My friend Riya always liked subjects related to law and business. After finishing her Class 12, she didn’t want to take the usual route of doing B.Com and then an MBA. She was looking for something different — a course that would lead to a respected and responsible role. One day, she heard about the Company Secretary course, but she didn’t know much about it.
At first, the name sounded like someone who just manages files or meetings. But when we started reading about it, we realised that a Company Secretary has an important role in any company. Their role is to ensure the company follows all legal rules, help with decision-making, and guide the management on many serious matters. It is a professional role that is highly respected and needed in both private and public companies.
After helping Riya understand everything about this career, I thought of putting all the information together in one place. This blog is for students who wish to know how to become a Company Secretary in India. If you are looking for clear and simple guidance about the CS course, its process, skills required, salary, and career benefits, then this guide is for you.
Who Is A Company Secretary?
A Company Secretary, or CS, is a qualified professional who plays an important role in managing a company’s legal and regulatory matters. They act as a link between the company’s management, board of directors, and the government or regulatory authorities.
A Company Secretary gives advice to the company’s directors and helps in making important decisions. They are also responsible for organising meetings, keeping important records, and sending reports to government departments. In big companies, the CS also acts as a link between the company and the government or legal authorities.
What Are The Roles And Responsibilities Of A Company Secretary?
- Compliance
A CS makes sure that the company follows all the laws, rules, and internal policies. This includes regulations set by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, SEBI (for listed companies), and other legal authorities.
- Record Keeping
They are responsible for maintaining all statutory registers, such as the register of members, directors, and other important documents. These records must always be accurate and updated on time.
- Board Meeting Administration
The CS organises and manages board meetings. They prepare the meeting agenda, send notices to directors, take minutes of the meetings, and make sure all decisions are properly recorded.
- Advising the Board
A Company Secretary gives legal and strategic advice to the board of directors. They help the board understand and follow corporate laws, governance practices, and compliance requirements.
- Stakeholder Communication
They handle communication between the company and its shareholders, government departments, regulatory bodies, and other important parties.
- Corporate Governance
The CS ensures that the company follows ethical business practices, maintains transparency, and sticks to the standards of good corporate governance.
- Financial Record Keeping
In some organisations, the CS may also help maintain financial records and support tasks like audits and filing tax returns.
- Compliance with Statutory Regulations
They make sure the company meets all its statutory obligations, such as annual filings, disclosures, and timely submission of legal documents.
- Updating Company Records
The CS ensures that all company details are up to date with government bodies like the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and other related authorities.
- Managing the Company’s Registered Office
They are responsible for maintaining the company’s registered office and ensuring it functions properly as per legal standards.
Steps to become a Company Secretary in India
There are three stages to become a Company Secretary. Below are these stages explained in by step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To begin the CS course, you must have passed 10+2 (any stream) from a recognised board. If you are a graduate in certain subjects like Commerce or Law, you may be allowed to skip the foundation level and directly enter the Executive Programme.
Step 2: Register for the Foundation Programme
If you’re starting after Class 12, you’ll first need to register for the Foundation Programme through the ICSI website. After paying the registration fee, you will receive your study material and official enrolment.
Step 3: Pass the Foundation Exams
The Foundation Programme includes subjects :
- Business Environment & Law
- Business Economics
- Fundamentals of Accounting & Auditing
- Business Management, Ethics & Entrepreneurship
- Communication (English)
You must study these thoroughly and pass the exams, which are conducted twice a year—in June and December.
Step 4: Enrol in the Executive Programme
Once you pass the Foundation level, or if you’re eligible for direct entry after graduation, you can register for the Executive Programme. This level includes two modules with a total of eight papers related to company law, taxation, accounting, and financial management.
Module I Subjects:
- Company Law
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Economic and Commercial Laws
- Tax Laws
Module II Subjects:
- Company Accounts and Auditing Practices
- Capital Markets and Securities Laws
- Financial and Strategic Management
- Ethics and Communication
Step 5: Complete Executive Training
After clearing the Executive Programme, you need to undergo 15 months of training under a practising Company Secretary or with a recognised company. This training gives you practical exposure to how corporate laws are applied in real situations.
Step 6: Register for the Professional Programme
Once you clear both modules of the Executive level, you can register for the Professional Programme. This is the final academic stage of the CS course and covers advanced topics like governance, strategic management, and financial regulation.
Module I Subjects:
- Governance, Risk Management, Compliance and Ethics
- Advanced Tax Laws and Practice
- Secretarial Standards and Board Meeting Procedures
- Corporate Restructuring, Liquidation and Drafting
Module II Subjects:
- Financial, Treasury and Forex Management
- Ethics, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Strategic Management, Alliances and International Business
- One elective paper (as per your choice)
Step 7: Pass the Professional Exams and Complete Final Training
After studying for the Professional Programme, you must pass all its papers. You are also required to complete another round of specialised training, which may include:
- In-office training
- Industry attachment
- Specialised courses as directed by ICSI
Step 8: Become a Member of ICSI
After successfully completing all exams and training, you can apply for membership with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). Once approved, you become an Associate Member (ACS), officially recognised as a Company Secretary in India.
Step 9: Stay Updated and Start Your Career
To maintain your membership, you’ll need to complete a few hours of professional learning each year. After that, you’re free to start your career as a Company Secretary in the corporate world, in consultancy, or even in independent practice.
Also Read:- Best Courses after 12th for Commerce Students
Eligibility Criteria To Become A Company Secretary
After Class 12 (10+2)
- You must have passed 10+2 in any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) from a recognised board.
- After this, you are eligible to register for the CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test), which is the entry-level exam for most students.
After Graduation
- If you’ve completed your graduation (except in Fine Arts), you can directly join the CS Executive Programme.
- You are not required to take the CSEET if you hold a degree in Commerce, Law, or other recognised fields.
Skills Required To Become A Company Secretary
- Good Communication Skills
A Company Secretary must be able to communicate clearly and professionally. This includes writing emails, preparing legal documents, and speaking confidently during meetings.
- Understanding of Corporate Laws
A strong knowledge of company law, tax rules, and corporate governance is essential. You must stay updated with changes in regulations and ensure the company follows all legal requirements.
- Attention to Detail
This job involves handling important records and legal paperwork. Even small mistakes can cause big problems, so being careful and accurate is very important.
- Analytical Thinking
Company Secretaries often have to analyse rules, identify risks, and find the best way to solve problems. Being able to think critically and logically is a valuable skill.
- Organisational Skills
From maintaining company records to planning board meetings, the role involves a lot of tasks. Good time management and staying organised help ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Ethical Judgement and Integrity
As a key person in the company’s governance structure, a CS must act honestly and follow high ethical standards, especially when dealing with confidential information.
- Problem-Solving Ability
A Company Secretary often helps resolve legal, strategic, or compliance-related issues. Being calm under pressure and finding practical solutions is important.
- Basic Technical Skills
You should be comfortable using office software, email, and compliance tools. Many company processes are now digital, so being tech-savvy is helpful.
What is the CS Salary India?
As per data available on Glassdoor, a Company Secretary in India usually earns between INR 5,00,000 and INR 9,00,000 per year. This salary range is based on information shared by people working in this role across different companies and cities.
If you are just starting out, your salary may be on the lower side. But with more experience and if you work in a big company or a metro city, your salary can be much higher. Company Secretaries play an important role in managing legal and compliance matters, and that is why they are paid well. Compared to many other careers in finance or law, the salary for a Company Secretary is quite good.
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Conclusion
Becoming a Company Secretary in India is a great career option for students who are interested in law, business, and how companies work. It takes time, effort, and the right training to reach this position, but it is worth it in the long run.
After completing the course and training, a Company Secretary can get good job opportunities in private companies, public sector organisations, or even work independently. The job is well-respected and offers a stable income with chances to grow.
If you are someone who likes to follow rules, work in an organised way, and take on important responsibilities, this career might be a good fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who can become a Company Secretary in India?
Ans: Anyone who has completed 10+2 from a recognised board can apply for the CS course. Graduates can directly apply for the Executive Programme.
Q2. Is there any entrance exam to become a Company Secretary?
Ans:Yes, if you apply after 12th, you must clear the CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test) before moving to the next level.
Q3. How long does it take to become a Company Secretary?
Ans: It usually takes 3 to 5 years to complete the course and training, depending on how quickly you clear each level.
Q4. Can I do the CS course along with my college studies?
Ans:Yes, many students do the CS course while studying in college. With proper time management, it can be done together.
Q5. Is Company Secretary a government job?
Ans:No, the CS course is not a government job. But after qualifying, you can work in government organisations, public sector units, or private companies.