Company Secretary (CS) Course Syllabus 2024: Subjects, Semester-wise Syllabus PDF, Top Colleges, Books
Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content
Company Secretary is a three years course that trains students to handle the legal side of an organisation or a company, including bookkeeping and tax returns. The Company Secretary is directly involved in a company's strategy discussion, decision making, ensuring that all the activities are in accordance with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements. There is a Preliminary Foundation Programme (now, CS Executive Entrance Test or CSEET), followed by an Executive Programme and Professional Programme in the CS course. All candidates must clear the CSEET to pursue the Executive Programme, which is necessary to further complete the Professional Programme.
- Syllabus – Important Facts regarding the Company Secretary Course
- List of subjects in Company Secretary Course
- 2.1 Typical Core Subjects for Company Secretary Course
- 2.2 Typical Elective Subjects for Company Secretary Course
- 2.3 Detailed Syllabus for CS Course
- ICSI CS New Syllabus: Applicable from 2023 onwards
- Specialisations offered in CS Course
- Books and Authors related to CS
- Entrance Exam for Company Secretary Course
- Syllabus for Distance Program in Company Secretary Course
- Top Colleges for Company Secretary Courses in India
- Frequently Asked Questions (or FAQs)
Syllabus – Important Facts regarding the Company Secretary Course
-
Company Secretary is a three-year course: During the course of these years students will be trained to handle the legal aspects of a company, or an organisation, including tax returns and bookkeeping. The Company Secretary is directly involved in a company's strategy discussion, decision making, ensuring all the activities are in accordance with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements.
-
Eligibility for Company Secretary course: Candidates who want to join the course after 10+2 graduation (or equivalent) have to undergo three stages viz; Foundation Programme, Executive Programme, Professional Programme. Those willing to join after graduating have to undergo two stages, namely the Executive Programme & Professional Programme. Students of all streams are eligible except for Fine Arts.
-
Specialisations offered in the Company Secretary course: The Company Secretary course offers various specialisations to choose from. Students can choose any one, as mentioned below –
-
Banking Law and Practice
-
Capital, Commodity, and Money Market
-
Insurance Law and Practice
-
Intellectual Property Rights – Law and Practice
-
International Business-Laws and Practice
-
Scope in India for CS: A career as a Company Secretary is not only prestigious and financially rewarding, but also carries a high level of job satisfaction. The following points seek to explain the professional scope a CS has in India –
-
Apart from being employed in corporate companies and organisations, a qualified CS also has the potential to practise independently, i.e. be self-employed.
-
Companies with a paid-up share capital of INR 2 crores & above are compulsorily required to appoint a full-time CS, who is a member of ICSI.
-
All companies seeking a listing on the Stock Exchange are required to appoint a full-time CS.
-
A CS having membership of the ICSI is eligible to be appointed to superior posts and services under the Central Government.
-
The CS course is recognised by various universities for admissions in PhD courses and an appointment as a Lecturer.
-
General Examination Pattern of CS: There are four papers in the CS Foundation Programme; now known as CS Executive Entrance Test or CSEET (wef. 01.04.2017), 8 papers in the CS Executive Programme divided into two Modules (wef. 01.03.2018), and 9 papers divided into 3 Modules in the CS Professional Programme. Candidates from a non-graduation background, i.e., being only a 10+2 pass, must clear all three programmes. In contrast, candidates with a graduation degree in any discipline other than Fine Arts, are required to clear the Executive & Professional Programme to complete the course.
List of subjects in Company Secretary Course
Typical Core Subjects for Company Secretary Course
Subject title |
Subject details |
---|---|
Business Environment & Law |
This subject aims to orient students about different forms of organisations, their functions, business strategies and environments, along with an exposure to the elements of business laws. The topics included are –
|
Business Economics |
This subject aims to familiarise students with the basic concepts and theories of economics, elementary statistics, and mathematics. The topics covered are –
|
Jurisprudence, Interpretation, and General Laws |
This subject aims to provide students with the understanding and working knowledge of the sources of law, the Constitution, legislative environment, interpretation of statutes, and general laws. The topics covered are –
|
Corporate & Management Accounting |
This subject aims to provide knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles and practices in Corporate Accounting, to develop skills for decision making, and to acquire knowledge of the principles and methods of valuation. The topics covered are –
|
Company Law |
This subject aims to familiarise students with the various provisions of the Companies Act; its schedules, rules, notifications, circulars, including secretarial practice, case laws, and Secretarial Standards. The topics included are –
|
Financial and Strategic Management |
This subject aims to provide knowledge of the practical aspects of financial management, and enable students to acquire multi-dimensional skills to comprehend the process of strategy formulation. The topics covered are –
|
Governance, Risk Management, Compliances and Ethics |
The objective of this subject is to help students develop skills that will provide a thorough knowledge and insight into the corporate governance framework, and into the spectrum of risks faced by businesses. Studying this subject will also help them devise and implement adequate and effective systems to ensure compliance of all applicable laws and company ethics. The topics covered are –
|
Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances |
This subject aims to provide information regarding drafting, documentation, and advocacy techniques. The topics included are –
|
Typical Elective Subjects for Company Secretary Course
Subject title |
Subject details |
---|---|
Banking Laws & Practice |
This subject aims to develop a robust knowledge base about significant facets of the Banking Sector among those students who wish to pursue a career in the same. |
Insurance Laws & Practice |
This subject aims to impart knowledge on insurance-related concepts amongst students to help broaden professional opportunities in the specific arena. |
Direct Tax Laws & Practice |
This subject aims to provide advanced knowledge regarding the practical application of Direct Tax Practices and their laws. |
Forensic Audit |
This subject aims to understand and analyse the concept of Corporate Fraud and Forensics Audit in the contemporary world along with the legal mechanism to counter fraud. |
Labour Laws and Practice |
The objective of this subject is to help students acquire expert knowledge, understanding, and application of Labour Laws. |
Detailed Syllabus for CS Course
There are three stages one must undergo (two; if they have done graduation) to complete the course of Company Secretary. Mentioned below is a brief of the syllabus introduced in these 3 stages.
Program |
Core/Elective |
Subject |
Subject details |
---|---|---|---|
Foundation |
Core |
Business Environment & Law |
This subject aims to orient students about different forms of organisations, their functions, business strategies, and environments, along with an exposure to elements of business laws. |
Foundation |
Core |
Business Economics |
This subject aims to familiarise students with the basic concepts and theories of economics, elementary statistics, and mathematics. |
Foundation |
Core |
Business Management, Ethics & Entrepreneurship |
This subject aims to acquaint students with the basic principles of management, ethics, communication techniques, and entrepreneurship. |
Foundation |
Core |
Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing |
This subject aims to help students develop an understanding of the basic aspects of accounting, auditing concepts and their principles. |
Executive |
Core |
Jurisprudence, Interpretation and General Laws |
This subject aims to provide an understanding and working knowledge of sources of law, the Constitution, legislative environment, interpretation of statutes, and general laws. |
Executive |
Core |
Company Law |
This subject aims to impart expert knowledge of the various provisions of the Companies Act; its schedules, rules, notifications, circulars, including secretarial practice, case laws, and Secretarial Standards. |
Executive |
Core |
Setting up of Business Entities and Closure |
This subject aims to provide a working knowledge and understanding of the setting up of business entities and their closure. |
Executive |
Core |
Tax Laws |
This subject aims to provide conceptual and practical knowledge of Direct Tax Laws and GST. |
Executive |
Core |
Corporate and Management Accounting |
This subject imparts the knowledge of the concepts, practices and principles in Corporate Accounting. It helps students in developing skills for decision making, as well as acquiring knowledge regarding methods of valuation. |
Professional |
Core |
Resolution of Corporate Disputes, Non-Compliances & Remedies |
This subject aims to provide knowledge regarding various kinds of corporate disputes and non-compliances under the specific laws, their resolution, and management. |
Professional |
Core |
Governance, Risk Management, Compliances and Ethics |
The objective of this subject is to help students develop skills that will provide a thorough knowledge and insight into the corporate governance framework, and into the spectrum of risks faced by businesses. |
Professional |
Core |
Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances |
This subject aims to provide expert knowledge of drafting, documentation, and advocacy techniques. |
Professional |
Elective |
Banking Laws & Practice |
This subject aims to develop a robust knowledge base about significant facets of the Banking Sector among those students who wish to pursue a career in the same. |
Professional |
Elective |
Insurance Laws & Practice |
This subject aims to impart knowledge on insurance-related concepts to students to help broaden their professional opportunities. |
Professional |
Elective |
Forensic Audit |
This subject helps in understanding and analysing the concept ofForensics Audit and Corporate Fraud in the contemporary world, along with the legal mechanism to counter any of the fraud. |
ICSI CS New Syllabus: Applicable from 2023 onwards
CSEET Syllabus
Part |
Subject |
Marks |
---|---|---|
Part 1 |
Business Communication |
50 |
Part 2 |
Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude |
70 |
Part 3 |
Economic and Business Environment |
50 |
Part 4 |
Current Affairs |
30 |
Total |
200 |
Syllabus for CS Executive Programme
Group 1
Paper Number |
Subjects |
Marks |
---|---|---|
1 |
Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws |
100 |
2 |
Company Law & Practice Part I – Company Law – Principles and Concepts |
60 |
Part II – Company Administration & Meetings |
40 |
|
3 |
Setting Up of Business, Industrial & Labour Laws Part I – Setting Up of Business |
60 |
Part II – Industrial & Labour Laws |
40 |
|
4 |
Corporate Accounting and Financial Management Part I – Corporate Accounting |
60 |
Part II – Financial Management |
40 |
Group 2
Paper Number |
Subjects |
Marks |
---|---|---|
5 |
Capital Market & Securities Laws Part I – Capital Market |
40 |
Part II – Securities Laws |
60 |
|
6 |
Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Laws Part I – Economic & Commercial Laws |
60 |
Part II – Intellectual Property Laws |
40 |
|
7 |
Tax Laws & Practice Part I - Direct Tax |
60 |
Part II - Indirect Tax |
40 |
New CS Professional Examination Syllabus
Group 1
Paper Number |
Subjects |
Marks |
---|---|---|
1
|
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) – Principles & Practice Part I – Governance and Sustainability |
65 |
Part II – Risk Management |
20 |
|
Part III- Environment & Sustainability Reporting |
15 |
|
2 |
Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances Part I - Drafting and Conveyancing |
70 |
Part II - Pleadings and Appearances |
30 |
|
3 |
Compliance Management, Audit & Due Diligence Part I – Compliance Management |
40 |
Part II – Audit & Due Diligence |
60 |
|
4 |
Elective 1 (Select one Paper out of 4 Elective Papers) |
|
Group 2
Paper Number |
Subjects |
Marks |
---|---|---|
5 |
Strategic Management & Corporate Finance Part I – Strategic Management |
40 |
Part II – Corporate Finance |
60 |
|
6
|
Corporate Restructuring, Valuation and Insolvency Part I – Corporate Restructuring |
40 |
Part II – Valuation |
20 |
|
Part III – Insolvency, Liquidation & Winding up |
40 |
|
7 |
Elective 2 (Select one Paper out of 5 Elective Papers) |
|
Specialisations offered in CS Course
Company Secretary is a vast course encompassing various subjects and specialisations. Every specialisation focuses on a unique set of skills and knowledge, so as to facilitate a growing expertise amongst students. Some of the specialisations offered in CS are mentioned below.
Specialisation |
Subjects |
Details |
---|---|---|
Banking Law and Practice |
Elective subject in Professional Programme |
This subject aims to develop a robust knowledge base about significant facets of the Banking Sector among those students who wish to pursue a career in the same. |
Capital, Commodity and Money Market |
Elective subject in Professional Programme |
This subject aims to provide specialised knowledge of Capital, Commodity, and Money Market. |
Insurance Law and Practice |
Elective subject in Professional Programme |
This subject aims to impart knowledge on insurance-related concepts to the students to broaden professional opportunities in the arena of insurance. |
Intellectual Property Rights – Law and Practice |
Elective subject in Professional Programme |
This subject aims to make the students learn, understand and analyse the Laws and Relations relating to Intellectual Property Rights in India and International Practices. |
International Business-Laws and Practice |
Elective subject in Professional Programme |
This subject aims to provide specialised knowledge in International Business, law, procedure and practices. |
Books and Authors related to CS
Since CS is a highly versatile field with many subjects and specialisations, students follow a wide range of books during their course period. Listed below are some of the most sought after CS textbooks.
Subject |
Book Title |
Author |
Book Description |
---|---|---|---|
Business Environment & Law |
A Manual of Mercantile Laws |
M.C. Shukla |
This book covers the new syllabus of the Foundation Programme subject Business Environment & Law. |
Business Management, Ethics & Entrepreneurship |
Management: Theory and Practice |
NC. Jain, Saakhshi |
This book covers the new syllabus of the Foundation Programme subject Business Management, Ethics & Entrepreneurship |
Business Economics |
Micro Economic Theory |
H. L. Bhatia |
This book covers the new syllabus of the Foundation Programme subject Business Economics. |
Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing |
Essentials of Financial Accounting |
Ashish K. Bhattacharyya |
This book covers the new syllabus of the Foundation Programme subject Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing. |
Company Law |
Company Law |
Avatar Singh |
This book covers the new syllabus of the Executive Programme subject Company Law. |
Tax Laws & Practice |
Tax Laws & Practice for CS Executive Programme |
Sangeet Kedia |
This book covers the new syllabus of the Executive Programme subject Tax Laws & Practice. |
Company Accounts & Auditing Practices |
Taxmann Company Accounts and Auditing |
NS. Zad |
This book covers the new syllabus of the Executive Programme subject of Company Accounts & Auditing Practices. |
|
|
|
|
Entrance Exam for Company Secretary Course
The CS Executive Entrance Test, also known as CSEET, is the qualifying entrance test conducted for students seeking admission to the Company Secretary Course. Appearing for the same will help a candidate secure an admission in the CS Executive Programme.
Students who have passed 10+2 (from any stream except Fine Arts) can appear for CSEET.
Syllabus for Distance Program in Company Secretary Course
The Company Secretary (or CS) Course is a Correspondence or Distance Learning Course with optional classroom teaching. Admissions are open throughout the year. Aspiring students can register online on the official website, which is, www.icsi.edu. There are several stages one needs to undergo to complete the CS course via a distance program. The order of these stages is –
-
Qualifying CS Foundation Programme or CSEET
-
Completing CS Executive Programme
-
Completing CS Professional Programme
-
Pre-Membership Training
Top Colleges for Company Secretary Courses in India
Some of the top colleges/universities/institutions for Company Secretary Courses in India are mentioned below.
Sl. No. |
University / College / Institution |
Syllabus URLs |
---|---|---|
1. |
ICSI |
https://www.icsi.edu/home/ |
2. |
XIC |
https://www.xaviercomm.org/ |
3. |
CHS |
https://chshyd.in/ |
4. |
Navkar Institute |
https://www.navkarinstitute.com/ |
5. |
Master Mind Academy |
Website link missing |
6. |
EDUSOL |
https://www.edusol.co.in/ |
7. |
VIST |
http://jntuhaac.in/Public/CollegeInformation/LD929xqncBI= |
8. |
APDEC |
http://www.ajitdadapawarpoly.com/ |
9. |
Edubridge Learning Pvt Ltd |
https://www.edubridgeindia.com/ |
10. |
CPC |
http://www.drcpthakur.com/notice.php |
Frequently Asked Questions (or FAQs)
Q. What is the duration of the Company Secretary course?
Ans. The CS course has a total of 3 levels. Its Foundation Programme is 8 months long, while the Executive Programme lasts for 7 months. Finally, the Professional Programme is 15 months long. Hence, the combined course duration is 30 months.
Q. What is the fee structure for the CS Course?
Ans. The average fee structure for the CS course is – INR 3600 to INR 4500 for the Foundation Program, INR 7000 to INR 12000 for the Executive Program, and INRRs. 12000 to INR 15000 for the Professional Program.
Q. What is the Company Secretary Course?
Ans. Company Secretary is involved in a company's strategy discussion, decision making, and ensuring all the activities are in accordance with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements.
Q. What is the entrance examination for the CS course in India?
Ans. The CS Executive Entrance Test, also known as CSEET, is the qualifying entrance test conducted for students seeking admission to the Company Secretary Course. The CSEET exam tests the aptitude of the appearing candidates for the Company Secretary profession.
Q. Who is eligible to pursue the Company Secretary course in India?
Ans. Candidates who want to join the course after 10+2 graduation (or equivalent) have to undergo three stages viz; Foundation Programme, Executive Programme, Professional Programme. And those willing to join after graduating have to undergo two stages – Executive Programme & Professional Programme. Students of all streams are eligible except for Fine Arts.
Q. What are the specialisations offered in the course of Company Secretary?
Ans. The Company Secretary course offers various specialisations to choose from. Students can choose any one from the list below –
-
Banking Law and Practice
-
Capital, Commodity and Money Market
-
Insurance Law and Practice
-
Intellectual Property Rights – Law and Practice
-
International Business Laws and Practice
Q. What is the scope of CS in India?
Ans. There is a wide scope for a CS in India.
-
Apart from being employed in a corporate companies and organisations, a qualified CS also has the potential to practise independently, i.e. be self-employed.
-
Companies with a paid-up share capital of INR 2 crores & above are compulsorily required to appoint a full-time CS, who is a member of ICSI.
-
All companies with a listing or looking forward to a listing on the Stock Exchange need to appoint a full-time CS.
-
A CS having membership of the ICSI is eligible to be appointed to superior posts and services under the Central Government.
-
The CS course is recognized by various universities for admission in PhD courses and appointment as a Lecturer.
Q. What are the top colleges, universities, or CS institutions in India?
Ans. Some of the top colleges, universities or CS institutions in India are ICSI, XIC, CHS, EDUSOL, VIST, CPC, APDEC, etc.
Q. What are the stages for the completion of the CS course?
Ans. There are several stages one needs to undergo to complete the CS course. The order of these stages is –
1. Qualifying CS Foundation Programme or CSEET
2. Completing CS Executive Programme
3. Completing CS Professional Programme
4. Pre-Membership Training
Q. What is the ICSI?
Ans. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, also known as ICSI, is a National Professional body established to develop and regulate the profession of Company Secretaries. ICSI provides training in CS by distance learning (i.e., by correspondence), and also has a provision for optional oral coaching classes.
Q. What do we study in Jurisprudence, Interpretation and General Laws?
Ans. This is an Executive programme subject whose objective is to provide knowledge regarding the sources of law, Constitution, legislative environment, interpretation of statutes, and general laws. The topics covered are –
-
Sources of Law
-
Constitution of India
-
Interpretation of Statutes
-
Administrative Laws & Law of Torts
-
Acts and Codes introduced by the Indian Constitution
Q. What is the set criteria for the qualifying marks for the CS course?
Ans. A candidate is declared to have passed the Foundation / Executive / Professional examination if he/she secures a minimum of 40% marks in each paper, and 50% marks in the aggregate of all subjects.
Q. Is there a time limit to complete the CS examination?
Ans. A student must complete the Executive and the Professional examination within the registration period. However, on payment of requisite fees, the validity of the registration may be renewed/extended for a further period subject to fulfil the applicable guidelines.
Q. How are annual examinations conducted in CS?
Ans. Examinations are conducted twice in the program according to module 1 and module 2. All subjects are distributed according to these modules. There are written MCQs and open book examinations in the CS course.
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News & Updates
Dec 4, 2024
Student Forum
Answered Yesterday
Yes, Christ University offers a B.Com (Professional) program, which integrates opportunities for professional courses like the Company Secretary (CS) program. This course is tailored to enhance students' prospects in pursuing professional certifications while completing their undergraduate studies.
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a month ago
ICSI CS December 2024 admit card will release tentatively on December 12, 2024. Candidates who have enrolled for the December 2024 session will be able to download the CS Executive or CS Professional admit card when released. ICSI CS 2024 admit card is an important document which has to be carried o
Answered 2 months ago
Contract Law includes various paperwork related to agreements and contracts a company or firm makes with other stakeholders. It is an essential ingredient of finance and accountancy, therefore, it is directly related to Chartered Accountancy. Hence, the course curriculum of both courses includes Com
P
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