Mains Syllabus of UPSC EPFO Exam 2024
The UPSC EPFO exam is a highly competitive examination for recruitment to the post of Enforcement Officer/Accountant in the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The Mains exam is the second stage of the selection process, following the preliminary exam. It is a descriptive paper, requiring candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and analytical skills in various subjects.
Paper I: General Studies and Current Affairs
This paper covers a wide range of topics, testing the candidate’s understanding of current affairs, social issues, economy, and general knowledge.
1. Current Events of National and International Importance:
- National Events: Candidates should be aware of significant events, policies, and developments in India, including political, economic, social, and cultural aspects.
- International Events: Knowledge of global affairs, major international organizations, and significant events impacting the world is crucial.
- Economic Issues: Understanding of key economic indicators, policies, and challenges facing India and the global economy is essential.
- Social Issues: Awareness of social problems, government initiatives, and social movements in India is expected.
2. Indian Economy:
- Economic Growth and Development: Understanding of India’s economic growth trajectory, key sectors, and challenges to sustainable development.
- Fiscal Policy: Knowledge of government’s fiscal policies, budget, and its impact on the economy.
- Monetary Policy: Understanding of the role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in managing inflation, interest rates, and money supply.
- Financial Markets: Awareness of stock markets, bond markets, and other financial institutions in India.
- International Trade: Understanding of India’s trade policies, exports, imports, and trade agreements.
- Industrial Policy: Knowledge of government policies promoting industrial growth and development.
- Infrastructure Development: Awareness of infrastructure projects, challenges, and government initiatives.
3. Social Justice and Human Rights:
- Social Justice: Understanding of concepts like equality, equity, and social inclusion.
- Human Rights: Knowledge of fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution and international human rights conventions.
- Social Welfare Schemes: Awareness of government schemes aimed at social welfare and empowerment.
- Issues related to Vulnerable Groups: Understanding of challenges faced by marginalized communities, including women, children, and minorities.
4. General Science:
- Basic Concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology: Understanding of fundamental scientific principles and their applications.
- Environment and Ecology: Awareness of environmental issues, climate change, and conservation efforts.
- Technology and Innovation: Knowledge of recent technological advancements and their impact on society.
5. Indian Polity and Governance:
- Indian Constitution: Understanding of the structure, principles, and salient features of the Indian Constitution.
- Political System: Knowledge of the Indian political system, including the Parliament, Executive, and Judiciary.
- Public Administration: Awareness of the structure and functioning of the Indian administrative system.
- Local Self-Governance: Understanding of Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies.
- Issues related to Governance: Knowledge of challenges to good governance, corruption, and reforms.
6. History of Modern India:
- Indian National Movement: Understanding of the struggle for independence, key leaders, and events.
- Post-Independence India: Knowledge of major political, economic, and social developments after independence.
- Social and Cultural Movements: Awareness of significant social and cultural movements in modern India.
7. Geography of India:
- Physical Geography: Understanding of India’s geographical features, including mountains, rivers, and climate.
- Economic Geography: Knowledge of India’s natural resources, agriculture, and industries.
- Human Geography: Awareness of population distribution, urbanization, and social patterns.
8. Ethics and Integrity:
- Ethical Principles: Understanding of ethical principles, values, and their application in public life.
- Integrity: Knowledge of the importance of integrity, accountability, and transparency in public service.
- Code of Conduct: Awareness of ethical codes and regulations for public servants.
Paper II: Labour Laws and Social Security
This paper focuses on the legal framework and social security provisions related to labor in India.
1. Labour Laws:
- Industrial Disputes Act, 1947: Understanding of the provisions related to industrial disputes, strikes, lockouts, and conciliation.
- Trade Unions Act, 1926: Knowledge of the provisions related to trade unions, their registration, and functions.
- Factories Act, 1948: Understanding of the provisions related to safety, health, and working conditions in factories.
- Minimum Wages Act, 1948: Knowledge of the provisions related to minimum wages, their fixation, and enforcement.
- Payment of Wages Act, 1936: Understanding of the provisions related to payment of wages, deductions, and penalties.
- Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (EPF Act): In-depth knowledge of the provisions related to provident fund, pension, and other benefits under the EPF Act.
- Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 (ESI Act): Understanding of the provisions related to medical benefits, sickness benefits, and other benefits under the ESI Act.
- Maternity Benefit Act, 1961: Knowledge of the provisions related to maternity leave, maternity benefits, and other related issues.
- Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986: Understanding of the provisions related to child labor, its prohibition, and regulation.
- The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013: Knowledge of the provisions related to prevention, prohibition, and redressal of sexual harassment at the workplace.
2. Social Security:
- Social Security in India: Understanding of the concept of social security, its importance, and various social security schemes in India.
- National Social Security Schemes: Knowledge of schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and other social security initiatives.
- International Social Security Standards: Awareness of international conventions and standards related to social security.
- Social Security for Unorganized Workers: Understanding of challenges faced by unorganized workers and government initiatives for their social security.
3. Labour Welfare:
- Labour Welfare Measures: Knowledge of various measures taken by the government and employers for the welfare of workers.
- Occupational Safety and Health: Understanding of the importance of occupational safety and health, and relevant laws and regulations.
- Workers’ Education and Training: Awareness of programs and initiatives for workers’ education and skill development.
4. Industrial Relations:
- Collective Bargaining: Understanding of the process of collective bargaining, trade unions, and their role in industrial relations.
- Industrial Disputes: Knowledge of the causes of industrial disputes, their resolution mechanisms, and the role of the government.
- Labour Management Relations: Awareness of the relationship between labor and management, and factors influencing industrial harmony.
5. International Labour Standards:
- International Labour Organisation (ILO): Understanding of the role of the ILO in promoting international labor standards.
- Core Labour Standards: Knowledge of the ILO’s core labor standards, including freedom of association, right to organize, and elimination of forced labor.
- International Labour Conventions: Awareness of key ILO conventions and their relevance to India.
Table 1: Key Labour Laws in India
| Law | Year | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 | 1947 | Regulates industrial disputes, strikes, lockouts, and conciliation |
| Trade Unions Act, 1926 | 1926 | Regulates trade unions, their registration, and functions |
| Factories Act, 1948 | 1948 | Ensures safety, health, and working conditions in factories |
| Minimum Wages Act, 1948 | 1948 | Sets minimum wages for workers in different industries |
| Payment of Wages Act, 1936 | 1936 | Regulates payment of wages, deductions, and penalties |
| Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (EPF Act) | 1952 | Provides provident fund, pension, and other benefits to employees |
| Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 (ESI Act) | 1948 | Provides medical benefits, sickness benefits, and other benefits to employees |
| Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 | 1961 | Provides maternity leave, maternity benefits, and other related issues |
| Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 | 1986 | Prohibits and regulates child labor |
| The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 | 2013 | Prevents, prohibits, and redresses sexual harassment at the workplace |
Table 2: Key Social Security Schemes in India
| Scheme | Year | Target Group | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) | 2015 | Economically weaker sections, low-income groups, and middle-income groups | Affordable housing |
| Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) | 2018 | Poor and vulnerable families | Health insurance coverage |
| Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) | 2019 | Unorganized sector workers | Monthly pension after 60 years of age |
| Atal Pension Yojana (APY) | 2015 | Individuals in the unorganized sector | Guaranteed pension after 60 years of age |
| Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) | 2015 | Individuals in the age group of 18-70 years | Accidental death and disability insurance |
| Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) | 2015 | Individuals in the age group of 18-50 years | Life insurance cover |
Note: This syllabus is indicative and may be subject to change. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification released by UPSC for the latest syllabus and exam pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers for UPSC EPFO Mains Exam 2024
General Studies and Current Affairs
Q1. What are the key challenges facing the Indian economy?
A1. Some key challenges include high fiscal deficit, unemployment, income inequality, and infrastructure gaps.
Q2. What are the major social issues in India?
A2. India faces issues like poverty, illiteracy, gender inequality, caste-based discrimination, and environmental degradation.
Q3. What are the recent developments in the field of technology and innovation in India?
A3. India is witnessing advancements in areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space technology, and renewable energy.
Q4. What are the key features of the Indian Constitution?
A4. Key features include federalism, parliamentary democracy, fundamental rights, and a secular and socialist framework.
Q5. What are the major challenges to good governance in India?
A5. Challenges include corruption, lack of transparency, bureaucratic inefficiency, and political instability.
Labour Laws and Social Security
Q1. What are the key provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947?
A1. It regulates industrial disputes, strikes, lockouts, and conciliation procedures.
Q2. What are the benefits provided under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (EPF Act)?
A2. It provides provident fund, pension, and other benefits like insurance and gratuity.
Q3. What are the key features of the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 (ESI Act)?
A3. It provides medical benefits, sickness benefits, maternity benefits, and disability benefits.
Q4. What are the major challenges in providing social security to unorganized workers in India?
A4. Challenges include lack of formal employment, irregular income, and difficulty in identifying and reaching them.
Q5. What are the core labor standards of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)?
A5. They include freedom of association, right to organize, elimination of forced labor, and non-discrimination in employment.