- The old Foundation Programme has been replaced by the CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) as the entry level, so the path is now CSEET, then the Executive Programme and the Professional Programme
- From 2026 ICSI shifted CSEET from remote-proctored home mode to offline examination centres
- Graduates and post-graduates can skip CSEET and join the Executive Programme directly
- The Executive and Professional examinations continue to be held twice a year, in June and December.
A company secretary (CS) is one of the most important officers in a company, responsible for handling its legal and statutory compliance. In India the profession is regulated solely by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). This guide explains what a company secretary does, the ICSI course stages, eligibility, exams and expected salary.
What Does a Company Secretary Do?
A company secretary is a senior officer who ensures a company complies with legal and statutory regulations. The role covers advising the board of directors, maintaining statutory records and tax filings, ensuring good corporate governance, and acting as the link between the board, shareholders, and regulatory authorities under the Companies Act, 2013.
A company secretary acts as the conscience-keeper of an organisation. Listed companies and many other classes of company are required by law to appoint a qualified CS as a key managerial person to oversee board processes, regulatory filings and shareholder communication.
Who Is the ICSI and How Does It Regulate the CS Profession?
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is the sole statutory body that regulates and develops the profession of company secretaries in India. Set up under the Company Secretaries Act, 1980, it conducts the CS course, holds examinations, and awards membership under the motto Speak the truth, abide by the law.
ICSI provides the education, training and examinations needed to qualify as a company secretary, and its members serve in corporates, regulatory roles and independent practice across the country. Its vision is to be a global leader in promoting good corporate governance.
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There are three stages. Students after Class 12 first clear the CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET), which replaced the old Foundation Programme, then register for the Executive Programme and finally the Professional Programme. Graduates and post-graduates are exempt from CSEET and may enter directly at the Executive Programme level.
- CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) - the entry-level test that replaced the Foundation Programme
- Executive Programme
- Professional Programme
| CS Stage 2026 | Entry Requirement | Mode / Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| CSEET (entry test) | Class 12 (10+2) pass, any stream | Offline centres from 2026 |
| Executive Programme | CSEET pass, or graduate / post-graduate direct entry | Exams in June and December |
| Professional Programme | Both modules of Executive cleared | Exams in June and December |
What Is the Eligibility for the CS Course?
To register for CSEET, a candidate must have passed or be appearing in the Class 12 (10+2) examination from a recognised board in any stream. Graduates and post-graduates, and those who have cleared the ICAI or ICMAI final examinations, can skip CSEET and join the Executive Programme directly on paying the exemption fee.
There is no upper age limit to join the CS course. Candidates registering directly for the Executive Programme through the CSEET exemption route pay a prescribed exemption fee, while those who passed the earlier CS Foundation Programme are not charged this exemption fee.
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The CS Executive and Professional examinations are held twice a year, in June and December. CSEET is conducted in multiple sessions across the year. From 2026 ICSI shifted CSEET from remote-proctored home mode to offline examination centres. Registration cut-off dates are published on the ICSI website ahead of each session.
Because exact cut-off dates change every cycle, candidates should always confirm the current last dates for CSEET and for the Executive and Professional examinations on the official ICSI website before applying for a particular session.
How Is the CS Exam Passing Criteria Decided?
A candidate is declared to have passed the Executive or Professional examination by securing at least 40 percent marks in each paper and 50 percent marks in aggregate of all papers in a module, in one sitting. After clearing all stages, students complete a mandatory practical training of around twenty-one months.
The practical training requirement ensures that newly qualified company secretaries gain hands-on exposure to corporate compliance, secretarial work and governance before they take up full membership of the Institute.
What Salary Can a Company Secretary Expect?
A newly qualified company secretary in India typically earns around four to six lakh rupees per annum, with metropolitan employers and listed companies paying more. Earnings rise significantly with experience, and senior company secretaries handling governance and compliance for large corporates can earn substantially higher packages over time.
Salary depends on the employer, location and the candidate's role. With the Companies Act, 2013 mandating a company secretary for many companies, demand for qualified CS professionals across compliance, governance and advisory roles remains steady.