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PC3005 - COMPANY SECRETARY(CS)

Part 1: Your Guide to a Career in Corporate Governance

Become a Corporate Governance Leader with CS!
Your Complete Guide from Mercury Edutech Academy

Welcome, aspiring corporate leaders!
At Mercury Edutech Academy in Nagercoil, we are dedicated to shaping the professionals of tomorrow. While CA and CMA are the pillars of finance and cost, the Company Secretary (CS) is the pillar of corporate law, governance, and compliance.

If you have a passion for law, enjoy a position of high responsibility, and want to become the most trusted advisor to a company's Board of Directors, the CS qualification is your ultimate goal. This guide will walk you through the entire journey.

What is a Company Secretary (CS)?

A Company Secretary, certified by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), is the "compliance backbone" of a company.

A CS is a Key Managerial Personnel (KMP)—a high-ranking senior executive—who ensures the company follows all laws and regulations. They are the primary link between the company's Board of Directors, shareholders, and government authorities.

Their expertise includes:

  • Corporate Law: Ensuring all activities comply with the Companies Act.
  • Corporate Governance: Advising the Board on best practices for ethical and transparent operations.
  • Legal Compliance: Managing all legal filings, meetings, and records.
  • Secretarial Audits: Conducting audits to check the company's compliance health.
  • Advisory: Acting as the "conscience keeper" of the company and a trusted advisor to the Board.

Why Choose a Career as a Company Secretary?

  • Statutory Recognition: A CS is a Key Managerial Personnel (KMP), a role mandated by law for all listed and other large companies.
  • High Demand: Every registered company needs legal and compliance experts, creating a constant and growing demand for qualified CS professionals.
  • Prestige & Authority: You will work directly with the CEO, CFO, and the Board of Directors.
  • Diverse Roles: You are not just a secretary; you are a corporate legal expert, a governance professional, and a strategic advisor.

Your 3-Step Path to Becoming a CS (New Syllabus)

The journey to becoming a CS is a clear, three-stage process:

  1. Level 1: CSEET (CS Executive Entrance Test)
    • This is the gateway. A computer-based test of your aptitude for the profession.
  2. Level 2: CS Executive Programme
    • This is the core of the course, where you build in-depth knowledge of various laws and procedures.
  3. Level 3: CS Professional Programme
    • This is the expert level, where you master advanced concepts in corporate governance, drafting, and strategic management.

How to Get Started: Two Paths to the CS Course

You can begin your CS journey right after Class 12 or after you've completed your graduation.

Feature

CSEET Route (After 10+2)

Direct Entry Route (After Graduation)

Who is it for?

Students who have just passed or appeared for their Class 12 exams (any stream).

Graduates or Post-Graduates (any stream).

Entry Point

Must pass the CSEET exam to be eligible for the next level.

You are exempt from CSEET and can directly register for the Executive Programme.

Eligibility

Passed 10+2 (any stream - Arts, Science, or Commerce).

* Graduation/Post-Graduation (any stream, min 50% marks) OR

 

* Passed CA Final / CMA Final.

Your First Step

Pass CSEET

Register directly for the CS Executive Programme.

A Closer Look at the CS Levels (New Syllabus 2022)

1. CSEET (CS Executive Entrance Test)

This is a 2-hour online, proctored test. It's designed to be a straightforward test of your basic knowledge.

  • Eligibility: 10+2 (any stream)
  • Exam Frequency: Held four times a year (Jan, May, July, Nov).
  • Subjects (4 Total):
    • Paper 1: Business Communication
    • Paper 2: Legal Aptitude & Logical Reasoning
    • Paper 3: Economic and Business Environment
    • Paper 4: Current Affairs and Quantitative Aptitude.

2. CS Executive Programme

This is the first main examination stage, where you dive deep into corporate law.

  • Eligibility: Must have passed CSEET OR be eligible for the Direct Entry route.
  • Structure: 7 Papers divided into 2 Modules.
    • Module 1 (4 Papers): Jurisprudence, Company Law, Setting up of Business, Tax Laws.
    • Module 2 (3 Papers): Corporate Accounting, Securities Laws, Economic & Commercial Laws.

3. CS Professional Programme

This is the final, expert-level examination that prepares you for senior leadership.

  • Eligibility: Must have passed both modules of the CS Executive.
  • Structure: 7 Papers divided into 2 Modules (including electives).
    • Module 1 (4 Papers): Governance & Risk Management, Drafting, Compliance, Secretarial Audit.
    • Module 2 (3 Papers): Corporate Restructuring, Strategic Management, and 1 Elective Paper.

Mandatory Practical Training

To become a qualified CS, you must complete practical training to apply your knowledge.

  • EDP (Executive Development Programme): A short-term training you must complete after passing the Executive exam.
  • Practical Training: A 21-month mandatory articleship (similar to CA/CMA) where you work under a practicing CS or in a company.
  • CLDP (Corporate Leadership Development Programme): A final residential training program after you pass your Professional exams.

Why Mercury Edutech Academy is Your Best Choice for CS ?

The CS course is intensive, especially in theory and law. At Mercury Edutech Academy, we specialize in making complex legal concepts simple.

  • Expert Legal Faculty: Learn from qualified Company Secretaries and legal experts who have mastered these subjects.
  • Focus on Drafting: We don't just teach theory; we teach you how to draft resolutions, minutes, and legal documents—a critical CS skill.
  • Mock Tests & Case Studies: Our rigorous test series is designed to mirror the ICSI exam pattern.
  • Complete Support in Nagercoil: Get world-class coaching for all professional courses (CA, CMA, CS, ACCA) right here at home.


Ready to become the legal backbone of the corporate world?

Contact Mercury Edutech Academy today for a free counseling session and let's map out your path to becoming a Company Secretary.

Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about our company and services.

A.THE BASICS OF COMPANY SECRETARY

CS stands for Company Secretary .

The CS course is conducted by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament .

A CS is a "Key Managerial Personnel (KMP)" who acts as a company's chief advisor on corporate law, governance, and legal compliance. They manage all statutory filings and ensure the company follows all laws .

  • CA (Chartered Accountant): Focuses on financial accounting, auditing, and taxation.
  • CMA (Cost & Management Accountant): Focuses on cost control, management accounting, and business strategy.
  • CS (Company Secretary): Focuses on corporate law, corporate governance, and legal compliance.

Yes, it's a highly respected and in-demand profession. The law mandates the appointment of a CS in companies with a paid-up share capital of ₹10 Crore or more, ensuring a high, steady demand .

It is a challenging professional course that requires consistent study, especially in law and theory. However, with the right guidance, it is very achievable .

This is a common myth. The "Secretary" in the title refers to a high-level corporate officer, not an administrative assistant. The profession is equally rewarding for all genders .

Yes. The combination of CS with B.Com (Hons.) or especially LLB (Law) is extremely powerful and highly sought after in the industry .

No. A CS is a senior-level executive (a KMP) who reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for all corporate legal compliance and governance .

No. Students from any stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce) can join the CS course after 10+2 by passing the CSEET .

B. Eligibility and Registration

There are three levels:

  1. CSEET (CS Executive Entrance Test)
  2. CS Executive Programme
  3. CS Professional Programme.

CSEET is the mandatory entrance test for all students who want to join the CS Executive Programme after their 10+2 .

Any student who has passed or is appearing for their Class 12 (10+2) examinations in any stream .

Direct Entry allows you to skip the CSEET exam and register directly for the CS Executive Programme .

You are eligible if you have:

  • Passed Graduation or Post-Graduation (any stream, min 50% marks).
  • Passed the Final Examination of CA (ICAI) or CMA (ICMAI).

No. Only students who have passed the Final exam of CA or CMA are exempt. CA/CMA Intermediate or Foundation pass students are not exempt and must pass CSEET .

CSEET is held four times a year, in January, May, July, and November .

These exams are held twice a year, in June and December .

You must register with ICSI for the Executive or Professional exams at least 5-6 months in advance. (e.g., by May 31st for the December exam, and Nov 30th for the June exam) .

The fees are set by ICSI and are subject to change. It includes a CSEET registration fee, an Executive registration fee, and a Professional registration fee .

C. EXAMS AND SYLLABUS (NEW SCHEME 2022)

It is a 2-hour (120-minute) computer-based test with MCQs, conducted remotely .

Yes, four: Business Communication, Legal Aptitude & Logical Reasoning, Economic & Business Environment, and Current Affairs & Quantitative Aptitude .

No, there is no negative marking in the CSEET exam .

There are 7 papers, divided into two modules (4 papers in Module 1, 3 papers in Module 2) .

There are 7 papers, divided into two modules (4 papers in Module 1, 3 papers in Module 2), which includes an elective paper .

To pass any group, you must meet both conditions:

  1. A minimum of 40% marks in each individual paper.
  2. A minimum of 50% marks in aggregate (overall average) of that group .

If you appear for both modules at the same time and pass one but fail the other, any extra marks you scored above 50% in the passed module can be used to cover a shortfall in the failed module to help you pass .

If you fail a group but score 60% or more in any paper, you are "exempt" from writing that paper for the next three attempts .

They are professional-level exams that test your in-depth knowledge of law. Passing requires consistent study, conceptual clarity, and practice in writing and presenting legal answers .

This is a key concept in the CS course. It's an audit (like a financial audit) to check a company's compliance with all laws and regulations. It is conducted by a practicing Company Secretary . 

D. PRACTICAL TRAINING

Yes. To become a fully qualified CS, you must complete the required practical training .

The mandatory practical training is for 21 months .

You can start your practical training only after passing the CS Executive Programme and completing a short-term Executive Development Programme (EDP).

You can train under a practicing Company Secretary (PCS) or in a company that has a qualified CS on its rolls .

CLDP stands for Corporate Leadership Development Programme. It is a mandatory residential training program that you must attend after passing your Professional exams and completing your 21-month training .

Yes, as a trainee, you are entitled to a monthly stipend, the amount of which is prescribed by the ICSI .

Success in CS depends on mastering theory. We recommend making your own notes, focusing on keywords and legal provisions, and practicing writing answers in a legal format .

Given the vastness of the law subjects, expert guidance is highly recommended. Coaching at Mercury Edutech Academy simplifies complex legal jargon, provides structured notes, and gives you exam-oriented practice .

It requires discipline. We recommend joining the CSEET route right after 10+2 and aligning your B.Com/BBA studies with the CS Executive syllabus, as many subjects overlap .

Excellent communication, strong analytical skills, an eye for detail, high ethical standards, and a deep understanding of legal interpretation . 

E. CAREER,SCOPE AND OPPORTUNITIES

Yes. To become a fully qualified CS, you must complete the required practical training .

A KMP is a senior executive recognized by the Companies Act, 2013, as being responsible for the company's management. The CEO, CFO, and Company Secretary are the primary KMPs  .

Yes! After qualifying, you can get a "Certificate of Practice" (COP) from ICSI and start your own firm as a Practicing Company Secretary (PCS).

A PCS can conduct Secretarial Audits, represent companies before legal boards (like NCLT), and act as a consultant for corporate law, governance, and GST.

A freshly qualified Company Secretary can expect a starting package ranging from ₹6 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs per annum, which grows rapidly with experience .

Yes, many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), banks, and government financial institutions have dedicated posts for Company Secretaries .

Yes, the ICSI has MOUs with similar institutes in other countries (like the UK, Australia), which provides a gateway for global opportunities .

Absolutely. CS professionals are vital in stock exchanges and for listed companies, handling all SEBI-related compliance, IPOs, and mergers .

As corporate governance and legal compliance become stricter worldwide, the role of the Company Secretary as the "conscience keeper" of the company is more critical and in-demand than ever .

Mercury Edutech Academy is Nagercoil's premier institute for all professional courses. We have specialized faculty for law, finance, and accounting, giving you a holistic education and the personalized attention needed to clear all three levels of the CS course .