
CS Executive Eligibility Criteria 2026: CS Executive eligibility criteria 2026 outline the minimum requirements that every aspirant must meet before applying for the exam. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) prescribes specific academic qualifications, age limit, and other conditions that determine who can register for the CS Executive programme. Understanding these norms is crucial, as applications of ineligible candidates are liable to be rejected at any stage of the process. This article explains in detail the CS Executive 2026 eligibility, including educational requirements, age criteria, and important points to keep in mind before registration.
Here, check the table below for a quick overview of the CS Executive Eligibility Criteria 2026
| CS Executive Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization | Institute of Company Secretaries of India |
| Exam Name | CS Executive Exam |
| Frequency of Conduct | 2 times a year |
| Exam Level | National Level Exam |
| Languages | English |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Official Website | icsi.edu |
Please ensure that you meet the requirements before applying for the CS Executive exam. This includes factors such as your educational qualifications, required scores, and age limit. Checking these eligibility criteria beforehand can prevent any issues from arising in the future. Now, let's take a closer look at the CS Executive Eligibility Criteria 2026 as set by ICSI.
Recommended Books: Books for CS Exams Preparation
Here are the CS Executive eligibility criteria 2026 age limit for exam registration:
Minimum Age Requirement: To be eligible for CS Executive registration , candidates must be at least 17 years of age. This means that individuals younger than 17 are not eligible to apply for the exam.
No Maximum Age Limit: Unlike the minimum age requirement, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) does not specify any maximum age limit for candidates applying for the CS Executive exam. This means there is no upper age restriction, and individuals of any age can apply as long as they meet other eligibility criteria.
It's important to note that these eligibility criteria are set by ICSI and serve as the foundation for individuals interested in pursuing the Company Secretary (CS) Executive program.
The absence of a maximum age limit is a welcoming feature, as it ensures that individuals can pursue this professional qualification regardless of their age, promoting inclusivity and accessibility. However, candidates must still meet other prerequisites and fulfil the necessary documentation and procedural requirements for CS Executive registration.
Here, check the table below for CS executive eligibility criteria for the 2026 education qualification:
| CS Executive Eligibility Criteria 2026 Educational Qualification | |
| CS Foundation | CSEET |
| Individuals who have successfully passed the CS Foundation examination conducted by ICSI are eligible to enrol for the CS Executive exam. | By exam the eligibility criteria, candidates are generally required to clear the CSEET exam. However, some exceptions to this requirement are detailed below. |
Candidates can register for the CS Executive exam without having to take the CS Foundation or CSEET exam if:
These alternative qualifications allow you to register directly for the CS Executive exam, bypassing the Foundation or CSEET requirements.
In the CS Executive Program with the 2022 syllabus, certain exemptions are available. These exemptions mean that you may not have to complete certain parts of the program. The specific exemptions are listed in the table below.
| Basis of Exemption Qualification | Exemption in Paper(s) covered under the recognisedExecutive Programme |
| Passed LL.B. (Three Years Degree Course / or Five Years Integrated Law Course) from a recognized University/Institute either constituted under an Act of Parliament or approved by AICTE/AIU and having secured 50% or more marks in the aggregate. (Qualification Code: 47) | Group - I Paper-1: Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws (Paper Code – 521) |
| Final Pass Students of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (Qualification Code: 44) | Group - I Paper 4: Corporate Accounting and Financial Management (Paper Code – 524) Group - II Paper 7: Tax Laws & Practice (Paper Code – 527) |
It's important to note that once the registration period for a specific session ends, ICSI will release the CS Executive exam form for 2026. Before filling out this form, you should have dedicated eight months to preparing for a recognised Executive after registration. ICSI sees this as the necessary preparation time.
Join PW CS Online Courses and build a strong foundation in corporate laws and governance with structured learning and dedicated support.
