How to become a Company Secretary in India

A Company Secretary (CS) in India is an important professional responsible for ensuring that companies adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, maintain proper records, and facilitate effective communication with shareholders and regulatory authorities.

It is regulated by the Institute of CompanySecretaries of India (ICSI) under the Company Secretaries Act, 1980. The CS profession is highly respected and integral to corporate governance. CS professionals advise boards on legal matters, manage corporate records, and ensure compliance with statutory regulations, making them essential to the smooth functioning of organizations.

This guide outlines the eligibility criteria, detailed steps, timeframe, costs, and career prospects for becoming a Company Secretary in India.

Eligibility Criteria

To pursue a career as a Company Secretary, candidates must meet specific educational and age requirements:

• For 12th Pass Students: Candidates must have completed their 12th standard from a recognized board in any stream (Arts, Science, Commerce, excluding Fine Arts). They are required to qualify the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) to proceed to the CS Executive Programme.
• For Graduates and Postgraduates: Graduates and postgraduates from recognized universities (excluding Fine Arts) must also qualify CSEET to register for the CS Executive Programme, except for those who have passed the final examinations of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) or The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI). These candidates are exempt from CSEET and can directly register for the CS Executive Programme by paying an exemption fee (approximately Rs. 5,000, subject to revision).
• Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 17 years old to appear for CSEET, with no upper age limit. Age relaxations may apply for SC/ST/OBC categories as per government norms.

Steps to Become a Company Secretary

Becoming a Company Secretary involves a structured process of examinations, training, and membership application, typically spanning 3 to 5 years. Below are the detailed steps:

1. Qualify the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET):

Overview: CSEET is the entry-level examination conducted by ICSI, typically held four times a year (January, May, July, November). It assesses candidates on four papers: Business Communication, Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning, Economic and Business Environment, and Current Affairs, Presentation, and Communication Skills.

Format and Passing Criteria: The exam is conducted online in a remote proctored mode, with a total of 200 marks and no negative marking. Candidates need to secure at least 40% in each paper and 50% in aggregate to qualify.

Registration: Ongoing, with deadlines such as October 15, 2025, for the November session. The registration fee is approximately Rs. 2,000 (subject to change).

2. Register for the CS Executive Programme:

Overview: After passing CSEET, candidates can register for the CS Executive Programme, the second stage of the CS course. It consists of two modules with six papers, covering subjects like Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws, Company Law & Practice, and Tax Laws.

Registration: Open throughout the year, with exams held in June and December. Candidates must register at least 9 months before the exam session they intend to appear for.

3. Pass the CS Executive Examinations:

Details: Candidates must clear both modules, requiring a minimum of 40% in each paper and 50% in aggregate at one sitting.

Preparation: ICSI recommends at least 8 months of preparation for the Executive Programme.

4. Complete the Executive Development Programme (EDP):

Overview: After passing the Executive Programme, candidates must complete a one-month EDP, which can be done partially online (15 days e-EDP via the ICSI e-learning portal) and partially in classroom mode (15 days).

Purpose: Provides practical exposure to corporate governance and compliance.

5. Undergo Practical Training:

Duration: 21 months of hands-on training on a whole-time basis (at least 8 hours per day, 5 days a week, with 52 leaves allowed).

Options: Training can be undertaken in:

• A company with a Company Secretary in whole-time employment.
• Under a practicing Company Secretary (PCS) or PCS firm.
• Other body corporates or institutions as determined by ICSI.

Stipend: Typically ranges from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000 per month, depending on the entity.

Timing: Can start after passing the Executive Programme and can continue while preparing for the Professional Programme.

6. Register for the CS Professional Programme:

Overview: After passing the Executive Programme, candidates can register for the CS Professional Programme, the final examination stage. It consists of three modules including subjects like Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Principles & Practice, Drafting, Pleadings & Appearances, and elective papers such as CSR & Social Governance or Intellectual Property Rights.

Registration: Open throughout the year, with exams in June and December. Deadlines, such as July 31, 2025, apply for the December session.

7. Pass the CS Professional Examinations:

Details: Candidates must clear all three modules, with the same passing criteria as the Executive Programme (40% per paper, 50% aggregate).

Preparation: ICSI recommends at least 15 months of preparation.

8. Complete the Corporate Leadership Development Programme (CLDP):

Overview: After passing the Professional Programme and completing the 21-month practical training, candidates must undergo the CLDP, which spans 30 to 60 days.

Purpose: Enhances leadership and strategic management skills, preparing candidates for senior roles.

9. Apply for Associate Membership of ICSI:

Overview: Upon completing all examinations (CSEET, Executive, Professional) and training requirements (EDP, Practical Training, CLDP), candidates can apply for associate membership of ICSI.

Outcome: Successful applicants become Associate Company Secretaries (ACS) and can use the "ACS" designation, marking their official entry into the profession.

Timeframe

The entire process to become a Company Secretary typically takes 3 to 5 years, depending on the candidate’s pace in clearing examinations and completing training. For instance clearing all exams in the minimum time while undergoing training concurrently can take around 3 years, but delays in exam attempts may extend the timeline to 5 years.

Fee Structure (2025)

The fee structure for the CS course, effective from February 1, 2025, is as follows:

Concessions:

• CSEET: 50% for SC/ST, Physically Handicapped, North Eastern States, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Himachal Pradesh; 75% for ICSI staff and wards/spouse; 100% for ICLS Officers/MCA Officials, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh.
• Executive/Professional Programmes: Similar concessions apply, with 100% registration fee waivers for certain categories like martyrs' wards/widows.

Note: Fees are subject to change. Candidates should verify the latest fee structure on the ICSI website.

Career Prospects

Company Secretaries enjoy a wide range of career opportunities in India and abroad, driven by the increasing emphasis on corporate governance and compliance. They can work in:

• Corporate Firms: As Company Secretaries, Compliance Officers, or Corporate Governance Advisors.
• Law Firms: Providing legal and compliance advisory services.
• Banks and Financial Institutions: Managing regulatory compliance and corporate affairs.
• Government Bodies: Working with company law boards or regulatory authorities.
• Consultancy Firms: Offering specialized services in corporate restructuring, mergers, and acquisitions.
• Independent Practice: As practicing Company Secretaries, providing services like secretarial audits and compliance certifications.

With experience, CS professionals can rise to senior roles such as Chief Administrative Officer, Managing Director, or Chairman. Salaries typically start at INR 3-5 lakhs per annum for entry-level positions, with experienced professionals earning significantly more, potentially reaching several lakhs or crores for top positions, depending on experience, location, and industry.

Summary of Stages

Becoming a Company Secretary in India is a challenging yet rewarding journey that requires dedication, rigorous study, and practical training. The structured process, governed by ICSI, equips candidates with expertise in corporate governance, legal compliance, and strategic management.

With the growing demand for skilled CS professionals, this career offers significant opportunities for growth and impact in the corporate world. Aspiring candidates should stay updated via the ICSI website and consider enrolling in coaching programs for exam preparation.

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