UPSC EPFO Answer Key 2025: Download PDF, Exam Analysis & Cut Off
UPSC EPFO Answer key 2025 released(Unofficial). Get exam analysis, marking scheme, score calculator, expected cut-offs for EO/AO/APFC.
UPSC Prelims
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Gajendra Singh Godara
Dec 1, 2025
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The wait is finally over for thousands of aspirants who appeared for the UPSC EPFO Exam on November 30, 2025. With the exam concluded, the immediate focus shifts to evaluating performance. While the official answer key from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will take some time, unofficial keys and detailed paper analysis are already shaping the post-exam discussion.
This blog provides a detailed breakdown of the EPFO answer key, a subject-wise analysis of the paper, and the expected EPFO cut off based on current trends and student feedback.
Before discussing the scores, let’s briefly look at the structure of the exam conducted this year. Understanding the pattern is crucial for new aspirants searching for "upsc epfo exam" details and for those calculating their negative marks.
Feature | Details |
Exam Date | November 30, 2025 |
Posts | Enforcement Officer (EO), Accounts Officer (AO), APFC |
Total Questions | 120 |
Maximum Marks | 300 |
Duration | 2 Hours |
Marking Scheme | +2.5 marks for correct, -0.83 marks for incorrect |
Several coaching institutes have released their unofficial answer keys for Sets A, B, C, and D. While these are not final, they are generally accurate enough to gauge your standing.
How to Calculate Your Marks
To arrive at your raw score, apply the following formula:
Count Correct Attempts (C): Multiply by 2.5.
Count Incorrect Attempts (W): Multiply by 0.83 (approx. one-third of 2.5).
Final Score: (Correct answers X 2.5) - (Wrong answer X 0.83).
Note: If you left a question unattempted, there is no penalty.
The UPSC EPFO exam this year was a mixed bag, testing conceptual clarity rather than just rote learning. The overall difficulty level is being termed as Moderate to Difficult. After the UPSC EPFO exam notification, expectations shifted toward analytical focus. Following analysis is based on preliminary student feedback and coaching institute analysis.
1. Labour Laws & Industrial Relations
This section was the decided factor for many. Unlike previous years where direct questions were common, the 2025 paper featured statement-based questions requiring a deep understanding of the Code on Wages and Social Security.
2. General Accounting Principles
Questions here were fundamental but tricky. Aspirants with a commerce background found them manageable, while those from non-commerce streams struggled with concepts like Depreciation and Journal Entries.
3. Indian Polity & Economy
Polity questions were standard, focusing on the Constitution and recent amendments. The economy, however, leaned heavily on current economic surveys and government schemes, making it slightly tougher for those who relied only on static notes.
4. Mental Ability & Quantitative Aptitude
This section was time-consuming. While the questions were solvable, the lengthy calculations meant that time management was key.
The EPFO cut off is the minimum score required to qualify for the interview stage. It depends on vacancies, the number of candidates, and paper difficulty. Given the "Moderate to Difficult" nature of the 2025 paper, the cut-off might see a slight dip or remain stable compared to previous years.
Expected Cut-Off 2025 (Unofficial Estimates)
Category | Expected Cut-Off Range (Out of 300) |
General (UR) | 165 – 178 |
OBC | 155 – 170 |
EWS | 156 – 168 |
SC | 135 – 150 |
ST | 125 – 140 |
Comparison with Previous Year Trends
To give you a better perspective, here is the official cut-off data from previous cycles:
2023 Written Cut-Off (UR): 178.33
2021 Written Cut-Off (UR): 187.39
As you can see, the competition is fierce. Scoring above 170 is generally considered a safe zone for General category aspirants.
Frequently asked question (FAQs)
If your calculated score falls within the expected range, you should start preparing for the interview immediately. The interview carries significant weight (100 marks), and a good performance there can compensate for a borderline written score.
Keep an eye on the official UPSC website for the release of the official EPFO answer key 2025 and results.
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