Company Secretary

Common Details for All Types

Educational Pathway (After 12th) ↴

• Eligibility: 12th grade (any stream, Commerce preferred) with 50% marks from a recognized board.
• Skills: Knowledge of corporate law, Companies Act, SEBI regulations, communication, secretarial skills, proficiency in tools like MS Office or compliance software.
• Courses:
  • Company Secretary (via ICSI):
    • CSEET (Entry Test, after 12th, 4 months study).
    • CS Executive (after CSEET/B.Com, 9 months).
    • CS Professional (after Executive, 9 months).
    • Training: 21 months (including practical training).
    • ✓ Total Duration: ~3-4 years.
  • Bachelor’s (3 years, Optional):
    • B.Com, BBA (Finance/Law).
    • BA (Economics).
  • Advanced (Optional):
    • LLB or MBA in Corporate Law (2-3 years).
    • Certificate in Corporate Governance or Compliance (3-12 months).

Entrance Exams ↴

• CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test): Mandatory for CS entry (objective, online).
• ICSI Exams: CS Executive (8 papers), CS Professional (9 papers).
• CUET: For B.Com/BA at DU/JMI.
• Government Jobs:
  • UPSC/State PSC for roles in MCA or public sector compliance.
• Note: ICSI registration and practical training are key. Networking and compliance expertise are critical.

Course Duration (Career Path) ↴

• Course Duration:
  • CS: 3-4 years (including training).
  • B.Com/BBA: 3 years.
  • LLB/MBA: +2-3 years.
  • Certificate: 3-12 months.
• Career Path:
  • Entry-Level (CS Trainee/Assistant): 1-2 years post-Executive.
  • Mid-Level (Company Secretary): 3-6 years post-Professional.
  • Expert (Senior CS/Consultant): 7-12 years.
  • Independent Practice: 5-10 years to start own firm.

Fee Structure ↴

• CS (ICSI):
  • CSEET (~₹5,000).
  • Executive (~₹10,000).
  • Professional (~₹12,000).
  • Training (minimal/stipend-based).
• Government Colleges: ₹5,000-₹50,000/year (e.g., DU B.Com: ~₹10,000/year).
• Private Colleges: ₹50,000-₹5,00,000/year (e.g., Christ University B.Com: ~₹1-2 lakh/year).
• Additional Costs: Coaching (~₹20,000-₹1 lakh), laptop (~₹30,000-₹1,50,000), certifications (~₹5,000-₹20,000).

Top 5 Colleges/Institutes ↴

CS (ICSI Coaching)	Degrees (Government)	Degrees (Private)
ICSI Regional Centers (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai)	Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi	Christ University, Bangalore
Vinod Gupta Classes, Delhi	Loyola College, Chennai	Symbiosis, Pune
JK Shah Classes, Mumbai	St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata	NMIMS, Mumbai
Sangeet Kedia Classes, Pune	Hansraj College, Delhi	Amity University, Noida
Academy of Commerce, Delhi	Madras Christian College, Chennai	Jain University, Bangalore

1. Compliance Officer CS

Overview ↴

✓ Ensures compliance with corporate laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities ↴

• Monitor regulatory compliance.
• Prepare compliance reports.
• File statutory documents.
• Liaise with regulators.

Specific Educational Pathway ↴

• Education: CS; Certificate in Compliance.
• Skills: Regulatory knowledge, documentation.

2. Corporate Governance Advisor

Overview ↴

✓ Advises on governance policies and board practices.

Key Responsibilities ↴

• Develop governance frameworks.
• Advise on board policies.
• Ensure ethical practices.
• Train board members.

Specific Educational Pathway ↴

• Education: CS; Certificate in Corporate Governance.
• Skills: Governance frameworks, advisory.

3. Board Secretary

Overview ↴

✓ Manages board meetings, minutes, and resolutions.

Key Responsibilities ↴

• Organize board meetings.
• Draft meeting minutes.
• Maintain board records.
• Implement resolutions.

Specific Educational Pathway ↴

• Education: CS; Certificate in Secretarial Practice.
• Skills: Meeting management, record-keeping.

4. Legal Advisor CS

Overview ↴

✓ Provides legal advice on corporate matters.

Key Responsibilities ↴

• Draft legal documents.
• Advise on corporate laws.
• Handle legal disputes.
• Review contracts.

Specific Educational Pathway ↴

• Education: CS; LLB (optional).
• Skills: Corporate law, legal drafting.

5. Secretarial Auditor

Overview ↴

✓ Conducts audits of secretarial and compliance records.

Key Responsibilities ↴

• Perform secretarial audits.
• Verify compliance records.
• Prepare audit reports.
• Recommend improvements.

Specific Educational Pathway ↴

• Education: CS; Certificate in Secretarial Audit.
• Skills: Auditing, regulatory analysis.

6. In-House CS

Overview ↴

✓ Works within a company to manage compliance and governance.

Key Responsibilities ↴

• Oversee internal compliance.
• Coordinate with departments.
• Manage governance processes.
• Advise management.

Specific Educational Pathway ↴

• Education: CS; Certificate in Corporate Law.
• Skills: Internal compliance, coordination.

7. Independent Practicing CS

Overview ↴

✓ Offers consultancy or compliance services independently.

Key Responsibilities ↴

• Provide compliance consultancy.
• Conduct audits for clients.
• Advise on governance.
• Manage client portfolios.

Specific Educational Pathway ↴

• Education: CS; Certificate in Practice Management.
• Skills: Entrepreneurship, client management.