Company Secretary (CS) Course Duration, Stages, Eligibility & Fees
Published on: March 24, 2025
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The Company Secretary (CS) programme is a professional degree course offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). The Company Secretary plays a vital role in an organization, providing strategic guidance and ensuring that corporate decisions and operations align with legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks.
The CS qualification encompasses a comprehensive curriculum, covering subjects such as corporate law, taxation, company finance, governance, and ethics. The programme typically involves a multi-level examination framework, supplemented by practical training, to equip candidates with the requisite knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of a corporate environment.
Upon successful completion of the programme, candidates are awarded the esteemed designation of Company Secretary (CS), a highly respected professional qualification that commands recognition and respect within the commerce and industry sectors.
STAGES TO BECOME A CS
The three stages of Company Secretary course are as follows:
- CSEET can be pursued by 10+2 pass or equivalent students of Arts, Science or Commerce stream (Excluding Fine Arts)
Executive Programme can be pursued by a Graduate of all streams except Fine Arts.
- Professional Programme can be pursued only after clearing the Executive Programme of CS Course
CSEET
The Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test(CSEET) serves as the introductory platform for individuals seeking to embark on a career in company secretarial practices. It is designed for newcomers to the field and provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles underlying corporate law, business governance, and secretarial practices, thereby establishing a solid foundation for further study and professional development.
- Duration: 4 months
- Exams: Held in January, May, July and November
- Eligibility: Open to those who have completed their 10+2 (or equivalent) education.
CS Executive Course
Upon successful completion of the Foundation level, candidates progress to the CS Executive programme, which provides an advanced exploration of corporate laws, accounting principles, governance frameworks, and compliance requirements. This intermediate level is specifically designed for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the legal, financial, and operational intricacies involved in corporate management, thereby preparing them for more senior roles and responsibilities.
- Duration: 9 months
- Exams: Held in June and December
- Eligibility: Candidates must have cleared the CS Foundation or be graduates (except for fine arts graduates).
CS Professional Course
The CS Professional programme represents the culmination of the Company Secretary's educational pathway, delving into topics in corporate governance, law, taxation, and finance. This advanced level of study is designed to prepare candidates for senior leadership positions within corporate organizations, providing them with practical expertise and strategic insights to excel in their roles.
- Duration: 10 months
- Exams: Held in June and December
- Eligibility: Candidates must have cleared the CS Executive course.
Training: A Student has to undergo 21 months of Management Training in Companies sponsored by the Institute after passing the Executive or Professional Programme or under the guidance of a Company Secretary in Practice.
After qualifying for Professional Examination and on successful completion of training a candidate is admitted as an Associate Member of the ICSI and can use the letters ACS after his/her name i.e. Associate Company Secretary.
PATHS TO BECOME CS
There are three basic paths to becoming a Company Secretary, each with its duration:
- CSEET Route
The student who would like to join the Course after a 10+2 pass or equivalent has to undergo three stages to pursue the Company Secretaries Course i.e.
- Foundation Programme
- Executive Programme
- Professional Programme
Passing CSEET is mandatory to gain admission into the CS Executive Program.
The CSEET is conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and is conducted in a remote proctored mode. The CSEET is a computer-based test consisting of four papers: Business Communication, Legal Aptitude & Logical Reasoning, Economic and Business Environment, and Current Affairs.
It takes approximately 2.5 to 3 years to complete the course, contingent on your success in each exam stage.
- Graduation Route
The student who would like to join the Course after passing Graduation (except Fine Arts) has to undergo two stages of the Company Secretaryship i.e.
- Executive Programme
- Professional Programme
This route is shorter than the Foundation route, it takes about 2 to 2.5 years.
SCHEDULE OF FEE APPLICABLE TO THE STUDENTS OF CS COURSE (W.e.f. 01.06.2024)
The CS Course Fees Structure is as follows:
