The Company Secretary (CS) course is a professional program offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) for individuals aspiring to become a company secretary. The course comprises three levels: Foundation, Executive, and Professional. The program covers various aspects of corporate law, governance, and management, including company law, securities law, financial management, and corporate social responsibility.
The Company Secretary (CS) course is a professional program that offers knowledge and training to individuals who want to work as a company secretary in various organizations. The course is offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and comprises three stages: Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test(CSEET), Executive, and Professional. It covers topics such as corporate laws, company accounts, taxation, governance, and ethics. A CS is responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with legal and regulatory requirements and advises the board of directors on matters related to corporate governance. The course provides opportunities to work in various sectors such as finance, legal, corporate planning, and management.
The CS CSEET programme is the first level of the Company Secretary (CS) course and is open to students who have completed their 10+2 exams. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of Law, economics, business environment, and communication. The course covers various topics such as BUSINESS communication, Legal aptitude , Economics and BUSINESS environment, Current affairs and quantitative aptitude, and lays a strong foundation for students to build their careers as CS professionals. The programme is conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and comprises four papers, each carrying a total of 50 marks. Students who successfully complete the CS CSEET programme can move on to the next level, which is the CS Executive programme.
The CS Executive Programme is the second level of the Company Secretary Course, offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). This programme aims to provide advanced knowledge and skills required for company secretaries to perform their roles effectively. The programme covers various subjects such as Company Law, Tax Laws, Security law, Corporate Accounting and Financial management, and many more. To be eligible for the CS Executive programme, a candidate must have completed the CS CSEET programme or must be a graduate from any recognized university. The duration of the CS Executive programme is nine months, divided into two modules. Upon successful completion of the programme, candidates can appear for the CS Professional programme.
The CS Professional Programme is the final stage of the Company Secretary (CS) course and focuses on providing in-depth knowledge and practical skills to students in the areas of corporate governance, secretarial practice, corporate restructuring, and strategic management. It consists of three modules, each covering specific areas of expertise, including advanced company law, governance, and compliance management, financial treasury, and Forex management, and advanced tax laws and practice. The program also includes a compulsory training component to ensure students have practical experience in a professional setting. Upon completion of the CS Professional Programme, students become eligible to obtain the CS certification and can pursue various career opportunities as company secretaries, legal advisors, or corporate strategists.
Protree Academy has a team of experienced and qualified professionals who are dedicated to providing quality education and guidance to students.
Protree Academy focuses on practical training to help students gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and prepare for real-world challenges.
The academy offers innovative teaching methods, including case studies, group discussions, and interactive sessions, to help students learn and retain the material.
The academy has a proven success record, with numerous students achieving success in their CS exams and building successful careers in the corporate world.
At Protree Academy we include real-time discussions, case studies, and scenario-based exercises, which allow students to actively participate and engage in the learning process.
Including video lectures, webinars, and study materials, that students can use to supplement their learning and further reinforce their understanding of the concepts.
CS (Company Secretary) can be pursued after completing class 12 or graduation.
For pursuing CS after class 12, one needs to go through the following stages:
CS CSEET Programme
CS Executive Programme
CS Professional Programme
Students are exempted from CSEET for pursuing CS after graduation, and one can directly enroll for the CS Executive Programme, provided they have completed their graduation in any stream except Fine Arts.
Firstly, it is a professional course that provides comprehensive knowledge and training in corporate law, governance, compliance, and secretarial practices. This makes it an attractive career option for those who aspire to work in the corporate sector or as legal professionals.
Secondly, the demand for CS professionals is increasing rapidly in both the private and public sectors, making it a lucrative career choice. Many companies require the services of a CS to ensure that they comply with the various laws and regulations related to corporate governance and reporting.
Thirdly, the CS course provides a wide range of job opportunities, such as company secretary, legal advisor, compliance officer, and more. The course equips students with skills that are in high demand across various industries and sectors.
Lastly, studying the CS course provides an opportunity for personal and professional growth. The rigorous training and comprehensive curriculum of the course enhance students’ knowledge, skills, and confidence, making them well-equipped to take on challenging roles and responsibilities in their careers.
One can pursue the Company Secretary (CS) course after completing their 10+2 (any stream) from a recognized board or after completing their graduation in any discipline from a recognized university. The CS course is conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and is available in three levels – Foundation, Executive, and Professional.
Individuals who aspire to work in the field of corporate law, corporate governance, and company management should consider studying the Company Secretary (CS) course. This course is suitable for those who have an interest in the legal and regulatory aspects of corporate governance and want to work as a key management personnel in a company. It is also a good option for commerce and law students who want to enhance their career prospects in the corporate world. As the demand for CS professionals is increasing, pursuing this course can open up numerous career opportunities in various industries.
To become a company secretary, one must complete the Company Secretary (CS) course offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). The course has three stages:
CSEET Programme: Students who have completed their 10+2 can register for the CSEET Programme. The minimum duration of the programme is 4 months.
Executive Programme: Students who have cleared the CSEET Programme or hold a graduation degree (except Fine Arts) can register for the Executive Programme. The minimum duration of the programme is 9 months.
Professional Programme: Students who have cleared the Executive Programme can register for the Professional Programme. The minimum duration of the programme is 9 months.
After completing the Executive Programme, students are required to undergo a fexible 21-month practical training ,to gain practical and professional knowledge in this field, this can be done while you are giving your executive exam or after you complete your professional exam.
The eligibility for training is, after the student has appeared for EDP which is Executive development Programme , which is to be done after the exam is done.
Company Secretary (CS) course is often compared with other popular courses in commerce such as Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA), While all these courses have their own unique features and career prospects, here are some key differences between them:
| PARAMETERS | COMPANY SECRETARY | CHARTED ACCOUNTANCY |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | CS course primarily focuses on corporate laws, governance, and secretarial practices. | While CA focuses on accounting, auditing, and taxation. |
| Duration | The CS course has three levels - CSEET, Executive, and Professional, which can be completed in 3-4 years. | The CA is comparatively a longer Course with three levels which takes at least 4-5 years to be completed. |
| Syllabus | The CS course covers topics such as corporate laws, ethics, governance, securities laws, and secretarial practices. | The CA course covers accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial management. |
| Career Opportunities | CS professionals can work in corporate firms, banks, stock exchanges, and regulatory bodies. | CA professionals can work as accountants, auditors, tax consultants, and financial advisors. |
| PARAMETERS | COMPANY SECRETARY | CMA |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | CS course primarily focuses on corporate laws, governance, and secretarial practices. | While CMA focuses on cost and management accounting. |
| Duration | The CS course has three levels - Foundation, Executive, and Professional, which can be completed in 3-4 years. | The CMA is comparatively a longer Course which takes at least 4-5 years to be completed. |
| Syllabus | The CS course covers topics such as corporate laws, ethics, governance, securities laws, and secretarial practices. | The CMA course covers cost and management accounting, financial analysis, and decision making. |
| Career Opportunities | CS professionals can work in corporate firms, banks, stock exchanges, and regulatory bodies. | CMA professionals can work as cost accountants, financial analysts, and management accountants. |
A Company Secretary (CS) plays a critical role in ensuring that a company complies with legal and regulatory requirements. Some of the key duties of a Company Secretary include:
Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations: A Company Secretary is responsible for ensuring that a company complies with various laws, regulations, and guidelines set by the government and other regulatory bodies.
Advising the board of directors: A Company Secretary advises the board of directors on various matters related to corporate governance, legal compliance, and risk management.
Maintaining company records: A Company Secretary maintains important company records such as minutes of board meetings, annual reports, and statutory registers.
Organizing meetings: A Company Secretary is responsible for organizing and conducting meetings of the board of directors and other committees.
Facilitating communication: A Company Secretary serves as a bridge between the board of directors, management, shareholders, and other stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and transparency
Managing share-related matters: A Company Secretary is responsible for managing share-related matters such as issuing new shares, maintaining share registers, and handling share transfers.
Ensuring ethical conduct: A Company Secretary promotes ethical conduct within the company, ensuring that the company operates with integrity and transparency.
There are various job opportunities available for CS professionals in India. Some of the popular job roles along with their job description and average salary are:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Company Secretary | A company secretary ensures that an organization complies with statutory and regulatory requirements. They also ensure good governance within the company. | ₹7.5 lakhs per annum. |
| Legal Advisor | A legal advisor provides legal guidance to the company and its management. They also draft and review legal documents. | ₹6 lakhs per annum |
| Compliance Officer | A compliance officer ensures that an organization complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. | ₹7 lakhs per annum |
| Corporate Planner | A corporate planner assists in developing strategic plans for the company. They also analyze data and make recommendations to management | ₹6.5 lakhs per annum |
| Finance Manager | A finance manager is responsible for managing the financial health of the company. They prepare financial reports, develop financial strategies, and manage investments | ₹10 lakhs per annum |
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | A CFO is responsible for managing the financial operations of a company. They make financial decisions, develop financial strategies, and manage the financial risks of the company | ₹25 lakhs per annum |
