Company Secretary Eligibility Criteria 2025, Age Limits, Requirements for Each Level

Explore the updated CS eligibility criteria for 2025: for the Executive and Professional Program, major dates, discounts, age limits, training requirements—all official details.

To make a career as a company secretary (CS) in India, a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria set by the ICSI is required. In 2025, the path remains well-structured: Start with CSEET until you give discounts, proceed through the executive level, and finally proceed to the professional stage. Each infection has its own timeline, academician, and procedural requirements, which the aspiration should plan and ensure.

ICSI has established the company secretary eligibility criteria for 2025, which cover educational prerequisites, career advancement, and important admission exams. Check the Executive and Professional Program's CS Eligibility Requirements here. 

CS Foundation eligibility requires completing the Class 12 boards. CS Executive is open to students who have finished CS Foundation. In addition, students who have graduated may apply for the position of CS Executive. Students who have finished the CS Executive can proceed to the CS Professional. 

Company Secretary Course Details 

There are three stages in the company secretary program. The initial stage is CS Foundation, then comes the stage of CS Executive, and then there is CS Professional. Any one of them has to be passed to be eligible as a company secretary.

Parameters For CS Foundation For CS Executive For CS Professional
Course Level First Second Third
Course Duration 8 months 9 months 15 months
Eligibility Passed 10+2 in any stream (except Fine Arts) After graduation or Post-graduation (except Fine Arts), one should have either cleared CS Foundation or CSEET After qualifying for the CS Executive Exam
No. of Subjects 4 subjects 8 subjects (in two modules, with 4 subjects in each module) 9 subjects (in three modules, with 3 subjects in each module)
Exam Twice a year (June and December) Twice a year (June and December) Twice a year (June and December)
Course Fee INR 4500 INR 10600 to INR 15600 INR 12000
Exam Fee INR 1200 INR 1200 for each module INR 1200 for each module
Top Institute for CS course The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)
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CS Foundation Eligibility Criteria 2025

All the candidates applying for admission to the CS Foundation course are under the following. 

  • A recognized board/university should have passed its 10+2 or similar examination with a minimum of 50% total marks. 
  • Students who are seen in Grade 10+2 are eligible for the ICSI CS Foundation program, but they need to show proof, like their exam roll number.

CS Executive Eligibility Criteria 2025

All the candidates applying for admission to the CS Executive Course are eligible if they fall under the following. 

  • Candidates must have scored more than 40% in each subject of the CS Foundation Examination. 
  • Candidates with a bachelor's degree can apply directly to the CS Executive Course.
  • The age of the candidates should be at least 17 years. 
  • Candidates who have passed the CSEET can also apply for the CS Executive Course. 

CS Professional Eligibility Criteria 2025

All the candidates applying for admission to the CS professional course are eligible if they fall under the following. 

  • The candidate has to pass both modules in the CS executive examinations with the minimum passing score set by ICSI. 
  • Currently, to be eligible for the CS Executive Examination, candidates will have to score between 40% and 50% in each subject.

Company Secretary Requirements 

The Company Secretary is one of the most difficult exams in India. It is for the position of company secretary. There are certain prerequisites to becoming a company secretary.

  • Candidates must have passed their 10+2 from a known board with a minimum of 50%.
  • The candidates must have cleared the CS Foundation Exam successfully.
  • Aspirants must have cleared the CS Executive Exam successfully.
  • The candidates should have cleared the CS Professional Exam successfully.
  • Once they pass all three levels, the candidates must go through 15 months of on-the-job training.
  • 15 days of training in an organization like the stock exchange, the Registrar of Companies office, a banking organization, or a financial organization.
  • 15-day Management Skills Orientation Programme (MSOP)—once the professional program.
  • The candidates shall have to finish 25 hours of the Professional Development Program (PDP).
  • Once the CS Professional Program is cleared, the student can register as a licensed ICSI until training requirements are completed.

CS Exam Preparation Tips 

Once you have completed the CS Eligibility Criteria 2025, it's time to prepare for the CS exam 2025. To prepare well for the CS exam, you must adhere to some tips and tricks that can assist you in achieving your goal. Here are some tips you can follow:

  • Understand the Syllabus: Begin by reading the exam syllabus so that you know the main topics. Knowing what to cover will enable you to manage your study time effectively.
  • Create a Study Plan: Plan your study timetable so that you cover all topics in a methodical way. Spend more time on difficult areas while making sure that you go through all subjects prior to the exam.
  • Master the Basics: Good basic knowledge of programming concepts, data structures, and algorithms is fundamental. Practice from lecture notes, textbooks, and online tutorials to reinforce your concepts.
  • Practice Coding Continuously: Practice coding problems on sites such as LeetCode, CodeChef, and HackerRank. This enhances problem-solving abilities and the ability to write efficient code within a stipulated time.
  • Review Old Exam Papers: Practice questions from previous exams familiarize you with the question pattern and work on time management. Attempt them under simulated exam conditions for effective preparation.
  • Participate in Group Discussions: Group study with fellow students can clarify doubts, offer diverse viewpoints, and support learning through discussion and solving problems.

Why Choose CS Exam Test Series for CS Preparation 

When it comes to preparing for the hard CS exams, choosing the right test series can make all the difference. csexams.in has emerged as a trusted and result-oriented platform for CSEET, Executive, and Professional-level aspirants. Here's why it should be your first choice:

  • Trusted by Thousands of CS Aspirants: The CS Exam has built a strong reputation among CS students for its consistent quality and excellent student feedback.
  • ICSI Pattern-Based Question Papers: All tests are strictly based on the latest ICSI exam pattern and syllabus, ensuring real exam-like practice.
  • Timely Evaluation with Expert Feedback: Get your answers evaluated within 48–72 hours along with detailed feedback, a marking scheme, and improvement tips.
  • Personalized Mentorship & Study Planner: Get personalized mentorship, performance tracking, and a daily study plan customized to your syllabus completion pace.

FAQs

Who is eligible to carry forward the company's secretary in 2025 after class 12?

Anyone who has passed class 12 in any stream (except fine arts) from a recognized board is eligible to apply for the CSEET exam under the Company Secretary Eligibility 2025. This is the first step towards becoming a company secretary in India.

Is a minimum percentage required for Company Secretary Eligibility 2025?

Company Secretary Eligibility requires no specific percentage for 2025. A pass is sufficient in the qualification test (e.g., class 12 or graduation). However, good academic performance can be helpful during professional studies and interviews.

Can a graduate company secretary leave CSEET under the eligibility of of 2025?

Yes, in any discipline, graduation (except for fine arts) is exempted from CSEET. According to the company's secretary, for eligibility in 2025, they can register directly for the CS Executive Program if they meet the terms of exemption.

Is there any age limit under the Company Secretary Eligibility 2025?

No upper or lower age limit is set under the Company Secretary Eligibility 2025. Candidates can start courses at any age after meeting educational qualification requirements, making it equally accessible to students and working professionals.

Does the company secretary eligibility for 2025 allow foreign students to apply?

Yes, foreign nationals can apply for the CS course, but they have to meet the same qualification criteria. Company Secretary Eligibility 2025 requires proper documentation and qualification evidence from recognized international boards or universities.

Is Company Secretary Eligibility 2025 the same in all states in India?

Yes, the eligibility criteria are the same all over India. Company Secretary Eligibility 2025 is defined by the Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and applies equally to all applicants, regardless of their state or location.

Can a CA or CMA Student Company Secretary under the 2025 eligibility?

Yes, candidates who have passed the CA Foundation or CMA Foundation have been exempted from CSEET. Under the Company Secretary Eligibility 2025, they can register directly for the executive program if they provide relevant qualification proof.

Does the Company Secretary Eligibility 2025 require English as a compulsory subject?

English is not an essential subject for CS registration. According to the company's secretary eligibility criteria 2025, any section as long as the candidate has passed the 12th standard from a recognized board.

How many stages are there after meeting the company secretary eligibility criteria in 2025?

Once a candidate for Company Secretary Eligibility completes 2025, they have to clear three stages: CSEET (or exemption), executive program, and professional program, followed by practical training to become a certified company secretary.

Can a working professional company secretary be available from 2025?

Yes, working professionals can also apply if they complete their educational qualifications. The company secretary eligibility is 2025 flexible and allows both freshers and professionals to offer enrollment, weekends, and online learning options.