Company Secretary
About
🏢 Who is a Company Secretary (CS)?
A Company Secretary is a professional responsible for ensuring corporate compliance, corporate governance, and legal administration in a company. They act as a bridge between the management, board of directors, and regulatory authorities.
Key Responsibilities:
Ensuring compliance with Companies Act, SEBI regulations, and other corporate laws
Maintaining statutory records, minutes of meetings, and filings
Advising the board on corporate governance, legal, and regulatory matters
Handling shareholder communication and corporate reporting
🎓 Courses to Become a Company Secretary
1. CS Course (ICSI)
Conducted by Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)
Levels:
Foundation Program – After 10+2
Executive Program – After Foundation / Graduation
Professional Program – After Executive Program
2. Related Degrees (Optional)
🎓 BCom / BBA / LLB / MBA in Finance / Corporate Law – Helpful for understanding business, law, and corporate governance
Eligibility
🎓 Eligibility for Company Secretary (CS)
1. CS Foundation Program
🎓 Educational Qualification: Completed 10+2 in any stream from a recognized board
🌍 Age Limit: No strict age limit
💼 Other Requirements: Basic understanding of business and commerce concepts is helpful
2. CS Executive Program
🎓 Educational Qualification:
Must have cleared Foundation Program, OR
Graduates (any discipline) directly eligible to enroll for Executive Program
🌍 Age Limit: No strict age limit
💼 Other Requirements: Commitment to learning corporate laws, accounting, and management
3. CS Professional Program
🎓 Educational Qualification: Must have cleared Executive Program
🌍 Age Limit: No strict age limit
💼 Other Requirements: Complete 15–21 months of practical training (as prescribed by ICSI) before appearing in final exams
4. Additional Notes
Graduation in Commerce, Law, or Management can allow direct enrollment to Executive Program, skipping Foundation
English proficiency is essential as exams and corporate work are conducted in English
Analytical skills, communication skills, and attention to detail are necessary for success
Job Roles
📋 Corporate Governance & Compliance Roles
🏢 Corporate Secretary / Board Secretary – Maintains board meeting minutes, manages compliance, and communicates with shareholders and regulatory authorities
⚖️ Compliance Officer – Ensures the company adheres to Companies Act, SEBI regulations, and corporate laws
🧾 Legal & Regulatory Advisor – Advises management on mergers, acquisitions, contracts, and legal compliance
💼 Finance & Management Roles
💰 Finance & Accounts Coordinator – Oversees statutory audits, financial reporting, and accounting compliance
📊 Corporate Governance Consultant – Advises companies on policies, risk management, and best governance practices
📑 Secretarial Audit Officer – Conducts audits to ensure legal and statutory compliance
🌐 Investor & Stakeholder Relations Roles
👥 Investor Relations Officer – Manages communication with shareholders, investors, and stakeholders
🏛️ Regulatory Liaison Officer – Coordinates with SEBI, stock exchanges, and government authorities
💰 Career Growth & Opportunities
Entry-level: Junior Compliance Officer / Executive Secretary
Mid-level: CS Executive / Senior Compliance Officer / Corporate Secretary
Senior-level: Director, Board Advisor, Chief Governance Officer
Employers include corporates, banks, consulting firms, stock exchanges, and regulatory authorities
Salary: Starts around ₹6–12 LPA, can grow to ₹25–50 LPA for senior positions
🏢 Corporate Secretary / Board Secretary
⚖️ Compliance Officer
🧾 Legal & Regulatory Advisor
💰 Finance & Accounts Coordinator
📊 Corporate Governance Consultant
📑 Secretarial Audit Officer
👥 Investor Relations Officer
🏛️ Regulatory Liaison Officer
Exam Details
📝 Exams & Selection Process for Company Secretary (CS)
The Company Secretary course is conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and has three levels:
| Level | Eligibility | Exam Details | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📝 Foundation Program | 10+2 pass in any stream | 4 papers: Business Environment & Law, Business Management, Economics, Fundamentals of Accounting & Auditing | Entry-level exam to start CS course |
| 📝 Executive Program | Foundation cleared OR Graduates (any discipline) | 8 papers: Company Law, Cost & Management Accounting, Taxation, Economic & Commercial Laws, etc. | Develops intermediate knowledge in corporate laws, finance, and compliance |
| 📝 Professional Program | Executive Program cleared | 9 papers: Advanced Corporate Laws, Secretarial Audit, Governance, Compliance Management, Risk Management, Financial, Tax & Economic Laws | Final-level exam for membership in ICSI |
| 📝 Final Membership / Training | Professional Program cleared | 15–21 months of practical training + Professional exam | Grants CS membership, allowing legal practice and corporate advisory roles |
💡 Key Points About CS Exams
Exams are conducted online or offline by ICSI, usually twice a year (June & December)
Foundation → Executive → Professional is the normal progression
Graduates can skip Foundation and directly enroll in Executive Program
Practical training is mandatory before final certification
Focus areas: Corporate Law, Taxation, Accounting, Governance, Compliance, Secretarial Audit
