Securing a company’s secretary is a fulfilling profession essential in today’s business organizations. The Company Secretary (CS) course is a professional educational program designed to equip people with the skills to advise businesses on legal, financial, and governance matters. Sometimes called a corporate governance officer, a Company Secretary is tasked with ensuring that the company is run in compliance with the law and legal requirements or regulations and is responsible for properly managing the company’s affairs. This position requires a combination of legal expertise, financial understanding, and management capability. A company’s legal affairs are handled by certified company secretaries, who provide financial guidance to the board of directors, manage record-keeping duties, and ensure the company complies with the regulatory laws.
Today, ICSI has more than 62,000 members and around 300,000 students are engaged in the Institute’s learning. ICSI has more than 100 study centres and over 200 examination centres, and now it has International centres in Dubai and New York, USA. For those new to the profession or those who wish to move up to the next level, this will serve as a guide in acquiring the skills and knowledge of a Company Secretary.
What is the CS course?
The CS course is a professional course similar to CA and CMA, aimed mainly at those who would like to become Company Secretaries, who have the major responsibility of assuring that a company obeys the laws of the country in which it operates. Offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), the CS course is divided into three stages:
CSEET: This is the first exam for the students after passing the 12th. It includes principles of business administration, business law, and management.
Executive Programme: After clearing CSEET or passing graduation/post-graduation (direct entrants) are eligible for the executive program. This stage goes further in company law, securities law as well as economic and commercial laws.
Professional Programme: The last part of the CS course covers advanced topics related to governance, risks, and financial and strategic management. Upon completion of this stage, the candidates can undergo practical training to become qualified Company Secretaries.
Who are Company Secretaries (CS)?
Company Secretaries (CS) are generally senior management officials in a company charged with the legal responsibility of ensuring that the Company’s affairs are conducted in conformity. CS has the responsibility in an organization to comply with the Laws, regulations, and other guidelines that regulate corporate conduct in the country. They act as intermediaries between the Company’s board of directors, shareholders, and government institutions. The function of a CS is not only confined to the legal perspective of the Company but also covers the responsibility of consulting the board regarding decisions, facilitating communication, and administrating the Company’s affairs.
Company Secretaries (CS) roles and responsibilities
Compliance Management:
- Check that the Company follows the requirements of the Law and regulations.
- Submit various reports and papers filed with the relevant bodies.
- Be aware of alterations in the pertinent laws and rules and report the same to the board.
Corporate Governance:
- Supervise the management of the Company’s corporate governance standard.
- Ensure that the board of directors performs its duty and responsibility to the Company’s advantage.
- To act as the link between the board of directors and the Company’s shareholders.
Advisory Role:
- To advise the board of directors on legal and other issues such as mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and investment.
- To help prepare and compile reports, agendas, and minutes for the board meetings.
Liaison and Communication:
- Responsible for managing all the Company’s communications with external agencies such as the regulatory authorities, shareholders, and investors.
- Respond to shareholders’ inquiries and attend to all their communication needs.
Record Keeping:
- Keep the registers and records all statutory as prescribed by the Law.
- Policies aimed at maintaining the security of documents belonging to the Company, such as Memorandum and Articles of Association, share certificates, and the meeting proceedings.
Risk Management:
- Recognize the legal and regulatory risks relevant to the Company’s operations.
- Policies and procedures are as follows in the management of risks.
The position of a Company Secretary is complex and essential to any firm’s operation and efficiency. Due to their professional specialization in Law, finance, and governance, they play a crucial role in managing companies.
How to Become a Company Secretary (CS)
After 12th
Here’s a step-by-step guide To become a CS after 12th,
1. Register for the CSEET exam
Eligibility: You should have cleared your 12th standard in any stream
2. Clear the CSEET
To proceed to the next level, the Executive program, you must pass the CS executive entrance test. The exam occurs four times yearly in May, July, November and January.
3. Register for the CS Executive Programme
The Executive Programme can be pursued after passing the CSEET.
4. Clear the CS Executive Exam
Unlike CSEET, the Executive exams are conducted twice a year in June and December.
6. EDP training
Complete one month’s EDP training (executive development program). It is divided into two: 15 days are in the classroom and 15 days are online.
5. Become a member and register for the CS Professional Programme
Having passed all the courses at the Executive level, you can become a student of the Professional Programme.
Duration: On average, the Professional Programme takes 10 months to complete.
Subjects Covered: courses offered at this level are in areas such as governance, compliance, strategic management, and risk management.
6. Pass the CS Professional Exam
The CS professional exam is the final level you must clear to become a CS.
7. Complete the Practical Training
Once you have completed the Professional Programme, you must complete 21 months of practical training. Training can be done with a recognized company or under a practising Company Secretary.
The training offers practical skills in corporate governance, secretarial work, and compliance issues.
8. Become a Member of ICSI
Upon completion of the training course, you can make an application to ICSI
9 Complete CLDP training
Complete the Corporate Leadership Development Program (CLDP) training, which is 1 month and is divided into two parts: 15 days online and 15 days offline.
After graduation
Candidates who are graduates can start their journey by directly joining the CS Executive Programme, and no need to give CSEET.
1. Take admission to the CS Executive Programme
Eligibility: Graduates and postgraduates can enrol directly into the EP without attempting the CSEET.
Duration: To repeat what has already been said, the pace of studying in the framework of the Executive Programme is approximately 9 months.
2 Clear the CS executive exam
3 EDP training
4 Become a member and register for the CS Professional Programme
5 Pass the CS Professional Exam
6. Complete the Practical Training
7. Become a Member of ICSI
8 Complete CLDP training
CS Eligibility
CSEET
- Candidate must clear the senior secondary exam(10+2)
- Students from Science, commerce and arts are all eligible
CS Executive Course:
- Candidates must clear the CSEET exam.
- Graduates, Postgraduates, CA final, and CMA final passed students are exempted from the CSEET exam and can register directly for the CS executive course.
CS Professional Course Eligibility Criteria
- Those who successfully finish the CS Executive Course can move on to the CS Professional Course.
Course Details include subjects, marks, exams and fees
Here’s a detailed overview of the Company Secretary (CS) course details, including the subjects, marks, exams, and cs course fees for each stage.
1. CSEET
| Subject | Marks | Exam Type | Duration |
| Business Communication | 50 | Objective | 1 Paper |
| Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning | 50 | Objective | 1 Paper |
| Economic and Business Environment | 50 | Objective | 1 Paper |
| Current Affairs and Presentation & Communication Skills (Viva Voce) | 50 | Objective | 1 Paper |
Total Marks: 200
Passing Criteria: Minimum 40% in each paper and 50% in aggregate
Exam Frequency: Twice a year (June and December)
Course Duration: 4 months
Fees:
| Particulars | Amount (INR) |
| Admission Fee | INR 2,000 |
2. CS Executive Programme
| Module | Subject | Marks | Exam Type | Duration |
| Group I | Jurisprudence, Interpretation, and General Laws | 100 | Descriptive | 1 Paper |
| Company Law & Practice | 100 | Descriptive | 1 Paper | |
| Setting up of Business Entities and Closure | 100 | Descriptive | 1 Paper | |
| Corporate Accounting and Financial Management | 100 | Descriptive | 1 Paper | |
| Group II | Capital Markets and Securities Laws | 100 | Descriptive | 1 Paper |
| Economic, Commercial & Intellectual Property Laws | 100 | Descriptive | 1 Paper | |
| Tax Laws & Practice | 100 | Descriptive | 1 Paper |
Total Marks: 700
Passing Criteria: Minimum 40% in each paper and 50% in aggregate.
Exam Frequency: Twice a year (June and December).
Course Duration: 9 -10 months.
Fees:
| Particulars | Amount (INR) |
| Registration Fee | INR 16500 |
3. CS Professional Programme
| Module | Subject | Marks | Exam Type | Duration |
| Group I | Environmental, Social and Governance – Principles & Practice | 100 | Descriptive | 1 Paper |
| Drafting, Pleadings, and Appearances | 100 | Descriptive | 1 Paper | |
| Compliance Management, Audit Due Diligence | 100 | Descriptive | 1 Paper | |
| Group II | Elective 1 (Select one Paper out of 4 Elective Papers) 4.1 CSR & Social Governance 4.2 Internal and Forensic Audit 4.3 Intellectual Property Rights-Law & Practice 4.4 Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Cyber Security-Laws & Practice | 100 | Descriptive | 1 Paper |
| Strategic Management & Corporate Finance | 100 | Descriptive | 1 Paper | |
| Corporate Restructuring, Valuation and Insolvency | 100 | Descriptive | 1 Paper | |
| Elective 2 (Select one Paper out of 5 Elective Papers) 7.1 Arbitration, Mediation & Conciliation 7.2 Goods and Services Tax (GST) & Corporate Tax Planning 7.3 Labour Laws & Practice 7.4 Banking & Insurance – Laws & Practice 7.5 Insolvency and Bankruptcy – Law & Practice | 100 | Descriptive | 1 Paper |
Total Marks: 700
Passing Criteria: Minimum 40% in each paper and 50% in aggregate.
Exam Frequency: Twice a year (June and December).
Course Duration: 10 -12 months.
Fees:
| Particulars | Amount (INR) |
| Education Fee | INR 20000 |
Institutes providing coaching
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is in charge of licensing and overseeing the Company Secretary Services industry in India. The coaching Institutes for Company Secretaries are listed below. You can choose whichever you want and examine your feasibility of whether you can pursue online or offline courses. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the list below or not.
| Colleges | Locations |
| Institute of Company Secretaries of India | Multiple location |
| Navkar Institute | Ahmedabad |
| Gyan Sagar Classes | Jaipur |
| Unique Academy for Commerce | Pune |
| JK Shah Classes | Mumbai |
| iproledge | Bengaluru |
Jobs, Salaries, and Scopes after becoming CS:
Career Options After CS
Like a chartered accountant, a company secretary supports all kinds of enterprises, big or small, private or public. Managing typical legal, administration, advisory and communication duties requires a CS. These people work for a lot of companies, however some decide to take advantage by providing company secretary services. As per the Company Act 2013, private and public companies with a capital of ten crores shall recruit CS. Thus, large-scale businesses such as banks, heavy industry, financial institutions, healthcare and governmental bodies will employ a company secretary.
The job profiles listed below are available to company secretary program graduates:
1. Chief Administrative Officer oversee general administrative operations of the business and safeguard any legally-mandated and other classified information.
2. Corporate Planner carefully monitor and strategize the company’s growth prospects and coordinate mergers, joint ventures, alliances, and acquisitions inside and outside the organization.
3. Legal Advisor guarantee that the business complies with all legal, regulatory, and corporate standards and represents the company in legal disputes.
4. Compliance officer: They ensure that a company complies with legal regulations and internal policies, identifies potential risks, conducts audits, and investigates violations
5. Arbitration and Conciliation/Mediator resolves disputes between parties, offering a binding and non-binding settlement. Companies require arbitrators and mediators to avoid lengthy legal proceedings
6. Trademark specialists safeguard the brand identity. Their work includes trademark searches, filing applications, monitoring potential infringements, and handling renewals.
6. Relation manager role in an organization is to build and maintain relations with clients, customers and stakeholders.
Scope and Career Prospects of a Company Secretary (CS)
Corporate Sector: A CS can be found in manufacturing, finance, IT, telecommunications, and many other sectors. They work for both public and private organizations.
Public Sector and Government: As for career opportunities, there are increasing employment opportunities for Company Secretaries in public sector undertakings and Government departments and offices.
Practising Company Secretary: Once they have attained adequate experience, most CS professionals prefer to work freelance.
Overseas Opportunities: The ICSI has associations with several international professional societies like the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, ICSA, and UK amongst others; they have a way to more recognition on international forums. Corporate governance standards are being brought closer to international standards, and professionally trained Company Secretaries (CS) are being sought after by international firms and foreign-listed companies. A good number of MNCs expect their CS professionals to overseas compliance with local as well as international business laws and regulations in the Middle East, Europe, and North American region.
Academic & Research Opportunities: It also opens up job opportunities in academics or research, and you may proceed to write or teach on corporate law and reforms in corporate governance.
Studying law Law is another area of study that a CS can pursue after completing the CS qualification, and this diversifies one’s opportunities and career path. Here’s how studying law can complement and expand your career as a Company Secretary:
- Enhanced Legal Expertise: A law degree boosts the legal knowledge one gets from the program and will enable one to understand and come up with solutions in such fields as corporate law, taxation law, civil and criminal, and intellectual property rights.
- Corporate Legal Counsel: Later, you can work as a legal advisor for companies or large firms holding both CS and law degrees. You can offer legal advice to businesses, mitigate and control legal disagreements, negotiate and draft legal tender documents, and ensure integrity to the laws and regulations of the country and or international laws.
CS Salary
Company secretaries have esteemed leadership roles in business organizations. A certified CS can make a good living with the right credentials, abilities, and experience. As a helpful guide, the table below shows the typical cs salary range in India for competent candidates in this position:
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary |
| Company Secretary | Rs. 3,00,000 – Rs.15,00,000 |
| CS Legal Advisor | Rs. 3,50,000 – Rs. 5,50,000 |
| Financial Officer | Rs. 4,00,000 – Rs. 9,00,000 |
| Administrative Officer | Rs. 5,00,000 – Rs. 8,00,000 |
Conclusion
Pursuing the path of CS examination is a pledge towards professionalism in the practice of Corporate Secretaryship, legibility of the law, and integrity in business.
Regardless of whether you are pursuing CS after your 12th or after your graduation, it requires commitment, effort, and knowledge of several laws and corporate rules. As a CS, you will be in a critical position to ensure organizations regain and work under the provisions of the law, thus upholding their standards in the business world.
Thus, the Company Secretary profession is highly effective for those who desire to choose an optimal career and get a lot of interesting professional experiences. This guide has outlined clear procedures on how to excel in this noble profession and with the right attitude to self-development, there is the likelihood to change the corporate world.
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