Restructured CSEET FAQs: Important Questions About the New Examination

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has introduced several changes to the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET). The revised system changes the examination mode, paper structure, schedule, and some important registration rules. Candidates preparing for CSEET may therefore have questions about how the new system works and what they need to do before appearing for the examination.

The Restructured CSEET FAQs below explain the major changes in simple terms. They cover the revised examination pattern, eligibility, registration validity, fees, examination schedule, passing criteria, admit card, results, and other important rules. Candidates can use these Restructured CSEET frequently asked questions to understand the new examination process before planning their attempt.

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What Is the Restructured CSEET?

The restructured CSEET is the revised format of the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test introduced by ICSI.

The key changes include:

• The examination is conducted in centre-based mode.

• CSEET is conducted three times a year.

• The examination has four papers.

• Three papers are subjective.

• One paper is OMR-based.

• There is no negative marking in the OMR-based paper.

• Registration remains valid for three years.

• Candidates must complete SIP before examination enrolment.

The revised system applies to candidates registering on or after 16 December 2025. The first examination under the new system was conducted in June 2026.

What Is the New CSEET Exam Pattern?

The CSEET new examination structure has four papers conducted over four days.

The fourth paper is divided into:

• Business Laws: 60 marks

• Business Management: 40 marks

What Are the CSEET Examination Timings?

The examination is held in the afternoon session.

• Subjective papers: 2:30 PM to 5:45 PM

• OMR-based paper: 2:30 PM to 4:45 PM

• Question paper reading time: 15 minutes for each paper

When Is CSEET Conducted?

Under the CSEET revised structure 2026, the examination is conducted three times a year.

The results are generally declared:

• February session: Last week of March

• June session: Last week of July

• October session: Last week of November

Candidates should check the latest ICSI notification for the exact dates of their examination session.

Who Can Apply for CSEET?

The eligibility criteria under the revised system are:

• The candidate must be an Indian national.

• The candidate must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 or an equivalent examination.

Some candidates are exempted from CSEET and can directly register for the CS Executive Programme.

These include:

• Candidates who have passed the ICSI Foundation Examination.

• Candidates who have passed the Final Stage of CA.

• Candidates who have passed the Final Stage of CMA.

• Graduates and postgraduates in any discipline.

• Final-year or final-semester bachelor's degree students.

These exemptions are an important part of the CSEET revised examination FAQs for candidates planning their entry into the CS Executive Programme.

What Are the Passing Criteria for CSEET?

Candidates need to meet both paper-wise and aggregate requirements.

To qualify, a candidate must secure:

• At least 40% marks in each paper

• At least 50% marks in aggregate

• The requirements must be met in one sitting

There is no provision for exemption or carry forward of marks in CSEET.

How Long Is CSEET Registration Valid?

CSEET registration is valid for three years from the month of registration. Candidates can appear in the available examination sessions during this period. A candidate who does not qualify in one attempt does not need to register again. The candidate can appear in another session while the registration remains valid.

What Is the CSEET Fee?

The CSEET registration fee is Rs. 7,500.

This includes:

• Student Induction Programme (SIP)

• Free online classes

The examination enrolment fee is Rs. 1,500 per session.

Are Fee Concessions Available?

Yes. Concessions are available for certain categories.

The applicable concession depends on the candidate's category and the fee being paid.

What Are the Important Registration and Examination Rules?

Candidates should keep the following CSEET new scheme FAQs points in mind:

CSEET Registration

The general registration periods are:

The applicable dates can vary for a particular session.

CSEET Examination Enrolment

Registration and examination enrolment are separate processes.

For the June session:

• Without late fee: 1 March to 7 April

• With late fee: 8 April to 20 April

For the October session:

• Without late fee: 1 July to 7 August

• With late fee: 8 August to 20 August

For the February session:

• Without late fee: 1 November to 7 December

• With late fee: 8 December to 20 December

CS Student Induction Programme

Completing SIP is mandatory before examination enrolment.

CSEET Study Material and Classes

ICSI provides study material to registered students. Free online classes are also conducted for registered CSEET students.

What Are the Other Important CSEET Changes?

The CSEET examination changes 2026 also include specific rules related to admit cards, marksheets, result validity, and examination centres.

The e-Admit Card is generally available around 10 days before the examination through the ICSI website.

Candidates who choose Dubai as their examination centre have to pay an overseas examination surcharge equivalent to US$100 in Indian rupees, in addition to the prescribed examination fee.

The CSEET restructuring FAQs are important for candidates preparing under the revised examination system. The major changes include centre-based exams, three examination sessions every year, a four-paper structure, and revised registration and enrolment rules.

Candidates should keep track of their registration validity, complete SIP before examination enrolment, and follow the prescribed dates for their selected session. They should also refer to the latest ICSI notifications for any updates related to the examination.