CS Salary in India: Factors, Average Salary, and Top Recruiters

Learn about the average CS salary in India, growth prospects, factors affecting, and industry trends for company secretaries in India to make informed career decisions.

The demand for expertise in corporate governance and compliance is on the rise in India, which means company secretaries can expect a high salary. Here, get all the information on CS salary in India.

The role of a company secretary in India is one of the most important to any working organization. It is the backbone for the complete smooth functioning of a company because company secretaries are often CS who manage many of the admin and clerical jobs of an organization. As such, usually, they are at the receiving end when clients visit. Organization skills; minute attention toward work; communicating very clearly so that the message transmits without deviation.

However, the role is not limited to merely administrative activities. They also work as business consultants who provide ideas and managerial solutions to business owners. In this article, we shall discuss the salary prospects of professional CS in India, what they can earn typically, and how much the company secretary's salary is in India.

CS Salary in India Overview

Check the table below to get detailed information about CS salary in India.

ICSI Company Secretary Salary
Particular Details
Organization Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)
Course Name Company Secretary (CS)
Qualification 10+2
Admission Procedure Scores in Entrance Exam
Entrance Exams CSEET
Course Levels Foundation, Executive, Professional
Eligibility Criteria Foundation-10+2
Executive-CSEET/Foundation/Graduation
Professional-Executive
Fees Foundation-INR 3.6K
Executive-INR 7K
Professional-INR 12K
Average Salary INR 7 LPA
Job Profiles Legal Advisor, Principal Secretary, Investment Banker, Managing Director, Chairman
Top Recruiters Parsvnath Infra Ltd., Birla Corporation Ltd., HCL Technologies Ltd., Omaxe Ltd., and so on.
Official Website icsi.edu

Enroll Now for CS Courses

Why Should You Choose Company Secretary (CS)?

Headquartered in New Delhi, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has also maintained regional offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and New Delhi, hence making the company secretary a very sought-after profession across major metropolitan cities. With 62,000 members and over 3,50,000 students enrolled in company secretarial training courses, ICSI boasts 72 chapters all over India, signifying its popularity and reverence.

Therefore, it proves the fact that if one aspires to become a company secretary, their career isn't boring. In ICSI—The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, the male-to-male ratio is said to be 51%: 49%. Similarly, a good male-to-female ratio. 

Importance of a Company Secretary in India

The Company Secretary: A Vital Organizational Anchor! The role of a company secretary is pivotal to an organization's success, and several crucial aspects underscore its importance, including:

  • Inform the Board of Directors: Large organization organizations need company secretaries as valuable advisors in planning the ways and the policies that assist them to proceed rightly with the strategies and directions under the board's direction.

  • Share Matters: Companies require an individual who is experienced in managing share allocation, preparing and issuing share certificates, and coordinating the preparation of various statutory, annual, and director's reports.

  • Contract Representation: A company secretary often acts as an agent, representing the company in contractual agreements. This enables the directors of the company to focus on more strategic matters.

  • Effective Communication: A company secretary serves as a very important link in passing all the required information directly to all the company's stakeholders.

The job of a company secretary is far from futile. It underlines the requirement for an effective administration of a firm's business operations by engaging a knowledgeable and professional company secretary with the accurate sets of skills to improve management decisions and operations. Furthermore, let us examine the salary prospects that exist for company secretaries in India given the roles they play in organizations.

CS Salary in India

Let's talk about the statistics that reveal what company secretaries can expect in India in terms of annual salaries—from freshers to experienced professionals. This data covers the average base salaries at each level of experience and gives a picture of the full spectrum. Further down, let's look into the salary scenario in India for the company secretary—the financial side of this vital professional.

Company Secretary Salary in India 2024
Salary Package Min. Salary Per Annum Max. Salary Per Annum
Salary ₹2.5 Lakhs ₹17.2 Lakhs
Bonus ₹10,000 ₹3.9 Lakhs

The numbers in the table show that an Indian Company Secretary's annual remuneration falls in the range of ₹2.5 lakhs to ₹17.2 lakhs annually. The average earnings are approximately ₹6.2 lakhs per year. We have compiled a table on average salary information for a quick overview of how much working company secretaries would generally take home. Let's examine these numbers so you will get an idea of what kind of income awaits you in this field of company secretaryship in India.

Level-Based CS Salary in India

In India, many firm secretaries' remuneration is level-based. The pay is decided by how much responsibility they take and their rank within the company. We’ll explore how this remuneration structure works and its significance in shaping the company secretary salary in India.

Company Secretary Salary in India 2024: Level-Based
Level Salary Per Annum
Junior Company Secretary ₹2,60,000
Deputy Company Secretary ₹6,00,000
Senior Company Secretary Upto ₹14,60,000

Experience-Based Company Secretary Salary in India

Below is the table, which will further elucidate how experience plays a pivotal role in determining the earning potential of company secretaries in India and provides valuable insights into the dynamics of salaries in the field.

Company Secretary Salary in India 2024: Experience-Based
Experience Average Salary Per Annum
Less than 1 year ₹2.5 Lakhs
2 – 3 years ₹4.7 Lakhs
5 – 6 years ₹6.6 Lakhs
7- 8 years ₹8.4 Lakhs
10 – 11 years ₹10.3 Lakhs
12 – 13 years ₹11.2 Lakhs

Company secretaries in India witness a significant variation in salaries tied to their experience. Entry-level CS professionals start with around₹2.5 lakhs annually for 1-2 years of experience, while experienced ones can earn up to₹17.2 lakhs per year, averaging around₹6.2 lakhs annually. 

CS Salary in India Location-wise

The salary of the company secretary is not fixed. It may vary depending on the location where these professionals work. Often, large cities and business centers provide higher salaries due to greater liabilities in the form of higher living costs. Therefore, with this article, let's discuss how geographical location affects the salaries of company secretaries in India, which will also highlight how location impacts the learnability of this profession.

Company Secretary Salary in India 2024: City-Based
Location (India) Annual Average CS Pay Scale (INR)
Mumbai ₹9,00,000 – ₹14,00,000
New Delhi ₹3,00,000 – ₹9,00,000
Chennai ₹3,50,000 – ₹12,00,000
Bangalore ₹2,00,000 – ₹12,00,000
Hyderabad ₹400,000 – ₹12,00,000

CS Salary According to Country 

Salaries for company secretaries vary significantly from one country to another, given the economic factors, living costs, demand, and local trends of various regions. We will provide the details for CS salary in other countries.

Company Secretary Salary 2024: Country-Based
Country Annual Average CS Pay Scale
India ₹6,00,000
United States $100,000
United Kingdom £50,000
Australia AUD$90,000
Canada CAD$80,000
Singapore S$100,000
United Arab Emirates AED100,000

Factors Affecting CS Salary in India

Check out the table for factors that affect the CS salary in India:

Factors Affecting Company Secretary Salary in India 2024
S.No. Factors Affecting CS Salary in India Details
1. Experience Experienced CS professionals earn higher salaries because of their expertise and proven track record.
2. Educational Qualifications Education and qualifications play a significant role in determining the value and contributions of a company secretary within an organization.
3. Company Size and Industry Companies in high-demand sectors and larger corporations often provide more competitive salaries.
4. Geographic Location The location has an impact on company secretary salaries as it relates to varying living costs and the regional demand within the market.
5. Skills and Expertise Possessing specialized skills and expertise can lead to higher compensation for company secretaries.
6. Responsibilities and Scope of Work The responsibilities and decision-making role of a company secretary have a direct influence on their salary levels.
7. Market Demand Company secretary salaries are influenced by the availability of qualified professionals and the competition for talent in the job market.
8. Economic Conditions Economic conditions affect company secretary salaries: growth leads to better pay, while downturns result in conservative increments.
9. Performance and Contribution Exceptional performance and significant contributions lead to recognition and increased rewards.
10. Additional Benefits Bonuses, incentives, health insurance, and retirement plans are essential components of the overall compensation package.

Top Recruiters for Company Secretary

A qualified CS leads to discovering jobs in the public and private sectors, financial institutions, and banks. The government body requires your services and assistance as a CS for smoother functioning. Therefore, it can be said that the profession of company secretary holds strong control over enrollment and recruiting processes. A few of the well-known companies that are mentioned below hire individuals aiming to enter the horizons of a company secretary.

  • KPMG
  • Reliance Industries
  • TCS
  • Infosys
  • Oliver Wyman
  • Cognizant
  • Aditya Birla Group
  • ICICI Bank
  • Google
  • Amazon

How to Get a Good Job as a CS in India?

There are many job opportunities available for company secretaries, but to gain a competitive edge, one has to take some proactive and strategic moves to ensure attaining a good job with a successful career path. Here are some practical ways to help you secure a suitable job after getting the CS qualification. 

  • Prepare a Good Resume: Create a resume and mention your CS qualifications, specifically mentioning internships and training experience. Showcase your professional journey and skills, as employers highly value hands-on knowledge.

  • Identify Potential Employers: Finding Organizations Offering Jobs for the Post of Company Secretary-Qualified Candidates Corporate Law Firms Financial Institutions Multinational Corps The ICSI also assists students in communicating prospective employers with placement and conducting campus interview facilities.

  • Build Professional Network: Attend professional seminars, workshops, and events organized by ICSI and other corporate governance bodies. It helps you interact with CS professionals and explore new job opportunities.

  • Enhance Your Skills: Keep abreast of the latest corporate laws, regulatory frameworks, and governance practices. Prepare for interviews and refresh your knowledge on legal and compliance matters.

  • Apply Strategically: Apply through job portals or directly to the companies through their websites. Customize your application to match the job requirements, emphasizing your expertise and specialized skills.

Conclusion

The company secretary salary in India varies based on location, experience, and industry. On average, a CS can earn between ₹4 and 15 lakhs per annum. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore offer higher salaries, while experience and certifications like CS, LLB, and MBA can significantly boost earning potential. This article provides insights into the salary structure, influencing factors, and growth prospects for CS in India, helping professionals navigate their career paths.