How to Become Company Secretary (CS) in India

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How to Become Company Secretary (CS) in India

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A Company Secretary, abbreviated as CS, is a key management personnel of a company. While every company benefits from appointing a CS, for some companies appointing them is a mandatory requirement, such as listed companies, private limited companies with paid up share capital of Rs. 10 cr. or more, or public limited companies with a paid up share capital of Rs. 10 cr. or more. 

The profession of CS is a prestigious and highly respected career in India. CS professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that companies adhere to corporate governance practices and comply with legal regulations. 

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a Company Secretary, be sure to check out this blog post, where we explain the steps to becoming a CS in India.

Company Secretary Meaning: Explained

A Company Secretary is a professional who is a fellow/associate member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). Their expertise lies in corporate law, securities law and corporate governance. The role of a CS is to ensure a company adheres to the legal and regulatory requirements and stays in the good books of the government. 

An individual becomes a CS after completing the CS course, which has three levels (CSEET, Executive and Professional), receiving ICSI-prescribed training, and acquiring ICSI associate membership. After completion of 5 years as an associate member, an individual can apply for the fellow membership.

Eligibility Criteria to Become a CS

To become a CS, an individual must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

Step-by-Step Process to Become a CS in India

Here is a step-by-step process to become a CS in India:

3 steps to become cs

Step 1: Enrollment in CS Course

Any individual who wants to become a CS must enroll in the CS course. If they want to join the course after 10+2, they must undergo 3 phases to complete the CS course, namely:

If the individual wants to join the CS course after completing graduation, they must go through two phases of CS course:

This means a graduate can bypass CSEET. However, a graduate with a fine arts degree is not eligible for the bypass. 

It is important to note that the professional programme can only be undertaken by a student who has successfully completed the executive programme. 

Step 2: Training

Students are required to complete a 21-month management training program at companies sponsored by the Institute after passing the executive programme. This training can also be conducted under the guidance of a practicing Company Secretary. 

Step 3: Membership

Upon successfully passing the Professional Examination (the final examination), and completing the necessary training, the candidates become Associate Members of the ICSI and are entitled to use the ‘Associate Company Secretary’ designation. 

Career Options Upon Completion of CS Course

After completing the CS course, an individual has the following career options:

Conclusion

A company secretary is a popular career option among individuals passionate about corporate law, compliance and governance. To become a CS in India, you need to be a member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). However, this process isn't as straightforward as simply submitting an application with the Institute. 

You first must enroll in the CS programme, complete all the levels and undergo the training prescribed by the Institute. Only then can you apply for associate membership with ICSI and officially become an Associate Company Secretary (ACS). After serving as an associate member for five years, you can apply for fellow membership.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which institute conducts the CS exam in India?

A. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) conducts the CS exam in India.

Q2. What exam must a 10+2 pass candidate pass to enroll in the CS course?

A. A 10+2 pass candidate must pass the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) to enroll in the CS course.

Q3. How often does ICSI conduct CSEET?

A. The ICSI conducts the CSEET examination 4 times a year.

Q4. Can a graduate skip the CSEET examination and enroll in the executive course directly?

A. Yes, a graduate can skip the CSEET examination and enroll in ICSI’s executive course directly via the Direct Entry Route. For this route, graduates from any stream, except fine arts, are eligible.

 

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