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 .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/ |
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 |
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) |
Below we've mentioned the complete details for CS Course Fees of all the levels i.e. CSEET, CS Executive, and CS Professional:
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/- |
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.
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.
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.
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 |