How to Become a Company Secretary: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The Company Secretary (CS) profession is a prestigious and rewarding career path in India, governed by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). If you’re aspiring to become a qualified Company Secretary, it’s important to understand the various stages, eligibility criteria, subjects, fee structure, and training involved in this journey.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about becoming a CS, whether you’re starting after 10+2 or graduation.

Pathways to Become a Company Secretary

1. After 10+2 (Any Stream except Fine Arts)

If you’ve completed your 10+2 (Science, Commerce, or Arts), you must complete all three levels:

• Foundation Programme
• Executive Programme
• Professional Programme

2. After Graduation (Any Stream except Fine Arts)

Graduates can directly enroll in the Executive Programme and skip the Foundation level. The two required stages are:

• Executive Programme
• Professional Programme

Admission and Examination Schedule

Admissions are open throughout the year. Exams are conducted twice: June and December.

Cut-off Dates for Admission

Foundation Programme:

• 31st March – Eligible for December Exam (same year)
• 30th September – Eligible for June Exam (next year)

Executive Programme:

• 28th February – Both Modules in December (same year)
• 31st May – Single Module in December (same year)
• 31st August – Both Modules in June (next year)
• 30th November – Single Module in June (next year)

CS Course Structure and Subjects

1. Foundation Programme (4 Papers – New Syllabus w.e.f. 1st April 2017)

• Business Environment and Law
• Business Management, Ethics & Entrepreneurship
• Business Economics
• Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing

2. Executive Programme (8 Papers – New Syllabus w.e.f. 1st March 2018)

Module I:

1. Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws
2. Company Law
3. Setting up of Business Entities and Closure
4. Tax Laws

Module II:

1. Corporate & Management Accounting
2. Securities Laws & Capital Markets
3. Economic, Business and Commercial Laws
4. Financial and Strategic Management

3. Professional Programme

Old Syllabus (w.e.f. 1st September 2013):

Module I:

• Advanced Company Law and Practice
• Secretarial Audit, Compliance & Due Diligence
• Corporate Restructuring, Valuation & Insolvency

Module II:

• IT and Systems Audit
• Financial, Treasury & Forex Management
• Ethics, Governance & Sustainability

Module III:

• Advanced Tax Laws and Practice
• Drafting, Appearances & Pleadings
• Elective (Choose one from 5 options)

New Syllabus (w.e.f. 1st September 2018):

Module I:

• Governance, Risk Management, Compliances & Ethics
• Advanced Tax Laws
• Drafting, Pleadings & Appearances

Module II:

• Secretarial Audit
• Corporate Restructuring
• Resolution of Corporate Disputes

Module III:

• Corporate Funding & Listings in Stock Exchanges
• Multidisciplinary Case Studies
• Elective (Choose one from 8 options – Open Book Exam)

Fee Structure for CS Course

Examination Fee and Schedule

Application Deadlines:

• 25th March (Late fee of ₹250 until 9th April)
• 25th September (Late fee of ₹250 until 10th October)

Medium and Passing Criteria

• Exam Medium: English and Hindi (Except “Business Communication” paper in Foundation)
• Passing Criteria: Minimum 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate in a single sitting.

Training Structure (Modified from 1st April 2014)

Conclusion

The journey to becoming a Company Secretary requires dedication, structured learning, and practical training. Whether you’re a 12th-pass student or a graduate, ICSI offers multiple pathways to help you achieve this prestigious qualification. Start your CS journey today and unlock exciting career opportunities in corporate governance, compliance, and legal advisory.

Read Also: ICSI CS June 2025 Registration: Key Dates, Eligibility, and Application Process

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Hemesh Choudhary

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