Last Updated on December 18, 2025 by Simran
The Company Secretary (CS) course, conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), is a premier professional programme designed to develop expertise in corporate governance, company law, compliance, and secretarial practices. It equips candidates to act as key managerial personnel, ensuring statutory adherence, board management, and regulatory advisory in organisations.
Structured into three levels—CSEET (entrance test), Executive Programme, and Professional Programme—the course typically spans 2-3 years, including mandatory practical training. Graduates can enter directly at the Executive level, while Class 12 passers start with CSEET.
This qualification leads to Associate (ACS) and Fellow (FCS) membership, opening doors to roles like compliance officer, legal advisor, and corporate planner in listed companies, firms, and consultancies. Demand remains high due to legal mandates for CS appointments in certain firms.
This blog gives a comprehensive overview of the CS course, covering eligibility criteria, detailed syllabus, admission process, cut-offs, top coaching options, placement prospects, and available scholarships to guide aspiring professionals.
Company Secretary (CS) Course : Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) |
| Levels | CSEET, Executive Programme, Professional Programme |
| Duration | 2-4 years (including practical training of 21 months) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-based (CSEET), Offline/Online (Executive and Professional) |
| Exam Frequency | CSEET: Multiple sessions; Executive/Professional: Twice a year (June and December) |
| Total Fees (Approximate) | INR 35,000-50,000 (all levels, as per 2025 structure) |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 4-7 LPA |
| Recognition | Equivalent to Postgraduate Degree (as per UGC) |
The CS qualification is highly valued for its focus on corporate laws and governance, with strong career prospects in compliance and advisory roles across sectors.
Eligibility of Company Secretary (CS)
The Company Secretary (CS) course, offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), has specific eligibility requirements for registration at each level. These criteria ensure candidates have the necessary academic foundation to pursue this professional qualification in corporate governance and compliance.
The course is accessible to students after Class 12, with provisions for direct entry at higher levels for graduates and certain professional qualifiers. There is no upper age limit, making it suitable for career switchers as well.
Meeting the eligibility norms allows registration through the official ICSI portal. The criteria are periodically reviewed, with the latest applicable as of 2025.
This blog gives detailed insights into eligibility for CSEET, Executive, and Professional levels, including exemptions, age requirements, and pathways for different candidate categories.
Eligibility Overview
The CS course comprises three stages: Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET), Executive Programme, and Professional Programme.
Eligibility varies by entry point:
- CSEET: Entry for Class 12 passed candidates.
- Direct Entry to Executive: For graduates and intermediate qualifiers of other bodies.
- Professional: After clearing Executive Programme.
Mandatory practical training follows exam clearance.
CSEET Eligibility
- Candidates must have passed or appeared in Class 12 (Senior Secondary) examination from a recognised board.
- No minimum percentage is required in Class 12.
- Candidates appearing for Class 12 exams can register provisionally, but must submit proof of passing before appearing for CSEET.
- Age: Minimum 17 years on the date of registration (relaxable in certain cases).
- Exemptions from CSEET are available for specific categories (detailed below).
Direct Entry to Executive Programme
Candidates qualifying under the following are exempt from CSEET and can register directly for the Executive Programme:
| Category | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Graduates | Bachelor’s degree (any discipline except Fine Arts) with minimum 50% marks (relaxed for certain categories) |
| ICAI Qualifiers | Passed Intermediate level of Chartered Accountancy |
| ICMAI Qualifiers | Passed Intermediate level of Cost and Management Accountancy |
| Other Professionals | Passed Foundation/Intermediate of other recognised bodies (as notified by ICSI) |
Provisional registration is allowed for final-year graduates, subject to submission of degree proof later.
Executive Programme Eligibility
Primary routes:
- Qualifying CSEET and registering within stipulated time.
- Direct entry as per graduate/professional exemptions.
No additional academic requirements beyond entry qualification.
Registration validity: 3 years initially, extendable.
Professional Programme Eligibility
- Candidates must have passed both modules of the Executive Programme.
- Single module clearance allows conditional registration, but full clearance is required before appearing for Professional exams.
- Practical training requirements must be completed or underway as per guidelines.
Age Requirements
- Minimum age: 17 years for Executive Programme registration.
- No maximum age limit for any level.
- CSEET has no strict age bar, but aligns with Class 12 completion norms.
Exemptions and Special Categories
| Category | Exemption/Benefit |
|---|---|
| ICAI/ICMAI Final Passed | Exemption from certain papers in Executive/Professional |
| LLB Graduates | Possible paper exemptions (subject to ICSI approval) |
| SC/ST/PwD | Fee concessions; relaxed passing criteria in some cases |
| Wards of Martyrs | Full fee waiver under specific schemes |
Exemptions are granted on application with supporting documents.
Company Secretary (CS): Key Levels
The Company Secretary (CS) course is structured into three distinct levels by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). Each level builds on the previous one, progressively deepening knowledge in corporate laws, governance, compliance, and secretarial practices.
The three levels are: Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET), Executive Programme, and Professional Programme. Together, they form a complete pathway to becoming a qualified Company Secretary.
| Level | Purpose | Duration (Approximate) | Mode of Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSEET | Entrance test for non-graduates | Qualifying exam (2-3 months preparation) | Online (computer-based) |
| Executive Programme | Core professional knowledge | 9 months (minimum) | Self-study / coaching |
| Professional Programme | Advanced expertise and specialisation | 15 months (minimum) | Self-study / coaching |
Total course duration, including mandatory training, is typically 2-4 years depending on preparation time and exam attempts.
Level 1: CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test)
CSEET is the mandatory entry-level test for candidates who have completed Class 12 and wish to pursue the CS Executive Programme.
It assesses basic knowledge in communication, legal aptitude, economics, and current affairs.
Exam pattern: Four papers, each 50 marks, total 200 marks, computer-based, objective + subjective.
Passing criteria: 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate.
Frequency: Conducted four times a year (January, May, July, November).
Exemptions: Graduates and certain professional qualifiers can skip CSEET.
Level 2: Executive Programme
The Executive Programme is the first professional level of the CS course.
It consists of two modules with seven papers in total.
| Module | Paper No. | Paper Name | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | 1 | Jurisprudence, Interpretation and General Laws | 100 |
| Module 1 | 2 | Company Law | 100 |
| Module 1 | 3 | Setting up of Business Entities and Closure | 100 |
| Module 1 | 4 | Tax Laws | 100 |
| Module 2 | 5 | Corporate and Management Accounting | 100 |
| Module 2 | 6 | Securities Laws and Capital Markets | 100 |
| Module 2 | 7 | Economic, Business and Commercial Laws | 100 |
Exams are held in June and December every year. Passing requires 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate per module.
After clearing Executive, candidates can begin 21-month mandatory practical training.
Level 3: Professional Programme
The Professional Programme is the final academic stage before membership.
It comprises three modules with eight papers, including one elective.
| Module | Paper No. | Paper Name | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | 1 | Governance, Risk Management, Compliances and Ethics | 100 |
| Module 1 | 2 | Advanced Tax Laws | 100 |
| Module 1 | 3 | Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances | 100 |
| Module 2 | 4 | Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management and Due Diligence | 100 |
| Module 2 | 5 | Corporate Restructuring, Insolvency, Liquidation and Winding-up | 100 |
| Module 2 | 6 | Resolution of Corporate Disputes, Non-Traditional and Alternate Dispute Resolution | 100 |
| Module 3 | 7 | Corporate Funding and Listing in Stock Exchanges | 100 |
| Module 3 | 8 | Multidisciplinary Case Studies (Open Book Exam) | 100 |
| Module 3 | 9 | Elective (One to be chosen) | 100 |
Elective options include Banking Law, Insurance Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Forensic Audit, among others.
Passing criteria: 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate per module. Exams are conducted in June and December.
Practical Training and Membership
- After clearing Executive or certain Professional papers, candidates must complete 21 months of practical training (can be concurrent with studies).
- Training can be undertaken under a practising Company Secretary, in a company, or through ICSI-approved institutions.
- Upon passing Professional Programme and completing training, candidates are eligible for Associate Membership (ACS) of ICSI.
- After five years of experience, they can apply for Fellow Membership (FCS).
Syllabus of Company Secretary (CS)
The Company Secretary (CS) course syllabus, prescribed by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), is designed under the 2022 syllabus framework. It covers essential areas of corporate law, governance, compliance, taxation, accounting, and secretarial practices across three levels.
The syllabus emphasises practical application, case studies, and current legal developments. Candidates must stay updated with amendments through official ICSI notifications and supplements.
| Level | Number of Papers | Key Focus Areas | Exam Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSEET | 4 Papers | Communication, Legal Aptitude, Economics, Current Affairs | Computer-based (Objective) |
| Executive Programme | 7 Papers (2 Modules) | Company Law, Tax Laws, Securities Laws, Accounting | OMR/Descriptive |
| Professional Programme | 9 Papers (3 Modules, including 2 Electives) | Governance, Restructuring, Drafting, Advanced Compliance | Descriptive (Open Book for select papers) |
The syllabus is regularly updated to align with changes in the Companies Act, SEBI regulations, tax laws, and emerging areas like ESG and insolvency.
CSEET Syllabus
CSEET serves as the entry-level test with four papers, each carrying 50 marks (total 200 marks). Duration: 2 hours.
| Paper | Marks | Major Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Business Communication | 50 | Essentials of good English, business correspondence, report writing, presentation skills, interdepartmental communication |
| Paper 2: Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning | 50 | Indian Constitution, elements of company law and contracts, torts, logical reasoning (verbal, non-verbal), critical thinking |
| Paper 3: Economic and Business Environment | 50 | Basics of micro and macro economics, Indian economic system, business environment, entrepreneurship, key government policies |
| Paper 4: Current Affairs and Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | National and international current events, business news, arithmetic, algebra, statistics, probability |
Current affairs cover events up to a few months before the exam. Quantitative aptitude includes data interpretation.
Note: CSEET syllabus restructuring applies from June 2026 onwards.
Executive Programme Syllabus
The Executive Programme consists of seven papers divided into two modules. Each paper is 100 marks, with OMR-based exams for select papers.
Module 1
| Paper | Title | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Jurisprudence, Interpretation and General Laws | Sources of law, Constitution of India, interpretation of statutes, general clauses act, administrative laws, law of torts, CPC, CrPC, evidence act |
| Paper 2 | Company Law and Practice | Company incorporation, prospectus, shares and debentures, directors, meetings, dividends, accounts, audit, oppression and mismanagement |
| Paper 3 | Setting up of Business, Industrial and Labour Laws | Types of companies and entities, registration processes, industrial laws (factories act, shops act), labour laws (wages, gratuity, PF, ESI, maternity benefit) |
| Paper 4 | Corporate Accounting and Financial Management | Accounting standards, preparation of financial statements, ratio analysis, cash flow, costing, budgeting, capital structure, working capital management |
Module 2
| Paper | Title | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 5 | Capital Market and Securities Laws | Capital markets structure, SEBI act and regulations, listing, depositories, mutual funds, collective investment schemes |
| Paper 6 | Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Laws | FEMA, FCRA, competition law, consumer protection, arbitration, transfer of property, stamps, registration, IPR (patents, trademarks, copyright) |
| Paper 7 | Tax Laws and Practice | Direct taxes (income tax computation, deductions, TDS), indirect taxes (GST, customs), tax planning, assessments, appeals |
Emphasis on practical aspects, case laws, and recent amendments in laws like Companies Act 2013, GST, and SEBI guidelines.
Professional Programme Syllabus
The Professional Programme has nine papers across three modules, including two electives (one from each group).
Essential Papers (Compulsory)
| Module | Paper | Title | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | Paper 1 | Governance, Risk Management, Compliances and Ethics | Corporate governance framework, board effectiveness, risk management, internal controls, ethics, sustainability, ESG |
| Module 1 | Paper 2 | Advanced Tax Laws | International taxation, tax treaties, transfer pricing, GAAR, advance rulings, black money act |
| Module 1 | Paper 3 | Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances | Legal drafting, deeds, agreements, pleadings before tribunals (NCLT, NCLAT), appearances, arbitration |
| Module 2 | Paper 4 | Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management and Due Diligence | Secretarial audit process, checklist, compliance management systems, due diligence (legal, financial) |
| Module 2 | Paper 5 | Corporate Restructuring, Insolvency, Liquidation and Winding-up | Mergers and acquisitions, valuation, IBC 2016, resolution plans, liquidation, cross-border insolvency |
| Module 2 | Paper 6 | Resolution of Corporate Disputes, Non-Compliances and Remedies | Dispute resolution mechanisms, shareholder disputes, remedies, class actions, mediation |
| Module 3 | Paper 7 | Corporate Funding and Listings in Stock Exchanges | Debt and equity funding, IPO, FPO, rights issue, listing compliance, buy-back, delisting |
| Module 3 | Paper 8 | Multidisciplinary Case Studies | Integrated case studies across laws, governance, finance (Open book exam) |
Elective Papers
Candidates choose one elective from each group:
- Elective 1: Banking Law and Practice; Insurance Law and Practice; Capital, Commodity and Money Market; Intellectual Property Rights
- Elective 2: Forensic Audit; Direct Tax Laws and Practice; Valuation and Business Modelling; Insolvency Law and Practice
Electives allow specialisation in niche areas relevant to modern corporate roles.
Company Secretary vs Other Programmes
The Company Secretary course is often compared with other premier professional programmes in India such as Chartered Accountancy (CA), Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA), Law (LLB), and MBA. Each qualification leads to distinct career paths, skill sets, and roles in the corporate world.
While CA focuses on auditing and taxation, CMA on cost management, LLB on litigation, and MBA on general management, the CS course specialises in corporate governance, company law, compliance, and secretarial practice—making the Company Secretary an indispensable KMP (Key Managerial Personnel) in every listed and large company.
| Parameter | Company Secretary (CS) | Chartered Accountancy (CA) | Cost & Management Accountancy (CMA) | LLB (Law) | MBA (Finance/Corp Law) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | ICSI | ICAI | ICMAI | Bar Council / Universities | IIMs / Top B-Schools |
| Entry After | Class 12 (via CSEET) or Graduation (direct Executive) | Class 12 (CPT/Foundation) or Graduation (Direct Entry) | Class 12 or Graduation | Class 12 (3-year LLB after Grad) or Class 12 (5-year integrated) | Graduation + CAT/XAT etc. |
| Total Duration | 2.5–4 years | 4–5 years | 3–4 years | 3 years or 5 years | 2 years (after graduation) |
| Total Cost (approx.) | ₹60,000–₹1,00,000 | ₹2,50,000–₹4,00,000 | ₹80,000–₹1,50,000 | ₹2–15 lakh (depending on college) | ₹10–30 lakh (IIMs/XLRI etc.) |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate (conceptual + law heavy) | Very High (vast syllabus + numerical) | High (costing + accounts heavy) | Moderate to High (depends on college & litigation interest) | Moderate (entrance very tough, course manageable) |
| Core Focus | Corporate Laws, Governance, Compliance, Secretarial Practice | Audit, Taxation, Accounting, Finance | Cost Control, Management Accounting, Financial Strategy | Litigation, Contracts, Constitutional Law | General Management, Strategy, Marketing, Finance |
| Statutory Recognition | Mandatory KMP in listed & large companies (Sec 203 Companies Act) | Only CA can sign audit reports | No exclusive statutory role like CS or CA | Only advocates can appear in courts | No exclusive statutory role |
| Average Starting Salary (2024–25) | ₹5–8 LPA (₹10–15 LPA in Big 4 / listed cos) | ₹8–12 LPA (₹15–25 LPA in Big 4) | ₹6–9 LPA | ₹4–10 LPA (litigation low initially, corporate law high) | ₹12–30 LPA (from IIMs/XLRI) |
| Top Recruiters | Deloitte, KPMG, EY, PwC, Tata, Reliance, Adani, Infosys, Practising CS firms | Big 4, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, top CAs firms | Manufacturing cos, KPMG, Deloitte, Accenture | Top law firms (CAM, Shardul, Trilegal), LPO, In-house counsel | McKinsey, BCG, Goldman, HUL, top corporates |
| Best Suited For | Students who love Company Law, Governance, Compliance, Boardroom work | Students strong in Accounts, Tax, Audit | Students interested in Costing, Management Accounting, Manufacturing | Students who want to litigate or become corporate lawyers | Students wanting leadership & general management roles |
| Practice Option | Yes – Practising Company Secretary (very lucrative) | Yes – Highly lucrative | Yes – Cost Audit practice | Yes – Advocacy or PCS | No independent practice |
| Job Security & Demand (2025) | Very High – mandatory appointment in thousands of companies | Extremely High | High in manufacturing/PSU | High in corporate law, moderate |
Company Secretary (CS): Admission Process
The admission process for the Company Secretary (CS) course, conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), is fully online and open throughout the year. Registration is done through the official portal at icsi.edu, with specific cut-off dates determining eligibility for particular exam sessions.
The course has three levels: CSEET (entrance for Class 12 passers), Executive Programme, and Professional Programme. Graduates and certain professionals can bypass CSEET for direct entry to Executive.
Admission involves registration for the desired level, followed by exam enrolment and mandatory pre-exam requirements.
| Level | Entry Requirement | Registration Validity |
|---|---|---|
| CSEET | Class 12 passed/appearing | Valid for one attempt |
| Executive Programme | CSEET passed or direct entry | 5 years |
| Professional Programme | Executive Programme passed | 5 years |
All registrations are processed online via smash.icsi.edu or the student portal.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Visit the official ICSI website (icsi.edu) and navigate to the student registration portal.
- Create an account or log in if already registered.
- Select the appropriate level (CSEET, Executive, or Professional).
- Fill in personal, educational, and contact details accurately.
- Upload required documents in specified format (photo, signature, certificates).
- Pay the registration fee online (net banking, card, UPI).
- Submit the form and download the acknowledgement/receipt.
- Receive registration number via email/SMS for future reference.
Provisional registration is allowed for appearing candidates, subject to later proof submission.
CSEET Admission Process
CSEET is conducted multiple times a year in remote proctored mode.
Registration cut-offs (as of December 2025):
| Exam Session | Last Date for Registration | Exam Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | 15 December 2025 | 10 January 2026 |
| June 2026 | 15 February 2026 (announced) | June 2026 |
Fee: Approximately INR 2,000 (concessions for categories).
Upon passing CSEET, candidates must register for Executive within stipulated time.
Executive Programme Admission
Direct entry available for graduates and ICAI/ICMAI intermediates.
Cut-off dates for exam eligibility:
| Exam Session | Both Modules | Single Module |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | 30 November 2025 | 31 January 2026 |
| December 2026 | 31 May 2026 | 31 July 2026 |
Registration fee: Around INR 8,500-10,000 per module.
Professional Programme Admission
- Requires passing both Executive modules.
- Same cut-off dates as Executive for exam sessions.
- Fee: Approximately INR 12,000.
- Candidates can register conditionally after single Executive module but must clear both before Professional exams.
Required Documents for Registration
- Passport-size photograph
- Specimen signature
- Class 10 and 12 marksheets/certificates
- Graduation marksheet/degree (for direct entry)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/PwD if applicable)
- ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
- CSEET pass certificate (for Executive)
- Executive pass certificate (for Professional)
All uploads must be in JPG/PDF format with size limits.
Exam Enrolment Process
- Separate from registration: Enrol for specific exam session after registration.
- Enrolment windows open 3-4 months before exams (e.g., for June 2026: February-March 2026).
- Pre-exam test mandatory for Executive/Professional candidates.
- Late enrolment allowed with fees.
Fees Structure (Approximate, 2025)
| Level | Registration Fee | Exam Fee (per attempt) |
|---|---|---|
| CSEET | INR 2,000 | Included |
| Executive (per module) | INR 9,000-10,000 | INR 1,200-1,500 |
| Professional | INR 12,000 | INR 1,200 per paper |
Concessions available for SC/ST (50%), PwD, and certain regions.
Important Guidelines
- Check official notifications for exact dates and updates.
- Registration is non-refundable; ensure eligibility before applying.
- Practical training registration separate after exam progress.
- ICSI provides helpline and grievance portal for support.
- The online process ensures quick approval, with study materials dispatched post-registration.
Company Secretary (CS): Placements
Company Secretary (CS): Placements
The placement prospects for qualified Company Secretaries in India remain strong due to the mandatory requirement under the Companies Act, 2013 for certain companies to appoint a full-time CS. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) supports placements through its dedicated portal and organised drives.
Freshers often secure roles in compliance, secretarial, and legal departments of corporates, while experienced professionals move to senior positions like Head of Secretariat or Chief Compliance Officer.
Salary Packages
| Experience Level | Average Salary (LPA) | Range (LPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresher (0-2 years) | INR 4-6 | INR 3-8 |
| Mid-level (3-7 years) | INR 8-12 | INR 6-15 |
| Senior (8+ years) | INR 15-25 | INR 12-40+ |
| In Big 4/Top Corporates | INR 7-10 (fresher) | Up to INR 20+ (mid-level) |
Salaries are higher in metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Additional perks include bonuses, ESOPs, and allowances.
Fresher packages in top firms or listed companies often exceed general averages due to compliance mandates.
Top Recruiters
Leading companies across sectors actively hire Company Secretaries.
| Sector | Top Companies |
|---|---|
| Consulting/Big 4 | Deloitte, KPMG, EY, PwC |
| Conglomerates | Tata Group, Reliance Industries, Adani Group |
| IT/Tech | Infosys, TCS, Wipro |
| Banking/Finance | HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI |
| Manufacturing/FMCG | Hindustan Unilever, Bajaj, Godrej |
| Others | Lenskart, NTPC, ONGC, PSUs via notifications |
PSUs and government enterprises recruit through ICSI notifications for roles like Management Trainee or Deputy Manager.
Common Job Roles
- Assistant Company Secretary
- Compliance Officer
- Secretarial Executive
- Legal Advisor (Corporate)
- Company Secretary (Full-time in listed companies)
- Governance Specialist
- Practising Company Secretary (Independent practice)
Freshers typically start as assistants or trainees, progressing to full CS roles within 2-5 years.
Placement Process
- Register on ICSI Placement Portal (placement.icsi.edu).
- Participate in campus/trainee drives organised by ICSI regions.
- Apply directly to companies via job portals or notifications.
- Convert training/internship into pre-placement offers.
- Attend interviews focusing on company law, governance, and compliance knowledge.
ICSI conducts mega drives periodically, with hundreds of opportunities in single events.
Company Secretary (CS): Scholarships
1. Merit Scholarship
Awarded to students who secure ranks or high marks in Executive or Professional examinations.
| Level | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Programme | Top 25 rank holders in each module | Full exemption from registration and exam fees for Professional Programme |
| Professional Programme | All India Rank 1 to 25 | Monthly stipend of INR 2,500 for 12 months + fee exemptions |
Merit scholarships are automatically considered based on exam results.
2. Merit-cum-Means Scholarship
Designed for students with strong academic performance but limited financial resources.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic | Minimum 60% aggregate in previous exams |
| Income | Family annual income below INR 3 lakh |
| Number | Limited seats per region |
| Benefits | Full or partial fee waiver for registration, exams, and training |
3. Need-based Financial Assistance (SEFT)
- Provided to economically backward students facing genuine hardship.
- Eligibility: Family income below INR 1.5-2 lakh, supported by income certificate and recommendation.
- Benefits: Reimbursement of registration/exam fees, partial training cost coverage.
- Applications reviewed case-by-case by the Trust.
Category-based Concessions
ICSI offers direct fee concessions without separate scholarship applications.
| Category | Concession | Applicable On |
|---|---|---|
| SC/ST | 50% concession | Registration and exam fees |
| Physically Disabled (PwD) | 50% concession + extra time in exams | All fees |
| Wards of Martyrs/Defence Personnel | Up to 100% waiver | Full course fees |
| ICSI Employees’ Wards | 50-75% concession | Registration and exams |
| North-Eastern States/J&K/Ladakh | Special concessions on fees | Registration and training |
Concessions are applied at the time of registration with valid certificates.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
- Jagdish Ahuja Scholarship: For meritorious students from economically weaker sections (limited awards).
- ICSI Golden Jubilee Scholarship: For toppers and needy students (announced periodically).
- State Government Schemes: Many states offer scholarships for professional courses (e.g., Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC).
- National Scholarship Portal: Eligible CS students can apply under NSP schemes like Merit-cum-Means or Central Sector Scheme.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Some companies sponsor employees pursuing CS during training.
Application Process
- Log in to the ICSI student portal (icsi.edu).
- Navigate to “Scholarship/Financial Assistance” section.
- Fill the online application form with personal and academic details.
- Upload required documents (income certificate, marksheets, category proof, recommendation letter).
- Submit before the notified deadline (usually post-exam results or annual cycle).
- Track status online; approved amounts credited directly or fees adjusted.
Merit scholarships are auto-identified; others require active application.
Required Documents
- Income certificate (issued by competent authority)
- Marksheets of previous exams
- Category certificate (SC/ST/PwD)
- Bank account details
- Affidavit or declaration of financial hardship
- Recommendation from Regional Council/Chapter (for some schemes)
Important Guidelines
- Scholarships are subject to availability of funds and ICSI discretion.
- Students must maintain good academic progress to continue benefits.
- False information leads to cancellation and recovery of amounts.
- Check official ICSI notifications for current schemes and deadlines.
- These financial aids make the CS course accessible to deserving candidates from all economic backgrounds.
FAQs
1. What is the Company Secretary (CS) course?
The Company Secretary (CS) course is a professional programme regulated by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). It trains students in corporate laws, governance, compliance management, and secretarial practices, preparing them for key managerial and legal roles in organizations.
2. Who is eligible to pursue the CS course in India?
Students who have passed Class 12 from a recognized board can enroll through the CSEET route. Graduates and postgraduates from any discipline (except fine arts) are eligible for direct entry into the CS Executive programme.
3. What are the levels in the Company Secretary course?
The CS course consists of three levels: CSEET (entry-level test), CS Executive (intermediate level), and CS Professional (final level). Each stage focuses on developing legal, managerial, and compliance-related expertise required in corporate environments.
4. What is the duration of the CS course?
The CS course duration typically ranges from 3 to 4 years, depending on the candidate’s entry level, exam clearance speed, and completion of mandatory training requirements prescribed by ICSI.
5. Is the Company Secretary course difficult to pass?
The CS course is considered challenging due to its detailed syllabus and legal orientation. However, with consistent preparation, conceptual clarity, and proper guidance, many students successfully clear all levels and build rewarding careers.
6. What subjects are covered in the CS course?
The CS syllabus includes company law, corporate governance, taxation, economic laws, strategic management, compliance management, ethics, and secretarial audit. These subjects are designed to develop strong legal, analytical, and managerial skills.
7. What is the average salary of a Company Secretary in India?
Fresh CS professionals typically earn between ₹6–10 LPA, while experienced Company Secretaries can earn ₹15–25 LPA or more. Salary depends on experience, company size, industry, and professional expertise.
8. What career opportunities are available after CS?
After completing CS, professionals can work as Company Secretaries, compliance officers, legal advisors, corporate planners, or governance professionals in private companies, multinational corporations, government organizations, and regulatory bodies.
9. Can a Company Secretary practice independently?
Yes, after obtaining ACS membership from ICSI, a Company Secretary can start independent practice. They can offer services such as company incorporation, secretarial audits, compliance certification, and corporate legal advisory services.
10. Why should I choose the CS course as a career?
The CS course offers high professional recognition, strong career growth, attractive salaries, and diverse opportunities in corporate governance and law. It is ideal for students interested in legal, compliance, and strategic management roles.