What is Company Secretary
The Company Secretary exam is a professional course conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). The Company Secretary (CS) programme is an equivalent course to a master’s degree. The Company Secretary programme consists of three stages: The CSEET, The Executive Level, and The Professional Level.
To be eligible for the Company Secretary programme, candidates must complete 10+2 education from a recognised board of education. The Company Secretary programme equips candidates with skills and knowledge of the legal aspects of a business, tax returns, record-keeping, and financial analysis.
After successfully completing the Company Secretary programme, the candidates get to pursue careers as Legal Advisors, Business Consultants, Operations Managers, and Investment Bankers. The top recruiters for this programme include Tata Group, Reliance Industries Limited, Infosys Limited, Wipro Limited, Aditya Birla Group, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra Group, Hindustan Unilever Limited.
CS Course Details
Particulars | Values |
|---|---|
Branch Name | Company Secretary |
Degree | Executive level, Professional Level, BCom |
CS Course Eligibility | CS Executive: Qualify CSEET exam 10+2 pass or equivalent students of Arts, Science, or Commerce stream CS Professional: Candidates should have passed the CS executive exam |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam: CSEET |
Entrance Exam | Through CSEET at the entry-level |
CS Course Fees | CS Executive: Rs.10600 |
Job Profiles | Company Secretary, Legal Advisor, Business Consultant, Operations Manager, and Investment Banker. |
Average Salary | Rs. 8.5 LPA |
Recruiting Companies | Tata Group, Reliance Industries Limited, Infosys Limited, Wipro Limited, Aditya Birla Group, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra Group, Hindustan Unilever Limited |
Specialisation or Similar Ones
There are some specialisations and fields similar to Company Secretary which students can pursue. These specialisations also help candidates contribute towards business management and offer similar financially rewarding career opportunities. Below are some similar specialisations which students can pursue:
Corporate Governance | |
Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC) | |
Corporate Compliance |
Top Colleges in India Offering Company Secretary Course
The Institute of Company Securities of India is the prime body that provides candidates with the opportunity to become Company Secretaries. Christ College of Science and Management, Malur is one private college that offers B.Com Company Secretaries for the students.
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Company Secretary
The students who aspire to become Company Secretary, need to fulfil specific eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for the Company Secretary are set by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). The eligibility criteria for an executive and a professional course are different.
Eligibility Criteria for the CS Executive Programme
The executive level is the second stage of the Company Secretary programme. There is a specific eligibility criteria for the Executive Level. The eligibility which candidates need to fulfil is given below:
- The candidates need to successfully complete 10+2 education from a recognised board in fields of Arts, Science or Commerce stream.
- The candidates need to qualify for the CSEET entrance examination.
Eligibility Criteria for the CS Professional Programme
After qualifying for the Executive Level, Candidates can proceed to the next stage. The next stage is the final stage of the Company Secretary programme which is the Professional Level. There is a specific eligibility criteria for the Company Secretary's Professional Level.
Candidates need to qualify for the executive level of the Company Secretary programme.
Top Entrance Exams for CS Courses
Aspiring candidates need to take a certain entrance exam that is CSEET to start with their Company Secretary programme journey. CSEET is the first step as per the procedure and students need to qualify it to go to the next stage, that is the executive level.
| Exam Name | Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
National Level | Institute of Company Secretaries of India |
Scope of Company Secretary in India and Abroad
Company Secretary courses open up a wide range of prospects for students to pursue higher studies or directly venture into the corporate sector. CS-qualified students can pursue a PhD in Commerce / Management / Law Prospects in India are immense in areas like Certification Services, Valuation, Insolvency and Bankruptcy, GST, Intellectual Property Rights, Representation Services, and Mediation and Conciliation.
Company Secretary courses also have a promising scope abroad, There are lots of opportunities in various fields related to Company Secretary courses. Consulting firms, legal practices, financial institutions, and multinational corporations offer many opportunities for Company Secretaries to contribute on a global scale.
Course Fees Company Secretary
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| PG |
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Data not available
|
10.00 K
P.G.D in Company Secretary at University College of Law, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur
|
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Data not available
|
10.00 K
P.G.D in Company Secretary at University College of Law, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur
|
Course Subjects
ICSI has mandated a specific syllabus for CS courses that are taught to all students enrolling in the course. The Company Secretary syllabus has subjects like company laws, corporate laws, business laws, financial management, and risk management. The detailed Company Secretary course syllabus is available on the ICSI website for all levels of students.
CS Executive Syllabus
The CS Executive programme is a nine-month course, the programme consists of two modules which include subjects such as Jurisprudence, Interpretation and General Laws, Company Laws, Capital Markets and Securities Laws, and Tax Laws and Practice. Mentioned below are all the papers that are conducted in the CS Executive course.
Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws | Company Law & Practice |
Setting Up of Business, Industrial & Labour Laws | Corporate Accounting and Financial Management |
Capital Market & Securities Laws | Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Laws |
Tax Laws & Practice | - |
CS Professional Syllabus
Students who have successfully cleared the CS Executive programme, include subjects such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)- Principles and Practice, Corporate Restructuring, Valuation, and Insolvency. Mentioned below are the papers which are included in the CS Professional programme.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) – Principles & Practice | Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances |
Compliance Management, Audit & Due Diligence | Elective 1 |
Strategic Management & Corporate Finance | Corporate Restructuring, Valuation and Insolvency |
Elective 2 | - |
Careers in Company Secretary
The Company Secretary course opens a broad range of career options for candidates. A certified company secretary holds high-level positions as he/she acts as the main legal and compliance officer of his/her firm. Company secretaries can render their services in areas such as corporate governance, law advisory, financial markets, and management.
Company Registrars: Company Registrars are professionals who manage the regulation of companies, their shareholders, and directors. They administer government reporting of several matters including the annual filing of legal documents.
Legal Advisors: Legal Advisors are professionals who assist the company in any legal disputes. They make sure that the company complies with all bureaucratic and statutory directives, securities, and corporate laws.
Chief Administrative Officers: Chief Administrative Officers monitor the general administrative activities of the company. They also safeguard all legal and other confidential documents of the company.
Corporate Planners: Corporate Planners carefully manage and plan the expansion opportunities of the company. They are also responsible for taking care of mergers, joint ventures, collaborations, and takeovers within the company or outside.
Upcoming trends
The role of a Company Secretary has undergone significant transformation in the upcoming years. Several trends and professions are shaping the profession of Company Secretaries. The Company Secretaries must be aware of these trends and topics. Mentioned below are the Upcoming Trends and Topics in the field of Company Secretaries.
- Technology Integration
- Implication of Remote Work
- Globalisation
- Enhanced Soft Skills
- Artificial Intelligence
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
A company secretary acts as a vital connection between a company and its top managerial staff including the board of directors, shareholders, and government. They make sure that all legal procedures are followed by the Board members. Mentioned below are the top recruiters in the field:
Top Recruiters:
- Tata Group
- Reliance Industries Limited
- Infosys Limited
- Wipro Limited
- Aditya Birla Group
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Larsen & Toubro
- Mahindra Group
- Hindustan Unilever Limited
- PwC
- Punjab National Bank
Average Salary
Students after completing the Company Secretary course can pursue various job profiles. The average salary of the Company Secretaries depends on the organisation, the location of the organisation, and the facilities provided by it. Mentioned below are the career options in the field of Company Secretary and their average salaries.
| Job Profiles | Average Expected Salary |
Rs. 8.8 LPA | |
Legal Advisor | Rs. 5.9 LPA |
Chief Administrative Officer | Rs. 13.4 LPA |
Corporate Planner | Rs. 16 LPA |
Source: Ambition Box
The salary figures mentioned anywhere in these articles are just for reference purposes. Please treat them as such. Actual salaries may vary depending on respective candidates, employer, job location, and numerous other factors.
Required Skillset for Company Secretary
A candidate should have a certain set of skills and knowledge to successfully work as a Company secretary. These skills play an important role in helping the candidates perform well in their academics as well as in their future career options. Mentioned below are some of the top skills required in the field of CS.
- Time Management
- Legal Knowledge
- Corporate Governance
- Company Law
- Regulatory Compliance
- Planning Skills
- Good Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Financial and Analytical Skills
- IT Proficiency
Course Curriculum for Company Secretary
The curriculum of the Company Secretary programme is detailed and comprehensive. Financial and business acumen are an integral component of the Company Secretary programme’s curriculum. Students get to study subjects like corporate governance, company law, regulatory compliance, and ethical conduct. The curriculum of the Company Secretary equips candidates with skills of communication, financial acumen, and practical secretarial duties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Is there any age limit for pursuing a Company Secretary (CS) course?
Answer :
No, there is no age limit for pursuing the CS course.
Question: What will be the first step to become a CS?
Answer :
Candidates who have passed the Class 12th examinations can apply for the CS executive entrance test to gain admission in the ICSI course.
Question: What is the role of a Company Secretary in a company?
Answer :
A CS or company secretary is responsible for ensuring that the company complies with the statutory and legal requirements and that the decisions of the board of directors are implemented properly. Overall, a company secretary ensures the efficient administration of a firm.
Question: Is Math a compulsory subject for a CS course?
Answer :
No, Math is not a compulsory subject for a student pursuing a CS course.
Question: Can I do a CS course along with my BCom?
Answer :
Yes, BCom students can apply directly for CS executive programmes.
Question: What is the entrance exam required in the field of Company Secretary?
Answer :
Students must appear and crack the CSEET exam to be eligible to pursue the CS Executive course.
Question: What are the levels of a Company Secretary programme?
Answer :
There are two levels of the Company Secretary programme : The Executive Level and The Professional Level which take part in three stages.
Question: What are the career options available after getting the Company Secretary title?
Answer :
The career options available after completing the Company Secretary programme are Legal Advisor, Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Planner, and Company Secretary.
