List of 84 Recruitment Test Centres

Important: UPSC can change the examination centres or examination date at its discretion. Also, once the capacity of a centre is reached, that centre may be frozen. Candidates are therefore advised to apply early if they have a preferred centre.

How to Apply for UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment 2026

The application is completely online through the UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal.

Step 1 – Visit the UPSC ORA Portal

Candidates need to apply through:

upsconline.nic.in/ora/

The notification advises applicants to read the general instructions, module-wise instructions and document-upload instructions before starting the application.

Step 2 – Create Your Account

The UPSC Online Application Portal has four main modules:

1. Account Creation

2. Universal Registration

3. Common Application Form (CAF)

4. Post/Vacancy Specific Application

The first three modules are common to UPSC recruitment applications, while the fourth is specific to the particular post/vacancy.

Step 3 – Generate Universal Registration Number

After registration, UPSC generates a Universal Registration Number (URN).

The URN remains common for the candidate's UPSC recruitment applications.

After completing the APFC-specific application, a separate Application Number is generated for that particular recruitment. Candidates should save both numbers carefully.

Step 4 – Complete the Common Application Form

Fill in the required personal, educational and other details in the Common Application Form.

Candidates are required to provide supporting information/documents for claims such as:

• Date of birth

• Category

• Educational qualification

• Other applicable claims

Failure to provide the required information/documents can result in cancellation of candidature.

Step 5 – Upload Photograph and Complete Live Photo Capture

The notification requires applicants to upload their photograph and also capture a live photograph while completing the Common Application Form.

The photograph and live photograph must meet the instructions specified by UPSC.

Step 6 – Complete APFC Post-Specific Application

After completing the common profile/application modules, select the APFC recruitment and complete the post/vacancy-specific application.

Check every detail carefully before submitting.

Step 7 – Pay the Application Fee

Eligible candidates who are not exempted must pay the ₹25 application fee through the available online payment methods.

Step 8 – Submit and Save the Application

After final submission:

• Save the application details.

• Keep your URN safe.

• Keep your Application Number safe.

• Download/print the submitted application for future reference.

• Keep copies of uploaded documents and payment confirmation.

Documents to Keep Ready

Before starting the application, candidates should keep their important documents and information ready.

These may include:

• Aadhaar Card or another valid photo ID

• Date of birth proof

• Graduation degree/certificate

• Educational qualification details

• Category certificate, if applicable

• EWS certificate, if applicable

• PwBD certificate, if applicable

• Other documents supporting claims made in the application

• Recent photograph

• Required live photograph

• Other certificates/documents as applicable

UPSC strongly advises applicants to use Aadhaar Card as the ID document for easier verification and authentication, although the notification also lists other acceptable photo ID options.

Documents Required at Interview

Candidates shortlisted for interview will have to produce documents supporting the claims made in their application.

The required documents include the printout of the online application and original certificates/documents, along with self-attested copies and any additional documents specified in the interview communication.

Failure to produce the required documents can result in disqualification from the interview.

Important Points About UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment

1. All India Posting

The APFC post carries All India Service liability. Selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India.

2. New Delhi is the Headquarters

The headquarters mentioned for the post is New Delhi.

3. One-Year Probation

Selected candidates will be on probation for one year.

4. Eligibility Cut-Off Date

The eligibility of candidates in every respect is determined with reference to the closing date of the online application.

5. Use Correct Information

Candidates should fill in their information carefully. UPSC warns that incorrect information can lead to rejection of candidature and even debarment.

6. Admit Card

Eligible candidates will receive an e-Admit Card through the UPSC website before the Recruitment Test. No admit card will be sent by post or email.

7. OMR Answer Sheet

The Recruitment Test uses an OMR answer sheet. Candidates must use a black ball pen for writing and marking answers. Mistakes in important details such as roll number or booklet series can result in rejection of the answer sheet.

8. Face Authentication

UPSC has specified that candidates will be required to undergo mandatory face authentication at the examination venue/interview hall.

9. Mobile Phones Are Not Allowed

Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices and other prohibited electronic/communication devices are not allowed in the examination/interview hall.

Scribe and Compensatory Time for PwBD Candidates

Eligible candidates with benchmark or specified disabilities can avail themselves of the facilities provided under the applicable rules.

The notification states that eligible candidates can receive scribe and/or compensatory time where applicable.

For certain PwBD categories, compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour of the Recruitment Test is provided. Other eligible candidates may need to produce the prescribed medical certificate confirming their physical limitation to write.

UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment 2026 – Quick Highlights

• 80 Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner vacancies

• Recruitment through UPSC

• Organisation: EPFO

• Ministry: Labour & Employment

• Post: Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner

• Group-A, Non-Ministerial

• Pay Level-10

• Minimum qualification: Graduation

• Desirable: Diploma in Company Law/Labour Laws/Public Administration

• Maximum age: 35 years for UR/EWS

• OBC maximum age: 38 years

• SC/ST maximum age: 40 years

• PwBD age relaxation available as per rules

• Application fee: ₹25

• SC/ST/PwBD/Women: No fee

• Online application starts: 22 August 2026

• Last date: 11 September 2026, 6:00 PM

• Recruitment Test: 20 December 2026

• RT duration: 2 hours

• RT marks: 300

• Interview marks: 100

• RT/Interview weightage: 75:25

• Negative marking: 1/3 marks

• RT medium: Hindi and English

• RT centres: 84

• Probation: 1 year

• Headquarters: New Delhi

• Posting: Anywhere in India

UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment 2026 – FAQs

How many APFC vacancies have been announced?

UPSC has announced 80 vacancies for Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner in EPFO.

What is the qualification for UPSC EPFO APFC?

Candidates need a degree from a recognised university or equivalent. A diploma in Company Law, Labour Laws or Public Administration is desirable.

Is experience mandatory for APFC?

No mandatory post-qualification experience is specified in the essential qualification for this APFC recruitment.

What is the APFC salary?

The APFC post carries Pay Level-10 under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.

What is the maximum age for APFC?

The maximum age is 35 years for UR/EWS, 38 years for OBC and 40 years for SC/ST, with applicable additional relaxation for eligible PwBD candidates.

What is the application fee?

The application fee is ₹25 for applicable UR/EWS/OBC male candidates. SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates are exempted from payment of the fee.

When does the application process start?

Online applications start from 22 August 2026.

What is the last date to apply?

The last date is 11 September 2026 up to 6:00 PM.

When will the APFC Recruitment Test be conducted?

The pen-and-paper Recruitment Test is scheduled for 20 December 2026.

Is there negative marking?

Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for an incorrect answer. There is no penalty for leaving a question unanswered.

What is the APFC exam syllabus?

The syllabus includes General English, Indian Culture and Freedom Movement, Indian Economy, Governance and Constitution, General Science, Computer Applications, Mathematics, Statistics, Mental Ability, Industrial Relations, Labour Codes, Social Security, Accountancy, Auditing, Insurance and Current Affairs.

Useful Tools for Government Job Applicants

Before submitting your application, you may find these tools useful:

Age Calculator

Check your exact age as on the applicable eligibility date.

Age Calculator

Date Calculator

Calculate the difference between important dates, deadlines and eligibility dates.

Date Calculator

Photo Resizer / Editor

Resize and edit your photograph before uploading it to the recruitment portal.

Photo Resizer / Editor

Important Links – UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment 2026

Download Official Notification PDF

Download UPSC EPFO APFC Official Notification

Apply Online

Apply Online for UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment 2026

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Final Words

The UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment 2026 is a good opportunity for graduates looking for a Group-A Central Government position. With 80 vacancies, a Level-10 pay scale, a relatively low ₹25 application fee for applicable candidates, and no mandatory work experience prescribed for the post, the recruitment is likely to attract candidates from a wide range of graduation backgrounds.

The main dates to remember are 22 August 2026, when applications begin; 11 September 2026 at 6:00 PM, which is the application deadline; and 20 December 2026, the scheduled date of the Recruitment Test.

Candidates should complete their URN, Common Application Form and post-specific application carefully and keep all supporting documents ready before applying. Since the Recruitment Test centre allocation follows a first-apply-first-allot principle for most centres, applying early can also help candidates get their preferred examination centre.

Disclaimer: This article has been prepared from the UPSC Special Advertisement No. 52/2026 provided in the notification PDF. Candidates are strongly advised to read the complete official notification before applying. In case of any discrepancy, the rules and conditions mentioned in the official UPSC notification and subsequent updates/corrigenda will prevail.