What is CS?
The CS course is run by ICSI under its Syllabus 2022. It has three stages: the CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET), the CS Executive Programme (7 papers in two groups) and the CS Professional Programme (6 papers in three groups, including one elective). You also complete ICSI's training: a short Executive Development Programme, 21 months of long-term training with a company or practising CS, and a Corporate Leadership Development Programme.
You learn company law, securities and capital market law, corporate governance, ESG, drafting and pleadings, insolvency and mergers, tax and corporate accounting. Company Secretaries hold board-level responsibility for compliance and are mandatory key managerial personnel in listed and larger companies under the Companies Act, 2013.
How it differs from close alternatives: CA is centred on accounting, audit and tax; CS on law and governance. LLB is a general law degree for advocates; CS is specialised corporate law practice. Many professionals combine CS with LLB or CA.
Who is this course for?
- Students who enjoy reading laws, regulations and writing precise documents
- Those interested in how boards, shareholders and regulators like SEBI work
- Students from any stream who want a professional course with lower fees
- People who like structured, detail-oriented compliance work
- Those who may later add LLB or CA for a stronger legal-financial profile
What you study
- CSEET
- Business Communication
- Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning
- Economic and Business Environment
- Current Affairs
- CS Executive (Groups 1 & 2)
- Jurisprudence, Interpretation and General Laws
- Company Law and Practice
- Setting up of Business, Industrial and Labour Laws
- Corporate Accounting and Financial Management
- Capital Market and Securities Laws
- Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Laws
- Tax Laws and Practice
- Training
- Executive Development Programme
- 21 months of long-term practical training
- Corporate Leadership Development Programme
- CS Professional (Groups 1–3)
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) – Principles and Practice
- Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances
- Compliance Management, Audit and Due Diligence
- Mergers, Acquisitions and Insolvency
- Strategic Management and Corporate Finance
- One elective paper (e.g. banking, insurance, IPR, forensic audit, international business)
Specialisations and electives
Corporate Governance and Board AdvisorySecurities and Capital Market ComplianceInsolvency and RestructuringMergers and AcquisitionsESG and Sustainability ReportingIntellectual PropertyPractising Company Secretary (secretarial audit)
Eligibility & admission
- After Class 12: pass Class 12 (any stream) and register for CSEET.
- CSEET pass marks: 40% in each paper and 50% in aggregate; no exemption or carry-forward of marks.
- Exempt from CSEET: graduates and postgraduates, students who passed ICSI Foundation, and those who passed the final level of ICAI or ICMAI; they can register directly for CS Executive. Students in the final year of a bachelor's degree can also register for Executive under ICSI's current rules.
- CS Executive and Professional: generally 40% in each paper and 50% in aggregate of each group.
- Open to Indian nationals for CSEET; no upper age limit.
How admission works
- Register for CSEET on icsi.edu after Class 12 (or apply for exemption if you are a graduate)
- Pass CSEET and register for the CS Executive Programme
- Pass both groups of CS Executive (exams in June and December)
- Complete the Executive Development Programme and start 21 months of long-term training
- Register for and pass CS Professional, then complete the Corporate Leadership Development Programme
- Apply for ICSI membership to become an Associate Company Secretary (ACS)
Entrance exams
CSEETentrance test held three times a year (February, June, October); offline from the June 2026 session
CS Executivetwo groups; exams held in June and December
CS Professionalthree groups; exams held in June and December
Planning to study CS?The AISEE merit scholarship can cover up to 100% of tuition fees at participating colleges. One online exam, results by rank.
Apply for AISEE-2027
Top colleges for CS
| College | City | Why it stands out |
|---|
| Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) – Headquarters | New Delhi | The only body that conducts the CS course; study material, e-learning and oral coaching |
| Northern India Regional Council (NIRC), ICSI | New Delhi | Regional council for students in northern India |
| Western India Regional Council (WIRC), ICSI | Mumbai | Regional council for western India |
| Southern India Regional Council (SIRC), ICSI | Chennai | Regional council for southern India |
| Eastern India Regional Council (EIRC), ICSI | Kolkata | Regional council for eastern India |
| ICSI chapters | Many cities | Local chapters run classes, training programmes and student services |
Ranks are from the NIRF 2025 India Rankings where shown. Check each college’s official website for this year’s seats, fees and cut-offs.
Careers & salary
Company Secretary (in-house)Handles board meetings, statutory filings and governance for a company.
Compliance OfficerEnsures a listed company or financial firm follows SEBI, RBI and company law rules.
Practising Company SecretaryOffers secretarial audit, incorporation and compliance services to many clients.
Legal / Corporate Affairs ManagerWorks on contracts, regulatory filings and corporate law matters.
Insolvency ProfessionalManages insolvency cases after meeting IBBI's requirements.
Corporate Governance / ESG AdvisorAdvises boards on governance standards and sustainability disclosures.
Top recruiters & sectors
Listed companies (all industries)Tata GroupReliance IndustriesLarsen & ToubroHDFC BankICICI BankStock exchanges (NSE, BSE)SEBI and other regulators (via recruitment)Big Four firmsLaw firms and CS practicesPublic sector undertakingsNBFCs and fintech firms
Salary
Newly qualified Company Secretaries usually start at ₹4–8 LPA (approx.); large listed companies and metro cities pay more. Many begin in smaller firms or practices at lower pay to gain experience.
With 8–10 years of experience, CSs in large companies often earn ₹15–30 LPA (approx.), and heads of compliance or legal in big groups more. A dual qualification (CS with LLB or CA) and experience with listed companies raise pay. Figures vary; check current placement reports.
Scope & higher studies
Indian companies face more compliance than ever: Companies Act filings, SEBI listing rules, ESG and BRSR reporting, and insolvency procedures. Listed and larger companies must appoint a whole-time Company Secretary, which keeps demand steady.
In 2026, CSs who understand ESG, digital compliance tools and capital markets have the best prospects. Growth in IPOs, startups and the regulatory focus on governance make CS a stable choice for students who like law and business.
After this course
- LLB for a wider legal career
- LLM in corporate or commercial law
- CA or CMA for a finance profile
- Insolvency Professional registration (IBBI)
- MBA or PhD
CS FAQs
What is CSEET?
CSEET (CS Executive Entrance Test) is ICSI's entry test for Class 12 students. It is held three times a year, and from the June 2026 session it is conducted offline.
Can graduates skip CSEET?
Yes. Under ICSI's current rules, graduates and postgraduates are exempt from CSEET and can register directly for CS Executive, as can final-year degree students.
How long does it take to become a CS?
Usually about 3–4 years after Class 12, including the 21-month training, if you clear exams on time. Graduates can finish sooner.
Is CS easier than CA?
CS is generally considered less demanding than CA in terms of exam difficulty and duration, but it is still a serious professional course. Choose based on interest: law and governance (CS) or accounts and audit (CA).
Can a Science student do CS?
Yes. CS is open to students from any stream after Class 12. Strong reading and writing skills help most.
Is CS training paid?
Yes, trainees receive a monthly stipend, with minimum amounts set by ICSI. Check ICSI's current training guidelines for details.
AISEE - 2027 Online Scholarship Application Available 
