CS Professional 2025: The Company Secretary (CS) Professional 2025 exam is the final level of the CS course conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). This stage is crucial for aspiring Company Secretaries as it focuses on advanced corporate laws, governance, and compliance practices. To help you navigate this exam, we will cover the CS Professional 2025 syllabus, eligibility criteria, and an effective study plan to ensure your success.
The CS Professional program is the final stage of the Company Secretary course, designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge of corporate governance, compliance, and legal frameworks. Conducted by ICSI, this stage prepares candidates to handle high-level legal, tax, and corporate matters. Clearing this level enables professionals to take up advisory and managerial roles in corporate law, financial management, and regulatory affairs.
Before applying for the CS Professional 2025 exam, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:
Completion of CS Executive Level: Only students who have cleared both modules of the CS Executive exam are eligible.
ICSI Registration: Candidates must be registered with ICSI for CS Professional and complete the required Pre-Exam Test and One-Day Orientation Program.
Training Requirements: Some students may need to fulfill certain training requirements as per ICSI regulations before appearing for the final exam.
The CS Professional Syllabus 2025 consists of two modules. The subjects are divided as follows:
ICSI CS Professional Syallbus | ||
Group 1 | ||
Paper Number | Subjects | Marks |
1 | Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) – Principles & Practice Part I – Governance and Sustainability | 65 |
Part II – Risk Management | 20 | |
Part III- Environment & Sustainability Reporting | 15 | |
2 | Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances Part I – Drafting and Conveyancing | 70 |
Part II – Pleadings and Appearances | 30 | |
3 | Compliance Management, Audit & Due Diligence Part I – Compliance Management | 40 |
Part II – Audit & Due Diligence | 60 | |
4 | Elective 1 (Select one Paper out of 4 Elective Papers) | |
Group 2 | ||
Paper Number | Subjects | Marks |
5 | Strategic Management & Corporate Finance Part I – Strategic Management | 40 |
Part II – Corporate Finance | 60 | |
6 | Corporate Restructuring, Valuation and Insolvency Part I – Corporate Restructuring | 40 |
Part II – Valuation | 20 | |
Part III – Insolvency, Liquidation & Winding up | 40 | |
7 | Elective 2 (Select one Paper out of 5 Elective Papers) | |
Elective Subjects | ||
Paper Number | Elective 1 | Elective 2 |
4.1 | CSR & Social Governance Part I – Corporate Social Responsibility (50 Marks)Part II – Social Governance (50 Marks) | Arbitration, Mediation & Conciliation Part I – Arbitration & Conciliation (70 Marks)Part II – Mediation (30 Marks) |
4.2 | Internal and Forensic AuditPart I – Internal Audit (60 Marks)Part II – Forensic Audit (40 Marks) | Goods and Services Tax (GST) & CorporateTax PlanningPart I – Goods and Services Tax (GST) (70 Marks)Part II – Corporate Tax Planning (30 Marks) |
4.3 | Intellectual Property Rights – Law & Practice(100 Marks) | Labour Laws & Practice (100 Marks) |
4.4 | Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Cyber Security – Laws & Practice (100 Marks) | Banking & Insurance – Laws & Practice Part I – Banking Laws (50 Marks)Part II – Insurance Laws (50 Marks) |
Insolvency and Bankruptcy – Law & Practice (100 Marks) |
A structured study plan is essential to clear the CS Professional exam. Below is an effective strategy to help you cover the syllabus efficiently:
The exam consists of open-book and descriptive papers.
Some papers require case study analysis.
Subjects like Multidisciplinary Case Studies and Electives follow an open-book format.
Allocate 3-4 months for thorough preparation.
Dedicate 8-10 hours daily, dividing time for each module.
Solve previous CS Professional question papers to understand the paper pattern.
Stick to ICSI’s official study material.
Refer to standard books for deeper conceptual clarity.
Take regular notes for quick revision.
The CS Professional exam heavily tests case laws and compliance procedures.
Stay updated with recent amendments in corporate laws.
Practice drafting resolutions and agreements for Drafting, Pleadings & Appearances.
Solve mock tests and previous years’ papers.
Revise key concepts at least three times before the exam.
Attempt ICSI-prepared mock exams to get familiar with the actual exam pattern.
Electives and Multidisciplinary Case Studies require good referencing skills.
Mark relevant sections in books for quick access.
Practice solving case-based questions in exam-like conditions.
ICSI frequently updates laws and compliance regulations.
Subscribe to corporate law journals, RBI & SEBI updates, and ICSI notifications.
Read questions thoroughly before answering.
Allocate specific time for each section.
Answer case-based questions with proper legal reasoning.
Candidates must register for the CS Professional exam before the deadline. Key points to note:
The CS Professional exam is conducted twice a year (June & December), so plan your preparation accordingly.
The CS Professional 2025 exam is a critical milestone for aspiring Company Secretaries. A well-structured study plan, consistent revision, and staying updated with legal amendments will help you clear the exam with confidence. Focus on conceptual clarity, solve past question papers, and attempt mock tests to boost your performance.
With the right preparation strategy, you can successfully become a qualified Company Secretary and step into the corporate world with expertise in governance, compliance, and legal advisory roles.
Start your CS Professional 2025 journey today and take a step closer to a rewarding career!