What Roles are Available for Newly Qualified CS Professionals in 2025

Company Secretary or CS is one of the most popular career options offered in the field of finance. It is a professional course offered and regulated by ICSI (Institute of Company Secretaries of India). Company Secretaries play an important role in the governance and administration of a company, they guide the company on corporate governance and ensure the company runs under the legal requirements. They also assist the company in decision-making.

Newly qualified CS professionals have opportunities in various corporations, ranging from compliance management to corporate advisory roles. Due to increasing regulatory requirements, businesses need skilled CS professionals to ensure the company operates smoothly and efficiently.

What is a CS Course?

CS or Company Secretary is a professional certification course offered by the ICSI (Institute of Company Secretaries of India). The CS course consists of three stages, CSEET (formerly, CS Foundation), CS Executive, and CS Professional. During the CSEET stage, students study subjects such as Business Communication, Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning, Economic and Business Environment, and Current Affairs and Quantitative Aptitude.

For executive stage, jurisprudence, company law and practice, and setting up of business, industrial and labour laws, and corporate accounting and financial management. At the professional level, environmental, social and governance, drafting, pledging, appearances, compliance management, audit and due diligence.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for the CS Course?

To become a Company Secretary, students have to follow the eligibility requirements of the course. Eligibility details differ depending on the levels, candidates can check the official website of the provider for more details. In the table below, we have mentioned the CS eligibility requirements.

CS Foundation (CSEET) Eligibility

• Students who have successfully cleared their 10+2 from a recognised institute in India can apply for CSEET.

• To be eligible for the later levels, they should successfully clear the CSEET examination.

CS Executive Eligibility

• Candidates can apply for the CS Executive after clearing the bachelor’s degree or after clearing the CSEET examination.

CS Professional Eligibility

• Candidates who have cleared the CS Executive examination can apply for the CS Professional examination.

CS Course Fees

The course fees for the Company Secretary course vary depending on the level. The registration fee for the CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) is Rs. 2000. It also includes CSEET classes advance fees of Rs. 1000 which is optional. For the CS Executive level, the total fee is Rs. 23,900 and for the CS Professional level, the fee is Rs. 20,000.

Top Job Roles for Newly Qualified CS Professionals

After graduating with CS certification, candidates can work in various industries such as finance, corporate, and legal industries. Some of the popular job roles for newly qualified CS professionals are discussed below.

Company Secretaries

One of the most popular and obvious choices is the Company Secretary. Company Secretaries are senior-level professionals who are responsible for ensuring the company runs under legal compliance. The average salary of a Company Secretary in India is Rs. 9.3 LPA.

Compliance Officer

Compliance Officer is a popular career option after the CS course since the curriculum deals heavily with corporate laws, regulations and government. The Compliance Officer ensures that the company runs in compliance with the legal requirements. They also monitor legal updates and implement necessary changes. The average salary of a Compliance Officer in India is Rs. 8.1 LPA, according to AmbitionBox.

Corporate Governance Advisor

Corporate Governance Advisors are professionals who guide a company’s board of directors related to best business practices for corporate governance. They also draft governance policies and assist in board meetings. The average salary of a Corporate Governance Manager is Rs. 17 Lakhs, according to AmbitionBox.

Legal Regulatory Advisor

CS professionals can also apply for job profiles as Legal and Regulatory Advisors in law firms, corporations, or consultancy firms. Legal Regulatory Advisors are responsible for providing legal advice on corporate transactions and ensuring compliance in business dealings.

Risk and Internal Audit Manager

Risk and Internal Audit Managers are professionals responsible for assessing risks and implementing internal controls in organisations. Many multinational corporations and financial institutions employ CS professionals in this role. Risk and Internal Audit Managers conduct internal audits and assess risks. They also develop internal policies and ensure the company runs efficiently.

How to Secure a Job in Top Corporations

Candidates interested in securing jobs at top companies after the Company Secretary can follow the below-mentioned steps.

• Gain additional certifications in corporate law and governance (e.g. ICSI advanced courses).
• They can network with professionals through LinkedIn, industry events and seminars.
• Should stay updated with legal and regulatory changes in corporate law.

Conclusion

Due to the increasing complexities of legal and regulatory compliance, the demand for qualified CS professionals has increased. Newly qualified CS professionals can opt for various companies, and with the right knowledge and networking skills, they can make a successful career as a CS professional.