The Company Secretary (CS) course is one of India’s most respected professional qualifications in corporate law, governance, compliance, and corporate management. The course is conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), a statutory body under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
A Company Secretary (CS) plays a crucial role in ensuring that companies comply with legal and regulatory requirements. In many companies, especially listed companies, the appointment of a Company Secretary as Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) is mandatory under the Companies Act.
This article explains the latest structure of the CS course, eligibility, syllabus, fees, and career opportunities.
What is the Company Secretary Course?
The CS course is a professional program designed to create experts in:
- Corporate laws
- Corporate governance
- Securities laws
- Compliance management
- Corporate restructuring
- Taxation and finance
A qualified Company Secretary works closely with the Board of Directors and top management and is responsible for ensuring proper corporate governance and legal compliance within an organisation.
Levels of the Company Secretary Course
The CS course consists of three stages:
- CSEET (CS Executive Entrance Test)
- CS Executive Programme
- CS Professional Programme
Students who join the course after 12th must clear CSEET, while graduates can directly register for CS Executive through the direct entry route.
Level 1 – CSEET (CS Executive Entrance Test)
CSEET is the entry-level examination for students who wish to pursue the Company Secretary course after 12th.
Eligibility
Students who have passed or are appearing in Senior Secondary (10+2) examination from a recognised board are eligible to register for CSEET.
CSEET Subjects
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper 1 | Business Communication | 100 |
| Paper 2 | Fundamentals of Accounting | 100 |
| Paper 3 | Economic and Business Environment | 100 |
| Paper 4 | Business Laws and Management | 100 |
Total Marks: 400
Exam Pattern
- Conducted three times a year – February, June, and October
- Combination of objective and descriptive questions
CSEET Fees
| Particular | Amount |
| Registration Fee | ₹7,500 |
| Exam Enrolment Fee | ₹1,500 |
Total: Approximately ₹9,000 per attempt
Level 2 – CS Executive Programme
After clearing CSEET, students become eligible to register for the CS Executive Programme. This level focuses on core corporate laws, taxation, and finance.
CS Executive Subjects
Group I
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper 1 | Jurisprudence, Interpretation and General Laws | 100 |
| Paper 2 | Company Law and Practice | 100 |
| Paper 3 | Setting Up of Business, Industrial and Labour Laws | 100 |
| Paper 4 | Corporate Accounting and Financial Management | 100 |
Group II
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper 5 | Capital Market and Securities Law | 100 |
| Paper 6 | Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Laws | 100 |
| Paper 7 | Tax Laws and Practice | 100 |
Total Marks: 700
CS Executive Fees
| Particular | Amount |
| Registration Fee | ₹2,000 |
| Education Fee | ₹12,900 |
| Pre-Exam Test Fee | ₹1,000 |
Total: Approximately ₹18,900
Students entering through direct entry after graduation are required to pay an additional exemption fee.
Level 3 – CS Professional Programme
The CS Professional Programme is the final stage of the course and focuses on advanced corporate advisory and strategic management.
CS Professional Subjects
Group I
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) – Principles and Practice
- Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances
- Compliance Management, Audit and Due Diligence
- Elective Paper (one subject)
Group II
- Strategic Management and Corporate Finance
- Corporate Restructuring, Valuation and Insolvency
- Elective Paper (one subject)
Total Papers: 7
Duration of the Company Secretary Course
The approximate duration to complete the course is:
| Level | Duration |
| CSEET | 4 to 6 months |
| CS Executive | 9 to 12 months |
| CS Professional | 9 to 12 months |
Overall duration including training is generally around 3 to 4 years.
Career Opportunities After CS
After qualifying as a Company Secretary, professionals can work in various roles such as:
- Company Secretary
- Compliance Officer
- Corporate Governance Advisor
- Corporate Legal Consultant
- Secretarial Auditor
- Practicing Company Secretary (PCS)
Company Secretaries are in demand in:
- Listed companies
- Multinational corporations
- Corporate law firms
- Consulting firms
- Financial institutions
Why Choose the Company Secretary Course?
Key reasons why many students choose the CS course:
- Strong career in corporate law and governance
- Statutory recognition under the Companies Act
- Opportunity to work with top management and board of directors
- Growing demand for compliance professionals in India
Get in Touch with Jahangir Tutorials for Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test, CS Executive and CS Professional Classes now.
FAQs on Company Secretary Course
1. What is the eligibility for the CS course?
Students who have passed 10+2 can register for CSEET, while graduates can directly register for the CS Executive Programme.
2. How many levels are there in the Company Secretary course?
The CS course consists of three levels: CSEET, CS Executive and CS Professional.
3. What is the total fee for the CS course?
Approximate academic fees:
• CSEET – around ₹9,000
• CS Executive – around ₹18,900
• CS Professional – around ₹20,000
Total academic cost is around ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 (excluding coaching).
4. Can I pursue the CS course after graduation?
Yes. Graduates can directly register for the CS Executive Programme without appearing for CSEET.
5. Is the CS course difficult?
The CS course is considered challenging because it focuses heavily on corporate laws and governance, but with consistent preparation and proper guidance, students can successfully complete the course.
6. What are the job roles after completing CS?
Common job roles include:
• Company Secretary
• Compliance Manager
• Corporate Legal Advisor
• Secretarial Auditor
• Practicing Company Secretary
7. How long does it take to complete the CS course?
The course generally takes 3 to 4 years including training, depending on the student’s preparation and exam attempts.
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