A Company Secretary or CS is a legal expert that works for the company. They are well-versed in corporate and securities law. Hence, they play a crucial role in legal compliance and implementation of decisions.
Their roles involve:
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Being familiar with the company's roles and responsibilities
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Ensuring the efficient administration of the company
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Acting as the chief advisor to the Board of Directors
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Suggesting methods to conduct business and develop strategies
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Dealing with conflict of interest situations
In India, Company Secretaries earn an average salary of ₹6.3 Lakhs annually. However, the salary ranges from ₹1.8 Lakhs to ₹ 23.6 Lakhs.
The ICSI (Institute of Company Secretaries of India) is the regulating body. Currently, there are more than 50,000 members. ICSI train and educate aspiring candidates. Around 4,00,000 CS students are studying to become a CS under ICSI.
The first step to becoming a certified CS in India is to enrol under ICSI. ICSI accepts only online registrations for the course through its web portal.
The eligibility criteria are as follows:
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Must have passed 12th grade to apply for CS courses.
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CA, B.com, and M.com graduates can apply directly to give CS foundation exams without applying for the course.
There are three levels in the CS programme. Candidates are issued CS certificates and allowed to practice only after passing all of them. Overall, these courses cost between ₹1 Lakhs to ₹4 Lakhs. The fees paid cover classroom training and cost to ICSI.
The three levels in the CS programme offered by the ICSI are:
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Foundation Programme (Now replaced with CS Executive Entrance Test or CSEET)(4 Papers)
All CS aspirants should register for the Foundation Course. Applicants who have cleared 12th grade or its equivalent must register for the Foundation Course of ICSI under its three-year program. The course covers:
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Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing
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Business Economics
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Business Environment & Entrepreneurship
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Business Management, Ethics, Laws and Communication
Students who have completed graduation or CA courses can skip the Foundation course.
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Executive Programme (7 Papers)
Applicants who clear the Foundation Course papers are called for an interview and tested. The ICSI will admit shortlisted candidates to its Executive Programme. The course has two modules. They cover:
MODULE 1
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Company Law
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Tax Laws and Practice
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Economic and Commercial Laws
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Cost and Management Accounting
MODULE 2
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Capital Markets and Securities Laws
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Industrial, Labour and General Laws
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Company Accounts and Auditing Practices
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Professional Programme (9 Papers)
The Professional Programme is the final stage. It is not easy to pass. Only students who have passed the Executive Program can appear for this course. There are three modules. The third module also includes an elective.
MODULE 1
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Advanced Company Law and Practice
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Corporate Restructuring, Valuation and Insolvency
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Secretarial Audit, Due Diligence and Compliance Management
MODULE 2
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Ethics, Governance and Sustainability
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Information Technology and Systems Audit
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Financial, Treasury and Forex Management
MODULE 3
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Drafting, Appearances and Pleadings
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Advanced Tax Laws and Practice
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Electives (You can choose any 1 of the 5 subjects) Insurance Law and Practice Banking Law and Practice Capital, Commodity and Money Market Intellectual Property Rights -- Law and Practice Intellectual Business -- Laws and Practices
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Insurance Law and Practice
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Banking Law and Practice
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Capital, Commodity and Money Market
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Intellectual Property Rights -- Law and Practice
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Intellectual Business -- Laws and Practices
You too can become a company secretary with a bit of hard work! Check if you are a good fit - take thecareer test at Glow & Lovely Careers (formally known as the Fair & Lovely Career Foundation). Give your best when you study and practise with mock tests. Trust yourself. You can do it! Best of Luck!
