Why go for UPSC EO/AO Examination; What is the Work life and Perks

Updated On : 24 Feb, 2023

The Union Public Service Commission conducts various recruitment examinations for different departments, one such department is the Employees Provident Fund Commission. The EPFO Enforcement Officer (EO)/Accounts Officer (AO) Examination conducted by the UPSC is a Level 8 position ( GP 4800) recruitment exam. Level 7 inspectors are typically appointed in other departments ( GP 4600). The terms EO and AO refer to the same person. When dealing with fieldwork, he is referred to as EO; when dealing with office work, he is referred to as AO. A UPSC EPFO Accounts Officer (AO) works at a desk and handles claim settlement. The job entails the activation and management of Universal Account Numbers (UAN) accounts. As an AO, the primary focus is on sensitising and persuading members to be more open to digitization, so that interpersonal interactions can be reduced while providing effective service.

Read on to know more about the UPSC EPFO EO/AO Examination.

UPSC announces UPSC EPFO vacancies every 4 to 5 years. This exam cannot be relied on entirely by the candidate. You don't want to wait for another 4 years to make an attempt.
This exam is divided into two parts. The written examination is of the objective type, and qualified candidates are shortlisted for an interview.

EPFO's curriculum is diverse. It covers general studies, accounting, and industrial relations, as well as English questions. Because of the combination of different subjects, no candidate has a clear advantage in the exam.
"Can students with diverse educational backgrounds apply for the UPSC EPFO exam?" candidates wonder.
According to the UPSC EPFO Educational Qualification, a candidate must have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university in any field. However, the official notification pertaining to EPFO educational eligibility criteria mentions having certain desirable streams, which are as follows:

Candidates with a - Bachelor's Degree in Law/Integrated five-year degree in Law
Masters in Business Administration/ Post Graduate Diploma in Management
Chartered Accountant/ Cost and Management Accountant/Company Secretary
As well as two years of experience in Administration/Accounts/Legal Matters in any government or listed - private organisation.

If candidates have any prior working experience in a similar or banking field, it may help in getting through the interview round, but in order to get into that, one must be thorough with the prescribed syllabus. It can be deduced from the previous years' toppers that freshers do well as well. What is important is the knowledge and its application.

The lucrative UPSC EPFO salary and prestigious job profile entice a large number of candidates to apply for the desired position. It provides a generous salary package, and officers hired by the Employees' Provident Fund Organization are entitled to numerous perks and benefits.

The UPSC offers job security, respect, and a prestigious title. UPSC also provides numerous opportunities for advancement and a bright career.

A UPSC EPFO AO/EO is a General Central Service Group 'B', Non-Ministerial post with the pay matrix level 8.

While on a probation period (4 years), he/she will be paid ₹ 47600/- (pre-revised Pay Band 2 ₹ 9300-34800/-Grade Pay ₹ 4800/-).

The other perks and allowances

Aside from the basic benefits (salary), the AO (Account Officer) and EO (Enforcement Officer) are entitled to a number of other benefits and privileges. The following are the various benefits and allowances offered to employees.