UPSC EPFO Topper’s Strategy, AIR 1’s Journery and Success Story

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Published on 21 November 2025 by

Meet Karan Raghav, who secured AIR-1 in the UPSC EPFO EO/AO Exam 2017. While many know him as a topper, only a few understand the long journey behind his success. After five attempts in UPSC CSE Mains and years of disciplined preparation, he turned setbacks into opportunities. This article highlights his approach, mindset, and strategy.

The UPSC Journey & Discovering EPFO

Karan began his UPSC journey in 2012 and appeared in five CSE Mains exams but couldn’t reach the final list. Even after facing repeated setbacks, he stayed determined.

In 2016, during his preparation in Gujarat, he learned about the EPFO EO/AO notification. After researching the job profile and responsibilities, he realized it was a strong match for his skills and interests. His decision to appear for the exam shows how awareness and adaptability help aspirants make the right choices.

Attempt UPSC EPFO EO/AO Mock Test Series

Strategic Preparation Approach

Karan’s preparation strategy was built on combining his strengths—commerce background, UPSC knowledge, and CAT-level aptitude—with the EPFO syllabus. His approach was simple but effective:

  • He focused more on subjects he was already strong in, such as polity, current affairs, and accountancy.
  • He strengthened his basics in weaker areas instead of studying everything.
  • He solved previous year papers of APFC, CDS, and SSC to understand question patterns.
  • He revised NCERT summaries instead of reading full-length books.

His core message: Study smart, not endlessly. Make the syllabus work for you.

Current Affairs, Interview, and Personality

For current affairs, Karan suggests preparing at least one year thoroughly. Topics related to social security, schemes, economy, and employment are especially important.

During the interview, he spoke honestly about his failures and learnings. Questions were based on his optional subjects, current issues, ethics, and his profile.

His golden advice: Be calm and be yourself. Choose your interview language—Hindi or English—and don’t switch midway.

UPSC EPFO APFC Mock Test

Role, Promotions & Work Culture in EPFO

Currently posted in Delhi, Karan is involved in core responsibilities as well as Public Relations. According to him:

  • EPFO combines bureaucracy with rapid digitization.
  • Work responsibilities span compliance, pensions, accounts, and public outreach.
  • Promotions, such as the move to APFC, are time-bound.
  • There is enough space for innovation and independent working.

He also clarified that the “desirable qualification’’ mentioned in the notification is not mandatory. Candidates from various academic backgrounds can clear this exam.

What Karan Learned and His Final Advice?

Despite multiple setbacks in CSE, Karan stayed motivated through self-evaluation, family support, and continuous improvement. He advises aspirants to:

  • Understand your real “why.”
  • Learn from every attempt.
  • Stay mentally strong and aware.
  • Do not compare yourself blindly with toppers.

His message:
“You don’t need to chase someone else’s definition of success. Know yourself, stay honest, and walk your own path.”

Free E-Books for UPSC EPFO

Download these free e-books to ace your UPSC EPFO Exam 2025:

Link
Labour Laws E-Book for UPSC EPFO 2025
Read Indian Art and Culture Notes
Read Indian Economy and Globalisation Notes
Read Indian Freedom Struggle Notes

FAQs

Q1. Do you need a commerce background to clear the EPFO EO/AO exam?
A1: No. Candidates from any academic background can clear the exam. Many toppers are from non-commerce streams as well.

Q2. Is the ‘desirable qualification’ mandatory?
A2: No. Karan himself did not have it. It is not a compulsory requirement.

Q3. What should I focus on while preparing for EPFO?
A3: Strengthen your strong subjects, build basics in weaker areas, solve PYQs, revise NCERT summaries, and cover at least one year of current affairs.

Q4. How important is current affairs?
A4: Very important. Focus on economy, schemes, labour-related topics, and relevant government initiatives.

Q5. Which language should I choose for the interview?
A5: Choose either Hindi or English and stick to it throughout the interview.