Company Secretary Course, Eligibility, Admission 2025 and Fees
Jatin Sharma1 Apr, 2025
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Company Secretary Course: The Company Secretary (CS) course is a professional program that prepares individuals to become valuable advisors to companies on legal, financial, and governance issues. Certified Company Secretaries manage the legal aspects of a business, handling tasks like tax returns, record-keeping, and offering financial advice to the board of directors. They ensure the company follows all legal regulations.
To enroll in the CS course, candidates must have at least completed class 10+2. Some renowned colleges offering this course include Shyam Lal College, SRM Chennai, and Directorate of Distance Education; Alagappa University. Recently, the UGC declared CS Exam equivalent to a master's degree, opening avenues for further academic pursuits. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) oversees the profession, providing education and training to aspiring Company Secretaries. Currently, there are over 65,000 members and approximately 250,000 students registered with ICSI. There have been changes in the exam structure, allowing students to skip the CS Foundation exam and directly take the CSEET exam. Graduates interested in pursuing the Company Secretary Course can also skip CSEET .Company Secretary Course Overview
The ICSI Company Secretary course is tailored for those aspiring to become company secretaries in India and beyond. Company secretaries play a crucial role in handling various tasks, from filing and registering documents to advising on management matters. They are authorized to attest or verify documents on behalf of entities like companies, share transfer agents, and secretarial auditors. Company secretaries are well-versed in navigating legal and procedural aspects under different acts and regulations, such as the Companies Act of 1956 and the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act of 1956. With expertise in diverse areas, qualified company secretaries can pursue careers as legal advisors, corporate policymakers, and planners in renowned firms globally. For those with the right drive, becoming a Company Secretary offers promising job opportunities. It's a respected career path within accounting and business. As a Company Secretary, you gain expertise in various areas like stock exchange regulations, corporate affairs, financial auditing, legal matters, and government regulations. Check the table below for a quick overview of the Company Secretary Course.
| Company Secretary Course Overview | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization | Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) |
| Course Name | Company Secretary (CS) |
| Level and Company Secretary Course Duration |
Two levels:
|
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (June & December) |
| Exam Duration | Three hours for each paper |
| Language | English |
| Company Secretary Eligibility Criteria |
CS Executive:
CS Professional:
|
| Company Secretary Job profiles | Legal Advisor, Corporate Policymaker, Corporate Planner, Chief Administrative Officer etc. |
| CS Registration validity | 3 to 5 years |
| Education opportunities after the CS course | PhD in Commerce, Management and Law |
| Admission criteria | Through CSEET at the entry-level (exemptions as per guidelines) |
| Official Website | www.icsi.edu/ |
Stages to Become a Company Secretary
We've mentioned the Stages of becoming a Company Secretary in simple format in the table below:
| Company Secretary Course Stages | |
| Stages | Exams |
| Stage 1 | CSEET |
| Stage 2 | CS Executive Course (8 papers) |
| Stage 3 | CS Professional Course (9 papers) |
| Stage 4 | Pre-membership training |
| Stage 5 | CS Membership |
| Stage 6 | Continuing Professional Development |
Company Secretary Course Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG)
To enroll in the Company Secretary Course, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria, which outline the educational and formal qualifications required for each level of the program. Aspiring candidates aiming to pursue this course should ensure they meet the minimum eligibility requirements detailed below:CS Executive Course Eligibility Criteria
For students aspiring to enter the CS Executive course, it's essential to be 17 years or older and have successfully completed their class 12 education. The admission process to the CS Executive course offers two channels, outlined in the below points: Entrance Exam Route:- Age requirement: 17 years and above.
- Education: Passed Class 12 in any discipline (excluding Fine Arts) from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Eligibility extends to graduates or postgraduates.
- Additional qualifications for entry: CS Foundation course passed, ICAI Final Course passed students (with exemption fee), or ICMAI Final Course passed students (with exemption fee).
- Successful completion of the Company Secretary Executive Entrance test (CSEET) of ICSI.
- No specific entrance exam is required.
- Eligibility for direct entry: Passed CS Foundation exam or the Company Secretary Executive Entrance test (CSEET) of ICSI.
CS Professional Course Eligibility Criteria
After completing the CS Executive Course, candidates are eligible to proceed to the CS Professional Course. This means that only those who have successfully cleared the CS Executive Course can apply for and enroll in the next level, the CS Professional Course. It marks a sequential progression in the Company Secretary Course, ensuring that individuals build on their knowledge and expertise before advancing to the professional stage.Company Secretary Course Admission Process
The admission journey for the CS course is distinctly structured for each level. The Company Secretary course duration spans from 3 to 5 years, contingent on how swiftly students clear their exams. Initiating this educational path involves the CSEET exam, which occurs four times annually. Subsequently, both the CS Executive and CS Professional exams are held biannually in June and December. The admission procedure for the company secretaryship program varies based on the specific level within the Company Secretary course. Regardless of the level, the initial step for aspiring candidates is registration. This entails completing an online application and submitting the corresponding fee within the stipulated deadlines. Once applications are approved and accepted, course materials are typically dispatched to facilitate the learning journey.Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET):
The gateway to entering the CS Executive Course is through the CSEET exam . Applicants have the flexibility to choose from four CSEET exam sessions held in May, July, November, or January. To register for a CSEET session, a fee of Rs. 1000 is applicable. After successfully completing the CSEET exam, the admission process unfolds, providing a clear pathway for students to seamlessly transition into the CS Executive Course. This streamlined process aims to guide and support aspiring company secretaries in their educational journey.
| Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET): Important Dates | ||||
| CSEET Exam Month | CSEET Registration Dates | CSEET Exam Dates | CSEET Result Dates | CS Executive Course Registration Deadline |
| May | January 21 to April 15 | Saturday that is closest to May 10 | By May 20 | May 31 (to appear in both modules of the Executive Program in the December session of the same year) |
| July | May 21 to June 15 | Saturday that is closest to July 10 | By July 20 | July 31 (to appear in a single module of the Executive Program in the December session of the same year) |
| November | July 21 to October 15 | Saturday that is closest to November 10 | By 20th November | November 30 (to appear in both modules of the Executive Program in the June session next year) |
| January | November 21 to December 15 | Saturday that is closest to January 10 | By 20th January | January 31 (for appearing in a single module of the Executive Program in the June session of the same year) |
CS Executive Course
Once individuals successfully pass the CSEET, the next step is to register for the CS Executive Course, tailoring their choices based on preferences. To facilitate a seamless transition in the Company Secretary Course, it's vital to be aware of the registration dates provided below: June Session:- For All Modules: Register by November 30 (previous year).
- For One Module: Register by January 31 (same year).
- For All Modules: Register by May 31 (same year).
- For One Module: Register by July 31 (same year).
CS Professional Course
Candidates who have completed both modules of the Executive CS course can step into the Professional Course by paying a registration fee of Rs. 19000, along with Rs. 1000 for the pre-exam test. This marks the final tier of the Company Secretary qualification. June Session:- For all modules in the June session: Apply by August 31.
- For One Module: Register by November 30 of the previous year.
- For all modules in the December session: Register by February 28.
- For One Module: Register by May 31 of the same year.
Company Secretary Course Registration Process
Once students successfully complete the CS Professional course, it's essential to maintain their registration validity until they fulfil all training requirements for becoming a member of ICSI. The Continuation of CS Registration remains valid for one year and can be renewed by students based on the remaining training period. Students can request 'Continuation of Registration' for a maximum of five years, ensuring flexibility in completing the necessary training before enrolling as a full-fledged member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). This process supports a gradual and accommodating transition for aspiring company secretaries.Company Secretary Course Fees
Below we've mentioned the complete details for CS Course Fees of all the levels i.e. CSEET, CS Executive, and CS Professional:
CSEET Fee Structure 2025
Registration Fee: Rs. 2000/- (including CSEET Guide 1 & 2 per student per appearance)Â Optional CSEET Classes Advance Fee: Rs. 1000/- (payable to Regional/Chapter offices of ICSI at the time of registration)CS Executive Fee Structure 2025
Students who have passed the CSEET, CS Foundation Program, or are eligible for direct admission (Graduates, Postgraduates, ICAI Final, or ICMAI Final) need to pay the following fees:
| ICSI CS Exam Fees 2025 CS Executive Fee Structure | |||
| Particulars | CSEET Pass | CS Foundation Pass | Direct Admission |
| Registration Fee | Rs. 2000/- | Rs. 2000/- | Rs. 2000/- |
| Education Fee | Rs. 12,900/- | Rs. 12,900/- | Rs. 12,900/- |
| CSEET Exemption Fee | Nil | Nil | Rs. 5000/- |
| Pre-Exam Test Fee | Rs. 1000/- | Rs. 1000/- | Rs. 1000/- |
| Three-Day Orientation Program | Rs. 2500/- | Rs. 2500/- | Rs. 2500/- |
| Chartered Secretary Journal Subscription (Optional) | Rs. 500/- | Rs. 500/- | Rs. 500/- |
| Total | Rs. 18,900/- | Rs. 18,900/- | Rs. 23,900/- |
CS Professional Fee Structure 2025
Candidates who have passed the CS Executive Program must pay the following fees:
| ICSI CS Professional Fee Structure 2025 | |
| Particulars | Fees Payable |
| Education Fee | Rs. 19,000/- |
| Pre-Examination Test Fee | Rs. 1000/- |
| Total | Rs. 20,000/- |
Note: It's important to note that candidates will incur a late fee of INR 250 if they fail to register within the specified deadline. Staying mindful of these fees and deadlines is crucial for a smooth and timely progression in the Company Secretary Course.
Concession in CSEET Registration Fees
Concessions in the CSEET registration fee are applicable as outlined in the table below:
| Company Secretary Course: Concession in CSEET Registration Fees | |
| Category | Fee Concession |
| SC/ST | 50% |
| Physically Handicapped | 50% |
| Wards and Widows of Martyrs and Defence Service Personnel with Permanent Disability | 100% |
| Serving / Retired Personnel of Defence Services and Paramilitary Forces | 50% |
| ICSI Staff and Wards / Spouse of ICSI Staff | 75% |
| ICLS Officers/ Officers & Staff of MCA and affiliated offices (NCLT, SFIO and CCI) | 100% |
| Students from North Eastern States, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep & Himachal Pradesh | 50% |
| Students from the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh | 100% |
Moreover, the Company Secretary Course stands as a well-structured educational path, offering a gradual progression through levels like Executive and Professional. With inclusive entry options and a meticulous examination process, it equips aspiring company secretaries with the essential skills for a successful career. PhysicsWallah (PW) emerges as a top coaching choice for CS exams, recognized for its commitment to quality education. Through innovative teaching methods and a focus on fundamental principles, PW ensures students are well-prepared to excel in the challenging realm of the Company Secretary Course.
Company Secretary Scope and Career Prospects
The field of Company Secretaries (CS) offers promising career prospects. It's highly regarded in Commerce and Accounting. Once you complete the course, you can explore roles in stock exchanges, company affairs departments, financial auditing firms, legal boards, and government offices. Becoming a Company Secretary opens up many opportunities. A certified Company Secretary can work independently, advising firms on loans, taxes, partnerships, licenses, and registrations. Alternatively, they can join a company secretary firm to assist clients. The main duties of a Company Secretary include keeping company records, managing tax returns, and ensuring the Board of Directors comply with legal obligations. They serve as a crucial connection between the company and its stakeholders like directors, shareholders, regulatory bodies, and the government. This involves overseeing procedures, guiding leaders on legal responsibilities, and promoting good governance. They also play a role in developing corporate sustainability frameworks, conducting secretarial compliance audits, and representing the company in legal matters. Additionally, Company Secretaries offer expertise in arbitration, negotiation, tax management, and securities issues both domestically and internationally. They also handle documentation related to securities offerings and secure necessary approvals with lead managers.Why Study Company Secretary?
Expertise: A course on company secretaryship offers comprehensive understanding of corporate regulations, oversight, and adherence.
Professionals in High Demand: All businesses, no matter how big or little, have to follow the law and regulations. Because of this, there is a continuous need for certified company secretaries to maintain corporate governance and compliance.
Role: Graduates of company secretary courses are vital to corporate governance since they help to make sure businesses follow the law. They serve as the board of directors' principal consultants on issues pertaining to governance and moral corporate conduct.
Career progress: Graduates of company secretary courses have a highly valued role with ample opportunity for career progress.
Company Secretary Job Profile
Similar to how a Chartered Accountant is crucial for businesses, a Company Secretary plays a vital role too, whether the business is large or small, government-run or private. Every business needs a Company Secretary to manage tax, legal, and investment matters consistently. Some companies hire independent Company Secretaries, while others prefer services provided by specialized firms. A qualified Company Secretary can find job opportunities in various sectors, including financial institutions, banks, heavy industries, and government agencies. Below are some potential job profiles that candidates can pursue after completing the Company Secretary course:
| Company Secretary Job Profile | |
|---|---|
| Job Profiles | Average Annual Salary |
| Business Consultant | INR 9.2 to 10 lakh |
| Company Registrar | INR 12.5 to 13.5 lakh |
| Legal Advisor | INR 3.6 lakh to 5.2 lakh |
| Corporate Policymaker | INR 5.3 lakh to 6.6 lakh |
| Chief Administrative Officer | INR 3.3 lakh to 4.8 lakh |
| Principal Secretary | INR 6.7 lakh to 9.8 lakh |
| Managing Director | INR 12 lakh to 13.1 lakh |
| Chairman | INR 15 lakh to 25 lakh |
The Company Secretary Course is a prestigious and rewarding professional qualification. With structured admission, well-defined eligibility criteria, and promising career opportunities, it serves as a gateway to a thriving career in corporate governance and financial management. Whether you are a student, graduate, or working professional, pursuing the CS course can open doors to numerous opportunities in legal and financial domains.
| Related Links | |
| CS Exam Pattern | CS Syllabus |
| CS Eligibility Criteria | CS Exam Date |
| CS Exam | CS Registration |
| ICSI CS | CS Result |
| CS Toppers | CS Exam Form |
Company Secretary Course FAQ
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