Indian Communication Finance Services

Most aspirants, after the prestigious IAS posting, give emphasis on Indian Communication Finance Services (ICFS). This post was formerly called the Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS). Typically, these ICFS officers are committed to financial and accounting services for the Indian Posts and Telecommunication Departments. With guidance from a reputed civil service coaching academy, aspirants can better understand the scope and significance of this service.

This blog will aid the aspirants of Group A Civil Services to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Indian Communication Finance Services post, salary structure, and duties.

Indian Communication Finance Services (ICFS)

This Central Civil Service of Group A of India came into existence in 1972 and was aimed at judicious and professional management of all the finances of the Department of Posts and Department of Telecommunications. This was the sole responsible body for the communications provider of India during that time. It is responsible for administering the telecom equipment installation and facilities.

Eligibility Requirements

Age criteria

To appear for this exam, the candidates should be a minimum of 21 years old and should not exceed 30 years as of August 1st of the examination year.

Age relaxation

CasteAge relaxation
SC/STUp to 5 years
OBCup to three years
Personnel in the armed forcesup to 5 years
Ex-servicemen (Covers commissioned officers and ECOs/SSCOs)Up to 5 years
Physically challenged (blind, orthopedically challenged and deaf)Up to ten years

 

Educational Qualification

Candidates should meet the below educational requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from any recognised university
  • Final year students waiting for results are eligible to apply
  • Candidates having technical and professional qualifications (Government-recognized) or equivalent are eligible
  • Candidates who completed their MBBS or any other medical examination, in their internship, but not completed, are qualified for Mains Exam.

Number of attempts

CategoryNumber of attempts
General Candidates:7 Attempts
SC/STNo restriction
OBC9 Attempts

Exam Pattern

Typically, the UPSC Civil Services Exam can be categorized into three phases.

  1. Preliminary
  2. Main Examination
  3. Interview

Prelims Exam Pattern

The UPSC exam preliminary stage contains two examinations. Both are administered on the same day. Both examinations embrace objective-type questions and multiple-choice responses.

This Prelims examination is a screening process and the successful candidates become eligible for the Mains Exam.

UPSC Preliminary Examination Pattern

PaperTypeNo. of questionsTotal MarksDurationNegative Marks
General Studies IObjective1002002 hoursYes
General Studies II (CSAT)Objective802002 hoursYes
Overall UPSC marks for Prelims400 ( GS Paper II is qualifying in nature and minimal qualifying marks at 33%- fixed)

 

Main Exam Pattern

This is divided into 9 sessions. This is held for a 5-7 day period.

UPSC exam pattern information

PaperSubjectDurationTotal marks
Paper ACompulsory Indian language3 hours300
Paper BEnglish3 hours300
Paper IEssay3 hours250
Paper IIGeneral studies I3 hours250
Paper IIIGeneral studies II3 hours250
Paper IVGeneral Studies III3 hours250
Paper VGeneral Studies IV3 hours250
Paper VIOptional I3 hours250
Paper VIIOptional II3 hours250

 

Interview 

In this phase, certain capabilities of the applicants are evaluated. The students should focus on improving body language and communication skills to excel in the interview.

ICFS officers – Roles and responsibilities

  • Responsible to assess and collect the License Fee and the Spectrum usage charges, which are paid by the telecom licensors.
  • 2G, 3G, 4G spectrum auction
  • Accounts in the departments of telecom and posts
  • Implementing policies in the departments of telecom and posts
  • Performing internal audits in telecom and posts departments
  • Administer finances in telecom and posts departments
  • Manage pensions in telecom and posts departments
  • Human Resource Development & Capacity Building – IP&TAFS, Group A

Indian Communication Finance Services (ICFS) – Ranks and Salary Structure

GradeDept of TelecomDept of PostPay scale Minimum qualifying service for promotion
HQFieldHQField
Junior Time ScaleAssistant Chief Accounts OfficerAssistant Chief Accounts OfficerAssistant Chief Accounts OfficerAssistant Chief Accounts Office15600-39100 + Grade Pay 5400Entry level
Senior Time ScaleAssistant Director-GeneralDeputy Controller of Communication AccountsAssistant Director-GeneralDeputy Director15600-39100 + Grade Pay 6600Completing 4 years of service
Junior Administrative GradeDirectorJoint Controller of Communication AccountsDirectorDirector15600-39100 + Grade Pay 7600Completing 9 years of service
Senior

Administrative

Grade

 

Deputy Director-General/Joint AdministratorController of Communication AccountsDeputy Director-General/General ManagerGeneral Manager37400-67000 + Grade Pay 10000Completing 13-17 years of service
Higher

Administrative

Grade

 

Senior Deputy Director-GeneralPrincipal Controller of Communication Accounts––67000(annual increment @

3%)-79000

 

Senior Administrative grade officer with 3 years service in the grade as Of 1st Jan
Higher

Administrative

Grade+

 

Advisor (Finance)–––75500-80000Senior Administrative Grade / Higher Administrative Grade  officer with 3 years service in the grade as of 1st Jan

 

Other benefits

  • Insurance benefits
  • Retirement benefits
  • Vacation policies
  • Medical allowances for themselves and families
  • Residences at low expense and vehicles for comfort
  • Avail deputation to foreign wings
  • Free telephone and internet services at residence and in the office

Conclusion

Serve the nation with privilege. Clear the UPSC Civil services exam successfully and achieve your dream ICFS post.

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