COMPANY SECRETARY (CS) Course Details 2024

With the dream of becoming something big many choose to go for professional courses. And be wondering which professional course to choose ??

As there’s a lot of options in the Market stating ACCA, CA, CMA , CMA USA, CS and many more to the list !!

Today we will know about one of such course which is COMPANY SECRETARY (CS) 

In this blog we will learn about, who is a company secretary , how to become a company secretary , what are the roles and objectives of a company secretary and all other information regarding company secretary.

Who is a Company Secretary?

Accounting, legal advice, human resource management, and executive assistance are among the responsibilities of company secretaries. They can also study through distance education. The Company Secretaries Act of 1980 requires the Institution of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) to train and supervise them. ICSI has more than 60,000 members and 2,50,000 students. A Company Secretary's degree is considered equivalent to a postgraduate degree under new UGC standards.

A Company Secretary is a senior position in corporate governance, responsible for ensuring statutory and regulatory compliance. Despite the name, the position is not clerical or secretarial. The company secretary ensures that an organization follows applicable legislation and regulations and keeps board members informed of their legal responsibilities.

What are the roles and responsibilities of a  Company Secretary?

According to the Companies Act, Company Secretary is one who-

1. Member of Institute of Company Secretaries of India(ICSI)

2. The company secretary is an essential part of a company; he must carry out his duties with reasonable care. Apart from being a legal mentor, he must ensure that all business procedures are in line with all legal provisions; otherwise, he may be held responsible for wrongdoing and dismissed for dishonesty or violations of an organization's legal rights.

3. Advising authorities and BOD (Board of Directors) on risk management, business 

policies and strategies, corporate social responsibilities, brand equity and image building, managing the company's trademark rights, and guaranteeing healthy communication between stakeholders, authorities, and the government.

How to become a Company Secretary?

1. The eligibility for company secretary is Senior Secondary Examination (10+2).

2. Pass candidates in the science, commerce, and arts streams (excluding fine arts) are eligible for admission.

      3.The duration of the Company Secretary course is 8 months which takes CS Foundation, 9   months for CS Executive, and 15 months for CS Professional. The CSEET exam has replaced the CS Foundation exam. Students who want to pursue a Company Secretary course after graduation are exempt from taking the CSEET. 

Let us know more about the course for Company Secretary (CS) 2024

ICSI has officially specified the CS Executive eligibility criteria for 2024 on their website, icsi.edu. Candidates CS Executive course applicants should review these eligibility requirements ahead of time to avoid potential future disqualification.

The candidate has to give CSEET(FOUNDATION) as their entrance exam for the Company Secretary Course Entrance Exam. 

Following by that there will be three levels stating : 

1. Foundation(CSEET)

2. Executive 

3. Professional

Now, let us look at the eligibility criteria for all the three levels 

• CSEET/ Foundation- 10+2

• Executive- CSEET/Graduation

• Professional- Executive 

Now, let us look at the duration for all the three levels 

• CSEET - 8 months

• Executive-  9 months

• Professional- 15 months

Studying the Company Secretary Course 2024 opens up a variety of career options. Here's why.

Advising on Corporate Governance: As a Company Secretary, you will advise the board of directors on best practices in corporate governance, ensuring that the company operates ethically and efficiently.

Legal Knowledge

You will have the legal knowledge to assist internal members with compliance issues, ensuring that the company follows every relevant regulation and laws.

Corporate Laws and Securities Expertise:

 With knowledge of corporate laws, securities laws, and the capital market, you will be prepared to handle a variety of legal and financial aspects of business operations.

Regulatory Compliance: 

Company Secretaries are responsible for ensuring that all legal requirements are met within an organization.

Strategic Management and Planning:

 You will be involved in strategic management and corporate planning, affecting the company's direction and future.

Overall, the Company Secretaryship program receives excellent reviews and prepares students for careers in legal, corporate governance, reorganizations, joint ventures, project planning, investor relations, corporate advisory services, and other areas. These professionals can find employment in colleges, universities, multinational corporations, and a variety of other business sectors.

Who can be a company secretary?

If you come from a business background and want to work in a credible industry, you should consider taking the Company Secretary (CS) course 2024. But before you enroll, it's good to have these skills:

1. Interpersonal Skills: You should be able to interact with others and work well in a group.

2. Time Management: The ability to manage your tasks efficiently and meet deadlines is critical.

3. Teamwork: Effective collaboration with colleagues is critical to success.

4. Corporate Law Knowledge: Understanding the legal aspects of business is essential.

5. Precise Planning: You must be able to plan things meticulously and strategically.

6. Language Proficiency: Being fluent in both spoken and written English will allow you to communicate effectively in the workplace.

The subjects in the Company Secretary Course 2024 for all the three levels:

As mentioned previously there are three levels - Foundation Programme, Executive Programme and Professional Programme. Now let us see the modules or the subjects in each of these levels.

CSEET Programme

The CSEET course teaches students a broad range of skills, such as entrepreneurship, management, business, ethics, accounting, and economics. The CS course details for the Foundation level are: 

• Business Environment and Law

• Business Management, Ethics and Entrepreneurship

• Business Economics

• Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing

CS Executive Programme

The CS executive course covers a wide range of topics, the majority of which are law-related. This section discusses corporate law, general legal principles, tax law, accounting and auditing procedures, and securities legislation. The CS executive course programme consists of two modules, I and II. Each module contains four papers. The CS course details for the Executive level are:

Module I	Module II
Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws	Corporate & Management Accounting
Company Law	Securities Laws & Capital Markets
Setting up of Business Entities and Closure	Economic, Business and Commercial Laws
Tax Laws	Financial & Strategic Management

CS Professional Programme

The CS Professional Program is the final step toward earning a certified degree. Candidates must successfully complete the CS executive programme before being considered for admission to the CS Professional course. The CS course information for the Professional level is:

Module I	Module II	Module III
Governance, Risk Management, Compliances and Ethics	Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management and Due Diligence	Corporate Funding & Listings in Stock Exchanges
Advanced Tax Law	Corporate Restructuring, Insolvency, Liquidation & Winding-up	Multidisciplinary Case Studies (The examination for this paper will be open-book examination)
Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances	Resolution of Corporate Disputes, Non-Compliances & Remedies	Electives: 1 paper out of below 8 papers Banking – Law & Practice Insurance – Law & Practice Intellectual Property Rights – Laws and Practices Forensic Audit Direct Tax Law & Practice Labour Laws & Practice Valuations & Business Modelling Insolvency – Law and Practice (The examination for this paper is an open book examination)

Job Opportunities and average salary for a completed Company secretary are as follows:  

• Business Consultant - INR 9.2 to 10 lakh

• Company Registrar - INR 12.5 to 13.5 lakh

• Legal Advisor - INR 3.6 lakh to 5.2 lakh

• Corporate Policymaker - INR 5.3 lakh to 6.6 lakh

• Chief Administrative Officer - INR 3.3 lakh to 4.8 lakh

• Principal Secretary - INR 6.7 lakh to 9.8 lakh

• Managing Director - INR 12 lakh to 13.1 lakh

• Chairman - INR 15 lakh to 25 lakh

Conclusion:

             The struggle is part of the journey. 

-Article by Varshini

FAQs

What exactly does a Company Secretary do?

A Company Secretary ensures legal compliance, advises on corporate governance, and assists in strategic decision-making within a company.

What are the eligibility criteria for pursuing the CS course?

For the Foundation level, candidates need to pass 10+2. For the Executive level, candidates can graduate or pass the Foundation/CSEET exam.

What is the duration of the CS course?

The Foundation course takes 8 months, Executive takes 9 months, and Professional takes 15 months.

How does the CS course differ from other professional courses like CA or CMA?

While CA focuses more on accounting and auditing, and CMA emphasizes management accounting, CS specializes in corporate governance and legal compliance.

What is the average salary range for Company Secretaries in India?

The salary range varies depending on the role and experience but typically falls between INR 3.3 lakh to 25 lakh per annum.

ICSI CS Executive Syllabus 2024: Check Updated Syllabus, Exam Pattern

ICSI prescribes the CS Executive syllabus. Candidates studying for the CS Executive exam can now view the complete syllabus here. Discover the marking scheme, total marks, and paper-specific contents here.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) prescribes the syllabus for the CS Executive exam. Recently, the authorities released the revised syllabus for the CS Executive exam, applicable from 2022. Candidates who wish to switch from the old syllabus (2017) to the new syllabus (2022) can apply online at icsi.edu. To be eligible for the ICSI CS Executive exam under the new syllabus, candidates must pass a pre-examination test. For detailed information on the ICSI CS Executive Syllabus 2024 under the new 2024 syllabus and the old 2017 syllabus, read the complete article.

CS Executive 2024 Exam Pattern Highlights

The CS Executive 2024 exam pattern highlights are as follows:

• Mode of Exam: Centre-based examination; Offline

• Duration of Exam: Three hours for each paper

• Marks: 100 marks for each paper

• Language of Question Paper: English

• Nature of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Descriptive

• Pre-Examination Requirement: Completion of a Pre-Examination Test to become eligible to enroll

• First Examination Under New Syllabus 2022: December 2023

• Last Attempt Under Old Syllabus 2017: June 2024

ICSI CS Executive Exam Pattern: Group 1

Here is the information presented in a list format:

1. Paper Number: 1

• Subjects: Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws

• Marks: 100

2. Paper Number: 2

• Subjects: Part I – Company Law – Principles and Concepts Part II – Company Administration & Meetings

• Marks: 60 (Part I) + 40 (Part II) = 100

3. Paper Number: 3

• Subjects: Part I – Setting Up of Business Part II – Industrial & Labour Laws

• Marks: 60 (Part I) + 40 (Part II) = 100

4. Paper Number: 4

• Subjects: Part I – Corporate Accounting Part II – Financial Management

• Marks: 60 (Part I) + 40 (Part II) = 100

ICSI CS Executive Syllabus 2024: Group 1

Paper 1: Jurisprudence, Interpretation, and General Laws

• Sources of Law

• Constitution of India

• Interpretation of Statutes

• Administrative Laws

• Law of Torts

• Law relating to Civil Procedure

• Laws relating to Crime and its Procedure

• Law relating to Evidence

• Law relating to Specific Relief

• Law relating to Limitation

• Law relating to Arbitration, Mediation and Conciliation

• Indian Stamp Law

• Law relating to Registration of Documents

• Right to Information Law

• Law relating to Information Technology

• Contract Law

• Law relating to Sale of Goods

• Law relating to Negotiable Instruments

Paper 2: Company Law and Practice

Paper 2 covers Company Law and Practice, divided into two parts:

Part I: Company Law – Principles & Concepts

• Introduction to Company Law

• Legal Status and Types of Registered Companies

• Memorandum and Articles of Association and its Alteration

• Shares and Share Capital-Concepts

• Members and Shareholder

• Debt Instruments-Concepts

• Charges

• Distribution of Profits

• Accounts and Auditors

• Compromise, Arrangement, and Amalgamations-Concepts

• Dormant Company

• Inspection, Inquiry, and Investigation

Part II: Company Administration and Meetings

• General Meetings

• Directors

• Board Composition and Powers of the Board

• Meetings of Board and its Committees

• Corporate Social Responsibility-Concepts

• Annual Report-Concepts

• Key Managerial Personnel (KMP’s) and their Remuneration

Paper 3: Setting Up of Business, Industrial, and Labour Laws

Paper 3 covers Setting Up of Business, Industrial, and Labour Laws, divided into two parts:

Part I: Setting up of Business

• Selection of Business Organization

• Corporate Entities – Companies: Types of Corporate Business Entities, Drafting of Incorporation Documents, Formation and Registration

• Limited Liability Partnership

• Startups and its Registration

• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

• Conversion of Business Entities

• Non-Corporate Entities

• Financial Services Organization

• Business Collaborations

• Setting up of Branch Office/ Liaison Office/ Wholly owned Subsidiary by Foreign Company

• Setting up of Business outside India and Issues Relating Thereto

• Identifying laws applicable to various Industries and their initial compliances

• Various Initial Registrations and Licenses

Part 2: Industrial and Labour Laws

• Constitution and Labour Laws

• Evaluation of Labour Legislation and need for Labour Code

• Law of Welfare & Working Condition

• Law of Industrial Relations

• Law of Wages

• Social Security Legislations

• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013

Paper 4: Corporate Accounting and Financial Management

Paper 4 covers Corporate Accounting and Financial Management, divided into two parts:

Part 1: Corporate Accounting

• Introduction to Accounting

• Introduction to Corporate Accounting

• Accounting Standards (AS)

• Accounting for Share Capital

• Accounting for Debentures

• Related Aspects of Company Accounts

• Consolidation of Accounts

• Financial Statement Analysis

• Cash Flows

• Forecasting Financial Statements

Part 2: Financial Management

• Introduction

• Time Value of Money

• Capital Budgeting

• Cost of Capital

• Capital Structure

• Dividend Decisions

• Working Capital Management

• Security Analysis

• Operational Approach to Financial Decision-making

ICSI CS Executive Exam Pattern: Group 2

Here is the information presented in a list format:

5. Paper Number: 5

• Subjects: Part I – Capital Market Part II – Securities Laws

• Marks: 40 (Part I) + 60 (Part II) = 100

6. Paper Number: 6

• Subjects: Part I – Economic & Commercial Laws Part II – Intellectual Property Laws

• Marks: 60 (Part I) + 40 (Part II) = 100

7. Paper Number: 7

• Subjects: Part I - Direct Tax Part II - Indirect Tax

• Marks: 60 (Part I) + 40 (Part II) = 100

ICSI CS Executive Syllabus 2024: Group 2

Paper 5- Capital Market and Securities Law

Part 1: Capital Market

• Basics of Capital Market

• Secondary Market in India

• Securities Contracts (Regulations) Act, 1956

• Securities and Exchange Board of India

• Laws Governing to Depositories and Depository Participants

• Securities Market Intermediaries

• International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)

Part 2: Securities Laws

• Issue of Securities – Concepts

• Issue and Listing of Non-Convertible Securities

• Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements

• Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers – Concepts

• Prohibition of Insider Trading

• Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices Relating to Securities Market

• Delisting and Buyback of Securities – Concepts

• Mutual Funds

• Collective Investment Schemes

Paper 6- Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Law

Part 1 - Economic & Commercial Laws

• Law relating to Foreign Exchange Management

• Foreign Direct Investments – Regulations & Policy

• Overseas Direct Investment

• External Commercial Borrowings (ECB)

• Foreign Trade Policy & Procedure

• Law relating to Special Economic Zones

• Law relating to Foreign Contribution Regulation

• Prevention of Money Laundering

• Law relating to Fugitive Economic Offenders

• Law relating to Benami Transactions & Prohibition

• Competition Law

• Law relating to Consumer Protection

• Legal Metrology

• Real Estate Regulation and Development Law

Part 2 - Intellectual Property Laws

• Law relating to Patents

• Law relating to Trade Marks

• Law relating to Copyright

• Law relating to Geographical Indications of Goods

• Law relating to Industrial Designs

Paper 7- Tax Laws and Practice

Part 1: Direct Tax

• Direct Tax at a Glance

• Basic Concept of Income Tax

• Incomes which do not form part of Total Income

• Income under the Head Salary

• Income under the Head House Property

• Profits and Gains from Business and Profession

• Capital Gains

• Income from Other Sources

• Clubbing provisions and Set Off and/or Carry Forward of Losses

• Deductions

• Computation of Total Income and Tax Liability of various entities

• Classification and Tax Incidence on Companies

• Procedural Compliance

Part 2: Indirect Tax (GST & Customs)

• Concept of Indirect Taxes at a Glance

• Basics of Goods and Services Tax ‘GST’

• Levy and Collection of GST

• Time, Value & Place of Supply

• Input Tax Credit & Computation of GST Liability

• Procedural Compliance under GST

• Overview of Customs Act

In short, the ICSI prescribes the CS Executive syllabus 2024, with the most recent syllabus effective in 2022. Candidates can apply to switch from the old (2017) to the new syllabus once the window is open. The 2024 CS Executive exam pattern includes center-based, offline exams that last three hours each. Jurisprudence, Interpretation, and General Laws; Company Law and Practice; Setting up of Business, Industrial, and Labour Laws; Tax Laws and Practice; Corporate Accounting and Financial Management; Capital Market and Securities Laws; Economic, Commercial, and Intellectual Property Laws; and Direct and Indirect Taxes.

FAQs

What is the CS Executive exam syllabus?

The CS Executive exam syllabus includes subjects like Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws, Company Law and Practice, Setting Up of Business, Industrial & Labour Laws, Corporate Accounting, Financial Management, Capital Market, Securities Laws, Economic & Commercial Laws, Intellectual Property Laws, Direct Tax, and Indirect Tax.

How is the CS Executive exam conducted?

The CS Executive exam is conducted offline at designated centers. It consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and descriptive questions. The duration of the exam is three hours for each paper.

What are the pre-examination requirements for the CS Executive exam?

Candidates must complete a Pre-Examination Test to become eligible to enroll for the CS Executive exam under the new syllabus.

When does the first examination under the new syllabus (2022) take place?

The first examination under the new syllabus (2022) is scheduled for December 2023.

What is the last attempt for the CS Executive exam under the old syllabus (2017)?

The last attempt for the CS Executive exam under the old syllabus (2017) is scheduled for June 2024.

Download your ICSI CS Admit Card for June 2024.

On the official website, icsi.edu, the ICSI CS Admit Card for the June 2024 session will be downloadable. On the website, candidates can look up the exam day instructions and admit card for the Executive and Professional exams.

On the official ICSI website, icsi.edu, you can download the ICSI CS admit card for 2024. Using their 17-digit registration number, candidates must log in in order to download their hall pass. Usually, the admit card is made available ten days prior to the exam day.

Candidates should carefully review all information on their admit card after downloading it, including their name, photo, signature, registration number, exam stage, exam center, language, and exam module, as well as exam dates, exam timings, information on paper-wise exemptions, important instructions, and more. Comprehensive information regarding the June 2024 CS Admit Card is provided in this article.

ICSI CS Admit Card 2024

The ICSI CS June 2024 admission card for the Executive and Professional exams will soon be available at icsi.edu. The exams are expected to begin on June 1, 2024. To acquire their admission card, candidates must log in to the official website with their 17-digit registration number.

Candidates should carefully check all of the information on their admit card, including their name, photo, signature, registration number, exam stage, center, medium, module, dates, timings, paper-specific exemptions, and other relevant instructions. Before taking the exam, make sure that all of the information is correct.

ICSI CS Admit Card 2024 Important Dates

Here's a summary of the important dates related to the CS Admit Card for June 2024:

• Release of CS Admit Card: Last week of May 2024

• CS Executive Exam Dates: June 1-8, 2024

• CS Professional Exam Dates: June 1-10, 2024

• CS Result Date: To be notified

Steps to Download CS Admit Card 2024

To obtain your CS Executive or CS Professional admit card for 2024, follow these easy steps:

1. Visit icsi.edu.

2. Enter your 17-digit registration number.

3. Click on the 'Get Admit Card' tab.

4. Verify the details on the displayed E-admit card.

5. Save or download your E-admit card for future reference.

Details Mentioned on CS Admit Card 2024

Details included on the CS Admit Card for 2024 should be reviewed carefully:

• Candidate's name

• Photograph and signature of the candidate

• Medium of the exam (language)

• Exam date and timings

• 17-digit registration number

• Paper-wise exemption details (if applicable)

• Name, address, and code of the ICSI CS exam center for 2024

• Name of the CS stage and the module(s) the candidate is enrolled in.

How to Correct Errors in CS Admit Card 2024?

After receiving your admit card, it's crucial to double-check all the information it contains, including your name, photo, signature, registration number, exam venue, and schedule. If you notice any errors, please inform us immediately at http://support.icsi.edu.

CS Admit Card 2024 General Instructions

• Immediately verify details on the printed admit card from icsi.edu

• Check the candidate’s name, photograph, signature, registration number, exam stage and module, exam center, language of the exam, exam dates and times, paper-wise details, and elective subject (if applicable)

• Report any discrepancies to the institute promptly via the support portal (http://support.icsi.edu/)

• Review “Instructions to the Examinees” regarding OMR sheets

• On exam day, bring your admit card and valid student identity card to the examination center

• Invigilators and superintendents verify each test taker’s identity upon entry and signature

• Possess an identity card downloaded from online accounts at http://support.icsi.edu/, attested by an authorized official

• If the admit card lacks a photograph or signature, affix a photo and get attested by Gazetted member/Officer of ICSI/Principal of a Recognized School/Manager of Nationalized Bank

• Alternatively, bring a government-issued photo identity card for technical or practical reasons: passport, driver’s license, PAN card, UID card, Aadhar card, or voter ID card

ICSI CS Admit Card 2024 FAQs

When will the ICSI CS Admit Card for June 2024 be available?

The admit card is expected to be available for download in the last week of May 2024.

How can I download my ICSI CS Admit Card for June 2024?

To download your admit card, visit the official website icsi.edu, log in using your 17-digit registration number, and click on the 'Get Admit Card' tab.

What details should I verify on my ICSI CS Admit Card for June 2024?

You should verify your name, photograph, signature, registration number, exam stage and module, exam center, language of the exam, exam dates and timings, paper-wise exemptions, and other important instructions.

What should I do if I find any errors on my ICSI CS Admit Card for June 2024?

If you find any discrepancies, report them immediately to the institute via the support portal at http://support.icsi.edu/.

What documents do I need to carry to the examination center along with my ICSI CS Admit Card for June 2024?

Along with your admit card, you need to carry a valid student identity card and any other government-issued photo identity card (passport, driver’s license, PAN card, UID card, Aadhar card, or voter ID card) for technical or practical reasons.

What are the exam dates for the CS Executive and CS Professional exams for June 2024?

The CS Executive exam dates are scheduled from June 1-8, 2024, and the CS Professional exam dates are scheduled from June 1-10, 2024.

When will the result of the CS exams for June 2024 be declared?

The result date for the CS exams for June 2024 will be notified later.