Who is a Company Secretary?
A Company Secretary (CS) is a governance professional who ensures that the company (Private or Public) complies with all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. Acting as an advisor to the board of directors, a CS bridges the gap between the company and its stakeholders. Their expertise extends across corporate law, compliance management, and strategic decision-making.
All public limited companies and private companies (with a paid up share capital of more than Rs. 10 crore or turnover more than 50 Crore) are legally bound to appoint a company secretary.
Comapany Secretary Job Description
Corporate Governance: Ensuring ethical and transparent business practices.
Legal Compliance: Filing statutory returns, maintaining registers, and ensuring adherence to company laws.
Advisory Role: Guiding board members and the company on legal and financial matters.
Stakeholder Liaison: Acting as the interface between the company, regulatory bodies, and shareholders.
Why Choose Company Secretary as a Career?
Advantages of Becoming a CS
High Demand: Growing need for compliance professionals due to regulatory advancements, new startups popping up, large number of companies going public every year.
Prestigious Role: As a CS you will be the key member of corporate management, you will be involved in almost all major decisions of the company – takeover, mergers & acqusitions, IPO etc.
Career Flexibility: Opportunities in corporate firms, startups, law firms, and as an independent practitioner.
Global Scope: International recognition, especially in countries like the UK and Australia.
Financial Benefits: Lucrative pay scales and job security.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Company Secretary
Eligibility for Company Secretary (CS) Course.
For Undergraduates: Must have completed Class 12 in any stream (except Fine Arts). to appear in CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET)
For Graduates/Postgraduates: Can directly enroll in the CS Executive Program, bypassing the CSEET. (CS Executive Entrance Test)
The Company Secretary (CS) Course Structure
The Company Secretary course is conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and comprises three stages:
Stage 1: CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET)
This entry-level test assesses aptitude in business, law, and current affairs.
Eligibility: Class 12 pass.
Exam Subjects:
- Business Communication
- Legal Aptitude & Logical Reasoning
- Economic and Business Environment
- Current Affairs and Quantitative Aptitude
Frequency: Conducted in January, May, July, and November.
Stage 2: CS Executive Program
Eligibility: Graduation or CSEET qualification
Exam for seven papers in two groups subjects as follows:
Group 1:
- Jurisprudence , interpretation and General Laws
- Company Law & Practice
- Setting Up Business Entities, Industrial and Labour Laws
- Corporate Accounting and Financial Management
Group 2:
- Capital Market & Securities Laws
- Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Laws
- Tax Laws and Practice
Stage 3: CS Professional Program
The final stage focuses on seven exams in two groups:
Group 1:
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) – Principles & Practice
- Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances
- Compliance Management, Audit & Due Diligence
- Elective 1 – Select one Paper out of 4 Elective Papers
- CSR & Social Governance
- Internal and Forensic Audit
- Intellectual Property Rights – Law and Practice
- Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics & Cyber Security Law and Practice
Group 2:
- Strategic Management & Corporate Finance
- Corporate Restructuring, Valuation and Insolvency
- Elective 2 – Select one Paper out of 5 Elective Papers
- Arbitration, Mediation & Conciliation
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) & Corporate Tax Planning
- Labour Laws & Practice
- Banking & Insurance – Laws & Practice
- Insolvency and Bankruptcy – Law & Practice
Training and Practical Exposure
21 Months of Training: Mandatory internship with Practicing Company Secretaries.
Corporate organizations registered with ICSI.
Key Learning Areas: Corporate governance, drafting legal documents, regulatory compliance.
Membership of ICSI
Upon completing exams and training, candidates become eligible for ICSI membership and receive the designation of “Associate Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ACS).”
CS Course Timeline and Important Dates
| Stage | Application Deadline | Exam Dates |
| CSEET – January | 16th Oct – 15th Dec | January |
| CSEET – May | 16th Dec – 15th April | May |
| CSEET – July | 16th April – 15th June | July |
| CSEET – November | 16th Jun – 15th Oct | November |
| Executive – both groups in Dec | 31st May | December same year |
| Executive – one group in Dec | 31st July | December same year |
| Executive – both groups in Jun next year | 30th Nov | June next year |
| Executive – one group in Jun next year | 31st Jan | June next year |
| Professional – both groups in Dec | 31st May | December same year |
| Professional – one group in Dec | 31st July | December same year |
| Professional – both groups in Jun next year | 30th Nov | June next year |
| Professional – one group in Jun next year | 31st Jan | June next year |
Note:
Always check the ICSI official website for updated timelines, exact dates of exam and registration details.
Critical Skills Required to Succeed as a CS
Legal Knowledge: Deep knowledge and expertise in company, securities, and tax laws.
Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate business strategies and ensure compliance.
Communication Skills: Proficient in written and verbal communication. Good understanding of English language as most of the internal and external corporate communications happens in this language only.
Ethics and Integrity: Uphold transparency in all dealings.
Multitasking Ability: Manage diverse roles like compliance, governance, and strategic advising.
Company Secretary Exams at a Glance
CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET)
Format: Online (MCQ-based).
Duration: 2 hours.
Subjects: Business Communication, Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs.
Passing Marks: 40% in each subject, with an overall 50%.
Executive & Professional Exams
Format: Written (descriptive and MCQs).
Duration: 3 hours per paper.
Minimum Passing Criteria: 40% in each paper, with an aggregate of 50%.
Opportunites for a Company Secretary
Employment Opportunities
Company Secretaries have a wide range of career options in:
- Corporate Sector: Working as legal and compliance officers.
- Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): Managing compliance for large-scale enterprises.
- Regulatory Authorities: Roles in SEBI, RBI, etc.
- Law Firms and Consultancy Services: Providing advisory services on corporate matters.
Independent Practice
CS professionals can set up independent consultancy firms and provide services like:
- Company incorporation.
- Tax filings.
- Handling mergers, IPOs, and restructuring.
Company Secretary Salary
Starting Salary
Fresh CS graduates can expect salaries ranging from INR 4-6 lakhs per annum in corporate roles.
Experienced Professionals
With 5–10 years of experience, salaries can rise to INR 15-20 lakhs per annum or more, especially in leadership positions.
There is not limit for senior leadership positions, slary ranging in crores and with stock options.
You will hardly find an unemployed company secretary ever.
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