What is Company Secretary
Company Secretary course (CS) is offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), set up under the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 to regulate the profession of company secretaries in India. CS course consists of two stages - CS executive followed by the CS professional programmes. To get admission into the CS executive programme (first level), candidates need to qualify in the national-level Company Secretary Executive Entrance test (CSEET). A direct admission route is also available to eligible candidates. Thereafter they must qualify in the CS professional course.
It must be noted that Company Secretary course earlier had three levels but from June 2021, the CS foundation course which was the first level is to be discontinued. Candidates must complete the Company Secretary course to be eligible to practice as a company secretary.
Latest Updates on CS Course: UGC has recently recognized the Company Secretary qualification as equivalent to a post-graduate degree. This allows CS qualified students to apply for and appear in UGC NET. Candidates can now take up PhD programmes in Commerce or allied areas.
What is a Company Secretary course? - ICSI course is for aspirants who wish to become company secretaries in India and abroad. Company secretaries aid in filing, registering, presenting, attesting or verifying any documents (including forms, applications and returns) by or on behalf of the company, a share transfer agent, an issue house, a secretarial auditor or consultant. They can act as an advisor to a company on management including any legal or procedural matters falling under the Capital Issues (Control) Act, 1947 and other acts like the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951, the Companies Act, 1956, the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 as well as any of the rules or bye-laws made by a recognized stock exchange, the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969, the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973*, or under any other law in force. Qualified company secretaries may become legal advisors, corporate policymakers, planners, etc. in notable firms across India and abroad. Read the entire article to know details about CS course, syllabus, duration, eligibility requirements, subjects, career opportunities etc.
Stages to become a Company Secretary
Stage 1 | CSEET |
Stage 2 | CS Executive Course (8 papers) |
Stage 3 | CS Professional Course (9 papers) |
Stage 4 | Pre-membership training |
Stage 5 | CS Membership |
Stage 6 | Continuing Professional Development |
Company Secretary Course Highlights
Course Name | Company Secretary |
Short name | CS |
Level and CS course duration | The CS programme comprises two levels:
|
Company Secretary eligibility criteria | CS Executive:
CS Professional:
|
Company Secretary Job profiles | Legal Advisor, Corporate Policymaker, Corporate Planner, Chief Administrative Officer etc. |
CS Learning mode | Class room or postal coaching. |
CS Registration valid until | 3 to 5 years |
Education opportunities after CS course | PhD in Commerce, Management and Law |
Compulsory training duration for CS course | 15 months |
Admission criteria | Through CSEET at the entry level (exemptions as per guidelines) |
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Company Secretary
Company Secretary eligibility criteria include the educational and formal qualifications needed to pursue different levels of the course. candidates who wish to pursue the Company Secretary course will need to fulfil the minimum eligibility criteria mentioned below:
Eligibility Criteria of CS Executive Course
While students must be 17 years and above and have passed class 12, entry to the CS Executive course is through two channels as given below in the table.
CS Executive Course – Eligibility Criteria
Through entrance exam | Direct entry |
Passed Class 12 in any discipline (except Fine Arts) from a recognized university or equivalent. | CS Foundation course passed students ICAI Final Course passed students (with exemption fee) ICMAI Final Course passed students (with exemption fee) |
Qualified in Company Secretary Executive Entrance test (CSEET) of ICSI | No entrance exam |
Eligibility Criteria of CS Professional Course:
Only candidates who have cleared the CS executive course can apply for the CS professional course.
Company Secretary Admission Process:
The admission process for CS course actually is separate for each level. The Company Secretary course duration can go from 3 to 5 years depending on the time taken by students to clear their exams. The first step is the CSEET exam which is conducted four times a year as given below. CS Executive and CS professional exams are conducted twice a year in June and December. The admission process into the company secretaryship programme will depend on the level of the CS course.
The first step for any level of the CS course is registration. The online application must be filled and respective fee paid before the due dates. Course material is generally sent after the applications are approved and accepted.
Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET):
The entry level is the CSEET exam for admissions into the CS executive course. Applicants can appear in any one of the 4 CSEET exam sessions - May, July, November or January. The fee payable for each CSEET session is Rs. 1000. The admission process after CSEET exam is given below for the benefit of the students.
CSEET exam month | CSEET Registration dates | CSEET exam dates | CSEET result dates | CS Executive Course Registration Deadline |
May | January 21 to April 15 | Saturday that is closest to May 10 | By May 20 | May 31 (to appear in both modules of Executive Program in December session in same year) |
July | May 21 to June 15 | Saturday that is closest to July 10 | By July 20 | July 31 (to appear in single module of Executive Program in December session in same year) |
November | July 21 to October 15 | Saturday that is closest to November 10 | By 20th November | November 30 (to appear in both modules of Executive Program in June session next year) |
January | November 21 to December 15 | Saturday that is closest to January 10 | By 20th January | January 31 (for appearing in single module of Executive Program in June session in same year) |
CA Foundation Course:
This is now discontinued. The June 2021 session would be the last session of the CS Foundation exam and is being held for students who had registered under the earlier schema.
CS Executive Course:
Candidates who have qualified in CSEET must register for the CS Executive course as per their preference. The registration dates are given below.
Session Month | Modules | Dates |
June Session | For All Modules | November 30 (previous year) |
For One Module | January 31 (same year) | |
December Session | For All Modules | May 31 (same year) |
For One Module | July 31 (same year) |
CS Professional Course Admission
Candidates who have passed both the modules of the Executive CS course can register for the professional course. They must pay a registration fee of Rs. 12000 plus Rs. 1000 towards the pre-exam test fee.
This is the final level of Company Secretary qualification and candidates that wish to appear in all modules of the December session of the Professional program, need to register by February 28 and for appearing in all modules of the June session they need to apply by August 31.
For appearing in a single module of the CS professional exam in December, the candidate needs to register by May 31 of the same year and need to register by November 30 of the previous year to appear in one module of the June session.
CS Course - Continuation of registration
Students who have passed the CS Professional course have to keep their registration valid till they complete all training requirements before enrolling as a member of ICSI. The CS Continuation of registration is valid for a one-year period and can be renewed by students as per the left-over training period. A student can request for ‘Continuation of Registration’, for a maximum of five years.
Company Secretary Course Fees
The fees to be paid depends on the level of the CS course. Candidates must pay the CS course fees before the specified deadlines to confirm their enrolment and receive the course material. Details of the Company Secretary course fee to be paid is given below.
CSEET Fees
CSEET Registration fees | Rs 1000 |
CS Executive Course Fees
Particulars | Fees to be paid by students who have passed: | |||
CS Executive Entrance Test | CS Foundation Programme | CA Final course | ICMAI CMA Final course | |
Registration fee | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 |
Education Fee | 6500 | 6500 | 6500 | 6500 |
CSEET Exemption Fee | Nil | Nil | 5000 | 5000 |
Pre-Exam Test Fee | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 |
One Day Orientation Program | 600 | 600 | 600 | 600 |
Chartered Secretary Journal Subscription (Optional) for one year | 500 | 500 | 500 | 500 |
Total Fees | Rs 10,600 | Rs 10,600 | Rs 15,600 | Rs 15,600 |
CS Professional Course Fees
Education Fee | Rs 12,000 |
Pre-Exam Test Fee | Rs 1,000 |
Total Fees | Rs 13,000 |
Scope of Company Secretary in India and Abroad
Company Secretary courses open up a wide range of prospects for students to pursue higher studies or directly venture into the corporate sector. CS qualified students can pursue a PhD in Commerce / Management / Law, etc.
Prospects in India are immense in areas like Certification Services, Valuation, Insolvency & Bankruptcy, GST, Intellectual Property Rights, Representation Services and Mediation and Conciliation to name a few. As per the law, every listed company (public as well as private) having a paid-up share capital of 10 crore rupees or more is required to appoint a full-time company secretary under the Companies Act, 2013. Under the same law, Company Secretaries are also designated as Key Managerial Personnel (KMP).
Services of company secretaries are required for all legal expertise and analytical capability-based tasks. Below mentioned are some important pointers regarding the scope of a Company Secretary.
Most major companies like ONGC, Deloitte, KPMG, PWC, Oil India Limited, Jaypee Group, Punjab National Bank Ltd, Bestech India Pvt Ltd, HCL Technologies Ltd etc. hire company secretaries in various key roles.
Company secretaries also hold key administrative positions in firms where stock exchange listing is an important requirement as well as companies where board, council and commissions form a part of the leadership hierarchy.
This is valid for countries like US, Canada, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Middle‐east, Africa, etc. where company secretaries work in key roles in most firms.
The MOU between ICSI and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, the UK allows company secretaries to work under certain conditions.
ICSI – Memberships, Accreditations and Collaborations
ICSI has been closely associated with Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). ICSI is a member of the following
Corporate Secretaries International Association Ltd (CSIA)
International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC)
International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN
Equivalence in UK & UAE: ICSI course (Executive & Professional) has received an equivalence recognition of Bachelors and Masters, in UK & UAE by UK NARIC.
The Malaysian Association of Company Secretaries (MACS) have adopted the ICSI formulated Secretarial Standards to benchmark its own Secretarial Standards. ICSI has an MoU signed with Institute of Chartered Secretaries Administrators (ICSA) for providing for reciprocal exemptions to subjects as well as training requirements to members of each other's Institute. ICSI has an MoU with Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) whereby CISI qualification may be offered to ICSI students and members at 50% discount.
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Course Subjects
Company Secretary Syllabus
ICSI has mandated a specific syllabus for CS course that is taught to all students enrolling in the course. Company Secretary syllabus has subjects like company laws, corporate laws, business laws, financial management and risk management. The detailed Company Secretary course syllabus is available on ICSI website for all levels of the students. The Company Secretary subjects and sub-topics as per the new Company Secretary syllabus are given below:
Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test Syllabus
Paper | Name of the Subject | Details of CSEET syllabus |
Paper 1 Syllabus | Business Communication (50 marks) |
|
Paper 2 Syllabus | Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning (50 marks) |
|
Paper 3 Syllabus (50 marks) | Economic and Business Environment |
|
Economic and Business Environment |
| |
Paper 4 Syllabus (50 marks) | Current Affairs, Presentation and Communication Skills Part A – Current Affairs | Current Affairs |
Current Affairs, Presentation and Communication Skills Part B – Presentation and Communication Skills (Viva Voce) |
|
CS Executive Syllabus
The syllabus of CS executive course is divided into two modules as follows. Candidates must qualify and clear both the modules to be eligible to apply for the professional CS course.
CS Executive Course Module 1:
CS Executive Paper 1 - Jurisprudence, Interpretation and General Laws
Sources of Law
Constitution of India
Interpretation of Statutes
General Clauses Act, 189
Administrative Laws
Law of Torts
Limitation Act, 1963
Civil Procedure Code, 1908
Indian Penal Code, 1860
Criminal Procedure Code, 1973
Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Special Courts, Tribunals under Companies Act & Other Legislations
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
Indian Stamp Act, 1899
Registration Act, 1908: Registration of Documents
Right to Information Act, 2005
Information Technology Act, 2000
CS Executive Syllabus - Paper 2 Part I: Company Law, Principles & Concepts
Introduction to Company Law
Shares and Share Capital
Members and Shareholder
Debt Instruments
Charges
Distribution of Profits
Corporate Social Responsibility
Accounts, Audit and Auditors
Transparency and Disclosure
An overview of Inter-Corporate Loans, Investments, Guarantees and Security, Related Party Transactions
Registers and Records
An overview of Corporate Reorganization
Introduction to MCA 21 and filing in XBRL
Global Trends and Developments in Company Law
CS Executive Syllabus - Paper 2 Part II: Company Administration and Meetings (Law and Practices)
Board Constitution and its Powers
Directors
Key Managerial Personnel (KMP’s) and their Remuneration
Meetings of Board and its Committees
General Meetings
Virtual Meetings
CS Executive Syllabus - Paper 2 Part III: Company Secretary as a Profession
Legal framework governing Company Secretaries
Secretarial Standards Board
Mega Firms
CS Executive Syllabus - Paper 3 Part A: Setting up of Business Entities and Closure
Choice of Business Organization
Company
Charter documents of Companies
Legal status of Registered Companies
Limited Liability Partnership
Other forms of business organizations
Institutions Not for Profit &NGOs
Financial Services Organization
Start-ups
Joint Ventures; Special Purpose Vehicles
Setting up of Business outside India
Conversion of existing business entity
CS Executive Syllabus - Paper 3 Part B: Registration; Licenses & Compliances
Various Initial Registrations and Licenses
Maintenance of Registers and Records
Identifying laws applicable to various Industries and their initial compliances
Intellectual Property laws (Provisions applicable for setting up of business)
Compliances under Labour Laws (Provisions applicable for setting up of business)
Compliances relating to Environmental laws (Provisions applicable for setting up of business)
CS Executive Syllabus - Paper 3 Part C: Insolvency; Winding up & Closure of Business
Dormant Company
Strike off and restoration of name of the company and LLP
Insolvency Resolution process; Liquidation and Winding-up
CS Executive Syllabus - Paper 4 Part I: Tax Laws
Direct Taxes at a Glance
Basic concepts of Income Tax
Incomes that do not form part of Total Income
Computation of Income under Various Heads
Clubbing provisions and Set-Off and/or Carry Forward of Losses
Deductions from Gross Total Income & Rebate and Relief
Computation of Total Income and Tax Liability of various entities
Classification and Tax Incidence of Companies
Procedural Compliance
Assessment, Appeals & Revision
CS Executive Syllabus - Paper 4 Part II (A) Goods and Service Tax
Concept of Indirect Taxes at a glance
Basics of Goods and Services Tax ‘GST
Concept of Time, Value & Place of Taxable Supply
Input Tax Credit & Computation of GST Liability- Overview
Procedural Compliance under GST
Basic overview on Integrated Goods and Service Tax (IGST), Union Territory Goods and Service Tax (UTGST), and GST Compensation to States
CS Executive Syllabus - Paper 4 Part II (B) Customs Act
Overview of Customs Act:
CS Executive Syllabus Module2
CS Executive Syllabus Paper 5 Part I: Corporate Accounting
Introduction to Financial Accounting
Introduction to Corporate Accounting
Accounting for Share Capital
Accounting for Debentures
Related Aspects of Company Accounts
Financial Statements Interpretation
Consolidation of Accounts as per Companies Act, 2013
Corporate Financial Reporting
Cash Flow Statements
Accounting Standards (AS)
National and International Accounting Authorities
Adoption, Convergence and Interpretation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Accounting Standards in India
CS Executive Syllabus- Paper 5 Part II: Management Accounting and Valuation
An Overview of Cost
Cost Accounting Records & Cost Audit under Companies Act, 2013
Budget, Budgeting and Budgetary Control
Ratio Analysis
Management Reporting (Management Information Systems)
Decision Making Tools
Valuation Principles & Framework
Valuation of Shares, Business and Intangible Assets
Accounting for Share-based payments
Business and Intangible Assets
Methods of Valuation
CS Executive Syllabus- Paper 6 Part I: Securities Laws
Securities Contracts (Regulations) Act 1956
Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992
Depositories Act, 1996
An Overview of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009.
An Overview of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
An Overview of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011.
SEBI (Buyback of Securities) Regulations, 1998
SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009
An Overview of SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014.
An Overview of SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002.
SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015
Mutual Funds
Collective Investment Schemes
SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003
CS Executive Syllabus- Paper 6 Part II: Capital Market & Intermediaries
Structure of Capital Market
Primary Market
Secondary MarketSecurities Market Intermediaries
CS Executive Syllabus- Paper 7 Part I: Foreign Exchange Management &NBFCs
Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999
Foreign Exchange Transactions & Compliances
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010
Foreign Direct Investments – Regulations & FDI Policy
Overseas Direct Investment: ODI Policy, foreign currency remittances
Liberalized Remittance Scheme
External Commercial Borrowings (ECB)
Foreign Trade Policy & Procedure
Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs)
Special Economic Zones Act, 2005
CS Executive Syllabus- Paper 7 Part II: Competition Law
Competition Act, 2002
CS Executive Syllabus- Paper 7 Part III: Business & Commercial Laws
Consumer Protection
Property Law
Anti-Corruption Laws
Business Laws
CS Executive Syllabus- Paper 8 Part I: Financial Management
Nature and Scope of Financial Management
Capital Budgeting
Capital Structure
Sources of raising long-term finance and Cost of Capital
Project Finance
Dividend Policy
Working Capital
Security Analysis
Portfolio Management
CS Executive Syllabus- Paper 8 Part II: Strategic Management
Introduction to Management
Introduction to Strategic Management
Business Policy and Formulation of Functional Strategy
Strategic Analysis and Planning
Analyzing Strategic Edge
CS Professional Course Syllabus
Candidates who have cleared both the modules of the executive exams of the CS course are eligible to apply for the CS Professional course. The details of the syllabus of CA course (Professional) are given below.
CS Professional Syllabus - Module1
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 1 Part I: Governance
Conceptual Framework of Corporate Governance
Legislative Framework of Corporate Governance in India\
Board Effectiveness
Board Processes through Secretarial Standards.
Board Committees
Corporate Policies & Disclosures
Directors’ Training, Development and familiarization.
Performance Evaluation of Board and Management
Role of promoter/controlling shareholder, redressal against Oppression and Mismanagement.
Monitoring of group entities and subsidiaries.
Accounting and Audit related issues.
Related Party Transactions.
Vigil Mechanism/Whistleblower.
Corporate Governance and Shareholders’ Rights.
Corporate Governance and other Stakeholders
Governance and Compliance Risk
Corporate Governance Forums.
Parameters of Better Governed Companies
Dealing with Investor Associations, Proxy Services Firms and Institutional Investors.
Family Enterprise and Corporate Governance.
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 1 Part II: Risk Management
Risk Identification, Mitigation and Audit
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 1 Part III: Compliance
Compliance Management
Internal Control
Reporting
Website Management
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 1 Part IV: Ethics & Sustainability
Ethics & Business
Sustainability
Models / Approaches to measuring Business Sustainability
Indian and contemporary Laws relating to Anti-bribery
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 2 Part I: GST and Customs Laws
An Overview on Goods and Services Tax ‘GST’
Supply
Input Tax Credit & Computation of GST Liability
Procedural Compliance under GST
Demand and Recovery, Advance Ruling, Appeals and Revision
Inspection, search, seizure, offences & penalties.
Compliance rating, anti-profiteering, GST practitioners, authorized representative, professional opportunities.
Integrated Goods and Service Tax (IGST).
Union Territory Goods and Service Tax (UTGST).
GST Compensation to States.
Industry/ Sector Specific Analysis
Basic Concepts of Customs Law
Valuation & Assessment of Imported and Export Goods & Procedural Aspects
Arrival or Departure and Clearance of Goods, Warehousing, Duty Drawback, Baggage and Miscellaneous Provisions
Advance Ruling, Settlement Commission, Appellate Procedure, Offences and Penalties
Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) to the extent relevant to Indirect tax
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 2 Part II: Direct Tax & International Taxation
Corporate Tax Planning & Tax Management
Taxation of Companies, LLP and Non-resident
General Anti Avoidance Rules ‘GAAR’
Basics of International Taxation
i. Transfer Pricing
ii. Place of Effective Management (POEM)Tax Treaties.
Income Tax Implication on specified transactions
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 3: Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances
Judicial & Administrative framework
General Principles of Drafting and relevant Substantive Rules
Secretarial Practices & Drafting
Drafting and Conveyancing Relating to Various Deeds and Agreements
Drafting of agreements, documents and deeds
Pleadings
Art of Writing Opinions
Appearances & Art of Advocacy
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 4 Part I: Compliance Management
Compliance Framework
Compliances
Documentation & maintenance of records
Search and Status Report
KYC
Signing and Certification
Segment-wise Role of Company Secretaries
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 4 Part II: Secretarial Audit & Due Diligence
Audits
Secretarial Audit
Internal Audit & Performance Audit
Concepts and Principles of Other Audits
Audit Engagement
Audit Principles and Techniques
Audit Process and Documentation
Forming an Opinion & Reporting
Secretarial Audit – Fraud detection & Reporting
Quality Review
Values Ethics and Professional Conduct
Due Diligence
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 5 Part I: Corporate Restructuring
Types of Corporate Restructuring
Acquisition of Company/ Business
Planning & Strategy
Process of M&A transactions
Documentation–Merger & Amalgamation
Valuation of Business and Assets for Corporate Restructuring
Accounting in Corporate Restructuring—Concept and Accounting Treatment
Taxation & Stamp Duty aspects of Corporate Restructuring
Competition Act
Regulatory approvals of scheme
Appearance before NCLT / NCLAT.
Fast Track Mergers
Cross Border Mergers
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 5 Part II: Insolvency & Liquidation
Insolvency
Petition for Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process
Role, Functions and Duties of IP/ IRP/ RP
Resolution Strategies
Convening and Conduct of Meetings of Committee of Creditors
Preparation & Approval of Resolution Plan
Individual/ Firm Insolvency
Fresh Start Process
Debt Recovery & SARFAESI
Cross Border Insolvency
Liquidation on or after failing of RP
Voluntary Liquidation
Winding-up by Tribunal under the Companies Act, 2013
CS Professional Syllabus Module 2
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 6: Resolution of Corporate Disputes, On-Compliances & Remedies
Shareholders’ Democracy & Rights
Corporate Disputes
Fraud under Companies Act and IPC
Misrepresentation & Malpractices
Regulatory Action
Defaults, Adjudication, prosecutions and penalties under the Companies Act, Securities Laws, FEMA, COFEPOSA, Money Laundering, Competition Act, Labour Laws & Tax Laws.
Fines, Penalties and Punishments under various laws.
Civil and Criminal Trial Procedure and Process.
Relief and Remedies
CS Professional Syllabus Module 3
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 7 Part-A: Corporate Funding
Indian Equity- Public Funding
Indian Equity- Private funding
Indian equity- Non-Fund based
Debt Funding – Indian Fund Based
Debt Funding – Indian Non-fund Based
Foreign Funding - Instruments & Institutions
Other Borrowings Tools
Non-Convertible Instruments- Non-Convertible Redeemable Preference Shares (NCRPs) etc.
Securitization
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 7 Part B: Listing
Listing–Indian Stock Exchanges
International Listing
Various Procedural requirements for the issue of securities and Listing.
Preparing a Company for an IPO and Governance requirements thereafter, Appraising the Board and other functions in the organizations regarding the Post IPO/Listing Governance changes
Documentation & Compliances
CS Professional Syllabus Paper 8- Multidisciplinary Case Studies
CS Professional Syllabus Elective Papers:
Elective Paper 9.1(Banking – Law & Practice)
Elective Paper 9.2(Insurance – Law & Practice)
Elective 9.3 (Intellectual Property Rights: Laws and Practices)
Elective 9.4 (Forensic Audit)
Elective Paper 9.5 (Direct Tax Laws & Practice)
Elective Paper 9.6 (Labour Laws & Practice)
Elective Paper 9.7 (Valuations & Business Modelling)
Elective Paper 9.8 (Insolvency – Law and Practice
Careers in Company Secretary
Company secretaryship course opens a broad range of career options for candidates. A certified company secretary holds high-level positions as he/she acts as the main legal and compliance officer of his/her firm. Company secretaries can render their services in areas such as corporate governance, laws advisory, financial markets and management. They hold key managerial positions such as Chief Executive Officer, managing director, director or Chief Financial Officer. Apart from this, students that explore options as company secretaries in practise Legal, Secretarial and Corporate Governance, Corporate Restructuring, Financial Management, Project Planning, Capital Market and Investor Relations.
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
A company secretary acts as a vital connection between a company and its top managerial staff including the board of directors, shareholders, government etc. They make sure that all legal procedures are followed by the Board members. He/she guides the Chairman and Directors about the legal issues of the company. The rundown of job profiles for a Company secretary in employment are mentioned in the table below:
Job Profile | Job description |
Company Registrar | They manage the regulation of companies, their shareholders, directors and administers government reporting of several matters including the annual filing of legal documents. |
They assist the company in any legal disputes as well as make sure that the company complies with all bureaucratic and statutory directives, securities and corporate laws. | |
They monitor the general administrative activities of the company and safeguard all legal and other confidential documents of the company. | |
Corporate Planner | They carefully manage and plan the expansion opportunities of the company along with taking care of mergers, joint ventures, collaborations and takeovers within the company or outside. |
Principal Secretary | They are responsible for managing all aspects of corporate meetings like board meetings, annual general meetings, meeting with private and government delegations and important clients. |
Corporate Policymaker | They plan short term and long-term corporate policies of a company. They also advise the company during a periodic review of current policies. |
Member of Board of Directors | They are responsible for one of the members of the board of directors of a company to provide secretarial and expert advice. |
Managing Director | They regulate and manage all the organisation’s business operations, employee activities and proceedings. They navigate the organization in the most beneficial way. The director should have incredible business sharpness and have confidence in the persistent development of the company. |
Administrative Assistant | They complete operational requirements by scheduling and assigning administrative projects and expediting work results. |
Administrative Secretary | They provide high-level clerical support to an executive, director, or department head-level employee while performing a variety of secretarial duties and skilled tasks that may include preparing reports, conducting research, and collecting data. |
Investor Capital Market Relations | They ensure that the company is appropriately and strategically positioned with analysts, investors, and all stakeholders. |
The Company Secretary Jobs profile for Company secretaries in practice are mentioned in the table below:
Secretarial auditor | GST Professional |
Expert under corporate laws | Mediator and Conciliator |
Registered Valuer | Certification Services |
Insolvency Professional | Representation Services |
NCLT Practitioner | IPR, International Trade & WTO Services |
Internal Auditor |
Top Recruiters for Company Secretaries
Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited
Jaypee Group
OIL India Limited
HCL Technologies Limited
Punjab National Bank
Karur Vysya Bank Limited
Omaxe Ltd
Birla Corporation Ltd
KPMG
ONGC
Deloitte
KPMG
PWC
Oil India Limited
Jaypee Group
Punjab National Bank Ltd
Bestech India Pvt Ltd
HCL Technologies Ltd
Average Salary
Company secretaries are placed at high-level authorities at Corporate firms. Based on their skills, certified company secretaries can get very good salaries. Qualified candidates can refer to the average salary structure for a Company secretaryship in the table below:
Job Profiles | Initial Salary per annum (in INR) | Mid-Level Salary per annum (in INR) | Senior Level Salary per annum (In INR) |
Company Secretary | Rs. 3,00,000 | Rs. 6,00,000 | Rs. 12,00,000 |
Legal Advisor | Rs. 3,00,000 | Rs 5,00,000 | Rs. 10,00,000 |
Principal Secretary | Rs. 3,00,000 | Rs. 6,00,000 | Rs. 12,00,000 |
Company Registrar | Rs 4,00,000 | Rs 6,00,000 | Rs 12,00,000 |
Chief Administrative officer | Rs 8,00,000 | Rs 12,00,000 | Rs 18,00,000 |
Required Skillset for Company Secretary
Company Secretary renders different services in the corporate world. Some broader categories are mentioned below:
A candidate should have a certain set of skills and knowledge in order to successfully work as a Company secretary. The attributes required are as mentioned below:
Time Management Skills: A CS should have good time management skills to ensure timely compliance of company policies. A company secretary has to be vigilant all the time to avoid any penalties.
Planning Skills: Be meticulous with planning and multitasking to ensure smooth functioning of all departments and make sure all laws and terms and conditions are being complied with.
Communication Skill: To interact with the board of directors and take important decisions during board meetings regarding corporate government and effective company administration. It is necessary to have both oral and written communication skills for accurate delivery of professional goals and maintain hierarchy of the firm.
Attention to Detail: Being detail oriented allows the company secretary to manage business effectively. They are involved with all important dealings of the company. Hence, candidates should be attentive to all the details so that they can provide valuable advice to the company.
Financial and Analytical Skills: Should have a sound knowledge of finance to supervise financial statements, reports, share allotments as well as verifying all the tax assessments. It is vital to have good analytical skills to make quick and effective decisions regarding company administration.
Course Curriculum for Company Secretary
Stages to become a Company Secretary
Stage 1 | CSEET |
Stage 2 | CS Executive Course (8 papers) |
Stage 3 | CS Professional Course (9 papers) |
Stage 4 | Pre-membership training |
Stage 5 | CS Membership |
Stage 6 | Continuing Professional Development |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Can I do a CS course along with my BCom?
Answer :
Yes, BCom students can apply directly for CS executive programmes.
Question: Is Math a compulsory subject for a CS course?
Answer :
No, Math is not a compulsory subject for a student pursuing a CS course.
Question: What will be the first step to become a CS?
Answer :
Candidates that have passed Class 12th examinations can apply for the CS executive entrance test to take admission in the ICSI course.
Question: What is the role of a Company secretary in a company?
Answer :
A CS or company secretary is responsible for ensuring that the company complies with the statutory and legal requirements and the decisions of the board of directors are implemented properly. Overall, a company secretary ensures efficient administration of a firm.
Question: Is there any age limit for pursuing a Company Secretary (CS) course?
Answer :
No, there is no age limit for pursuing the CS course.
