Company Secretary (CS): The Governance Professional | Course, Eligibility, Fees, Career & Opportunities (2026 Guide)
The Company Secretary (CS) course offered by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is one of the most prestigious professional courses in India. Recognized by UGC as equivalent to a Post-Graduate degree, the CS qualification opens doors to corporate leadership, governance roles, compliance management, and strategic decision-making.
If you are a student from Arts, Science, or Commerce, the CS course provides a structured pathway to become a key managerial professional with endless career opportunities in India and abroad.
About ICSI – The Institute of Company Secretaries of India
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is a premier national professional body constituted under the Company Secretaries Act, 1980, and functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
ICSI Vision
To be a global leader in promoting good corporate governance.
ICSI Mission
To develop high calibre professionals facilitating good corporate governance.
ICSI Motto
“Satyam Vada, Dharma Chara” – Speak the truth, abide by the law
What is a Company Secretary (CS)?
A Company Secretary (CS) is a Governance Professional who ensures that an organization complies with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. CS professionals act as a bridge between the Board of Directors, management, regulators, and stakeholders.
A CS is not just a compliance officer but a strategic advisor and corporate planner.
Why Choose the CS Course?
✔ Open to Students from All Streams
Students from Arts, Science, and Commerce backgrounds are eligible.
✔ Flexible Learning System
Distance Learning
Study material provided by ICSI
Optional classroom coaching
Online centralized classes
Recorded video lectures
E-Learning facilities
✔ Global Recognition
UGC recognizes CS as equivalent to a Post-Graduate degree
UK ENIC benchmarks:
CS Executive → Bachelor’s degree
CS Professional → Master’s degree
(with reference to UK & UAE qualifications)
✔ Career Growth & High Remuneration
Employment
Professional Practice
Academia
Attractive salary packages
Long-term growth opportunities
CS Course Structure: Journey from Student to Company Secretary
The CS course is divided into the following stages:
CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET)
CS Executive Programme (7 Papers)
CS Professional Programme (7 Papers)
Pre-Membership Training
CS Membership
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET)
Eligibility
Passed or appearing in Senior Secondary Examination (10+2 pattern) or equivalent
CSEET Registration Cut-Off Dates
| CSEET Attempt | Registration Period |
|---|---|
| June CSEET | 1st Oct – 31st Jan (15th Feb 2026 for June 2026 CSEET) |
| October CSEET | 1st Feb – 31st May |
| February CSEET | 1st Jun – 30th Sept |
CSEET Fee
₹7,600/- (Including SIP & Online Classes)
CS Executive Programme
Eligibility for CS Executive
CSEET-qualified students
CS Foundation pass students
Graduates / Post Graduates
CA Final pass students
CMA Final pass students
Final year / final semester students can register provisionally
CS Executive Registration Cut-Off Dates
| Cut-off Date | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| 31st May | Both groups – December exam (same year) |
| 31st July | One group – December exam |
| 30th Nov | Both groups – June exam (next year) |
| 31st Jan | One group – June exam |
CS Executive Fees
₹18,400/- – CSEET qualified / CS Foundation pass students
₹23,400/- – Graduates / Post Graduates / ICAI / ICMAI Final Course pass students
Career Opportunities After the Company Secretary Course
A qualified Company Secretary can work in corporates, government bodies, professional practice, consultancy, and international organizations.
Key Roles of a Company Secretary
Advisor to the Board of Directors
Key Managerial Personnel (KMP)
Compliance Officer
Chief Governance Officer
Corporate Planner & Strategic Manager
Arbitrator & Mediator
Corporate Risk Manager
Internal Auditor
Secretarial / Compliance Auditor
Social Impact Assessor
Insolvency Professional
Registered Valuer
GST Professional
MSME / Startup Catalyst
Representation Services Expert
Certification Services Provider
Employment, Practice & Academic Opportunities
A CS can choose from:
Corporate Employment
Independent Professional Practice
Legal & Compliance Advisory
Teaching & Research
Startup & MSME Consulting
International Assignments
Why CS is a Career with Endless Opportunities
Mandatory requirement under the Companies Act
Growing corporate compliance ecosystem
Strong demand in listed companies
Recognition in India & abroad
Entrepreneurial freedom through practice
Leadership roles at the top management level
Connect with ICSI
🌐 Official Website: www.icsi.edu
🆘 Online Helpdesk: support.icsi.edu
☎ ICSI Support Desk: 0120-4522000
(Monday to Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM)
Final Words: Is CS Right for You?
If you aspire to work at the core of corporate decision-making, influence governance policies, and build a future-proof professional career, the Company Secretary course by ICSI is one of the best choices in 2026 and beyond.
👉 Join the CS Course now and step into the world of corporate leadership.
Company Secretary course, CS course 2026, ICSI CS eligibility, CSEET details, CS Executive fees, CS career opportunities, CS salary India, Company Secretary governance professional, UGC recognized CS degree
100 Questions & Answers on Company Secretary (CS) Course – ICSI (2026 Guide)
📘 ABOUT ICSI & CS COURSE
Q1. What is the full form of CS?
Ans: CS stands for Company Secretary.
Q2. Who conducts the Company Secretary course in India?
Ans: The course is conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).
Q3. Under which Act is ICSI constituted?
Ans: ICSI is constituted under the Company Secretaries Act, 1980.
Q4. Which Ministry governs ICSI?
Ans: ICSI functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
Q5. What is the motto of ICSI?
Ans: “Satyam Vada, Dharma Chara” – Speak the truth, abide by the law.
Q6. What is the vision of ICSI?
Ans: To be a global leader in promoting good corporate governance.
Q7. What is the mission of ICSI?
Ans: To develop high-calibre professionals facilitating good corporate governance.
🎓 ELIGIBILITY & STREAMS
Q8. Who can pursue the CS course?
Ans: Students from the Arts, Science, and Commerce streams.
Q9. Is Commerce compulsory for CS?
Ans: No, students from any stream can pursue CS.
Q10. What is the minimum qualification for CS?
Ans: 10+2 (Senior Secondary) or equivalent.
Q11. Can 12th-appearing students apply for CS?
Ans: Yes, students appearing in 10+2 can apply.
Q12. Can graduates directly register for CS Executive?
Ans: Yes, graduates and postgraduates can directly register.
🏛️ RECOGNITION & GLOBAL VALUE
Q13. Is CS recognized by UGC?
Ans: Yes, UGC recognizes CS as equivalent to a Post-Graduate degree.
Q14. What academic benefit does UGC recognition provide?
Ans: CS members can pursue a PhD and academic careers.
Q15. What is the UK ENIC recognition of CS?
Ans: UK ENIC benchmarks CS qualifications internationally.
Q16. CS Executive is equivalent to which degree abroad?
Ans: Bachelor’s degree (UK & UAE reference).
Q17. CS Professional is equivalent to which degree abroad?
Ans: Master’s degree (UK & UAE reference).
🛣️ CS COURSE STRUCTURE
Q18. How many levels are there in the CS course?
Ans: There are three main levels.
Q19. What is the first level of CS?
Ans: CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET).
Q20. What is the second level of CS?
Ans: CS Executive Programme.
Q21. What is the final academic level of CS?
Ans: CS Professional Programme.
Q22. What comes after clearing exams?
Ans: Pre-Membership Training.
Q23. What is awarded after completing training?
Ans: CS Membership.
Q24. What is CPD in CS?
Ans: Continuing Professional Development for skill upgradation.
📝 CSEET DETAILS
Q25. What does CSEET stand for?
Ans: CS Executive Entrance Test.
Q26. Who must appear for CSEET?
Ans: 10+2 passed or appearing students.
Q27. What is the eligibility for CSEET?
Ans: Senior Secondary (10+2) pass or appearing.
Q28. How many CSEET attempts are conducted in a year?
Ans: Three attempts.
Q29. Which months are CSEET conducted in?
Ans: February, June, and October.
Q30. What is the fee for CSEET?
Ans: ₹7,600/-.
Q31. What is included inthe CSEET fee?
Ans: SIP & Online Classes.
📅 CSEET REGISTRATION CUT-OFFS
Q32. June CSEET registration period?
Ans: 1st Oct – 31st Jan (15th Feb 2026 for June 2026).
Q33. October CSEET registration period?
Ans: 1st Feb – 31st May.
Q34. February CSEET registration period?
Ans: 1st Jun – 30th Sept.
📚 CS EXECUTIVE PROGRAMME
Q35. How many papers are in CS Executive?
Ans: 7 papers.
Q36. Who can register for CS Executive?
Ans: CSEET qualified, graduates, postgraduates, CA/CMA Final pass students.
Q37. Can final year students apply for CS Executive?
Ans: Yes, provisionally.
Q38. Is CS Foundation still applicable?
Ans: CS Foundation pass students are eligible.
CS 2026 Exam ICSI Handwritten Notes - Click Here
💰 CS EXECUTIVE FEES
Q39. CS Executive fee for CSEET-qualified students?
Ans: ₹18,400/-.
Q40. CS Executive fee for graduates/postgraduates?
Ans: ₹23,400/-.
Q41. CS Executive fee for CA/CMA Final pass students?
Ans: ₹23,400/-.
📆 CS EXECUTIVE CUT-OFF DATES
Q42. Cut-off for both groups – December exam?
Ans: 31st May.
Q43. Cut-off for one group – December exam?
Ans: 31st July.
Q44. Cut-off for both groups – June exam?
Ans: 30th November.
Q45. Cut-off for one group – June exam?
Ans: 31st January.
💻 STUDY SUPPORT & LEARNING
Q46. Does ICSI provide study material?
Ans: Yes, official study material is provided.
Q47. Is distance learning available?
Ans: Yes.
Q48. Are online classes available?
Ans: Yes, centralized online classes.
Q49. Are recorded lectures provided?
Ans: Yes, recorded video lectures are available.
Q50. Is classroom coaching compulsory?
Ans: No, it is optional.
💼 ROLE OF COMPANY SECRETARY
Q51. Who is a Company Secretary in a company?
Ans: A key managerial and governance professional.
Q52. Is CS a Key Managerial Personnel (KMP)?
Ans: Yes.
Q53. Does CS advise the Board of Directors?
Ans: Yes, CS acts as advisor to the Board.
Q54. What governance role does CS perform?
Ans: Chief Governance Officer.
Q55. Is CS responsible for compliance?
Ans: Yes, as a Compliance Officer.
⚖️ PROFESSIONAL ROLES
Q56. Can a CS be an Internal Auditor?
Ans: Yes.
Q57. Can a CS become a Secretarial Auditor?
Ans: Yes.
Q58. Can a CS work as an Insolvency Professional?
Ans: Yes.
Q59. Can a CS be a Registered Valuer?
Ans: Yes.
Q60. Can CS practice independently?
Ans: Yes, after membership.
CS 2026 Exam ICSI Handwritten Notes - Click Here
🌍 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Q61. Where can a CS work?
Ans: Corporations, government, consultancy, practice, academia.
Q62. Can a CS work in listed companies?
Ans: Yes, CS is mandatory for many companies.
Q63. Is the CS career limited to India?
Ans: No, CS has international recognition.
Q64. Can CS work in startups?
Ans: Yes, as MSME/Startup Catalyst.
Q65. Is CS suitable for entrepreneurship?
Ans: Yes, through professional practice.
📈 GROWTH & SALARY
Q66. Is CS a high-growth career?
Ans: Yes, due to increasing compliance requirements.
Q67. Does CS offer attractive remuneration?
Ans: Yes.
Q68. Does CS have leadership roles?
Ans: Yes, at the top management level.
Q69. Is CS future-proof?
Ans: Yes, governance and compliance are evergreen.
📞 ICSI SUPPORT
Q70. What is the official website of ICSI?
Ans: www.icsi.edu
Q71. What is the ICSI online helpdesk URL?
Ans: support.icsi.edu
Q72. What is the ICSI support desk number?
Ans: 0120-4522000
Q73. What are the ICSI support timings?
Ans: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
🔚 FINAL & MOTIVATIONAL
Q74. Is CS a professional qualification?
Ans: Yes.
Q75. Is CS equivalent to an MBA?
Ans: Academically equivalent to PG, but professionally distinct.
Q76. Is CS suitable for law-oriented students?
Ans: Yes, governance and law are core areas.
Q77. Can CS pursue a PhD?
Ans: Yes, due to UGC recognition.
Q78. Is CS better for corporate governance roles?
Ans: Yes.
Q79. Does CS offer long-term career stability?
Ans: Yes.
Q80. Is CS a respected profession?
Ans: Highly respected in corporate India.
📌 EXTRA SEO-FRIENDLY FAQs
Q81. Is the CS course tough?
Ans: It requires discipline and consistency.
Q82. Can CS be done with graduation?
Ans: Yes.
Q83. Is CS suitable after 12th?
Ans: Yes.
Q84. Does CS require articleship?
Ans: It requires pre-membership training.
Q85. Is CS better than other professional courses?
Ans: It depends on career goals.
Q86. Is CS in demand in 2026?
Ans: Yes, demand is increasing.
Q87. Can CS work as an arbitrator?
Ans: Yes.
Q88. Can CS offer certification services?
Ans: Yes.
Q89. Can CS represent clients before authorities?
Ans: Yes.
Q90. Can CS be a GST professional?
Ans: Yes.
🎯 CONCLUSION QUESTIONS
Q91. Who should choose CS?
Ans: Students interested in law, governance, and corporate management.
Q92. Is CS a leadership profession?
Ans: Yes.
Q93. Is CS suitable for long-term growth?
Ans: Absolutely.
Q94. Does CS offer flexibility?
Ans: Yes, employment + practice options.
Q95. Is CS globally relevant?
Ans: Yes.
Q96. Is CS a statutory role?
Ans: Yes, under the Companies Act.
Q97. Is the CS course affordable?
Ans: Yes, compared to returns.
Q98. Can CS work in academia?
Ans: Yes.
Q99. Is CS a governance professional?
Ans: Yes, officially recognized.
Q100. Why should one join a CS course?
Ans: For a prestigious, future-proof career with endless opportunities.
CS 2026 Exam ICSI Handwritten Notes - Click Here
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