ICSI Revised Entitlement of Trainees for Trainers – Effective April 1, 2025

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The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has introduced important changes regarding the entitlement of trainees for trainers who are registered to impart long-term practical training to Company Secretary (CS) students. These revised guidelines will take effect from April 1, 2025.

If you're a Company Secretary in Practice (PCS), Corporate Trainer, or an LLP, this update is crucial for understanding your eligibility and capacity to mentor CS students.

1. Entitlement for Company Secretary in Practice

If you are a PCS, your entitlement to train CS students will depend on your years of experience:

Years of ExperienceMaximum Number of Trainees Allowed
Less than 1 year0
1 – 2 years1
3 – 5 years3
6 – 10 years5
11 – 15 years8
16 – 20 years10
Above 20 years12 (Maximum Limit)

🔹 Note: If a PCS surrenders and later resumes their Certificate of Practice (COP), they will be entitled to the same number of trainees as they had before surrendering.

  • ICSI June Handwritten Notes, Scanner, Case Studies, Chartbook and many more - Click here

    • ICSI Dec 2025: Notes for CS Executive and CS Professional: Handwritten Notes - Click Here

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    • 2. Entitlement for Corporate Trainers & Other Entities

    Corporate Trainers, listed companies, and regulatory bodies can also take in CS trainees. The maximum number of trainees allowed varies:

    Entity TypeMax No. of Trainees
    NIFTY 50 Companies15
    Top 500 Listed Companies10
    Other Listed Companies5
    Unlisted & SME Listed Companies2
    Regulatory Bodies (MCA, SEBI, NSE, BSE, RBI, ICSI, etc.)40 (Combined)
    Corporate Trainers outside India10

    3. Entitlement for LLPs

    Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) that are registered with ICSI also have specific training limits:

    Type of LLPMax No. of Trainees
    LLP where all partners are ICSI members2 or as per individual PCS entitlement (not both)
    LLP where at least half of the partners are ICSI members (Net worth/turnover ≥ ₹5 Cr)2
    LLP registered in GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City)5

    Key Takeaways

    ✅ The new entitlement rules apply from April 1, 2025, without any retrospective effect.
    ✅ Trainers must be registered with ICSI to impart long-term training.
    ✅ PCS, corporate trainers, and LLPs should review these new limits to ensure compliance.

    This revision aims to improve mentorship quality and structured training for CS students. If you're a trainer or a CS student looking for training opportunities, make sure to align with these updated guidelines.

    For further details, refer to the ICSI Directorate of Training.

    1. What is the purpose of the revised entitlement guidelines by ICSI?
      ➜ To define the number of trainees a trainer can mentor based on their experience and entity type.

    2. When will these revised entitlement rules come into effect?
      ➜ From April 1, 2025.

    3. Are these rules applicable retrospectively?
      ➜ No, they apply only prospectively from April 1, 2025.

    4. Who issued these guidelines?
      ➜ The Directorate of Training, ICSI.

    5. Who needs to comply with these guidelines?
      ➜ All trainers registered with ICSI, including PCS, corporate trainers, and LLPs.

    Company Secretary in Practice (PCS) Related Questions

    1. Can a PCS with less than one year of experience take trainees?
      ➜ No, they are not eligible.

    2. How many trainees can a PCS with 1-2 years of experience take?
      ➜ 1 trainee.

    3. How many trainees can a PCS with 3-5 years of experience take?
      ➜ 3 trainees.

    4. What is the entitlement for a PCS with 6-10 years of experience?
      ➜ 5 trainees.

    5. How many trainees can a PCS with 11-15 years of experience take?
      ➜ 8 trainees.

    6. What is the entitlement for a PCS with 16-20 years of experience?
      ➜ 10 trainees.

    7. What is the maximum number of trainees a PCS can take?
      ➜ 12 trainees (for PCS with over 20 years of experience).

    8. What happens if a PCS surrenders and later resumes their Certificate of Practice (COP)?
      ➜ They will get back the same entitlement as when they surrendered.

    9. Is there any relaxation for PCS returning to practice after a gap?
      ➜ Yes, they retain their previous entitlement.

  • ICSI June Handwritten Notes, Scanner, Case Studies, Chartbook and many more - Click here

    • ICSI Dec 2025: Notes for CS Executive and CS Professional: Handwritten Notes - Click Here

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    • Corporate Trainers & Other Entities

    1. What is the maximum number of trainees a NIFTY 50 company can take?
      ➜ 15 trainees.

    2. How many trainees can the Top 500 listed companies take?
      ➜ 10 trainees.

    3. What is the entitlement for other listed companies?
      ➜ 5 trainees.

    4. How many trainees can SME-listed and unlisted companies take?
      ➜ 2 trainees.

    5. What is the maximum entitlement for regulatory bodies like SEBI, MCA, and ICSI offices?
      ➜ 40 trainees (combined total).

    6. How many trainees can corporate trainers outside India take?
      ➜ 10 trainees.

    LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships)

    1. What is the entitlement for an LLP where all partners are ICSI members?
      ➜ 2 trainees or as per individual PCS entitlement (not both).

    2. How many trainees can an LLP with at least half its partners as ICSI members take?
      ➜ 2 trainees (provided they have a net worth, turnover, or capital contribution of ₹5 Cr).

    3. What is the entitlement for LLPs registered in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City)?
      ➜ 5 trainees.

    4. Can an LLP registered with ICAI, ICMA, or a Bar Council take trainees under ICSI guidelines?
      ➜ No, such LLPs are not eligible.

    5. If an LLP meets the ₹5 Cr net worth/turnover requirement, does it automatically get to take 2 trainees?
      ➜ No, it must also have at least half of its partners as ICSI members.

    Miscellaneous Questions

    1. Do these rules apply to both short-term and long-term practical training?
      ➜ Only for long-term practical training.

    2. Is a trainer required to register with ICSI to take trainees?
      ➜ Yes, registration with ICSI is mandatory.

    3. Can an individual PCS and an LLP take advantage of both entitlement provisions simultaneously?
      ➜ No, they must choose one.

    4. Is the entitlement for corporate trainers applicable to all industries?
      ➜ No, only for corporate trainers registered with ICSI.

    5. Does ICSI specify any curriculum or responsibilities for trainers?
      ➜ No, but trainers must comply with ICSI training standards.

    6. Can a trainee work under multiple trainers at the same time?
      ➜ No, they must be registered under one trainer.

    7. Is there a separate registration process for foreign corporate trainers?
      ➜ Yes, they must comply with ICSI’s international training norms.

    8. Can an LLP have more than 5 trainees?
      ➜ No, the maximum allowed is 5 trainees (only for GIFT City LLPs).

    9. Do these rules impact CS students currently undergoing training?
      ➜ No, they apply only to new training registrations from April 1, 2025.

    10. Will ICSI conduct audits on trainers to ensure compliance?
      ➜ Yes, ICSI can conduct inspections.

    11. What happens if a trainer exceeds the allowed number of trainees?
      ➜ They may face penalties or deregistration.

    12. Do regulatory bodies have any flexibility in their entitlement?
      ➜ No, they must adhere to the maximum limit of 40 trainees.

    13. Can a listed company exceed its trainee entitlement?
      ➜ No, they must follow the prescribed limits.

    14. What is the process for corporate trainers to register with ICSI?
      ➜ They must apply through ICSI’s training registration portal.

    15. Can a PCS with a pending disciplinary case take trainees?
      ➜ No, trainers must be in good standing with ICSI.

    16. What should trainees do if they find their trainer violating the entitlement limits?
      ➜ Report to the ICSI Directorate of Training.

    17. Will ICSI offer any support or training programs for new trainers?
      ➜ Yes, they conduct Train the Trainer (TTT) programs.

    18. Can CS students choose their trainers freely?
      ➜ Yes, as long as the trainer is ICSI-registered and has capacity.

    19. Are these entitlements applicable in all states of India?
      ➜ Yes, they apply nationally.

    20. Do corporate trainers need a valid company secretary certification to train students?
      ➜ No, but they must be ICSI-approved corporate entities.

    21. What if a PCS relocates? Can they continue training?
      ➜ Yes, if they update their registered address with ICSI.

    22. Can LLPs offer remote training?
      ➜ Yes, if they follow ICSI’s guidelines for virtual training.

    23. How can students verify a trainer’s entitlement?
      ➜ By checking ICSI’s official records or contacting the Directorate of Training.

    24. Where can trainers and students find more details?
      ➜ On ICSI’s official website or the announcement PDF: Click Here.

    25. What is the overall goal of these new guidelines?
      ➜ To ensure structured, high-quality practical training for CS students.

  • ICSI June Handwritten Notes, Scanner, Case Studies, Chartbook and many more - Click here

    • ICSI Dec 2025: Notes for CS Executive and CS Professional: Handwritten Notes - Click Here

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