The new labour codes have been in the news for years. Many aspirants feel that UPSC EPFO will now shift focus from old labour laws to these new codes. But is that really the case?
If we look at the recent UPSC EPFO exam, the picture is different. The 2023 paper did not have a single question from the new labour codes. All questions came from the older labour laws like the EPF Act, ESI Act, and Payment of Wages Act.
This shows one thing clearly: while the new codes are important for awareness, the UPSC EPFO syllabus is still rooted in the traditional labour laws. Until the new codes are fully implemented, aspirants cannot afford to ignore the old framework.
Is UPSC EPFO Syllabus Focusing More on New Labour Codes?
The UPSC EPFO syllabus has always given weight to labour laws. Many aspirants now ask if the new labour codes will take centre stage.
The truth is, not yet. In the 2023 paper, all labour law questions came from the old Acts. Not even one was asked about the new codes. The reason is simple. The new codes are not fully implemented.
So, if you’re preparing, focus on the classic laws like EPF, ESI, Minimum Wages, and Payment of Bonus. At the same time, keep a basic idea of the new codes. They may come in the future, but they are not the priority right now.
What the UPSC EPFO Syllabus Says About Labour Laws
The official UPSC EPFO syllabus does not mention “new labour codes.” It simply says Labour Laws as a subject. That means anything under this umbrella can be asked.
In practice, though, the papers have focused on the old Acts.
These Acts have been around for decades and are still used in exams. The 2023 paper proved this again. Questions tested aspirants on classic provisions, not on the new labour codes.
What About the New Labour Codes?
In recent years, four labour codes were introduced to simplify India’s labour laws:
- Code on Wages, 2019
- Industrial Relations Code, 2020
- Social Security Code, 2020
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
On paper, these codes replace 29 existing Acts. But here’s the reality: they are not fully implemented yet. Notifications and state-level rules are pending. This is why they haven’t made their way into the exam questions.
Take the 2023 UPSC EPFO paper, for example. Not a single question came from the new codes. Instead, all labour law questions were based on old Acts. This clearly signals that UPSC is waiting until the codes are officially in force before shifting the focus.
So, while the new codes are important for the future, for now, aspirants must prioritise the old Acts in their preparation.
Why UPSC EPFO Still Prefers Old Acts
UPSC EPFO is practical. It sets questions on what is legally enforceable at the time of the exam. Since the new labour codes are not yet operational, the older Acts continue to govern India’s labour framework.
For example:
- Questions from the Minimum Wages Act, Factories Act, Payment of Bonus Act, and Trade Union Act are still asked in the exam.
- These laws form the backbone of day-to-day administration, workplace inspections, and compliance checks, which is why they continue to hold importance.
Also, the UPSC EPFO exam wants to test whether candidates understand the real-world application of labour laws, not just policy announcements. That’s why old laws are still in focus.
For aspirants, focusing only on the new labour codes while skipping the older Acts can prove to be a serious mistake.
How Aspirants Should Prepare for the Labour Law Portion
If you’re preparing for UPSC EPFO, treat the labour laws section as scoring ground. Questions are usually direct, but you need clarity.
Here’s how to approach it:
- Start with Old Acts First
Acts like Payment of Wages, Minimum Wages, Bonus, Gratuity, Factories, Trade Union, and EPF should be studied carefully. These have repeatedly shown up in past papers. - Learn Definitions and Sections
Many questions are straightforward, like “What is the wage ceiling under the Payment of Wages Act?” or “Which section covers Standing Orders?” A good grasp of important provisions will help you stay ahead. - Keep an Eye on New Labour Codes
UPSC EPFO may ask questions on these, even if they aren’t implemented fully yet. You only need to grasp the broad framework of the four codes: Wages, Social Security, Industrial Relations, and Occupational Safety. - Refer to Bare Acts and Summaries
Bare Acts help you see the exact wording, while summaries keep revision simple. Don’t skip either. - Practice with PYQs
UPSC EPFO often repeats themes. By solving the last 10 years’ papers, you’ll notice a pattern. Maximum weightage is still in old laws.
Conclusion
The UPSC EPFO syllabus may list both old labour laws and new labour codes, but in reality, the exam still tests the older Acts more. The 2023 paper proved this clearly, as not a single question came from the new codes. Until they are fully enforced across the country, the UPSC EPFO is unlikely to make them the core focus.
For aspirants, the strategy is simple. Master the old Acts first, then keep a light awareness of the new codes. This way, you won’t miss out on easy scoring questions, and at the same time, you’ll stay future-ready if UPSC shifts towards the new codes in the coming years.