CS Executive Exam Pattern, Structure, Marking Scheme & Study Guide

Get a detailed overview of the CS Executive exam pattern 2025. Check the marking scheme, subjects, duration, and question format to prepare efficiently for the exam.

The CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025 is now available on icsi.edu, the official ICSI website. Check the CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025 for the 2017 and 2022 old and new syllabuses here.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has posted the exam details of the CS Executive 2025 on their website, icsi.edu. If you're the candidate appearing for this examination, it will be better if you see the paper pattern beforehand before preparing.

The CS Executive 2025 exam schedule informs you about things such as when the exam will be conducted, how long you'll get, what is included, which papers you have to appear for, what types of questions you'll encounter, and how they'll be scored. The ICSI CS Executive June 2025 exam will begin on June 1, 2025. If you're interested in knowing more, you can refer to the below article on the CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025.

CS Executive Exam Pattern June 2025

The CS Executive 2025 test pattern has been released by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) on its official website, icsi.edu. Before beginning their preparation for the CS Executive Exam, candidates should be aware of this pattern. 

Important information is included in the pattern, including the format of the test, the time allotted, the modules and papers covered, the kinds of questions answered, and the scoring system. The June 2025 CS Executive test will be administered offline between June 1 and June 8, 2025. 

Enroll Now for CS Executive Courses

Highlights of the CS Executive Exam Pattern 

The official website states that the CS Executive 2025 exam will only be administered in actual, offline testing locations. Two sections, referred to as modules, make up the exam. There are eight distinct papers in each module to assess your understanding. The most recent CS Executive syllabus serves as the basis for this.

CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025 Overview
Particulars Details
Conducting Body Institute of Company Secretaries of India
Full Exam Name CS Executive Exam
Mode of CS Executive 2024 exam Offline center-based exam
Time duration 3 hours for each paper
Number of modules Two:
Module I
Module II
No. of papers Eight
Type of questions asked Objective and descriptive both
No. of questions per paper 100
Language English
Official Website icsi.edu

CS Executive Exam Pattern for June 2025 Session 

The CS Executive exam is divided into two modules: Module I and Module II. While enrolling, you can opt for either one of the modules or both of them together, depending on your preference. During the exam, you'll be required to respond to both multiple-choice and in-depth written questions.

The CS Executive exam will test you on material from both the 2017 and 2022 syllabuses. Let's look at the patterns of both exams.

CS Executive Exam Pattern (New Syllabus 2022)
As per the CS Executive 2022 syllabus, there are 7 papers in the exam. 20% of the questions are case study-based multiple-choice, and 80% are descriptive questions in each paper. Paper number 4 is composed solely of descriptive questions. Candidates have to complete a pre-examination test before appearing for the CS Executive June 2025 exam. 

CS Executive Exam Pattern (2022 Syllabus)
Group Paper no. Paper Type Papers Marks
Group 1 1 20% objective and 80% descriptive Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws 100 Marks
Group 1 2 20% objective and 80% descriptive Company Law & Practice Part I—Company Law—Principles and Concepts (60 marks) Part II—Company Administration and Meetings (40 marks) 100 Marks
Group 1 3 20% objective and 80% descriptive Setting Up of Business, Industrial & Labour Laws Part I – Setting Up of Business (60 Marks) Part II – Industrial & Labour Laws (40 Marks) 100 Marks
Group 1 4 100% descriptive Corporate Accounting and Financial Management Part I – Corporate Accounting (60 Marks) Part II – Financial Management (40 Marks) 100 Marks
Group 2 5 20% objective and 80% descriptive Capital Market & Securities Laws Part I – Capital Market (40 Marks) Part II – Securities Laws (60 Marks) 100 Marks
Group 2 6 20% objective and 80% descriptive Economic, Commercial, and Intellectual Property Laws Part I – Economic & Commercial Laws (60 Marks) Part II – Intellectual Property Laws (40 Marks) 100 Marks
Group 2 7 20% objective and 80% descriptive Tax Laws & Practice Part I - Direct Tax (60 Marks) Part II—Indirect Tax (40 Marks) 100 Marks

CS Executive Exam Pattern (Old Syllabus 2017)

As per the syllabus of 2017, the structure of the CS Executive examination consists of 8 papers divided into two modules: Module I and Module II. Papers 4, 5, and 8 are in objective format. Candidates are required to undertake a pre-examination test before appearing in the exam.

CS Executive Exam Pattern (2022 Syllabus)
Module Paper no. Type of question Papers
Module I 1 Descriptive Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws
Module I 2 Descriptive Company Law
Module I 3 Descriptive Setting Up Business Entities and Closure
Module I 4 Objective Tax Laws
Module II 5 Objective Corporate & Management Accounting
Module II 6 Descriptive Securities Laws & Capital Markets
Module II 7 Descriptive Economic, Business, and Commercial Laws
Module II 8 Objective Financial and Strategic Management

CS Executive Marking Scheme: 

  • There is no negative marking for subjective or descriptive questions.
  • For objective questions, one mark is awarded for each correct response, and 0.25 marks are subtracted for each incorrect response.

CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025 Passing Marks

To pass the CS Executive exam in 2025 successfully, the candidates must score at least 40% marks in each of the individual papers in Module I and Module II. Apart from that, they must score at least an aggregate of 50% in all the papers.
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) prescribes these exact passing marks. Only those candidates who fulfill these official passing requirements will be marked as "pass" and will be eligible to proceed further to the next stage, which is the CS Professional exam.

CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025 Qualifying Percentage/Passing Criteria
Papers Passing Marks Overall Aggregate
Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws 40% 50%
Company Law 40% 50%
Setting up of Business Entities and Closure 40% 50%
Tax Laws 40% 50%
Corporate & Management Accounting 40% 50%
Securities Laws & Capital Markets 40% 50%
Economic, Business and Commercial Laws 40% 50%
Financial and Strategic Management 40% 50%

CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025 Preparation Tips

Following are some tips to prepare for CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025:

  • Know the Pattern & Syllabus: Start by getting to know well the CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025 and syllabus. Understanding the pattern and syllabus inside and out will allow you to plan your studies well.
  • Prioritize Subjects: According to the CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025, prioritize subjects that have higher weightage. Spend more time on these subjects while preparing.
  • Mock Tests: Try mock tests that are specifically designed for the CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025. This will provide you with a real-time feel and help you identify areas where you need to improve.
  • Time Management: Use the exam pattern to practice answering questions within the stipulated time. Your accuracy and speed will increase as a result.
  • Sectional Practice: If there are several sections in the pattern, practice every section individually in the beginning. Subsequently, give combined tests to achieve overall preparation.
  • Intensive Study: Streamline your studies using the CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025. Do not study topics that are not in the pattern.
  • Study Material: Invest in current study material that is by the CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025. It makes you study the most appropriate content.
  • Group Studies: Participate in group discussion about topics. It may add a different side of thought to your understanding.
  • Keep Yourself Updated: Monitor any updates or modifications on the CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025. Adapting to change will provide you with a competitive advantage.

Conclusion  

To guarantee a well-organized and successful study plan, applicants must coordinate their preparation with the official syllabus and the ICSI-provided CS Executive Exam Pattern 2025. Getting to the CS Professional test requires meeting the specified passing requirements. Keep in mind that while the exam format is important, success depends just as much on regular effort, review, and a good outlook. Good luck with your preparation.

FAQs

How many papers are there in CS Executive?

The CS Executive programme consists of 8 papers divided into two modules: Module-I (4 papers) and Module-II (4 papers). Each paper tests a candidate's knowledge and skills in various aspects of company law, governance, and management.

Can I pass CS executive in 3 months?

It's a difficult challenge that calls for concentrated study and a full comprehension of the syllabus, but passing the CS Executive in three months is achievable with great effort and careful planning.

What is the pattern of CS exam?

There are three phases in the CS exam pattern: Foundation, Executive, and Professional. There is a distinct syllabus and exam format for each stage. Multiple-choice questions and case studies are included in the descriptive and objective test formats. In certain publications, negative marking is used.

What is group 1 and 2 in CS Executive?

Group 2 of CS Executive has three papers totaling 300 points, while Group 1 of CS Executive comprises four papers totaling 400 marks. The CS Executive test has a total score of 700 points. To pass the test, candidates must receive at least 50% overall and 40% on each paper.

Is CS Executive very difficult?

Yes, the CS Executive exam can be challenging due to its vast syllabus and technical and legal nature. But with proper preparation and a positive attitude, one can clear the exam.

How many attempts are allowed in CS Executive?

Candidates have 10 attempts to clear the CS Executive exam within 5 years from the date of registration. After 5 years, re-registration is required to continue attempting the exam.

How to pass CS in first attempt?

To enhance your success in passing the Company Secretary (CS) exams on your first attempt, prepare a systematic study plan, allow adequate time for preparation, practice with mock tests, and review extensively, keeping in mind theory as well as practical application.

Is articleship compulsory for CS?

In India, being a Company Secretary (CS) requires completing an articleship. It is a hands-on training program that entails working in a firm or under a practicing computer scientist.

Does CS have negative marking?

The CS Executive and CS Professional exams do not have negative marking, allowing candidates to attempt all questions without penalty for incorrect answers, promoting a more relaxed and focused approach.

What if I fail in CS executive?

If you fail in CS Executive, you can reappear in the next exam session. You have 10 attempts within 5 years from the date of registration. After 5 years, you'll need to re-register to continue attempting the exam.