UPSC EPFO Preparation Strategy: Here’s How to Crack the Recruitment Test

What is the UPSC EPFO Examination?

Union Public Service Commission(UPSC) undertakes the recruitment process for Employees Provident Fund Organization(EPFO). EPFO has released vacancies for the post of Enforcement Officer (EO) and Account Officer (AO) this year as well.

With around 421 vacancies rolled out for EO, candidates across the country have a golden chance to grab this opportunity. After three years, the notification confirming vacancies has made the exam more competitive. The date of exam is May 9, 2021(Revised date).

Details about the Examination

Before starting with the preparation of the EPFO Examination, it is imperative to know about minute details of the syllabus and structure of the examination. The exam consists of 2 stages: The Recruitment Test, followed by the Interview.

In this article, we will focus on-“How to crack the recruitment test?”. The recruitment test will be a pen and paper-based objective examination, carrying a weightage of 75%, while the interview carries the remaining 25% weightage.

UPSC EPFO Recruitment Test Details

1. Duration: 120 Minutes.
2. Marks: 100.
3. No. of Questions: 120.
4. The test will be in both: English and Hindi.
5. There will be a penalty for each wrong attempt,i.e., negative marking prevails with one-third marks deduction.
6. In the case of unanswered questions, there is no negative marking.

Syllabus

1. General English.
2. Indian Freedom Struggle.
3. Current Events and Developmental Issues.
4. Indian Polity & Economy.
5. General Accounting Principles.
6. Industrial Relations & Labour Laws.
7. General Science & Knowledge of Computer Applications.
8. General Mental Ability & Quantitative Aptitude.
9. Social Security in India.

How to Crack UPSC EPFO Test?

With the postponement of the exam to May 9, 2021, one can get ample time to prepare thoroughly again, and revise the topics to get a hold of each and every small detail. Accordingly, we have listed some of the most important UPSC EPFO Preparation tips, guidance and strategies to help students prepare well for their UPSC examination.

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• Topic-wise Preparation

Sorting out all the topics and preparing every topic one by one will be the best way to study for competitive exams.

• General Strategy

Going through UPSC EPFO previous year question papers is a ritual to practise. It will enhance your ability to understand the questions and answer the questions in the right manner. You can go through a previous year’s paper (2016). Practising this paper one month before the exam is recommended for an effect UPSC EPFO preparation strategy..

• Revision

Revise everything you read at the end of the week. When you have a month to go for the examination, revise everything every day, and make yourself exam ready.

• Reliable Study Material

Buying reliable books will help you prepare for all types of questions and provide you with an added advantage over other candidates. Here’s a list of few good books that you can refer –

1. General English – Ace English by Bankers.
2. Indian Freedom Struggle – India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra, Modern India History-NCERT Class-XII.
3. Current Events and Developmental Issues – ‘The Hindu’, Indian Express, Monthly Hindu review Capsule – Bankersadda.
4. Indian Polity & Economy – Indian Polity by M. Laxmikant.
5. General Accounting Principles – Accountancy- NCERT Class 11th & 12th.
6. Industrial Relations & Labour Laws – Industrial Relations & Labour Laws by Dr. Nikita Aggarwal.
7. General Science & knowledge of Computer applications – Computer Aptitude by Bankers, General Knowledge by Bankers.
8. General Mental Ability & Quantitative Aptitude – Ace Quant by Bankers, Ace Reasoning by Bankers.
9. Social Security in India – Social Security in India by Ravi Prakash Yadav.

5) Mock Examinations

Mock tests will boost your confidence in solving the questions and help you decide on the time needed to answer a particular question. This habitual practise of mock exams will also make you more confident while attempting the final examination.

During the beginning of the preparation, it is advisable to give one mock exam per month and eventually, one can attempt one or more mock exams per week later. It helps you to consolidate different areas and gives an overall idea of the preparation stage.

6) Mentoring

Guidance and regular interaction with a mentor can lead you to a disciplined pattern for studying. It will also make you complete your tasks on time and with passion.

7) Motivation

Draw motivation from the people around you. Always remember that motivation will inspire you to attain goals. You should carefully study the interviews of past toppers in competitive examinations, and implement important tips and instructions.

8) Smart Study

Studying till the last minute will lead to stress, exhaustion and confusion. Before chalking your study plan, pick the examination syllabus and measure your comfort level in each section.

9) Don’t Stress Out

Finally, we would suggest not to stress when it comes to getting ready for an exam. We realise that it is for you to ace the UPSC. But if you want to score well, don’t worry so much about it. And most importantly, make sure to keep yourself healthy and fit during such times.

Conclusion

These were some of the basic, yet the most efficient strategies to excel in your UPSC exams, and get placed in the EPFO. Getting into EPFO is indeed an honour and a privilege. Passing the UPSC requires a massive effort of All-in Discipline. Discipline in your learning patterns and your life will surely make your path much more productive and scoring.

We here at UPSC Pathshala are dedicated to helping all UPSC aspirants with daily blogs, articles, and newsletters like these. Stay connected with us to find more!

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