Company Secretary Course After 12th
Published on: December 21, 2024
One of the most popular commerce professional courses in India, Company Secretary (CS) is primarily concerned with corporate governance and ensuring that a company adheres to the laws and regulations it is required to follow. Being an Indian course dealing with Indian laws, the profession has limited global reach. This document discusses eligibility criteria, curriculum, scope of syllabus, and potential salaries for qualified CS professionals.
Who is a Company Secretary?
A Company Secretary (CS) is a senior professional who ensures that a company complies with laws and regulations while playing a vital role in corporate governance. Acting as the secretary to the Board of Directors, every listed company and certain other specific companies must appoint a CS, as per the Companies Act 2013.
The CS role focuses heavily on corporate laws and involves professional certification by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). Their key responsibilities include:
- Ensuring legal compliance
- Record keeping
- Filing of returns and forms
- Overseeing corporate governance
Roles of a Company Secretary:
- Legal Advisor
- Secretarial Auditor
- Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)
- Corporate Affairs Manager
Like CA and CMA, CS professionals can work in practice, employment, or teaching.
Course Duration: 3 to 3.5 years
Eligibility for Company Secretary Course
The CS course begins with the CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test), which is open to students who have passed or are appearing for their 12th standard exams. It is structured into three levels
- CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test)
- CS Executive
- CS Professional
Graduates can begin directly from the CS Executive level without appearing for the CSEET.
Students appearing in the final year / final semester examination (can register provisionally)
Company Secretary Syllabus
The CS curriculum has three levels: CSEET, CS Executive, and CS Professional. Exams are conducted twice a year in June and December.
*Exam Pattern :
- Objective Type
- No negative marks for wrong answers
- Computer based online exam (remote proctored mode)
Exam pattern - Descriptive
*Students must pass the papers individually as well as obtain 50% of the aggregate in order to clear each level.
*Exam Pattern : Descriptive Type
*Students must pass the papers individually as well as obtain 50% of the aggregate in order to clear each level.
Internship (Articleship)
CS students must complete a 21-month internship, commonly known as articleship, before appearing for the CS Professional Level. This training is completed within a company or a CS firm.
Course Fees
Exam Fees: ₹1200 per level
CS Salary in India
The starting salary of a CS ranges from ₹5 LPA to ₹25 LPA, with an average high initial salary of ₹12 LPA. Salaries vary by city:
The Company Secretary Salaries in Metropolitan Cities are as follows:
CS vs. CA & CMA
All three courses—CA, CS, and CMA—are prestigious commerce professional courses in India. While CA and CMA involve multiple core subjects, CS focuses primarily on corporate laws. However, CS professionals also gain knowledge in accounts, taxation, and audit through the course curriculum.
Global Recognition
Compared to CA and CMA, CS has limited global recognition as it primarily deals with Indian laws. CS professionals seeking global opportunities may need to pursue additional qualifications relevant to the specific country’s legal framework.
FAQs
1. Is CS similar to CA or CMA?
No, CS focuses on law, while CA and CMA have broader subjects.
2. Can I pursue CS after graduation?
Yes, you can directly start from the CS Executive Level.
3. Can science or humanities students pursue CS?
Yes, students from any stream can enroll after the 12th.
4. Can an average student qualify for CS exams?
Yes, success depends on hard work and consistency.
5. Can CS be studied without coaching?
Yes, but coaching classes can simplify the process.
6. Is articleship mandatory for CS?
Yes, a 21-month articleship is required.
7. Is CS easier compared to CA?
Yes, CS is considered easier than CA.
8. Can I start CS after the 12th?
Yes, you can begin with CSEET and progress through the levels.
9. What is the minimum pass percentage for graduation to start CS? No minimum pass percentage requirement
