Updated on Sep 19, 2022 01:51 IST
Parul Thapa

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

  • 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 Environment

  • Emerging Trends in Business & Business Functions

  • Introduction to Law & Elements of Company Law

  • Elements of Information Technology Act

  • Role of CS – Duties, Responsibilities, & Areas of Practice

Business Economics

This subject aims to familiarise students with the basic concepts and theories of economics, elementary statistics, and mathematics. The topics covered are –

  • Theory of Consumer Behaviour, Production, and Costs

  • Market Analysis, Basic Elements of Money and Banking, & Indian Economy

  • Descriptive Statistics

  • Mathematics of Finance and Elementary Probability

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 –

  • Sources of Law

  • Constitution of India

  • Interpretation of Statutes

  • Administrative Laws & Law of Torts

  • Acts and Codes introduced by the Indian Constitution

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 –

  • Introduction to Financial & Corporate Accounting

  • Accounting for Share Capital & Debentures

  • Financial Statements Interpretation

  • National and International Accounting Authorities

  • Management Accounting and Valuation

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 –

  • Company Law, Principles & Concepts

  • Debt Instruments, Transparency and Disclosures

  • Company Administration and Meetings – Law and Practices

  • Company Secretary as a Profession

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 –

  • Nature and Scope of Financial Management

  • Capital Budgeting & Capital Structure

  • Project Finance, Dividend Policy, & Working Capital

  • Security Analysis & Portfolio Management

  • Introduction to Strategic Management

  • Business Policy and Formulation of Functional Strategy

  • Analysing Strategic Edge

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 –

  • Governance – conceptual framework, processes, & rights

  • Risk Management

  • Compliance Management & Internal Control

  • Ethics & Sustainability

Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances

This subject aims to provide information regarding drafting, documentation, and advocacy techniques. The topics included are –

  • Judicial & Administrative framework

  • Secretarial Practices & Drafting

  • Drafting and Conveyancing Relating to Various Deeds and Agreements

  • Pleadings and Art of Writing Opinions

  • Appearances & Art of Advocacy

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 –

  1. Qualifying CS Foundation Programme or CSEET

  2. Completing CS Executive Programme

  3. Completing CS Professional Programme

  4. 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.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Company Secretary. Students interested in pursuing a career on Company Secretary, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

9 Dec ' 24

CA Inter Jan 2025 Mock Test - Series 2 Paper 1

10 Dec ' 24

CA Inter Jan 2025 Mock Test - Series 2 Paper 2

13 Nov ' 24

CA Final November 2024 Group II Paper III

11 Nov ' 24

CA Final November 2024 Group II Paper II

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

20 Dec ' 24

CA Foundation Mock Test - Series 1 Paper 1

21 Dec ' 24

CA Foundation Mock Test - Series 1 Paper 2

Popular Company Secretary Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Company Secretary Colleges in India. Learn more about these Company Secretary colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
4.5 LPA

#30 The Week

1 Course
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4.0
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#45 The Week

1.8 L
2.18 LPA

#74 The Week

#104 The Week

5.25 L
5.15 LPA

Popular Private Company Secretary Colleges in India

2.1 L
4.5 LPA

#30 The Week

1 Course
5.0
3.68 LPA

#47 The Week

4.0
3.2 LPA

#45 The Week

1.8 L
2.18 LPA

#74 The Week

#104 The Week

Popular Company Secretary UG Courses

Following are the most popular Company Secretary UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Company Secretary PG Courses

Following are the most popular Company Secretary PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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