CS Foundation Course, Duration, Eligibility, Admission Process, Syllabus, Fees, And Study Material
Rahul Jaiswal1 Apr, 2025
Share
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 Company Secretaries 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 However, as of February 3, 2020, the CS Foundation exam has been replaced by the CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) under “The Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020”.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: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 |
Preparing for the CS Exam? Join PW CS Online Classes for personalized advice, interactive live sessions, and regular practice tests to help your CS Journey.
| 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 |
| CS Pass Percentage | CS Executive Syllabus |
CS Foundation Course FAQs
What is the process for starting the CS Foundation course?
Is it possible to clear the CS Foundation course in 1 month?
How many times can candidates attempt the CS Foundation exam?
Is the CS Foundation exam easy to crack for students?
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
