CS Professional Exam Pattern June 2025, Marking Scheme

Get details on the CS Professional exam pattern 2025, including subjects, marking scheme, total papers, and time duration. Stay updated with the latest exam structure!

ICSI has published the CS Professional Exam Pattern 2025 on its official website, icsi.edu. Verify the most recent CS Professional exam format, passing standards, and scoring system. 

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has released the June 2025 CS Professional exam pattern on its official website, icsi.edu. This pattern provides important details regarding the exam structure.

It includes information like the pattern of the exam, duration, number of modules, types of questions in each paper, and marking scheme. It is important for the candidates appearing for the CS Professional exams to know this pattern beforehand before they make their study plans. Additionally, the CS Professional exam for the June 2025 session consists of 9 papers, one of which is elective. 

What's so fascinating is that the multidisciplinary case studies and one of the 8 elective papers will be open-book exams, i.e., candidates can look at their study material while giving the test. This flexibility means candidates can pick an elective paper that suits their interests and likes. Let's say you are searching for the latest and complete information on the CS Professional exam pattern, i.e., the marking scheme and others. In that situation, this article will prove to be a useful guide for you.

CS Professional Exam Pattern 2025

The pattern for the CS Professional exam 2025 is outlined by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). Preparing for the CS Professional exam, you must learn about the pattern of the CS Professional exam 2025. This refers to information such as how the examination is organized, the pattern of questions, the number of questions, the marking system, and the duration of the examination. ICSI has recently launched a new syllabus for the CS Professional exam in 2022, lowering the number of study modules. 

The first exam with this new syllabus will be conducted in June 2024, and the last one will be in December 2024. If you're on the old syllabus of 2017, you can now migrate to the new one online. The June 2025 CS Professional examination is scheduled to be conducted offline from June 1, 2025.

Enroll Now for CS Professional Courses

Highlights of the CS Professional Exam Pattern 2025 

Check the table below for quick highlights of CS Professional exam pattern 2025.

Particulars Details
Mode of Exam Offline, center-based
Duration Papers 1 and 2 are 3 hours each; Papers 3 and 4 are 2 hours each
Marks Each paper is worth 100 marks
Language English/Hindi (except for Paper 2, Section b, which will be in English only)
Question Type Paper 1 and 2: Subjective. Papers 3 and 4: Objective
Total Marks 400
Qualifying Marks Candidates must secure at least 40% marks in each paper and an aggregate of 50% across all four papers combined to pass the CA Foundation exam
Negative Marking Papers 1 and 2 have no negative marking. Paper 3 and 4 have a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
Conducting Body The Institute Of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
Level of Exam National level
Difficulty Level Easy to Moderate
Papers Paper 1: Accounting, Paper 2: Business Laws, Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude (Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, Statistics), Paper 4: Business Economics

CS Professional Exam Pattern 2025 Modules 

Three sections, each covering three subjects, make up the CS Professional Exam. For more details on the CS Professional Exam Pattern 2025, see the section below: 

CS Professional Exam Pattern for Module 1

  • Advanced Tax Laws Drafting, Pleadings
  • Appearances Governance
  • Risk Management, Compliance, and Ethics

Module 2 of the CS Professional Exam Pattern 2025

  • Due Diligence, Compliance Management, and Secretarial Audit
  • Resolving corporate disputes, non-compliances, and remedies; corporate restructuring; insolvency; liquidation; and winding up

Module 3 of the CS Professional Exam Pattern 2025

  • Company Financing and Stock Exchange Listing
  • Multidisciplinary Case Studies
  • Subject elective (of your choosing)

This format makes the CS Professional Exam easier, having three modules with three subjects each. Module 1 deals with governance, tax legislation, and legal proficiency. Module 2 is about auditing, company restructuring, and conflict resolution. Module 3 covers finance topics, case studies, and an elective paper. Please refer to the following table for a clearer view of the CS Professional Exam Pattern 2025:

ICSI CS Professional Exam Pattern 2025
Modules Paper Name No. of Marks Duration
Module 1 Governance, Risk Management, Compliance and Ethics 100 3 hr
Module 1 Advanced Tax laws 100 3 hr
Module 1 Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances 100 3 hr
Module 2 Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management and Due Diligence 100 3 hr
Module 2 Corporate Reconstructing, Insolvency, Liquidation and winding up 100 3 hr
Module 2 Resolution of Corporate Disputes, Compliances, and Remedies 100 3 hr
Module 3 Corporate Funding and Listing in Stock Exchanges 100 3 hr
Module 3 Multidisciplinary Case Studies 100 3 hr
Elective Subject (1 out of 8) of module 3 Banking: Law and Practice 100 3 hr
Elective Subject (1 out of 8) of module 3 Insurance: Law and Practice 100 3 hr
Elective Subject (1 out of 8) of module 3 Intellectual Property Rights: Laws and Practice 100 3 hr
Elective Subject (1 out of 8) of module 3 Forensic Audit 100 3 hr
Elective Subject (1 out of 8) of module 3 Direct Tax Laws and Practice 100 3 hr
Elective Subject (1 out of 8) of module 3 Labour Laws and Practice 100 3 hr
Elective Subject (1 out of 8) of module 3 Valuations and Business Modelling 100 3 hr
Elective Subject (1 out of 8) of module 3 Insolvency: Law and Practice 100 3 hr

CS Professional Marking Scheme 2025 

There's good news in the CS Professional Exam Pattern 2025 for candidates. You won't lose any marks on wrong answers because there's no negative marking. Rather, you'll get two marks for every correct answer that you give. That means you can try questions without fear of deduction for the wrong answers.

Passing Criteria for CS Professional 2025 

In the CS Professional Exam Pattern 2025, ICSI has set certain minimum scores to be achieved by the candidates in order to pass the exams. These are set differently for all sections of the exam, and there's also a compulsory aggregate passing requirement. Simply put, the candidates need to obtain these minimum passing marks to be eligible for the CS Professional 2025 exams.

ICSI CS Professional Exam Pattern 2025 Passing Criteria
Particulars Cut-off Percentage
Sectional Cut-off/Paper 40%
Overall CS Professional Cut-off 50%

Marks Distribution as per the new syllabus for CS Professional Exam Pattern 

Check the table below for mark distribution as per the new scheme for the CS professional exam.

CS Professional Exam Pattern 2025 Distribution of Marks as Per New Syllabus (2024)
CS Professional New Syllabus Marks Distribution
Governance, Risk Management, Compliance and Ethics Part I: Governance (50 Marks) Part II: Risk Management (20 Marks) Part III: Compliance (20 Marks) Part IV: Ethics & Sustainability (10 Marks)
Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management and Due Diligence Part I: Compliance Management (40 Marks) Part II: Secretarial Audit & Due Diligence (60 Marks)
Corporate Funding and Listings in Stock Exchanges Part-A: Corporate Funding (60 Marks) Part B: Listing (40 Marks)
Advanced Tax Laws Part I: GST and Customs Laws
Goods and Service Tax ‘GST’ (60 Marks)
Customs Law (10 Marks)
Part II: Direct Tax & International Taxation (30 Marks)
Corporate Restructuring, Insolvency, Liquidation and Winding-up Part I: Corporate Restructuring (50 Marks) 
Part II: Insolvency & Liquidation (50 Marks)
Multidisciplinary Case Studies Multidisciplinary Case Studies (Max Marks 100)
Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances (100 Marks)
Resolution of Corporate Disputes, Non-Compliances and Remedies Resolution of Corporate Disputes, Non-Compliances & Remedies (Max Marks 100)
Elective papers Banking: Law & Practice (Max Marks 100) Insurance—Law & Practice (Max Marks 100) Intellectual Property Rights: Laws and Practices (Max Marks 100) Labour Laws & Practice (Max Marks 100) Insolvency: Law and Practice (Max Marks 100)

CS Professional Exam Syllabus 2025 

According to the official announcement in connection with the CS Professional Exam Pattern 2024 and CS Professional Syllabus, ICSI has brought a significant change. They have stopped the old syllabus for all stages of the CS examination. If you were a student enrolled in the CS Professional old syllabus (2012), it is now compulsory on your part to shift to the new syllabus that was added in 2017. 

It is in harmony with the alterations brought about in the June 2022 session. Hence, the students must re-examine the new syllabus carefully and begin practicing accordingly. Thus, you can be in alignment with the newer content and requisites.

Conclusion 

In summary, the CS Professional exam pattern for June 2025 demands proper preparation and a strategic approach. Familiarity with the exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme is essential for success. Candidates can crack the exam with determination and hard work and get one step closer to becoming a Company secretary. Stay determined and reach your destination! All the best to all the aspiring CS professionals.

FAQs

How many papers are there in the CS professional exam?

The CS Professional examination is made up of 9 papers split into three modules: Module-I (3 papers), Module-II (3 papers), and Module-III (3 papers). Each paper will examine a candidate's knowledge and ability in different areas of company law and governance.

Is CS professional open book exam?

Yes, elective papers for the CS Professional course are evaluated using an open-book exam approach, which lets students use their study resources as they respond to the questions.

What is the paper pattern of CS exam?

The CS Executive exam held by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) comprises a combination of objective and descriptive type questions, with emphasis on case-based objective type questions (20%) and descriptive type questions (80%) in all papers except Corporate Accounting and Financial Management which is 100% descriptive

What is the total marks in CS professional?

The CS Professional exam is divided into 9 papers, each with 100 marks, amounting to 900 marks. Candidates need to obtain a minimum of 40% marks in each paper and 50% in total to clear the exam. This guarantees a thorough evaluation of their skills and knowledge.

Is CS Professional tough?

Yes, it is a difficult route to become a Company Secretary (CS), particularly at the professional level, and it demands hard work, dedication, and systematic preparation. The CS Professional exams assess applied knowledge and comprehension of intricate subjects.

How many attempts are allowed for CS professional?

Within five years of their registration date, candidates get ten chances to pass the CS Professional exam. Re-registration is necessary to continue taking the test after five years.

How many hours to study for CS Professional?

For CS Professional exam preparation, dedicate 200-250 study hours for each subject, distributed over a few months. This enables in-depth understanding and memorization of intricate concepts, giving a solid foundation for the exam

Is there negative marking in CS Professional?

The CS Professional exam does not have negative marking, allowing candidates to attempt all questions without worrying about score deductions for incorrect answers, promoting a more confident and focused approach.

How many students pass CS Professional exam?

The ICSI CS Professional exam has a relatively low pass rate, with approximately 20-30% of candidates clearing the exam. Pass percentages vary by session, module, and syllabus, making it a challenging and competitive exam.

How to pass CS Professional exam?

Achieving success in the CS Professional exam requires a strategic approach: grasp the syllabus and exam pattern, devise a tailored study plan, engage with previous papers and mock tests, and sustain focus and consistency throughout your preparation.