Glossary
CSEET syllabus
By Naveen J D, Founder · Updated 24 Sept 2026
Also called Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test syllabus or Restructured CSEET syllabus
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What is a CSEET syllabus?
The CSEET syllabus is ICSI’s four-paper entry-test curriculum for the CS Executive route, applicable from June 2026. It covers Business Communication, Fundamentals of Accounting, Economic and Business Environment, and Business Laws and Management. The first three papers are subjective, while the fourth is OMR-based.
Key takeaways
- CSEET requires preparation for four separate papers, not one combined examination day.
- Subjective answer practice is relevant to the first three three-hour papers, while Paper 4 requires OMR-based practice.
- A score below 40% in any one paper prevents a CSEET pass, even if the overall aggregate exceeds 50%.
- Direct-entry exemptions mean some candidates should confirm their CS Executive route before paying for CSEET registration.
The official paper list
ICSI’s CSEET academic portal sets out the restructured four-paper syllabus.
| Paper | Subject | Format | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business Communication | Subjective | 3 hours |
| 2 | Fundamentals of Accounting | Subjective | 3 hours |
| 3 | Economic and Business Environment | Subjective | 3 hours |
| 4 | Business Laws and Management | OMR-based | 2 hours |
Paper 4 contains Business Laws for 60 marks and Business Management for 40 marks.
What each paper tests in plain language
Business Communication tests English usage and professional communication. The syllabus includes grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, communication methods, business correspondence and business terminology.
Fundamentals of Accounting tests whether a candidate can understand and use basic accounting principles. The scope includes recording transactions, bank reconciliation, depreciation, final accounts, partnership and LLP accounts, company accounts and non-profit accounts.
Economic and Business Environment tests basic economics in an Indian context alongside the forces that shape businesses. Economics and Business Environment are 50 marks each within the paper.
Business Laws and Management tests foundational commercial-law knowledge plus basic management understanding. The law portion covers company law, contracts, partnership and LLP, sale of goods and negotiable instruments. The management portion covers management foundations, functions, principles and management knowledge for company secretaries.
Rules that affect preparation
ICSI’s CSEET academic portal identifies the restructured syllabus and related official notices. The pass requirement is at least 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate in one sitting, with no paper exemption or mark carry-forward.
Business Laws and Management has no negative marking in its OMR-based paper. The restructured examination is centre-based and runs in February, June and October.
Registration route and timing
Candidates who have passed or are appearing in Senior Secondary, 10+2, or an equivalent examination can apply for CSEET if they are Indian nationals. ICSI also lists direct-to-CS-Executive exemptions for specific qualifications and study stages.
CSEET registration is valid for three years from the registration month, while a CSEET result is valid for one year from declaration. Use the related guides to check registration details, fees across the CS route, course duration, and whether BCom with CS or CS after graduation better matches your route.
The current examination shape
ICSI’s CSEET academic portal publishes the restructured syllabus applicable from June 2026 onward. The useful distinction is not just the subject names: three papers require subjective answers, while the fourth is OMR-based.
Paper formats at a glance
The four papers are held on separate days. A candidate needs at least 40% in every paper and 50% across all four papers in one sitting, so strength in one subject cannot offset a score below the paper minimum in another.
Example
Riya is deciding how to divide her practice before a CSEET attempt. She schedules written-answer practice for the three 100-mark, three-hour subjective papers, then separate OMR practice for Paper 4, which is 100 marks in two hours with 60 marks for Business Laws and 40 marks for Business Management. Because CSEET requires 40% in every paper and 50% aggregate, Riya cannot rely on strong accounting marks to make up for a weak Paper 4 score.