Company Secretary Course or CS is one of the popular career choices for commerce students after 12th, however, candidates with Science or Arts background can also pursue the CS course in 2023.
A Company Secretary is a renowned position of a private or public company, the responsibility of a CS is to handle the financial records, tax filing, legal matters related to the company, and advising the directors/board members of the company.
Course Details
Candidates who would like to join the CS course after class 12th Commerce or equivalent; have to undergo three stages of the Company Secretary Course:
- Foundation Programme
- Executive Programme
- Professional Programme
The Students who would like to join the CS Course after passing the Graduation has to undergo two stages of the Company Secretaryship i.e.
- Executive Programme
- Professional Programme
Course Duration
A student is required to complete the Executive and the Professional examination within the registration period. The duration to complete the course is given below:
- Foundation Programme – 8 months
- Executive Programme – 9 months
- Professional Programme – 15 months
Candidates can take this course either after completion of class 12th or after graduation. The detailed eligibility criteria are explained below.
Eligibility Criteria
To pursue this course, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria laid down by India’s Institute of Company Secretaries.
- The Foundation Programme can be pursued by 10+2 pass or equivalent students of Arts, Science or Commerce stream (Excluding Fine Arts).
- The Executive Programme can be pursued by a Graduate of all streams except Fine Arts.
- Professional Programme can be pursued only after clearing the Executive Programme of CS Course
Fee(s)
The fee structure for CS courses is different for different levels. You can check fees for the different programs below:
| CS Foundation Programme | Rs.4500/- |
| Rs.9000/- for Commerce Graduates | |
| CS Executive Programme. | Rs 12,500/- for CPT passed of ICAI / Foundation passed of ICAI-CMA |
| Rs 10,000/- for Non-Commerce Students | |
| Rs 8,500/- for CS Foundation passed students | |
| CS Professional Programme | Rs.12,000/- |
Application Process
The application for the CS course is invited twice a year. The last date for submission of applications for appearing in the examination is:
| CS Programme | CS Executive June – 2023 | CS Executive December -2023 |
| Last Date for CS Executive Programme (Both Modules) | 30th November 2023 | 31st May 2023 |
| Last Date for CS Executive Programme (Single Module) | 31st January 2023 | 31st July 2023 |
| Last date to submit CS Executive exam form without late fee | 25th March 2023 | 25th September 2023 |
| Last date to submit CS Executive exam form with late fee | 9th April 2023 | 10th October 2023 |
The exams are held twice in June & December. CS question papers medium is in both languages, English & Hindi. candidates can appear in either of the languages except for Business Communication, which is a subject of the Foundation Program.
Examination Fee
Foundation Programme – Rs. 1200/-
Executive Programme – Rs. 1200/- per Module
Professional Programme – Rs. 1200/- per Module
Qualifying Marks
A candidate will be declared to have passed the Foundation / Executive / Professional examination if he/she secures at one sitting a minimum of 40% marks in each paper and 50% marks in the aggregate of all subjects.
Job Profiles
Some of the popular Job profiles for CS professionals in 2023 are:
- Business Consultant
- Company Registrar
- Managing Director
- Legal Advisor
- Marketing Manager
- Investment Banker
- Operation Manager
- Principal Secretary
Salary Prospects
CS is one of the preferred career choices of Commerce students because it provides a lucrative career with a handsome salary package. The demand for CS professionals is very high in private as well as public sector companies.
With some years of experience, candidates can reach a very high position in the companies, with a great overall package and future growth opportunities in Indian and overseas. CS is one of the high salary courses after 12th.
The starting salary of CS could be anywhere between 5-7 LPA, depending on the company, experience one can earn 8-18 LPA with some years of experience.
Company Secretary (CA) Course FAQ’s
You should apply before 31st January 2023 as registration would be stopped for CS Executive programme single module.
Yes, you can complete CS in 3 years.
You can attempt CS exam upto 10 times.
Yes,a CS internship is paid for those who qualify the exams.
