Introduction

The Company Secretary (CS) course is a prestigious professional program offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). It equips individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to work as Company Secretaries and corporate governance professionals. Here's a complete guide to the CS course details after 12th:

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Students who have completed their 10+2 education in any stream (Commerce, Science, or Arts) from a recognized board are eligible to register for the CS course.
• There is no minimum percentage requirement for 12th standard to enroll in the CS Foundation course.

 

CS Course Stages:

The CS course is divided into three stages:

A. CS Foundation Course: This is the entry-level stage of the CS course. It comprises four papers and introduces students to various concepts of business environment and law.

B. CS Executive Course: After clearing the CS Foundation, students can register for the CS Executive course. It consists of two modules with seven papers in total, covering topics such as Company Law, Taxation, and Cost and Management Accounting.

C. CS Professional Course: Once students pass both modules of the CS Executive course, they can register for the CS Professional course. It consists of three modules with nine papers, focusing on advanced aspects of corporate laws, governance, and strategic management.

 

Registration Process:

• To start the CS course, students need to register with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). The registration can be done online on the ICSI website or through regional chapters of ICSI.
• CS Foundation registration is open throughout the year, but students must register before a specified cut-off date to be eligible to appear for the exams in a particular session.

 

CS Course Duration:

• The minimum duration to complete the CS course after 12th is around 2.5 to 3 years.
• The time required to clear all levels of the CS course may vary depending on a student's preparation and success in each exam attempt.

 

CS Course Examinations:

• The CS exams for the Foundation, Executive, and Professional courses are conducted twice a year, generally in June and December.

 

Practical Training:

• After clearing the CS Executive exams, students need to undergo a 15-month Practical Training period with a practicing Company Secretary or in a company's secretarial department.
• During this period, students gain practical exposure to various secretarial and corporate governance functions.

 

CS Membership:

• After successfully completing the CS Professional exams and fulfilling the Practical Training requirement, candidates become eligible for membership of ICSI and earn the prestigious title of "Company Secretary."

 

Career Opportunities:

• Company Secretaries have diverse career opportunities in corporate houses, legal firms, financial institutions, and government bodies.
• They play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with company laws, advising boards of directors, and managing corporate governance affairs.

 

The CS course offers excellent career prospects and is well-suited for individuals interested in corporate governance, legal compliance, and strategic management. It requires dedication and hard work, but the professional opportunities and recognition in the corporate world make it a rewarding career choice.