
5th May, 2025
CS- Company Secretary
All about CS: Full Form, Qualification Requirements & Course Path
Table of Contents
In today’s corporate environment, for a Business’s growth and sustainability, compliance with laws, ethical governance, and smooth administration are paramount. For all these, an organisation needs professionals like a Company Secretary.
With the help of this article, you will get a comprehensive understanding of what CS stands for, the eligibility criteria, course structure, training, and career prospects associated with the profession.
Full form of Company Secretary (CS)
The full form of CS is Company Secretary, and it’s a professional degree course offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). A Company Secretary is a senior-level position in an organization, primarily responsible for ensuring that the company complies with legal and regulatory requirements.
In corporate governance, legal compliance, secretarial auditing, and strategic decision-making, CS Professionals play a key role.
All about CS: Overview
Particulars |
CS Course details |
CS Full form |
Company Secretary |
Company Secretary Course Duration |
After 12th: Up to 4 years After graduation: 2.5 to 5 years |
CS Exam Conducting body |
Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) |
CS Course level |
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CS Eligibility Criteria |
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Passing Criteria |
Minimum 40% marks in each subject and an overall of 50% marks |
CS official website |
All about CS: Qualification Requirements
Route 1: After 10+2 (Foundation Route)
Qualification Requirement
Students who have completed 10+2 in any stream (except fine arts) from a recognized board |
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Minimum Age |
No specific age limit |
Route 2: Direct entry route
To enroll in the CS Executive Direct Entry scheme, you must fall into either Category 1 or Category 2.
Category 1 |
Graduates and Postgraduates from any field except fine arts are eligible for CS Executive direct entry. |
Category 2 |
Final Pass course students of ICAI and ICMAI can also apply for direct entry in CS Executive |
CS Course Structure: The Path to Becoming a CA
Step 1: CSEET
Company Secretary Executive Entrance Exam (CSEET) |
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Eligibility Criteria |
Passed Class 12th in any stream (except Fine Arts) |
Subjects |
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Exam Pattern |
Total Marks: 50 (each paper) Each paper consists 35 multiple choice questions (20 questions worth one mark and 15 questions worth 2 marks) |
Time Duration |
2 hours for all parts |
Negative Marking |
No Negative Marking |
Passing Criteria |
Overall 50% marks and 40% marks in each subject |
Step 2: CS Executive
CS Executive Exam |
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Eligibility Criteria |
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Subjects |
Group 1 |
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Group 2 |
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Exam Pattern |
Total Marks: 100 (each paper) (20% Objective and 80% Subjective) Except Paper 4, which is 100% subjective |
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Exam Duration |
3 hours (each paper) |
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Negative Marking |
No Negative Marking |
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Exam Mode |
Offline (Center-based exam) |
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Passing Criteria |
Overall 50% marks and 40% marks in each subject |
Step 3: Articleship Training
Duration |
15 months |
Working hours |
Not less than 6 hours a day |
Leaves |
45 days |
Step 4: CS Professional
CS Executive Exam |
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Eligibility Criteria |
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Subjects |
Group 1 |
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Group 2 |
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Exam Pattern |
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Time Duration |
3 hours (each paper) |
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Negative Marking |
No Negative Marking |
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Passing Criteria |
Overall 50% marks and 40% marks in each subject |
All about CS: Course Duration Overview
Route |
Duration |
After 12th |
3 - 4 years |
After Graduation |
2.5 - 3 years |
Conclusion:
If you aspire to become a Company Secretary then it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the entire path – from the full form and eligibility requirements to the course structure and training involved. Knowing each step is necessary because it will not only help you to prepare better but also help to make informed decisions.
So, before you start your CS journey, make sure you know all about CS because being well-informed is the first step toward becoming a successful Company Secretary.
FAQs
Q1. What is the full form of CS?
Ans. The full form of CS is Company Secretary, who is responsible for legal compliance, corporate governance, and advisory duties within a company.
Q2. Who conducts the CS course in India?
Ans. The CS course is conducted by the Institute of Companies Secretary of India (ICSI).
Q3. What are the qualification requirements for the CS course?
Ans. Students can apply for the CS course either after 12th or through the direct entry route by getting direct entry in the CS Executive exam, and there is no need to give the CSEET exam.
Q4. How many levels are there in the CS Course?
Ans. To become a Company Secretary, students need to pass the three levels of the CS Course, including CSEET, CS Executive, and CS Professional, along with Practical training.
Q5. Is there any age limit for enrolling in the CS Course?
Ans. No, there is no upper age limit to pursue the CS Course.
Q6. Is CA more difficult than CS?
Ans. Both CS and CA exams are difficult and provide better career opportunities. The level of difficulty depends on an individual’s interest, understanding, and preparation strategy.
Q7. Can I get direct entry in the CS Executive level?
Ans. Yes, graduates and postgraduates can get direct entry in CS Executive level. In addition to this, the final pass course of ICAI and ICMAI also gets direct entry in the CS Executive level.
Also Check:
- Top Study Resources for Company Secretary (CS) Exam:
- Subject wise preparation tips for the CSEET exam
- How to study Company Secretary (CS) at home?
- India needs 2 lakhs Company Secretaries by 2047
- Does CS have scope in the future?
- How many years of articleship for CS?
- How to make handwritten notes for the CS Exam?
- Is CS Articleship paid?
- All about ICSI CSEET Registration 2025
- Is CS Professional tougher than CS Executive?