Company Secretary (CS)

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is a premier National Professional body established by Act of Parliament to develop and regulate the Profession of Company Secretaries. ICSI imparts training in Company Secretary Ship by Distance Learning (by correspondence) enabling students to qualify as Company Secretaries. The Institute provides “Course Material” for all the subjects at the time of Registration. There is also provision for Optional Oral Coaching classes.

The Company Secretary is:

• An in-house legal expert; a compliance officer of the Company.
• An expert in corporate laws, securities laws & capital market and corporate governance
• Chief advisor to the board of directors on best practices in corporate governance
• Responsible for all regulatory compliances of company
• Corporate planner and strategic manager

How to Become CS | Company Secretary Course Details

Stages to become a Company Secretary:

1. The student who would like to join this CS Course after 10+2 has to undergo three stages to pursue the Company Secretaries Course i.e.
   • Foundation Programme
   • Executive Programme
   • Professional Programme
2. In addition, the student has to undergo Practical Training for about 15 months which a student may opt to start after passing the Executive Programme.
3. The Student who would like to join the Course after passing the Graduation (Example: B.com) has to undergo two stages of the Company Secretary Ship i.e.
   • Executive Programme
   • Professional Programme

   Besides, the student has to undergo Practical Training for about 15 months.

4. Foundation Programme which is of eight months duration can be pursued by 10+2 pass students of Arts, Science or Commerce stream.
5. Executive Programme can be pursued by a Graduate of all streams except Fine Arts.
6. Professional Programme can be pursued only after clearing the Executive Programme of CS Course.
7. Training: A Student has to undergo 15 months Management Training in Companies sponsored by the Institute after passing the Executive or Professional Programme or under the guidance of a Company Secretary in Practice.
8. After qualifying Professional Examination and on successful completion of training a candidate is admitted as an Associate Member of the ICSI and can use the letters ACS after his/her name i.e. Associate Company Secretary.

Note: Admission to the CS Course is open throughout the year. Examinations are held twice a year in June & December