Shruti GargAssistant Manager- Editorial
ICSI CS exam pattern 2024Â is prescribed by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. Earlier the authorities introduced the ICSI CS new syllabus (under 2022). The pattern of the examination remains same- the number of questions, marking scheme, and timing of the exam.Â
Latest Updates
Q: Â What is the exam pattern for the ICSI-CS?
ICSI CS exam pattern mentions the exam duration, subjects, marking scheme, exam name, and medium of the examination to the candidates appearing for the exam. Candidates appearing for the CS Executive or CS Professional examination must check the exam pattern to become aware about the examination. Check the table below to know the ICSI CS exam pattern highlights:
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Centre-based examination; Offline |
| Duration of Exam | Three hours for each paper |
| Marks | 100 marks for each paper |
| Language of Question Paper | English |
| Nature of questions | MCQs and Descriptive |
| Pre-Examination Requirement | Complete a Pre-Examination Test to become eligible to Enroll |
| First Examination Under New Syllabus 2022 |
|
| Last Attempt Under Old Syllabus 2017 |
|
Upvote 
Q: Â What is ICSI CS pre examination test?
Students who are registered under CS Executive new syllabus and CS Professional new syllabus shall have to appear for the Pre examination test to become eligible to enroll and appear for the CS Executive or CS Professional examination. The exam will be conducted by ICSI. the exam will be served as an eligibility criteria to appear for the main examinations. Candidates will be required to pay the pre examination test fee of INR 1000 online. Once the payment is realised, candidates will be sent invitation along with the login ID and password.
Upvote Q: Â How to appear for ICSI CS pre examination test?
To appear for the ICSI CS Pre Examination Test (PET) candidates must refer the steps mentioned below:
Step 1- Visit the official website of ICSI
Step 2- Click on the 'E-learning' tab followed by Pre-Interview Test (PET) tab
Step 3- Select the examination to appear for
Step 4- Select the module
Step 5- Enter the login credentials- Your login ID is your registration number (without any slash sign) suffix with @icsi.edu for example- If your registration number is 1234567/10/2018 then your login ID will be 1234567102018 [at]icsi.edu and fefault password for first time login is Learn@1234
Step 6- Appear for the Pre-interview test online.
Upvote 
- Effective Date of ICSI Syllabus (Under 2022) for Executive Programme and Professional Programme
- ICSI CS 2024 Exam Pattern Highlights
- ICSI CS Exam Pattern: Executive Programme (New Syllabus)
- ICSI CS Exam Pattern: Executive Programme (Old Syllabus)
- ICSI CS Exam Pattern: Professional Programme (New Syllabus)
- ICSI CS Exam Pattern: Professional Programme (Old Syllabus)
- Qualifying Marks
- Time limit for completing ICSI Examination
- FAQs Related to ICSI CS Exam Pattern
Effective Date of ICSI Syllabus (Under 2022) for Executive Programme and Professional Programme
| Programme |
Start date of registration under ICSI syllabus 2022 |
First Examination under ICSI syllabus 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Executive programme |
01-Feb-2023 |
21-Dec-2023 onwards |
| Professional programme |
16-Aug-2023 |
June 2024 |
Q: Â When can I apply for CS Executive Programme examination?
Candidates who have qualified the CSEET exam will be able to apply for the CS Executive exam. CSEET November 2024 results will be announced soon. Candidates who are declared 'pass' will be able to register for the CS Executive June 2025 exam (both modules) till November 30, 2024. Candidates registering after November 30, 2024 will be able to apply for single module only. The last date to apply for CS Executive June 2025 session (single module) will be notified.
The CS Executive Dec 2024 exam dates has been announced. The exam will be held from June 21, 2024 onwards. Candidates are advised to stay updated with the cutoff dates of ICSI CS Executive December 2024 session at https://www.shiksha.com/college/icsi-delhi-institute-of-company-secretaries-of-india/icsi-exam-dates.
Upvote Q: Â How can I write answers for case studies in CS Executive exam?
Upvote Q: Â Is ICSI CS examination conducted in offline or online mode?
ICSI CS examination is conducted in offline mode. Candidates who will register for CS Executive or CS Porfessional examination will have to report at the designated exam centre on the day of examination. The examination will be a pen paper based. On release of the ICSI CS admit card, applicants will be able to know the allotted exam centre to appear for the examination. ICSI CS exam is conducted offline across various cities in India. Authorities releases the list of ICSI CS exam centres for each session. The upcoming ICSI CS December 2024 examination will be held in offline mode from December 21, 2024 onwards. The ICSI CS admit card will be available for download from 10 days prior to the date of examination. Candidates must note that the admit card is an important documents which has to be carried on the day of the examination, without which candidates will not be permitted to enter the examination hall.
Upvote ICSI CS 2024 Exam Pattern Highlights
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Centre-based examination; Offline |
| Duration of Exam | Three hours for each paper |
| Marks | 100 marks for each paper |
| Language of Question Paper | English |
| Nature of questions | MCQs and Descriptive |
| Pre-Examination Requirement | Complete a Pre-Examination Test to become eligible to Enroll |
| First Examination Under New Syllabus 2022 |
|
| Last Attempt Under Old Syllabus 2017 |
|
ICSI CS Exam Pattern: Executive Programme (New Syllabus)
Candidates preparing for CS Executive exam must be thorough with the exam pattern. Refer below to know the CS Executive exam pattern 2024:
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 |
- Mode of Examination: Combination of both 20% case-based objective type questions and 80% descriptive questions at all papers at Executive Programme except Paper No. 4 i.e. Corporate Accounting and Financial Management which is 100% descriptive.
- Duration: 3 Hours (each paper)
- Marks: 100 Marks (each paper)
Switchover from Old Syllabus (2017) to New Syllabus (2022): Paperwise Exemption Details for Executive Programme
| Executive Programme | |
|---|---|
| Existing Syllabus (2017) | Paperwise Exemption Under New Syllabus (2022) |
| Module 1 | |
| Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws | Group 1, Paper 1 - Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws |
| Company Law | Group 1, Paper 2 - Company Law & Practice |
| Setting up of Business Entities and Closure | Group 1, Paper 3 - Setting up of Business, Industrial & Labour Laws |
| Tax Laws | Group 2, Paper 7 - Tax Laws & Practice |
| Module 2 | |
| Corporate and Management Accounting | Group 1, Paper 4 - Corporate Accounting and Financial Management |
| Securities Laws & Capital Markets | Group 2, Paper 5 - Capital Market & Securities Laws |
| Economic, Business and Commercial Laws | Group 2, Paper 6 - Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Laws |
| Financial and Strategic Management | Group 1, Paper 4 - Corporate Accounting and Financial Management |
Q: Â How can I apply for CS Executive syllabus switchover?
Candidates desiring to appear for CS Executive examination as per the new syllabus can apply for the switchover online. The first examination under ICSI CS Executive new syllabus 2023 will be held in December 2023. Refer the steps below to know how to switch from old syllabus to CS Executive new syllabus:
Step 1- Visit the official link of ICSI
Step 2- Now click on the ‘online services’ tab
Step 3- Now click on “New Foundation Student Login/Executive Student Login and enter the login credentials
Step 4- Now click on Module>Switch over>Apply for switchover
Step 5- Student request screen will appear
Step 6- Enter the details prescribed
Step 7- Confirm the details entered
Note- Candidates will not be required to pay any fee for switchover.
Upvote Q: Â I have applied for switchover to CS Executive new syllabus 2023. What are the paperwise exemption?
Candidates who have applied for the switchover from old syllabus to CS Executive new syllabus 2023 must check the paperwise exemption details below:
| Executive Programme | |
|---|---|
| Existing Syllabus (2017) | Paperwise Exemption Under New Syllabus (2022) |
| Module 1 | |
| Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws | Group 1, Paper 1 - Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws |
| Company Law | Group 1, Paper 2 - Company Law & Practice |
| Setting up of Business Entities and Closure | Group 1, Paper 3 - Setting up of Business, Industrial & Labour Laws |
| Tax Laws | Group 2, Paper 7 - Tax Laws & Practice |
| Module 2 | |
| Corporate and Management Accounting | Group 1, Paper 4 - Corporate Accounting and Financial Management |
| Securities Laws & Capital Markets | Group 2, Paper 5 - Capital Market & Securities Laws |
| Economic, Business and Commercial Laws | Group 2, Paper 6 - Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Laws |
| Financial and Strategic Management | Group 1, Paper 4 - Corporate Accounting and Financial Management |
Upvote ICSI CS Exam Pattern: Executive Programme (Old Syllabus)
| Module | Papers | Parts | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | Paper 1. Jurisprudence, Interpretation and General Laws | - | 100 |
| Paper 2. Company Law | Part A. Company Law, Principles &Concepts | 50 | |
| Part B: Company Administration and Meetings – Law and Practices | 40 | ||
| Part C: Company Secretary as a Profession | 10 | ||
| Paper 3. Setting up of Business Entities and Closure | Part A: Setting up of Business | 40 | |
| Part B: Registration; Licenses & Compliances | 35 | ||
| Part C :Insolvency; Winding up& Closure of Business | 25 | ||
| Paper 4. Tax Laws | Part A: Direct Taxes | 50 | |
| Part B: Indirect Taxes | 50 | ||
| Module 2 | Paper 5. Corporate & Management Accounting | Part A: Corporate Accounting | 60 |
| Part B: Management Accounting and Valuation | 40 | ||
| Paper 6. Securities Laws & Capital Markets | Part A. Securities Laws | 70 | |
| Part B. Capital Market & Intermediaries | 30 | ||
| Paper 7. Economic, Business and Commercial Laws | Part A. Foreign Exchange Management &NBFCs | 40 | |
| Part B. Competition Law | 25 | ||
| Part C. Business & Commercial Laws | 35 | ||
| Paper 8. Financial and Strategic Management | Part A. :Financial Management | 60 | |
| Part B. Strategic Management | 40 |
Q: Â For how long will the old syllabus and pattern be applicable for CS Professional?
The last date of appearing for CS Professional examination under old syllabus is in December 2024. Candidates preparing for CS Professional exam will have to appear for the CS Exam as per new syllabus from June 2025. The first examination under CS Professional new syllabus 2023 was held in June 2024. Candidates could apply for ICSI CS Professional new syllabus from August 01, 2023. Check the steps below to know how to apply for CS Professional new syllabus switchover (To activate soon):
Step 1- Visit the official website of ICSI
Step 2- Now click on the ‘online services’ tab
Step 3- Now click on “New Foundation Student Login/Executive Student Login and enter the login credentials
Step 4- Now click on Module>Switch over>Apply for switchover
Step 5- Student request screen will appear
Step 6- Enter the details prescribed
Step 7- Confirm the details entered
Upvote ICSI CS Exam Pattern: Professional Programme (New Syllabus)
Candidates preparing for CS Professional exam must be thorough with the exam pattern. Refer below to know the CS Professional exam pattern 2024:
Group 1
| Paper Number |
Subjects |
Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Â Â |
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 Â |
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) |
 |
- Mode of Examination: Descriptive
- For Elective Papers: Descriptive & Open Book
- Duration: 3 Hours (each paper)
- Marks: 100 Marks (each paper)
Elective Papers 1
| Paper Number | Elective Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | CSR & Social Governance Part I – Corporate Social Responsibility |
50 |
| Part II – Social Governance | 50 | |
| 4.2 | Internal and Forensic Audit Part I – Internal Audit |
60 |
| Part II – Forensic Audit | 40 | |
| 4.3 | Intellectual Property Rights – Law & Practice | 100 |
| 4.4 | Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Cyber Security – Laws & Practice | 100 |
Elective Papers 2
| Paper Number | Elective Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 7.1 | Arbitration, Mediation & Conciliation Part I – Arbitration & Conciliation |
70 |
| Part II – Mediation | 30 | |
| 7.2 | Goods and Services Tax (GST) & Corporate Tax Planning Part I – Goods and Services Tax (GST) |
70 |
| Part II – Corporate Tax Planning | 30 | |
| 7.3 | Labour Laws & Practice | 100 |
| 7.4 | Banking & Insurance – Laws & Practice Part I – Banking Laws |
50 |
| Part II – Insurance Laws | 50 | |
| 7.5 | Insolvency and Bankruptcy – Law & Practice | 100 |
Switchover from Old Syllabus (2017) to New Syllabus (2022): Paperwise Exemption Details for Professional Programme
| Professional Programme | |
|---|---|
| Existing Syllabus (2017) | Paperwise Exemption Under New Syllabus (2022) |
| Module 1 | |
| Governance, Risk Management, Compliances and Ethics | Group 1, Paper 1 - Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) – Principles & Practice |
| Advanced Tax Laws | No Exemption |
| Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances | Group 1, Paper 2 - Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances |
| Module 2 | |
| Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management and Due Diligence | Group 1, Paper 3 - Compliance Management, Audit & Due Diligence |
| Corporate Restructuring, Insolvency, Liquidation & Winding-up | Group 2, Paper 6 - Corporate Restructuring, Valuation and Insolvency |
| Resolution of Corporate Disputes, Non-Compliances & Remedies | No Exemption |
| Module 3 | |
| Corporate Funding & Listings in Stock Exchanges | Group 2, Paper 5 - Strategic Management and Corporate Finance |
| Multidisciplinary Case Studies | No Exemption |
| Elective Paper | |
| Banking – Law & Practice |
Elective 2, Paper 7.4 - Banking & Insurance – Laws & Practice |
| Insurance– Law & Practice | Elective 2, Paper 7.4 - Banking & Insurance – Laws & Practice |
| Intellectual Property Rights– Laws and Practices |
Elective 1, Paper 4.3 - Intellectual Property Rights – Law & Practice |
| Forensic Audit | Elective 1, Paper 4.2 - Internal and Forensic Audit |
| Direct Tax Law & Practice | No Exemption |
| Labour Laws & Practice | Elective 2, Paper 7.3 - Labour Laws & Practice |
| Valuations & Business Modelling | No Exemption |
| Insolvency – Law and Practice | Elective 2, Paper 7.5 – Insolvency and BankruptcyLaw & Practice |
Q: Â If I appear for CS Professional examination as per new syllabus under 2022, What are the paper-wise exemptions?
The paperwise exemption for candidates switching to CS Professional examination under new syllabus is as follows:
| Professional Programme | |
|---|---|
| Existing Syllabus (2017) | Paperwise Exemption Under New Syllabus (2022) |
| Module 1 | |
| Governance, Risk Management, Compliances and Ethics | Group 1, Paper 1 - Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) – Principles & Practice |
| Advanced Tax Laws | No Exemption |
| Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances | Group 1, Paper 2 - Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances |
| Module 2 | |
| Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management and Due Diligence | Group 1, Paper 3 - Compliance Management, Audit & Due Diligence |
| Corporate Restructuring, Insolvency, Liquidation & Winding-up | Group 2, Paper 6 - Corporate Restructuring, Valuation and Insolvency |
| Resolution of Corporate Disputes, Non-Compliances & Remedies | No Exemption |
| Module 3 | |
| Corporate Funding & Listings in Stock Exchanges | Group 2, Paper 5 - Strategic Management and Corporate Finance |
| Multidisciplinary Case Studies | No Exemption |
| Elective Paper | |
| Banking – Law & Practice | Elective 2, Paper 7.4 - Banking & Insurance – Laws & Practice |
| Insurance– Law & Practice | Elective 2, Paper 7.4 - Banking & Insurance – Laws & Practice |
| Intellectual Property Rights– Laws and Practices | Elective 1, Paper 4.3 - Intellectual Property Rights – Law & Practice |
| Forensic Audit | Elective 1, Paper 4.2 - Internal and Forensic Audit |
| Direct Tax Law & Practice | No Exemption |
| Labour Laws & Practice | Elective 2, Paper 7.3 - Labour Laws & Practice |
| Valuations & Business Modelling | No Exemption |
| Insolvency – Law and Practice | Elective 2, Paper 7.5 – Insolvency and BankruptcyLaw & Practice |
Upvote Q: Â What is the duration for ICSI CS Professional exam?
The duration of the ICSI CS Professional examination is 3 hours for each paper. The CS Executiveprogrammeconsists of two groups and two elective papers. The first group has four papers whereas, second group has three papers. Therefore, you will have a total of seven papers and two elective papers to attempt in the CS Professional exam, with each paper having a duration of three hours. It's important to manage your time effectively during the exam to ensure you can answer all the questions within the allocated time for each paper.
ICSI CS Professional exam will be a centre based examination, wherein candidates will have to report at the designated exam centre. The exam will be conducted in pen-paper mode. Each question paper will be of 100 marks in English medium.
Upvote ICSI CS Exam Pattern: Professional Programme (Old Syllabus)
| Module | Paper | Parts | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | Paper 1. Governance, Risk Management, Compliances and Ethics | Part A. Governance | 50 |
| Part B. Â Risk Management | 20 | ||
| Part C. Compliance | 20 | ||
| Part D. Ethics & Sustainability | 10 | ||
| Paper 2. Advanced Tax Laws | Part A. Indirect Taxes | 70 | |
| Part B. Direct Tax & International Taxation | 30 | ||
| Paper 3. Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances | - | 100 | |
| Module 2 | Paper 4. Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management and Due Diligence | Part A. Compliance Management | 40 |
| Part B. Secretarial Audit &Due Diligence | 60 | ||
| Paper 5. Corporate Restructuring, Insolvency, Liquidation & Winding-up | Part A. Corporate Restructuring | 50 | |
| Part B. Insolvency& Liquidation | 50 | ||
| Paper 6. Resolution of Corporate Disputes,Non-Compliances& Remedies | - | 100 | |
| Module 3 | Paper 7.Corporate Funding & Listings in Stock Exchanges | Part A. Corporate Funding | 60 |
| Part B. Listing | 40 | ||
| Paper 8. Multidisciplinary Case Studies | - | 100 | |
| Elective Paper 9: 9.1- Banking – Law & Practice 9.2- Insurance – Law & Practice 9.3- Intellectual Property Rights: Laws and Practices 9.4- Forensic Audit 9.5- Direct Tax Laws & Practice 9.6- Labour Laws& Practice 9.7- Valuations & Business Modelling 9.8- Insolvency – Law and Practice |
- | 100Â |
Also Read:
Accounting & Commerce exams you must check out
Exams which are to be conducted soon
11 Dec '24 - 28 Dec '24
21 Dec '24 - 30 Dec '24
Qualifying Marks
Qualifying marks for Executive / Professional examination is a minimum of 40% marks in each paper and 50% marks in the aggregate of all subjects.
Time limit for completing ICSI Examination
- A candidate is required to complete the Executive and the Professional examination within the registration period.
- In case, anyone wants to renew/extent the period he/she will be required to pay the requisite fee for the same.
- Student registration is valid for 5 years. A registered student shall be required to complete the Executive Programme and Professional Programme examinations within the normal valid registration period of five years.
FAQs Related to ICSI CS Exam Pattern
Read more to know the frequently asked questions for ICSI CS exam pattern:
Q: Â What is the duration for CS Executive exam?
The duration of the ICSI CS Executive exam is 3 hours for each paper. The CS Executive programme consists of two groups, and first module has four papers whereas, second group has three papers. Therefore, you will have a total of seven papers to attempt in the CS Executive exam, with each paper having a duration of three hours. It's important to manage your time effectively during the exam to ensure you can answer all the questions within the allocated time for each paper.
ICSI CS executive exam will be a centre based examination, wherein candidates will have to report at the designated exam centre. The exam will be conducted in pen-paper mode. Each question paper will be of 100 marks in English medium.
Upvote News & Updates
Get prep tips, practice papers, exam details and important updates
ICSI Exam Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
ICSI admit card December 2024 has been released on December 11, 2024. Candidates who have enrolled for the December 2024 session of CS Executive or CS Professional can download the CS hall ticket Dec 2024 online when released. To download the CS Executive admit card and CS Professional admit card, c
Contributor-Level 10
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
Contributor-Level 10
When will ICSI admit card be released?