<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article does not cite any sources . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (April 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> The Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service (also known as IP&TAFS) is a Group "A" Central Civil Services of the Union of India . The Service was started in the year 1972 for prudent and professional management of the finances of the Department of Posts and Department of Telecommunications which were the sole provider of the communications needs of the country at that time . Gradually, over time the service has crystallized into a professional cadre of over 225 officers . In 2014, 14 officers were recruited through prestigious Civil Services Examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission . This services contributes to the largest share of Non-Tax Revenue collection / assessment for Government of India . </P> <P> After the foundation of Service in 1972, the first batch was recruited in 1974 . Mr S.D. Saxena and Ms Ruchira Mukherjee (Ex Adviser Finance), belong to the first batch of 1974 . Initial batches of the service were very small in number, however, with growth in Telecom in India need was felt for more number of officers, hence subsequent batches of the service (e.g. 1994, 1995 etc .) were large batches . </P> <P> After recruitment through Civil Services Examination, the officers undergo a foundation course with the officers of other services (IAS, IFS & Central Services Group "A") lasting about 4 months at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration at Mussoorie . This is followed by a year of rigorous professional training in Financial Management at the National Institute of Financial Management, (1) Faridabad which is a specialized training institute under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India . Thereafter, for further training in Telecom technologies and Postal procedures the officers are deputed for 10 months at National Institute of Communication Finance (NICF) at Ghitorni (New Delhi) In between this classroom training schedules, the officers are also deputed for on job field training in both telecom side and postal side . </P>

Indian p&t accounts & finance service group a quora