ICSI CS Passing Criteria 2026: Qualifying Marks for Executive & Professional Exams

ICSI CS Passing Criteria 2026 refers to the rules set by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) that determine how you qualify (pass) each stage of the Company Secretary (CS) exams in 2026. These rules help students understand the minimum scores required to clear each level of the CS examination. 

Knowing the Passing criteria can help you plan your preparation effectively and ensure you meet the required CS Qualifying Marks for the Foundation, Executive, and Professional Programmes.

ICSI CS Passing Criteria 2026 Overview

The ICSI CS Passing Criteria 2026 set the minimum marks required to clear the Foundation, Executive, and Professional Programmes. Candidates must meet both the subject-wise and aggregate qualifying requirements to pass. The table below provides a quick overview of the minimum passing criteria across all programme levels.

Candidates who score 60% or more in eligible subjects or papers may also qualify for exemptions, subject to the applicable ICSI qualifying rules.

ICSI Foundation Programme Passing Criteria

To pass the CS Foundation Programme, candidates must meet two main conditions in a single attempt:

• Minimum Marks Per Subject: Score at least 40% in each individual subject.

• Overall Aggregate: Achieve a minimum of 50% in the aggregate marks of all subjects combined.

Foundation Programme Exemptions

If you score 60% or more in any subject but do not pass the overall Foundation Programme, you get an exemption for that subject. In your next three attempts, you only need 40% in each remaining subject. You must also achieve 50% aggregate in these remaining subjects to pass the programme.

ICSI CS Executive Programme Passing Marks

The Executive Programme has specific CS Executive Passing Marks. These criteria apply whether you attempt modules together or separately.

For Both Executive Modules (Taken Simultaneously)

When attempting both modules at once, you must clear both in a single sitting:

• Minimum Marks Per Paper: Obtain at least 40% in each paper.

• Overall Aggregate: Secure a minimum of 50% in the aggregate of all papers combined.

For One Executive Module

To pass a single Executive Module:

• Minimum Marks Per Paper: Get at least 40% in each paper of that module.

• Overall Aggregate: Achieve a minimum of 50% in the aggregate of all papers in that module.
  
  

You complete the Executive Programme after passing both modules individually.

Executive Programme Exemptions

If you score 60% or more in any paper(s) of a module but fail the module, you get an exemption. This means you do not need to re-attempt that specific paper in subsequent exams. However, if you do not wish for this exemption, you can apply to cancel it before the exam enrollment deadline.

If you fail one paper but score 60% or more in the total marks of the other papers in that module, you only need to re-appear for the failed paper. You must secure 50% marks in that one paper in any subsequent exam to pass the module. Marks from exempted papers are not counted for future aggregate calculations.

ICSI CS Professional Programme Passing Marks

The Professional Programme also has clear CS Professional Passing Marks. These rules apply to all modules or single-module attempts.

For All Professional Modules (Taken Simultaneously)

If you take all modules together:

• Minimum Marks Per Paper: Score at least 40% in each paper.

• Overall Aggregate: Achieve a minimum of 50% in the aggregate of all papers combined.

For One Professional Module

To pass a single Professional Module:

• Minimum Marks Per Paper: Obtain at least 40% in each paper of that module.

• Overall Aggregate: Secure a minimum of 50% in the aggregate of all papers in that module.
  
  

You complete the Professional Programme after passing all modules.

Professional Programme Exemptions

Similar to the Executive Programme, if you score 60% or more in one or more papers of a module but fail the module, you receive an exemption for those papers. You will not need to re-attempt them. Students can apply to cancel an exemption before the enrollment deadline if they prefer.

If you fail only one paper but get 60% or more in the total marks of the remaining papers within that module, you need to re-appear only for that failed paper. You must score 50% in that paper in any later exam to pass the module. Exempted paper marks are not considered when calculating results for remaining papers.