EPFO Social Security Assistant (SSA) Exam Pattern 2023

The recruitment process for EPFO Social Security Assistant (SSA) exam is conducted in three phases and the exam pattern varies with each phase. The first  phase is called the preliminary exam, which is followed by phase two i.e. the main examination. After Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams, there is a computer data entry test (Phase 3), which is qualifying in nature. More information pertaining to all the phases of the EPFO SSA examination can be found in the following section.

All the information pertaining to the EPFO SSA exam pattern for all the three phases will be updated here. Candidates can also visit the official website (epfindia.gov.in) of the EPFO to get recent updates on upcoming EPFO exams.

Candidates who are preparing for PSC, Bank and other Government exams can refer to the links given below.

Overview of the EPFO Social Security Assistant (SSA) Exam Pattern 

The EPFO Social Security Assistant (SSA) exam comprises three phases. The details of all the three phases are given below:

Phase 1 (Preliminary Exam)

Phase 1 is the preliminary examination, which is of objective type. It contains multiple-choice questions related to English, reasoning ability and numerical aptitude. More information on the number of questions asked in each section of EPFO SSA Phase 1 exam, maximum marks allotted to each section, and duration of the exam is given in the table below.

Points to Remember: EPFO SSA Preliminary Exam

• The Preliminary exam is a screening test and its marks are not included  to calculate  the final marks of candidates.
• Except for the English language component, the rest of the exam is bilingual, and candidates can choose their preferred language.
• There is negative marking and 1/4th of the marks allotted to the question will be deducted for every wrong answer.
• Candidates who clear the sectional and overall cut-off marks will be eligible for the Phase 2 of the EPFO SSA examination.

Phase 2 (Main Examination)

The Phase 2 exam consists of both objective and subjective type questions. The objective exam consists of questions related to general and financial awareness, economy, reasoning, english and quantitative aptitude. The descriptive exam assesses candidates’ English and comprehension abilities. More information pertaining to the exam pattern of the EPFO SSA Phase 2 main examination is given in the table below.

Points to Remember: EPFO SSA Main Exam

• The marks scored in phase 2 are used to determine the rank of the candidate in the merit list.
• There is negative marking and 1/4th of the marks assigned to the questions will be deducted for every wrong answer.

• Descriptive examination will be conducted immediately after the completion of the objective main exam.
• Descriptive test will be held online and candidates have to type the answers using the keyboard.
• Candidates who pass the Phase 2 EPFO SSA exam will qualify for the Phase 3 computer data entry test.
• The candidature of applicants who are selected for Phase 2 exam is provisional.

Phase 3 (Computer Skill Test or Computer Data Entry Test)

The main objective of the computer data entry test or skill test is to assess the candidate’s speed and accuracy. Candidates should be able to meet the minimum requirements prescribed by the EPFO for  the skill test. They are expected to make a minimum of 5000 key depressions per hour during the data entry test.

Points to Remember: EPFO SSA Computer Data Entry Test

• Computer skill test is qualifying in nature.
• Marks scored in Phase 3 will not be used for final selection.

Candidates who are preparing for other Insurance Exams can refer to the links given in the table below.