Company Secretary Eligibility: Academic Criteria and Age Limits
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Candidates with a graduate or postgraduate degree (excluding Fine Arts) or CA/ICMAI foundation clearance can directly register for the CS Executive level provided they are at least 17 years old.
Aspirants can review the complete academic eligibility criteria, stream restrictions, minimum age requirements, direct entry pathways, examination structures, fee details, and career scope across all three levels of the program offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Academic Qualification | Passed 10+2 (or equivalent) in any stream except Fine Arts |
| Direct Entry to CS Executive | Graduates/Post-Graduates (excl. Fine Arts) or CA/ICMAI Foundation pass |
| Minimum Age Limit | 17 years (for CS Executive level) |
| CS Executive Marks Requirement | Minimum 40% in each subject and 50% aggregate to qualify |
| Regulating Body | The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) |
| Course Equivalent Qualification | Recognised by UGC as equivalent to a Master’s degree |
| Total Course Duration | 3 to 5 years (approx. 2 to 2.5 years after graduation) |
What is CS (Company Secretary)
The Company Secretary (CS) course is a professional program provided exclusively by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). The qualification equips candidates with expertise in corporate governance, legal compliance, tax laws, and corporate finance. ICSI acts as the sole statutory regulatory body governing the training and certification of Company Secretaries across India.
Physical disability is not a bar for becoming a CS as the role relies on mental and strategic skills, making the profession fully accessible for candidates with special needs.
CS (Company Secretary) Eligibility
Graduates, post-graduates, or CA/ICMAI Foundation pass-outs qualify for direct admission to the CS Executive stage, which requires a minimum age of 17 years.
CS (Company Secretary) Syllabus and Subjects
Key focus areas in the CS curriculum encompass Corporate Law, Tax Laws, Governance, and Company Finance. To pass the CS Executive level, candidates must secure at least 40% marks in each individual subject and achieve a minimum aggregate score of 50% across the module. To qualify for entry into the CS Professional level, a candidate must have successfully cleared both Module 1 and Module 2 of the Executive stage.
| Course | Entry Level Eligibility | Direct Entry Route | Key Subject Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Secretary (CS) | 10+2 pass (except Fine Arts) | Graduates / Post-Graduates / CA / ICMAI Foundation pass | Corporate Law, Tax Laws, Governance, Company Finance |
| Chartered Accountancy (CA) | 10+2 pass for CA Foundation | Commerce Graduates with 55% / Non-Commerce with 60% | Financial Reporting, Auditing, Tax Returns |
| Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) | 4,000 hours work exp. / combination with higher education | Qualify Level 1 + Bachelor’s Degree for Level 2 | Investment Tools, Asset Valuation, Wealth Management |
| Cost & Management Accountancy (CMA) | 10+2 pass or AICTE/State Tech Board Diploma (Age 18+) | Graduates (except Fine Arts) or CA Intermediate pass | Strategic Financial Management, Internal Controls |
CS (Company Secretary) Fees
Registration and examination fees are structured stage-wise across the course duration. The Foundation/CSEET stage takes 8 months, the Executive stage takes 9 months, and the Professional stage spans 15 months. Candidates pay an examination fee of INR 1,200 per module for both the Executive and Professional stages.
| CS Level | Duration | Registration Fee | Exam Fee | Maximum Attempts Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation / CSEET | 8 months | INR 3,600 – INR 4,500 | INR 1,200 | 6 attempts |
| Executive Programme | 9 months | INR 7,000 – INR 15,600 | INR 1,200 per module | 10 attempts |
| Professional Programme | 15 months | INR 12,000 | INR 1,200 per module | 10 attempts |
CS (Company Secretary) Career Scope and Salary
| Particulars | CS Career Details |
|---|---|
| CS Course Average Salary | INR 7 LPA |
| CS Job Profiles | Legal Advisor, Principal Secretary, Investment Banker, Managing Director, Chairman |
| CS Top Recruiters | Parsvnath Infra Ltd., Birla Corporation Ltd., HCL Technologies Ltd., Omaxe Ltd. |
Certified Company Secretaries advise the board and ensure that the company is legally compliant. They can join finance, accounting, and auditing firms or start an individual practice.
How to Apply for CS (Company Secretary) Admission in 2026: Step by Step
- Check Academic Eligibility: Verify that you have passed 10+2 in any stream except Fine Arts (for CSEET entry) or hold a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree (except Fine Arts) or CA/ICMAI foundation certificate (for Executive direct entry).
- Register for CSEET Exam: Register for the CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) with ICSI, which is held 4 times a year.
- Clear CSEET / Apply via Direct Entry: Score minimum required marks in CSEET or submit your graduation credentials to gain admission into the CS Executive Programme (minimum age 17 years).
- Pass CS Executive Modules: Prepare and clear both Module 1 and Module 2 of the Executive level by scoring at least 40% in each subject and 50% aggregate.
- Enroll and Clear CS Professional Programme: Register for the CS Professional level, clear all three modules, and pay the registration fee of INR 12,000.
- Complete Practical Training and MSOP: Undergo 15 months of practical training, 15 days institutional training, 25 hours PDP, and 15 days Management Skills Orientation Program (MSOP) to obtain final CS certification.
| What to do | Where | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Compare colleges, fees and cutoffs | CS (Company Secretary) colleges in India | findmycollege.com |
FAQs
What are the qualifications of a Company Secretary?
To become a Company Secretary, a candidate must pass 10+2 (except Fine Arts), clear CSEET/Foundation, and pass CS Executive and Professional exams conducted by ICSI, followed by 15 months of practical training.
What is the age limit for Company Secretary course?
Candidates must be at least 17 years of age to register for the CS Executive course.
Can I do CS after graduation directly?
Yes, graduates or post-graduates in any stream except Fine Arts, as well as candidates who cleared CA or ICMAI Foundation, can take direct admission into the CS Executive programme without taking CSEET.
Is Fine Arts eligible for Company Secretary course?
No, candidates who have completed 10+2 or graduation/post-graduation in Fine Arts are explicitly excluded from registering for the CS course and direct entry route.
How many attempts are allowed in CS exams?
ICSI allows up to 6 attempts for the CS Foundation exam and up to 10 attempts each for the CS Executive and CS Professional examinations.
What is the average salary of a Company Secretary in India?
The average starting salary for a qualified Company Secretary in India is approximately INR 7 LPA, with roles available in top corporate firms and auditing entities.
