Under the ICSI Student Training Guidelines, 2024, every student is required to undergo 21 months Practical Training along with 1 month EDP as part of professional development.
However, the Institute recognizes that certain students may already possess relevant professional exposure through employment, professional practice, or other roles. Therefore, it allows exemption from training where such experience is considered equivalent to the prescribed training requirements.
This exemption is a recognition of prior practical experience, ensuring that experienced candidates are not required to repeat training unnecessarily.
Official Source (ICSI Guidelines)
For complete reference, refer to:
https://www.icsi.edu/media/webmodules/ICSIStudentTainingGuidelines15012024.pdf
What ICSI Training Exemption Covers
The exemption is granted from:
- 21 Months Practical Training
- 1 Month Executive Development Programme (EDP)
When is ICSI Training Exemption allowed
- Only after passing all modules of Final / Professional Programme
- After acquiring relevant qualifying experience
Why ICSI Training Exemption is given
The exemption is granted to students who have:
- Experience in Secretarial, Legal, Compliance, Finance, or Management roles
- Developed practical professional skills
- Gained real corporate exposure
ICSI Training Exemption Eligibility Criteria (Who can claim exemption)
1. Secretarial Department Experience (Company)
- 3 years as Executive or Officer, or
- 4 years as Assistant
Organization must meet:
- Paid-up capital not less than Rs. 50 lakh, or
- Gross fixed assets not less than Rs. 2 crore, or
- Turnover not less than Rs. 10 crore
2. Experience under Practising Company Secretary
- 3 years at Executive level, or
- 4 years at Assistant level
Condition:
- Practising Company Secretary must have minimum 5 years of practice
3. Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant
- 5 years post-qualification continuous practice
Must include:
- Audit or consultancy services
- Work with at least 2 eligible client organizations
4. Advocate
- 5 years continuous legal practice
Additional requirements:
- At least 1 case before High Court or 5 cases before NCLT
- Advisory role for at least 2 eligible companies
5. Management or Executive Roles
- 4 to 5 years as Executive, or
- 6 years as Assistant
In:
- Administration, Accounts, Finance, Legal, Personnel, or similar areas
6. LLP Secretarial Experience
- 5 years at Executive level, or
- 6 years at Assistant level
LLP must satisfy:
- Capital contribution not less than Rs. 50 lakh, or
- Turnover not less than Rs. 25 crore
7. Faculty or Teaching Experience
- 5 years post-qualification experience
Must have taught:
- Law, Management, Finance and Accountancy, Corporate Governance
8. Equivalent Experience
- Experience in recognized professional institutions or abroad
- Approved by ICSI
9. Special Cases
- Council may grant exemption based on case-to-case evaluation
10. Combined Experience
- Minimum 6 years total experience across categories
11. IAS, IRS, IFoS and Group A Officers
- Exempted due to nature of service
Where to Apply
Application must be made through:
- ICSI Stimulate Portal
- Using SMASH credentials
How to Apply for ICSI training exemption (Step-by-Step)
- Confirm eligibility (Professional Programme cleared)
- Identify correct eligibility clause
- Collect all required documents
- Pay Rs. 20,000 application fee
- Upload documents online
- Submit application
- Await scrutiny by ICSI
Documents Required for ICSI training exemption
Common Documents
- Experience Certificate (designation, duration, work profile)
- Salary Slip or Bank Statement
- Income Tax Return or Form 16
- HR Certificate or Departmental Chart
- Annual Report or Balance Sheet
Additional Documents (Case-Specific)
- Certificate of Practice (CA/CMA)
- Bar Council Certificate (Advocate)
- Proof of court or tribunal cases
- Client certificates
- Qualification certificates (MBA, Post Graduation, etc.)
Fees Structure
- Application Fee: Rs. 20,000
- If rejected: 80% refund after 20% administrative deduction
- Re-application: Fresh Rs. 20,000
Sunset Clause (Old Students)
Students who did not complete training by 30 June 2022:
- Must shift to new training structure, and
- Either apply for fresh exemption, or
- Complete the remaining training with credit for earlier exemption
Summary Table (Quick Revision)
| Particulars | Key Requirement |
Eligibility Stage | After passing Final / Professional Programme |
Training Covered | 21 months training and 1 month EDP |
Minimum Experience | 3 to 6 years depending on category |
Key Fields Accepted | Secretarial, Legal, Finance, Audit, Management |
Company Threshold | Capital not less than Rs. 50 lakh or Assets not less than Rs. 2 crore or Turnover not less than Rs. 10 crore |
LLP Threshold | Capital not less than Rs. 50 lakh or Turnover not less than Rs. 25 crore |
| Application Mode | Online through Stimulate Portal |
| Login Required | SMASH credentials |
| Application Fee | Rs. 20,000 |
| Refund Rule | 80% refund if rejected |
| Decision Authority | ICSI Council (case-to-case basis) |
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FAQs on ICSI training exemption
1. Can I apply before passing CS Professional?
No. Application is allowed only after passing Professional Programme.
2. Does exemption include EDP?
Yes. It includes both training and EDP.
3. Is work experience alone sufficient?
No. It must satisfy eligibility conditions and be supported by proper documentation.
4. Where should I apply?
Through the ICSI Stimulate Portal using SMASH login credentials.
5. What is the application fee?
Rs. 20,000.
6. What happens if my application is rejected?
Eighty percent of the fee is refunded, and twenty percent is deducted as administrative cost.
7. Can experience under a practising Company Secretary be considered?
Yes, subject to prescribed duration and conditions.
8. Can Chartered Accountants or Cost Accountants apply?
Yes, if they meet the required practice and client exposure conditions.
9. Can Advocates apply for exemption?
Yes, subject to fulfillment of court or tribunal appearance and advisory conditions.
10. Can teaching experience be considered?
Yes, if the candidate has the required teaching experience and qualifications.
11. Can combined experience be considered?
Yes, if total experience is at least six years.
12. Is exemption guaranteed?
No. It depends on scrutiny and approval by ICSI.
13. What if I applied under old training rules?
You must comply with the provisions of the new training structure.
14. What is the most important document?
Experience certificate with a clear and detailed work profile.
15. Can the Council grant relaxation?
Yes. The Council may grant exemption on a case-to-case basis.
Conclusion
Exemption from 21 months Practical Training and 1 month EDP is a significant opportunity for experienced candidates to fast-track their qualification as a Company Secretary.
However, approval depends on proper eligibility, documentation, and compliance with the ICSI Training Guidelines. A carefully prepared application improves the likelihood of obtaining exemption and progressing efficiently in the professional journey.
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