| Quick answer: The CS course is a professional course conducted by ICSI. It has three levels: CSEET, CS Executive and CS Professional. After passing these levels and completing the required training, a student becomes eligible for ICSI membership as a Company Secretary. Students can start after Class 12 through CSEET. Graduates can enter CS Executive directly. |
What Does a Company Secretary Do?
A Company Secretary (CS) works closely with the Board of Directors and senior management on corporate law, governance and compliance.
In a company, the CS is usually seen as the Compliance Head and the Corporate Governance Professional, and is closely linked with the legal function. This is why the CS course is often called a gateway to the boardroom.
The CS Course Journey
Class 12 → CSEET → CS Executive → CS Professional → Training → Company Secretary
| Level | What It Is | Papers | Exams Held In |
| CSEET | Entrance test | 4 papers, 400 marks | February, June, October |
| CS Executive | First professional level | 7 papers, 700 marks in 2 groups | June, December |
| CS Professional | Final academic level | 7 papers, 700 marks in 2 groups | June, December |
Who Can Join the CS Course?
There are two ways to start.
1. After Class 12: Students who have passed or are appearing for Class 12 start with CSEET.
2. Direct Entry: Some students can skip CSEET and register directly for CS Executive:
- Graduates and Post-Graduates
- ICAI Intermediate pass students
- ICMAI Final pass students
- Students who have passed the 6th semester of a recognised 5-year integrated programme
Direct Entry students pay a ₹5,000 CSEET Exemption Fee when they register for CS Executive.
Level 1: CSEET
CSEET stands for Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test. It is the starting point for students coming after Class 12.
| Paper | Subject | Pattern |
| 1 | Business Communication | Subjective |
| 2 | Fundamentals of Accounting | Subjective |
| 3 | Economic and Business Environment | Subjective |
| 4 | Business Laws and Management | OMR-Based |
After registering, students complete the Student Induction Programme (SIP) and then enrol for the exam.
Level 2: CS Executive
This is where the core legal and compliance knowledge is built.
Group I
- Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws
- Company Law & Practice
- Setting Up of Business, Industrial & Labour Laws
- Corporate Accounting & Financial Management
Group II
- Capital Market & Securities Laws
- Economic, Commercial & Intellectual Property Laws
- Tax Laws & Practice
Before filling the exam form, students complete the Three Days Orientation Programme (TDOP) and a Pre-Examination Test.
Level 3: CS Professional
CS Professional is the final academic stage. You can register only after passing both groups of CS Executive.
It covers ESG, drafting, compliance and audit, strategic management, corporate finance, restructuring and insolvency, along with one elective in each group.
Electives include Internal & Forensic Audit, Intellectual Property Rights, AI, Data Analytics & Cyber Security, Advanced Direct Tax, GST and Corporate Tax Planning, Arbitration, Banking & Insurance, and Insolvency & Bankruptcy.
Passing Criteria
| Level | To Pass |
| CSEET | 40% in each paper + 50% aggregate |
| CS Executive | 40% in each paper + 50% aggregate in each group |
| CS Professional | 40% in each paper + 50% aggregate in each group |
At Executive and Professional, you can appear for one group or both groups.
Training: The Step Most Students Miss
Passing CS Professional alone does not make you a Company Secretary. You also need to complete ICSI’s training requirements.
Pass Executive → 30 Days EDP → 21 Months Practical Training → Pass Professional → 30 Days CLDP → ICSI Membership
- EDP (Executive Development Programme): 30 days after passing Executive: 15 days online and 15 days classroom
- Practical Training: 21 months with a Practising Company Secretary, a registered company or another approved entity
- CLDP (Corporate Leadership Development Programme): 30 days, after passing Professional and completing practical training
Practical training can run alongside your Professional preparation.
CS Course Fees at a Glance
| Level | Registration Fee | Exam Fee |
| CSEET | ₹7,500 | ₹1,500 per session |
| CS Executive (after CSEET) | ₹18,900 | ₹1,500 per group |
| CS Executive (Direct Entry) | ₹23,900 | ₹1,500 per group |
| CS Professional | ₹20,000 | ₹1,800 per group |
Approximate total for registration plus one attempt of every level:
- Via CSEET: ₹54,500
- Via Direct Entry: ₹50,500
These totals do not include training programme fees or coaching. ICSI also offers fee concessions to eligible categories.
What If You Fail an Attempt?
You do not need to register again. While your registration is valid, simply fill the exam form again, pay the exam fee and reappear.
| Registration | Valid For |
| CSEET | 3 years |
| CS Executive and Professional | 5 years |
How to Prepare for the CS Course
Study Material → Classes → Practice → Guideline Answers → Revision → Tests
ICSI provides official study material and Guideline Answers for every level. You’ll find all the official links on our ICSI Links page.
Start Your CS Journey with Jahangir Tutorials
Jahangir Tutorials is exclusively focused on the Company Secretary course, with classes for CSEET, CS Executive and CS Professional.
- Offline Classes, Mumbai (Hinglish): Face-to-face at Andheri West
- Online Classes, All India (100% English): Professionally recorded and edited lectures, suited to students across India, including South India
Get in Touch with Jahangir Tutorials for Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test, CS Executive and CS Professional Classes now.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the full form of CS?
CS stands for Company Secretary. The course is conducted by ICSI, The Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
2. Can I start the CS course after Class 12?
Yes. Students who have passed or are appearing for Class 12 can register for CSEET, the first level of the CS course.
3. Can graduates skip CSEET?
Yes. Graduates, post-graduates, ICAI Intermediate pass and ICMAI Final pass students can register directly for CS Executive through Direct Entry by paying a ₹5,000 CSEET Exemption Fee.
4. How many levels are there in the CS course?
Three: CSEET, CS Executive and CS Professional. Students also complete training (EDP, 21 months of practical training and CLDP) before becoming eligible for ICSI membership.
5. How many times a year are CS exams held?
CSEET is held three times a year, in February, June and October. CS Executive and CS Professional exams are held twice a year, in June and December.
6. What is the total fee for the CS course?
Registration plus one attempt of every level comes to approximately ₹54,500 via CSEET or ₹50,500 via Direct Entry. Training programme fees and coaching are extra.
7. Do I have to register again if I fail?
No. While your registration is valid, you only need to fill the exam form again and pay the exam fee.
8. Does passing CS Professional make me a Company Secretary?
Not by itself. You must also complete the required training and obtain ICSI membership.
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