The UPSC EPFO Labour Laws Syllabus 2026 covers Industrial Relations, Labour Codes and Social Security in India. It includes trade unions, labour welfare, wages, industrial disputes, the four Labour Codes, social security schemes and key labour laws. Candidates should understand these topics and stay updated on important labour developments to prepare effectively for the APFC Recruitment Test.
What is the UPSC EPFO APFC Labour Laws syllabus?
The UPSC EPFO APFC Labour Laws syllabus covers Industrial Relations, Labour Codes, and Social Security in India, including employer-employee relations, trade unions, industrial disputes, wages, labour welfare, workplace safety, and social security.
- Industrial Relations
- Industrial relations and Indian labour force
- Trade unions and collective bargaining
- Industrial discipline and grievance procedures
- Industrial conflicts, disputes, and settlement
- Labour welfare and wages
- Workers’ participation in management
- International industrial relations
- Industrial health and safety
- Labour Codes
- Code on Wages, 2019
- Industrial Relations Code, 2020
- Code on Social Security, 2020
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
- Social Security
- Retirement and pension schemes
- Social security schemes
- Employees’ Compensation Act
- ESI Act
- EPF & MP Act
- Maternity Benefit Act
- Payment of Gratuity Act
- Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act
What is the UPSC EPFO APFC exam pattern 2026?
UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment Test 2026 is a 2-hour, objective-type exam conducted in pen-and-paper mode for 300 marks. The question paper is available in English and Hindi, except for the English Language section. Candidates must mark their answers on an OMR sheet using a black ball pen. There is a one-third negative marking for each wrong answer, followed by a 100-mark Interview for shortlisted candidates.
| Particulars | Details |
| Selection Stages | Recruitment Test + Interview |
| Mode | Offline/Pen and Paper |
| Question Type | Objective-Type MCQs |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Language | English and Hindi, except English Language section |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd of the marks assigned to the question |
| Interview Marks | 100 |
| RT Weightage | 75% |
| Interview Weightage | 25% |
When will the UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment Test 2026 be conducted?
The UPSC EPFO APFC exam date has been released and is scheduled for 20 December 2026. The exam will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode and will be used to shortlist candidates for the Interview. With the exam date approaching, candidates should complete the Labour Laws syllabus along with the other APFC subjects and keep sufficient time for revision and mock tests.
Also Check: UPSC EPFO APFC OMR Sheet Filling Rules and Common Mistakes
What topics are covered under Industrial Relations for UPSC EPFO APFC?
Industrial Relations is an important part of the Labour Laws section and covers the relationship between workers, employers, and trade unions. Candidates should focus on industrial disputes, grievance handling, collective bargaining, labour welfare, and industrial relations, as questions may test both basic concepts and the application of labour-related provisions.
- Overview of Industrial Relations
- Indian Labour Force
- Trade Unions
- Collective Bargaining
- Industrial Discipline
- Grievance Procedure
- Industrial Conflicts and Disputes
- Settlement of Disputes
- Labour Welfare
- Wages
- Workers’ Participation in Management
- International Industrial Relations
- Industrial Health and Safety
- Miscellaneous Industrial Relations topics
What should you study in Trade Unions and Collective Bargaining?
Trade Unions and Collective Bargaining are key topics in Industrial Relations. Candidates should learn about the role, objectives, and functions of trade unions in protecting workers’ rights and how collective bargaining helps employers and employees agree on wages, working conditions, and other employment matters.
| Topic | Key Areas to Study |
| Trade Unions | Meaning, objectives, functions and role of trade unions |
| Trade Union Movement | Development and importance in India |
| Collective Bargaining | Meaning, process, objectives and importance |
| Workers’ Representation | Role of workers and trade unions in industrial relations |
| Industrial Discipline | Need for discipline and workplace conduct |
| Grievance Procedure | Meaning, causes and methods of grievance handling |
What are Industrial Disputes and their settlement methods?
Industrial Disputes occur due to disagreements between employers and workers or among workers. For the UPSC EPFO APFC exam, candidates should understand their meaning, causes, types, prevention, and settlement methods, such as negotiation, conciliation, and adjudication, along with the role of employers and workers in maintaining industrial peace.
- Meaning and Nature: Definition, features, and nature of industrial disputes.
- Causes: Economic, workplace, management, and employment-related causes of disputes.
- Types: Different forms of industrial disputes involving employers and workers.
- Industrial Conflict: Causes, forms, and impact of conflicts at the workplace.
- Prevention: Measures and practices used to prevent industrial disputes.
- Settlement: Methods and mechanisms for resolving industrial disputes.
- Conciliation: Role of conciliation in helping parties reach a settlement.
- Negotiation: Direct discussions between employers and workers to resolve issues.
- Adjudication: Settlement of disputes through the appropriate legal or adjudicatory authorities.
- Role of Employers and Workers: Responsibilities of both sides in preventing and resolving disputes.
- Industrial Peace: Importance of stable workplace relations for productivity and worker welfare.
What is Labour Welfare and why is it important for UPSC EPFO?
Labour Welfare focuses on improving workers’ working conditions, health, safety, and overall well-being. For the UPSC EPFO APFC exam, candidates should study statutory and general welfare measures, workplace facilities, and employee welfare provisions related to EPFO and social security administration.
- Meaning and objectives of labour welfare
- Importance of worker welfare
- Welfare facilities
- Health and safety at workplaces
- Employee welfare measures
- Role of government
- Role of employers
- Worker protection
What are the four Labour Codes included in the UPSC EPFO syllabus?
Labour Codes are an important part of the UPSC EPFO APFC syllabus. India has consolidated several existing labour laws into four major Labour Codes, covering wages, industrial relations, social security, occupational safety, and working conditions.
| Labour Code | Main Focus |
| Code on Wages, 2019 | Wages, minimum wages, payment of wages and related provisions |
| Industrial Relations Code, 2020 | Trade unions, industrial disputes and industrial relations |
| Code on Social Security, 2020 | Social security, provident fund, insurance, gratuity and related benefits |
| Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 | Workplace safety, health and working conditions |
What should you study from the Code on Wages, 2019?
The Code on Wages, 2019 covers key provisions related to minimum wages, floor wages, payment of wages, and equal remuneration. For the UPSC EPFO APFC exam, candidates should focus on the definitions, objectives, and major provisions of the Code and understand its link with labour welfare and employment conditions.
- Minimum wages
- Floor wage
- Payment of wages
- Fixation of wages
- Equal remuneration
- Wage-related provisions
- Employer and employee responsibilities
What should you study from the Industrial Relations Code, 2020?
Industrial Relations Code, 2020 covers trade unions, conditions of employment, standing orders, and industrial disputes under a single framework. For the UPSC EPFO APFC exam, candidates should focus on its purpose, key provisions, and dispute resolution mechanisms, with greater emphasis on understanding concepts rather than memorising isolated facts.
- Trade unions
- Registration of trade unions
- Recognition of trade unions
- Standing orders
- Industrial disputes
- Strikes and lockouts
- Retrenchment
- Lay-off
- Closure
- Settlement of disputes
What should you study from the Code on Social Security, 2020?
Code on Social Security, 2020 is an important topic for the UPSC EPFO APFC exam as it covers social security protection for different categories of workers. Candidates should focus on its provisions related to provident fund, employee insurance, gratuity, maternity benefits, and other social security measures, along with major social security schemes in India.
- Social security
- Employees’ Provident Fund
- Employees’ State Insurance
- Gratuity
- Maternity benefits
- Social security for unorganised workers
- Gig workers
- Platform workers
- Social security schemes and benefits
What should you study from the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020?
The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 focuses on the safety, health and working conditions of workers. Candidates should understand the importance of safe workplaces and the responsibilities of employers. The topic also connects with labour welfare and industrial health and safety.
- Occupational safety
- Workplace health
- Working conditions
- Employer responsibilities
- Worker safety
- Welfare facilities
- Working conditions in establishments
- Health and safety standards
What Social Security Schemes should be studied for UPSC EPFO APFC?
Social Security is a key topic in the UPSC EPFO Labour Laws syllabus. Candidates should study social security schemes and arrangements, especially the National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY), and stay updated on important changes and developments in these schemes.
| Social Security Area | What to Study |
| Retirement Schemes | Types and basic features of retirement schemes |
| National Pension System | Objectives, structure and basic features |
| Atal Pension Yojana | Objectives, eligibility and benefits |
| Other Social Security Schemes | Major government schemes and their purpose |
Which Social Security Legislations are important for UPSC EPFO APFC?
Candidates should study major social security laws covering employment injury compensation, health insurance, provident fund, maternity benefits, gratuity, and unorganised workers. Special focus should be given to the Employees’ Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, as it is closely related to provident fund administration.
| Legislation | Year | Main Area |
| Employees’ Compensation Act | 1923 | Compensation for employment-related injury |
| Employees’ State Insurance Act | 1948 | Social insurance and medical benefits |
| Employees’ Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions Act | 1952 | Provident fund and related benefits |
| Maternity Benefit Act | 1961 | Maternity-related benefits |
| Payment of Gratuity Act | 1972 | Gratuity benefits |
| Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act | 2008 | Social security for unorganised workers |
Also Check: UPSC EPFO APFC for UPSC Aspirants
Why is the UPSC EPFO Labour Laws syllabus important for APFC?
Labour Laws section is closely linked to the responsibilities of an Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC), including provident fund administration, employee welfare, social security, and enforcement of applicable provisions.
- Labour Welfare: Worker welfare measures, workplace facilities, health, and well-being.
- Industrial Relations: Employer-employee relations, industrial discipline, and workplace relations.
- Trade Unions: Role, objectives, functions, registration, and protection of workers’ interests.
- Industrial Disputes: Causes, types, prevention, negotiation, conciliation, and settlement mechanisms.
- Labour Codes: Key provisions and concepts under the four Labour Codes.
- Provident Fund: EPF provisions, contributions, benefits, and related administration.
- Social Security: Major social security laws, schemes, and protection for different categories of workers.
- Employee Benefits: Gratuity, maternity benefits, insurance, pension, and other employee welfare benefits.
- Workplace Safety: Occupational health, safety standards, welfare facilities, and working conditions.
- Recent Labour Developments: Important changes, government initiatives, and recent updates related to labour and social security.
What is the UPSC EPFO APFC syllabus 2026?
The UPSC EPFO APFC syllabus 2026 covers topics such as Indian governance, economy, labour laws, social security, and more. Candidates should prepare both static topics and current affairs, with special focus on the economy, labour welfare and social security. The major topics covered in the syllabus are:
- General English
- Indian Culture, Heritage and Freedom Movements
- Developmental Issues and Present Trends in Indian Economy
- Governance and Constitution of India
- General Science and Basic Knowledge of Computer Applications
- Elementary Mathematics, Statistics and General Mental Ability
- Industrial Relations, Labour Codes and Social Security in India
- Principles of Accountancy, Auditing and Insurance
- Current Events of National and International Importance
FAQs
The syllabus covers Industrial Relations, Labour Codes and Social Security in India.
It includes trade unions, collective bargaining, industrial disputes, labour welfare, wages, grievance procedures and workers’ participation in management.
Candidates should study all four Labour Codes: Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Code on Social Security, and OSH & Working Conditions Code.
Yes, Social Security Schemes and Social Security Legislations are important parts of the syllabus.
Important laws include the EPF & MP Act, ESI Act, Maternity Benefit Act, Payment of Gratuity Act and Employees’ Compensation Act.
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