In today’s fast paced world, every student wants to achieve success in the shortest time possible and get ahead in their career journey. Every student wonders and often asks themselves:

Can I complete CS in 2 years?

What about the 21 months of training?

Can smart study planning really help to clear CS in 2 years?

These are the doubts every CS students often have in their mind at the beginning of the CS journey. So, before you plan your CS journey, you need absolute clarity: what is possible in 2 years and what is not? So let’s understand the duration of each stage along with practice strategies to save time.

Why do students dream of finishing CS in 2 years?

Before explaining can students complete CS in 2 years, let’s look at the reasons why students want to finish CS in just 2 years:

Save time compared to peers in other professions

Start earning at the earliest

Reduce the burden of long preparation

Get a faster career jumpstart

But here’s the reality: the CS course completion time with training makes 2 years and unrealistic goal.

Planning to complete CS fast but worried about expenses? Check the latest ICSI CS Professional Fees 2025 before making your plan

CS Course Structure & Time Duration

The CS course time period has three main academic stages and one mandatory training period.

CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test)

CS Executive Programme

The CS Executive has 2 modules (8 papers). Students can do both together or one at a time.

Clear the CS Executive in your very first attempt with a smart study roadmap. Click here to learn how.

CS Professional Programme

Dreaming of a first-attempt success in CS Professional? Click here to get a mentor-designed study plan.

CS Practical Training

Is CS articleship paid or unpaid? Clear your doubts here: Is CS Articleship Paid?

This means the minimum time to complete the CS course after 12^th is 3-3.5 years and 2.5-3 years after graduation.

Can I Complete CS in 2 years?

No, it’s not possible to clear CS in just 2 years. Let’s understand the reason why it is not possible to complete the entire CS course in just 2 years.

Reason 1: Compulsory training period of 21 months

The biggest hurdle in completing CS in 2 years is the compulsory 21- month CS practical training under a practicing Company secretary or in a company.

Even if you clear CS Executive and CS Professional in first attempt, this training period is non-negotiable. Without completing ICSI CS Practical Training, you cannot apply for membership with ICSI.

Simple Math:

Minimum Training = 21 months (nearly 2 years)

Exams also take time

So, no matter how fast you pass exams, training alone makes it impossible to complete CS in 2 years.

Reason 2: Volume of Syllabus

CS Executive has 8 papers, and CS Professional has 9 papers. Completing such an extensive syllabus requires focused study. Even with 8-10 hours daily, it usually takes at least:

6-9 months for Executive and 

10-12 months for Professional 

That itself is almost 1.5 years of pure study time – without considering training.

Reason 3: Balance between Training & Exams

Let’s assume you clear Executive quickly and start your 21- month training alongside preparing for CS Professional. Sounds smart, right?

But in reality, training is full-time work.  Managing office responsibilities and preparing for 9 tough papers at the same time is mentally and physically exhausting. That’s why many students need extra time for professional exams.

Reason 4: No Shortcut Exists

Some students think they can skip or reduce training. But ICSI is strict:

Training is compulsory.

Exams cannot be bypassed.

Membership is only given after fulfilling both academic and practical requirements. 

So, there is no shortcut to cut the journey down to 2 years.

You can get an exemption from ICSI CS Practical Training if you fulfil the following ICSI Requirements.

2 years, 3 years, or more—what’s realistic for YOU? Find out with personalized mentorship. Click here

CS Course Duration After 12^th vs After Graduation

CS Course after 12^th duration: At least 3-3.5 years

CS Course after Graduation: At least 2.5-3 years 

Strategic tips to save time

While you cannot cut down the 21 month training, you can save time by following these strategies:

Join After Graduation

This saves you from appearing for CSEET and cut 3-6 months from your journey.

Attempt Both Modules of executive in one go

If you are confident, aim to clear both modules together to save one exam cycle.

Start Training Immediately after executive

Don’t delay. Register for your 21-month training the moment you clear Executive.

Study for CS Professional During Training

Maximize your time by preparing for the next level while gaining practice exposure.

Avoid failure

Passing each level in the first attempt is critical. Failing in one paper delays the entire plan by 6 month.

Plan with Mock test papers and notes: 

Use mock test papers and free notes to avoid failures and delays.

Still doubtful about clearing CS? Join our Pass Guarantee Batch and secure your success.

Should you really rush?

Here’s the bigger question: is faster always better?

Think of it this way – your CS qualification will stay with you for a lifetime. Whether it takes 2 years or 3 years, once you successfully become the CS opportunities will be the same.

What truly matter is:

Strong conceptual clarity

Confidence in corporate law and compliance

Practical exposure through training

Sometimes, taking an extra 6 months for deeper understanding is far better than rushing and struggling later in your career.

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FAQs

Can I complete CS in 2 years after 12^th?

No, after 12^th, students have to go through CS Executive, CS Professional, and 21 months of training. Even in the fastest route, the journey takes at least 3-3.5 years.

Is it possible to finish the CS in 2 years after graduation?

No, even after graduation, you cannot complete CS in 2 years because the training period itself is 21 months. 

Can I skip CS Training to save time?

No, as per the ICSI Guidelines, training is compulsory. Without completing the 21-month training, you cannot apply for membership.

If I study 12-14 hours daily, can I complete CS in 2 years?

No matter how many hours you study, the exam schedule (June & December) and training period are fixed. Hard work can help you clear exam in the first attempt but cannot reduce the official course duration.

Can I get exemption from ICSI Practical training?

Yes, you can get exemption from ICSI Practical training if you fulfil the mentioned requirements.

Also Check:

• What if I fail in the CS Executive exam?
• Top Career Options after CS Qualification
• Is CS Articleship paid?
• Does CS have scope in the future?
• How many years of articleship for CS?
• Can I get direct entry in CS Executive?