The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment plays a vital role in managing the retirement funds of millions of employees in India. One of the key positions open for direct recruitment is that of a Personal Assistant (PA). This post offers a rewarding career path with opportunities for growth, a stable work environment, and attractive pay. Here's everything you need to know about applying for this prestigious role.

Pay Scale

The Personal Assistant position is classified under Level-07 in the Pay Matrix as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). This translates to a monthly pay scale starting from ₹44,900 and going up to ₹1,42,400. The role includes several other benefits and allowances as per government regulations.

Age Limit

The age criteria for applying to this post vary across different categories:

  • General/UR & EWS Candidates: Maximum 30 years
  • OBC Candidates: Maximum 33 years
  • SC/ST Candidates: Maximum 35 years
  • Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Maximum 40 years
    The lower age limit across all categories is 18 years.

Essential Qualifications

To be eligible for this role, candidates must meet the following educational and technical requirements:

  1. Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university is mandatory.
  2. Stenography Skills:
    a) Dictation for 10 minutes at 120 words per minute in either English or Hindi.
    b) Transcription on a computer:
    • 50 minutes for English
    • 65 minutes for Hindi

Job Responsibilities

The role of a Personal Assistant in EPFO involves a variety of administrative and secretarial duties, including:

  • Dictation and Typing: Taking dictation from the officer and typing the content accurately.
  • Handling Telephone Calls: Managing phone calls from members and various field offices.
  • Visitor Management: Welcoming and guiding visitors.
  • Scheduling: Organizing meetings, maintaining engagements, and preparing tour schedules.
  • Travel Arrangements: Handling official travel plans and bookings.
  • Parliamentary Work: Assisting in preparing parliamentary documents and handling correspondence.
  • File Management: Diarizing files, tracking documents, and ensuring that all important references are properly managed.

Location & Transfers

Although the primary headquarters is in New Delhi, Personal Assistants may be posted anywhere in India, depending on the organization's requirements. Flexibility in relocation is crucial for candidates considering this position.

Probation Period

The selected candidates will be required to serve a two-year probation period. During this time, their performance will be closely monitored, and their continuation in the role will depend on successful completion of probation.

New Pension Scheme

The candidates recruited for this post will be governed by the New Pension Scheme (NPS), effective from January 1, 2004. This scheme provides long-term financial security and is contributory in nature, making it a valuable benefit for those seeking a stable retirement fund.

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply online via the UPSC website https://www.upsconline.nic.in. The application process consists of two parts:

  1. Part I: Basic information submission.
  2. Part II: Fee payment and completion of the form.
  • Application Fee: ₹25 for general candidates. SC/ST/Female/PwBD candidates are exempted from paying the fee.

Selection Process and Syllabus

The selection process includes a Recruitment Test (RT) followed by a Skill Test:

  • Recruitment Test: The exam will be objective type with multiple-choice questions. The test will cover four main areas:

    1. English Language
    2. General Awareness
    3. Quantitative Aptitude
    4. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

    The test will be conducted in both English and Hindi, and candidates will be penalized for incorrect answers with a deduction of one-third of the marks.

  • Skill Test: The shortlisted candidates will then undergo a Stenography Skill Test to qualify for the final merit list.

Additional Considerations

  • Age relaxation is available for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories as well as for regular employees of EPFO.
  • Special provisions are in place for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), including the availability of scribes and compensatory time during exams.

Conclusion

The Personal Assistant position in the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) offers a fulfilling career opportunity with a stable pay scale and numerous benefits. The role demands a high level of skill, particularly in stenography and office management, making it an ideal job for candidates looking to grow in the government sector. Apply by March 27, 2024, and take a step toward a promising career in one of India’s leading social security organizations.

For more information and to apply online, visit the official UPSC recruitment website.