The company secretary course prepares one to advise companies on legal, financial, and governance issues. This article details the course, including eligibility criteria, admission process, and fees.
The Company Secretary (CS) course is a professional course that equips one to become a useful guide to companies in law, finance, and governance. Certified company secretaries oversee the legal side of a business, performing duties such as tax returns, record-keeping, and providing financial guidance to the board of directors. They make sure the company adheres to all legal requirements.
The CS is a 3-year professional course that prepares students to manage the legal affairs of a firm, such as tax returns and record keeping. A company secretary is directly engaged in a company's strategy and makes sure that all the activities are following legal and regulatory requirements.
The CS full form in commerce is Company Secretary. CS courses encompass different subjects such as corporate law, tax laws, company finance, governance, and ethics. CS courses generally consist of several levels of exams, in addition to practical training, to equip candidates for the intricate duties they will speculate on in a corporate setup.
Aspiring company secretaries receive instruction and training from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), which regulates the industry. Approximately 250,000 students and more than 65,000 members are now registered with ICSI.
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Company Secretary Course Highlights
The ICSI Company Secretary course is designed for individuals who wish to become company secretaries in India and abroad. Company secretaries are entrusted with numerous tasks ranging from filing and registration of documents to advising on management issues. They are empowered to certify or authenticate documents on behalf of institutions such as companies, share transfer agents, and secretarial auditors.
It's a dignified profession in accounting and business. Being a company secretary, you develop expertise in different aspects such as regulations of the stock exchange, corporate matters, auditing of finances, legal issues, and government laws. Refer to the table below for a glance at the Company Secretary Course.
| Company Secretary Course Overview | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization | Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) |
| Course Name | Company Secretary (CS) |
| Level and CS Course Duration | Three levels: CS foundation: 8 months CS executive—9 months CS Professional—15 months |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (June & December) |
| Exam Duration | Three hours for each paper |
| Language | English |
| Company Secretary Eligibility Criteria | CS Executive: Qualify for the CSEET exam Candidates need to pass the Class 12th exam CS Professional: Candidates should have passed the CS Executive Exam |
| Company Secretary Job profiles | Legal Advisor, Corporate Policymaker, Corporate Planner, Chief Administrative Officer, etc. |
| CS Registration validity | 3 to 5 years |
| Education opportunities after the CS course | PhD in Commerce, Management, and Law |
| Admission criteria | Through CSEET at the entry level (exemptions as per guidelines) |
| Official Website | www.icsi.edu/ |
What is the Company Secretary Course, and Why Choose It?
A company secretary course enables individuals to safeguard companies against legal problems. It provides the assurance that the company will be ethical in nature and meet legal and regulatory compliance. Be it business and corporate laws, intellectual property laws, secretarial audits, or many other aspects, a company secretary is prepared to be updated in all those aspects. A few good reasons for studying the CS course include:
- CS professionals are much sought after.
- Their job is very significant in the corporate world.
- Company secretary professionals can practice in public and private organizations or as freelance consultants.
- This professional is very highly regarded and respected by companies.
- Managerial and board-level roles and positions are available to CS professionals.
- CS professionals are multifaceted and versatile because they possess finance, management, legal, and communication skills and knowledge.
- The Company Secretary course is globally recognized.
- Because the job opportunities are plenty, there is secure employment.
Stages to Become a Company Secretary
The following table provides a basic overview of the stages involved in becoming a company secretary:
| Company Secretary Course Stages | |
| Stages | Exams |
| Stage 1 | CSEET |
| Stage 2 | CS Executive Course (8 papers) |
| Stage 3 | CS Professional Course (9 papers) |
| Stage 4 | Pre-membership training |
| Stage 5 | CS Membership |
| Stage 6 | Continuing Professional Development |
Eligibility Criteria for Company Secretary (UG & PG)
To register for the Company Secretary Course, an individual has to fulfill some eligibility requirements, which specify the educational and formal qualifications needed at each stage of the course. Candidates who want to enroll in this course should possess at least the minimum eligibility criteria mentioned below:
CS Executive Course Eligibility Criteria
For students who dream of joining the CS Executive course, it's necessary to be at least 17 years old and have completed class 12 education successfully. The process of admission to the CS Executive course provides two avenues, which are listed in the points below:
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Entrance Exam Route:
Age requirement: 17 years and older.
Education: Completed Class 12 in any stream (not Fine Arts) from a known university or equivalent. Graduates or postgraduates are eligible.
Other qualifications for admission: CS Foundation course passed, ICAI Final Course passed students (exemption fee), or ICMAI Final Course passed students (exemption fee).
Successful passing of the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) of ICSI.
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Direct Entry Route:
There is no entrance examination.
Eligibility for direct admission: Having cleared the CS Foundation examination or the Executive Entrance test of Company Secretary conducted by ICSI.
This two-entry system provides flexibility for those with varying levels of education to take the CS Executive Course.
CS Professional Course Eligibility Criteria
Once the CS Executive Course is finished, the candidates are qualified to move on to the CS Professional Course. That is, only those who have cleared the CS Executive Course can apply for and join the next level, which is the CS Professional Course. It is a step-by-step progression in the Company Secretary Course, with candidates establishing a strong foundation before they move on to the professional level.
Company Secretary Course Admission Process
The path to admission in the CS course is specifically designed for every level. The duration of the Company Secretary course varies from 3 to 5 years, depending on how fast students pass their exams. To start this course of study is the CSEET exam, which is taken four times a year.
Later, both the CS Executive and CS Professional exams are conducted every six months in June and December. Admission into the company secretaryship program differs depending on the level of the company secretary course. Irrespective of the level, the first action for prospective applicants is registration.
This involves filling out an online application and paying the respective fee within the given deadlines. After approval and acceptance of applications, course materials are normally sent to enable learning.
Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSSET)
The door to entry into the CS Executive Course is the CSEET exam. The applicants are given an option of taking four CSEET exam sessions in May, July, November, or January. A Rs. 1000 fee has to be paid for enrolling in a CSEET session. Upon passing the CSEET exam, the process of admission commences, leaving students with a direct route for joining the CS Executive Course without any interruptions. This simplified process is designed to guide and assist future company secretaries through their learning process.
| Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET): Important Dates | ||||
| CSEET Exam Month | CSEET Registration Dates | CSEET Exam Dates | CSEET Result Dates | CS Executive Course Registration Deadline |
| May | January 21 to April 15 | Saturday that is closest to May 10 | By May 20 | May 31 (to appear in both modules of the Executive Program in the December session of the same year) |
| July | May 21 to June 15 | Saturday that is closest to July 10 | By July 20 | July 31 (to appear in a single module of the Executive Program in the December session of the same year) |
| November | July 21 to October 15 | Saturday that is closest to November 10 | By 20th November | November 30 (to appear in both modules of the Executive Program in the June session next year) |
| January | November 21 to December 15 | Saturday that is closest to January 10 | By 20th January | January 31 (for appearing in a single module of the Executive Program in the June session of the same year) |
CS Foundation Course
The CS Foundation examination, one of the essential modules of the Company Secretary Course, has been canceled. The June 2021 session was the last date of opportunity for candidates who were registered under the older system to write the CS Foundation examination. It is an outcome of a realignment of the CS course framework, giving significant importance to learning about recent changes in an attempt to gain the company secretary qualification.
CS Executive Course
After successfully completing the CSEET, the following step is to register for the CS Executive Course, making their selection according to preference. In order to ensure a smooth transition in the Company Secretary Course, it's crucial to know the registration dates mentioned below:
June Session:
For all modules: Register on or before November 30 (last year).
For One Module: Register on or before January 31 (current year).
December Session:
For all modules: Register on or before May 31 (same year).
For One Module: Register on or before July 31 (same year).
The registration deadlines will enable a hassle-free progression in the Company Secretary Course, permitting candidates to map their academic experience effectively.
CS Professional Course
Applicants who have finished both modules of the Executive CS course can join the Professional Course by paying a registration fee of Rs. 12000, in addition to Rs. 1000 for the pre-exam test. This is the last level of the company secretary qualification.
June Session:
For all modules in the June session: Submit by August 31.
For one module: Register by November 30 of the previous year.
December Session:
For all modules in the December session: Register by February 28.
For one module: Enroll by May 31 of the same year.
Paying attention to these dates is important in having a smooth run in the Company Secretary Course.
Company Secretary Course Registration Process
The Continuation of CS Registration is valid for one year and can be continued by students subject to the residual training period. Students may apply for 'Continuation of Registration' for up to five years, allowing flexibility in the completion of the required training prior to becoming a full-fledged member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). This facility facilitates a gradual and lenient transition for future company secretaries.
- Step 1: Visit the ICSI website.
- Step 2: Fill out the online registration form.
- Step 3: Upload the required documents.
- Step 4: Pay the registration fee.
- Step 5: Submit the form and take a printout.
CS Course Fees
The charges for the CS course vary according to the particular level you're pursuing. To confirm admission and obtain course materials, applicants are required to pay the charges prior to the deadlines. The Company Secretary Course fee structure is as follows:
| Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) Fees | |
| Particulars | Fees |
| CSEET Registration Fees | ₹1000 Per Appearance |
CS Executive Course Fees
The CS Executive, the second stage of the Company Secretary program, takes nine months to complete. Admitting into this course is convenient, whether upon clearing CSEET, finishing graduation/post-graduation, or completing the CS Foundation. Every entry avenue has a fixed admission fee, accommodating the different career paths of prospective company secretaries.
| Company Secretary Executive Course Fees | ||||
| Particulars | CS Executive Entrance Test | CS Foundation Programme | Final Course of ICAI | Final Course of ICMAI |
| Registration fee | INR 2,000 | INR 2,000 | INR 2,000 | INR 2,000 |
| Education Fee | INR 6,500 | INR 6,500 | INR 6,500 | INR 6,500 |
| CSEET Exemption Fee | Nil | Nil | INR 5,000 | INR 5,000 |
| Pre-Exam Test Fee | INR 1,000 | INR 1,000 | INR 1,000 | INR 1,000 |
| One-Day Orientation Program | INR 600 | INR 600 | INR 600 | INR 600 |
| Chartered Secretary Journal Subscription (Optional) for one year | INR 500 | INR 500 | INR 500 | INR 500 |
| Total Fees | INR 10,600 | INR 10,600 | INR 15,600 | INR 15,600 |
CS Professional Course Fees
The final level in the Company Secretary course is CS Professional, which takes 15 months. Once the CS Executive course is completed, candidates can register for CS Professional at a fee of 12,000 INR, which can be paid through different means such as bank challans, net banking, debit, and credit cards. This is the final step in the process of attaining the company secretary qualification.
| Company Secretary Professional Course Fees | |
| Particulars | Fees |
| Education Fee | INR 12,000 |
| Pre-Exam Test Fee | INR 1,000 |
| Total Fees | INR 13,000 |
Note: It must be noted here that candidates have to pay an additional late fee of INR 250 if they delay registering on the given due date. These fees and dates are to be kept in sight at all costs for a smoother and more timely running of the Company Secretary Course.
Concession in CSEET Registration Fees
Avail concessions on CSEET registration fees as per the following categories:
| Company Secretary Course: Concession in CSEET Registration Fees | |
| Category | Fee Concession |
| SC/ST | 50% |
| Physically Handicapped | 50% |
| Wards and Widows of Martyrs and Defence Service Personnel with Permanent Disability | 100% |
| Serving / Retired Personnel of Defence Services and Paramilitary Forces | 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% |
Company Secretary Training
There is some training that the students have to undertake to finish the company secretary course. The entire duration to finish this training course is approximately 20 months. Look at these in detail below.
| Type of Training | Description | Duration |
| SIP or Student Introduction Programme | Students need to pursue this training within 6 months after applying for the CS executive program to be eligible to sit for the exams for both modules. | 7 days |
| EDP or Executive Development Programme | This training course is the most pursued among all, which the students can get into after coming through the CS training program before the 15 months of training. | 8 days |
| Compulsory Computer Training Programme | All the students have to pursue this course to be eligible for the CS executive program. | 70 hours |
| PDP or Professional Development Programme | Candidates have to pursue this training course for a period of 15 months of training. | 25 hours |
| Specialized Agency Training | Students can pursue this course after completing EDP or SIP or passing the professional program and by completing the 15 months of training. | 15 days |
| MSOP or Management Skills Orientation Programme | This training course can be pursued if the student has been partially or fully exempted from training and has registered the documents needed to fulfill the regulation of 1982. | 15 days |
| Professional or Management Training | Candidates can pursue this course with the completion of the CS Executive or CS Professional program. Students must complete their training with the companies that are registered with the Company Secretary in Practice or the ICSI Institute. | 15 months |
| Practical Training | Candidates can only pursue this training course if they have completed the CS professional program. Also, they are eligible to do this training only if they are exempted from undergoing the 12 months of training under the 1982 Companies Secretaries Regulation. | 3 months |
Company Secretary Career Scope
Company Secretaries (CS) is a field with promising career opportunities. It's considered very prestigious in commerce and accountancy. After completing the course, you have the option of working in stock exchanges, company affairs departments, financial auditing firms, legal boards, and government offices.
The career of a company secretary provides numerous opportunities. A certified company secretary can operate independently, counseling firms on loans, taxes, partnerships, licenses, and registrations.
Why Study the Company Secretary Course?
Expertise: Company secretaryship is a course that provides extensive knowledge of corporate regulation, governance, and compliance.
High-Demand Professionals: All companies, whether small or large, must comply with the law and regulations. Due to this, there is always a need for certified company secretaries to ensure corporate governance and compliance.
Role: Company secretary graduates play a crucial role in corporate governance because they ensure that businesses comply with the law. They are the board of directors' key advisers on matters of governance and ethical corporate behavior.
Career development: Company secretary graduates have a greatly respected role with great scope for career development.
Job Profile for the Company Secretary
Just as a Chartered Accountant is essential for enterprises, a Company Secretary is essential as well, whether the enterprise is small or big, public or private. All enterprises require a company secretary to deal with tax, legal, and investment issues on a regular basis.
Independent Company Secretaries are hired by some firms, while services from specialized firms are opted for by others. A company secretary with the necessary qualifications can pursue employment opportunities across different industries, such as financial institutions, banks, heavy industries, and government bodies. Some possible job roles are available for candidates. The table below represents the job roles with CS salary in India.
| Company Secretary Job Profile | |
| Job Profiles | Average Annual Salary |
| Business Consultant | INR 9.2 to 10 lakh |
| Company Registrar | INR 12.5 to 13.5 lakh |
| Legal Advisor | INR 3.6 lakh to 5.2 lakh |
| Corporate Policymaker | INR 5.3 lakh to 6.6 lakh |
| Chief Administrative Officer | INR 3.3 lakh to 4.8 lakh |
| Principal Secretary | INR 6.7 lakh to 9.8 lakh |
| Managing Director | INR 12 lakh to 13.1 lakh |
| Chairman | INR 15 lakh to 25 lakh |
Conclusion
The Company Secretary course is a high-profile qualification that acts as a passport to high-paying job opportunities in corporate governance, compliance, and management. Through its rigorous evaluation process and comprehensive course curriculum, the course prepares professionals with the abilities and knowledge they need to succeed in this line of work.
