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What is the process for starting the CS Foundation course?
You can start the CS Foundation course by registering on the ICSI website and completing the required application.
Is it possible to clear the CS Foundation course in 1 month?
Clearing the CS Foundation course within 1 month is highly challenging because of its comprehensive syllabus. Achieving success in such a short time requires intense focus and thorough preparation.
How many times can candidates attempt the CS Foundation exam?
Students enrolled in the CS Foundation course have up to three years to complete and pass the exam. Within these three years, they are allowed multiple attempts to clear the examination, giving them ample opportunities to succeed while managing their studies and other commitments.
Is the CS Foundation exam easy to crack for students?
The CS Foundation is manageable with disciplined study and a good understanding of the subjects, but it requires effort.
CS Foundation Course, Duration, Eligibility, Admission Process, Syllabus, Fees, And Study Material
CS Foundation, now replaced by CSEET conducted by ICSI, is a mandatory entrance exam that qualifies candidates for the CS Executive Programme. Know the important details for this prestigious exam here.
Rahul Jaiswal1 Apr, 2025
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The CS Foundation Course, now replaced by CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test), is the mandatory qualifying exam for candidates aspiring to pursue the CS Executive Programme under the Institute of CompanySecretaries of India (ICSI). This blog provides a comprehensive guide to the CS Foundation Course, covering eligibility, admission process, syllabus, fees, study materials, and other essential details.
What is the CS Foundation Course?
The CS Foundation Course was designed for students who have completed their 10+2 or equivalent exams and sought a career in corporate governance, business law, and ethics. However, effective from February 3, 2020, the CS Foundation exam has been discontinued and replaced with the CSEET under The Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020. Now, all aspiring CS students must qualify for CSEET to enroll in the CS Executive Programme.
CS Foundation Exam Highlights
The CS Foundation Course is an 8-month program that serves as the first step toward becoming a company secretary. It provided foundational knowledge in corporate law, business management, and ethics. However, as of February 3, 2020, the CS Foundation exam has been replaced by the CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) under “The Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020”. The CSEET is now the mandatory qualifying entrance test for the CS Executive Program registration. With the introduction of CSEET, new registrations for the CS Foundation Programme have been discontinued. The table below provides a brief overview of the CS Foundation exam.
CS Foundation Exam Highlights
Particulars
Details
Course Name
CS Foundation Exam
Course Level
Level 1 Exam
Admission
Merit-Based
Duration
8 Months
Eligibility
Students who passed the 10+2 exam in any stream except fine arts can apply for this exam.
Registration Fees
2000
Exam Conducting Authority
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (I.C.S.I)
Official Website
https://www.icsi.edu/
CS Foundation Duration
The duration of the CS Foundation course is 8 months. Students must complete the course within this period; however, the registration is valid for three years. Those who clear the CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test) can skip this level and directly enroll in the CS Executive course.
CS Foundation Eligibility
Students who have passed their 10+2 or equivalent examination can enroll in the CS Foundation Program. Additionally, students who have appeared for or are enrolled in a senior secondary (10+2 or equivalent) examination can apply for provisional admission. However, they must prove passing the examination within six months of being granted provisional admission.
CS Foundation Admission Process
Students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the CS Foundation Admission Process by following the steps discussed below: The admission process for the CS Foundation Program is easy and completely online. Here is the step-by-step guide to navigate the process with ease:Step 1: Document Preparation: Students should prepare all necessary documents before beginning the application. This includes scanned copies of a passport-sized photograph, signature, proof of 10+2 education, birth certificate, and any other relevant identity proof such as an Aadhaar, PAN card, or voter ID.Step 2: Online Registration: Students must visit the official ICSI website and register for the CS course. The registration is entirely online, which makes it accessible from anywhere.Step 3: Form Filling: The online form requires students to fill in their basic personal details, such as name, gender, date of birth, and nationality, along with their educational qualifications. It’s important to ensure that all details are filled in accurately to avoid issues later in the process.Step 4: Document Upload: The next step involves uploading the scanned documents prepared earlier. This includes educational certificates and identity proofs, essential for verifying the student’s eligibility.Step 5: Fee Payment: Students must pay the required fees after submitting the documents. The total course fee is INR 4,500, including admission, tuition, and examination fees. Payment can be made online via various methods, such as credit/debit cards or net banking.Step 6: Confirmation and ID Generation: Upon successful submission of the application and payment, a Unique Request ID is generated. This ID is crucial for future correspondence with ICSI.
CS Foundation Admit Card
The CS Foundation admit card is essential for appearing in the examination. Candidates must download and print their admit cards from the ICSI website before the exam date, as entry into the examination hall requires.
CS Foundation Exam Pattern
The CS Foundation exam is a computer-based test conducted over two days. On the first day, candidates are tested on Business Environment and Law, and entrepreneurship. The second day focuses on Business Economics and Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing. The other important details regarding the CS Foundation exam pattern are discussed below:
CS Foundation Exam Pattern
Days
Subject
Number of Questions
Marks
Day 1
Business Environment and Law
50
100
Business Management, Ethics, and Entrepreneurship
50
100
Day 2
Business Economics
50
100
Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing
50
100
CS Foundation Syllabus
The syllabus for the CS Foundation Programme is designed to provide students with a broad yet thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts required for a career in company secretarial practice. The syllabus includes:
Business Environment and Law: This subject covers the basics of the business environment, forms of business organizations, emerging business trends, and an introduction to various laws affecting businesses, including company law.
Business Management, Ethics, and Entrepreneurship: This area focuses on management principles, business ethics, entrepreneurship development, and the role of ethics in business management.
Business Economics: This subject focuses on economic principles, market analysis, and an overview of the Indian economy, helping students understand the economic environment in which businesses operate.
Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing: This subject introduces the accounting process, financial statements, auditing principles, and the role of accounting in business decision-making.
CS Foundation Fee Structure
The table below highlights the important details regarding the CS Foundation fee structure.
CS Foundation Fee Structure
CS Foundation Registration Fees
Rs. 2000
Concession to CS Foundation registration fees are applicable for various candidates, as discussed below.
SC/ST
50%
Physically Handicapped
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%
CS Foundation Qualifying Marks
A candidate will be declared to have passed the Foundation Programme Examination if they secure at least 40% marks in each subject and 50% marks in the aggregate in one sitting. If a candidate has appeared in all subjects and achieved 60% or more in any subject but did not pass, they will be declared to have passed in a subsequent examination if they achieve at least 40% in each remaining subject and 50% in the aggregate of those remaining subjects in one sitting within the next three examinations.
CS Foundation Qualification-Based Exemption Scheme
All graduates and postgraduates (except those in fine arts), as well as those who have passed the Foundation Examination of The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI-CMA), the CPT Examination of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), or any equivalent examination recognized by the Institute's Council, are exempt from the Foundation Programme Examination.
CS Foundation Study Material
A variety of books by esteemed authors are available to help students prepare for the CS Foundation course. Below are some recommended options.
CS Foundation Study Material
Books
Author Name
A Manual of Mercantile Laws
M.C. Shukla
Mercantile Law
M.C. Kuchhal
Business Laws
D. Chandra Bose
Business Studies
Poonam Gandhi
Business Statistics
R. S. Bhardwaj
Financial Accounting – Concepts & Applications
R. Narayanaswamy
Advanced Accounting, Volume I
S. P. Jain & K. L. Narang
Auditing Principles & Practice
S. D. Sharma
Financial Accounting
P. C. Tulsian
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