Everything You Need To Know About CS Articleship

The Institute of Company Secretaries has notified new rules for CS Articleship which have become effective from 03^rd February 2021. The new training structure is as per Regulation 46BA and 46BB under The Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 is effective from 03rd February 2021.

Following are the details of new training structure-

(A) Executive development program after Executive Programme

• 15 days Online Mode
• 15 days Classroom Mode

After completion of this training, a student has to undergo 21 months practical training. Once the 21 days practical training gets completed, a student has to undergo Corporate Development Programme commonly called as CLDP. The duration of this programme is decided by ICSI which is usually ranging between 30-60 days. The occurrence of this training happens after Professional Programme. 

Let’s understand each type of training in detail now-

• Executive Development Programme

• This exercise is done in 2 different types of modes as mentioned above also, 15 in the classroom and 15 through the ICSI E learning portal. That means this Executive Development Programme is done for total 30 days.
• The students can do both the classroom mode EDP as well as e-EDP simultaneously
• The student has to get register themselves for enrolment of EDP. The registration can be done through https://stimulate.icsi.edu
• The portal launched by ICSI is an e learning platform which is available for access
• There is a prescribed fees for this programme which is Rs. 2000/-
• Exemptions from EDP- there are certain modes of exemption also available and applicable, for example if you have completed 15 days Academic Programme under the old structure, one is eligible to get exemption from 15 days classroom EDP requirements

• CS Practical Training

• The practical training can be started only after completing one month EDP. A student has to go 21 months practical training which has been brought into applicability from 03^rd Feb 2021.
• If one is undergoing training in accordance with the provisions of old training structure, then the student may continue and complete the training in accordance with the said structure.
• The student may, at his own discretion. switch over to the new training structure under the CS (Amendment) Regulations, 2020.
• As per the new Guidelines, a total number of 52 leaves are allowed in 21 months training under New Training structure
• This practical training is nothing but infact an internship programme wherein the student will get training under specified entities only.
• The duration of the programme is 21 months

Benefit of this programm

• Work related experience
• More than textbook knowledge
• Improvement and Polishing for future working

Learnings from this programme

As a trainee, one will not only get practical exposure but also will learn a lot regarding the process being followed as Company Secretary. This will not be limited to following-

1. Drafting of Legal Reports and Documents

The learner will also become an expert in drafting legal documents like resolutions, notices, draft responses to Notices, agreements etc.

2. Exposure to the filed related finance, taxation etc

During preparation of financial documents, CS trainees get an exposure while working with finance professionals especially while doing financial documents closure work.

3. Communication

One will also learn and improve the necessary communication skills i.e. how to communicate in professional English.  As company secretary has to deal with various parties and stakeholders like directors, banks, shareholders, so they really need to be extra vigilant with good communication skills.

4. Initiative

Learning the importance of taking initiative and learning to be open to new ideas and fields will also be an added advantage.

• Corporate Leadership Development Programme

• Last but not the least, is the Corporate Leadership Development Programme. This programme is done after passing Professional Program and completing the practical training and one month EDP. 
• The duration of the training is between 30-60 days.
• The duration may be altered by the Institute before one applies for ACS membership.

Everything About CS Articleship

Every student has to remember that the articleship is one of the most critical job and an important one also. The students should take seriously this training period for their betterment and learning purpose. It’s just the beginning for the professional journey and they should also take maximum advantage out of this learning experience.

FAQs on New Training Structure as per Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 to be effective from 03rd February, 2021

Part A- Implementation of New Training Structure and its applicability

1. When is the new Training structure under Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 coming into force

The new training structure as per Regulation 46BA and 46BB under The Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 is effective from 03rd February 2021.

2. What are the various kinds of training applicable under New Training structure

The students are required to complete the following training programme: 

a) Executive Development Programme (EDP) for one month duration after passing of Executive Programme examination; 

b) Practical training for twenty one (21) months after completion of Executive Development Programme on whole time basis during normal working hours,- 

(i) in a company having a company secretary in whole time employment or any other company fulfilling such criteria as may be determined by the Institute; or 

(ii) under a Company Secretary in whole-time practice fulfilling such criteria as may be determined by the Institute; or iii. in any other body corporate or institution or organisation or entity fulfilling such criteria as may be determined by the Institute; 

c) After passing the Professional Programme Examination, a Corporate Leadership Development Programme (CLDP) for not less than thirty days but not exceeding sixty days as may be determined by the Institute.

3. What is the training duration of EDP under New Training structure as per Company Secretaries (Amendments) Regulations, 2020?

The EDP is for a period of 30 days, out of which 15 days EDP needs to be completed in classroom mode in CCGRT/CoE/ROs/ Chapters (upto the level of Gold Chapter) and 15 days eEDP through online mode at ICSI elearning portal. The students can do both the classroom mode EDP as well as e-EDP simultaneously.

4. Can I undergo 15 days e-EDP along with 15 days classroom EDP

Yes, students may undergo e-EDP along with classroom EDP as e-EDP is available through LMS. The students may register for e- EDP through the https://stimulate.icsi.edu and can access the program on ICSI e Learning Portal.

5. I have already undergone 15 days Academic programm as per earlier/modified training structure. Should I again undergo the 30 days EDP

The students who have already completed their 15 days Academic Program under previous training structure or have been granted exemption there form and switching over to new training structure are exempted to undergo 15 days classroom EDP under new training structure. However, they are required to complete 15 days e-EDP program.

6. How do I claim the benefit of 15 days Classroom based EDP in lieu of 15 days Academic Program under modified training structure

To claim the benefit of 15 days Academic Program, a student has to upload the 15 days Academic Program certificate through stimulate portal through the tab of short term trainingupload the completion certificates.

7. How to register and undergo Eedp

The Institute has launched e-EDP through its e-learning platform which works on anytime, anywhere basis. The Instructions related to (e-learning) are available on the website of the Institute.

8. How much is the fees for eEDP

The fees for e-EDP is Rs. 2000/-

9. I have previously completed my 10 days academic training out of 15 days Academic training i.e., I have completed 2 days induction, 3 days e-governance and 5 days skill development programme but not completed last 5 days of entrepreneurship programme. Am I eligible for relaxation from 15 days classroom EDP under Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020?

There is no relaxation in class room mode EDP on the basis of incomplete training. Relaxation from 15 days class room mode EDP is given to only those students who have completed 15 days Academic programme

10. I have completed 8 days EDP under old training structure. Will I get exemption/relaxation of 8 days out of 15 days class room mode EDP under Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020?

There is no exemption in 15 days class room mode EDP on the basis of 8 days EDP completed under old training structure

11. What is the duration of Practical training under New Training structure as per Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020

The duration of practical training under New Training structure as per Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 is twenty one (21) months.

12. After 3rd February, 2021, can I immediately start my practical training under New Training structure as per Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020

The students can start their practical training only after completing one month EDP.

13. How many leaves are allowed in 21 months training under New Training structure as per Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020

As per the Guideline, a total number of 52 leaves are allowed in 21 months training under New Training structure.

14. Do the Students who are already undergoing training in accordance with the provisions of the earlier/modified training structure are required to switchover to new training structure

A student who is undergoing training in accordance with the provisions of the earlier/modified training structure may continue and complete the training in accordance with the said structure, provided that such student at his discretion may switch over to the new training structure under the CS (Amendment) Regulations, 2020.

15. I registered in CS Executive in 2014 but not yet started any training. Will the new training structure be applicable to me

Student who irrespective of the date of his registration to Executive Programme or Professional Programme, has not commenced his/her training within the period as prescribed in notification ICSI/Trg/2020 dated 03rd Aug, 2020 which was extended up to 02nd Feb 2021, shall compulsorily be switched over to New Training Structure under the CS (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 w.e.f. 03rd Feb 2021.

16. I am a CS executive pass student, completed 06 months of my training out of 15 months training and discontinued the same. Can I complete my balance training of 9 months in previous structure or do I need to register under New Training structure

On or after 3rd Feb 2021 you are required to continue your balance training under New Training structure as per Company Secretaries (Amendments) Regulations, 2020. But you have to complete one month EDP prior to starting the balance training.

17. If I clear my Professional Programme examination in February, 2021, can I be allowed to undergo the 12 months training as per modified training structure

No, you have to undergo 21 Months Practical training which is applicable from 3rd Feb, 2021

18. Which all entities are eligible to impart practical training under New Training structure as per Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020

Types of various entities eligible for imparting training is given at the link: https://www.icsi.edu/media/webmod ules/Types_of_various_entities_eligibl e_for_imparting_training.pdf

19. What is the time limit provided by the Institute for submitting training related documents under New Training structure as per Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020

The time limit for submission of training contract/appointment letter is 100 days of commencement/joining of their training. Any Delay in training registration with the Institute, which is more than 100 days will be considered as Dummy Training and Training of such candidates will not be considered by the Institute.

20. What is the minimum amount of stipend payable to the students during training period under New Training structure as per Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020

Monthly Stipend to be paid is given herein: ∙ If undergoing training under PCS – Minimum amount of Rs 3000/- per month ∙ If undergoing training at Company /other entitiesMinimum amount of Rs 4000/- per month However, the stipend has to be paid through Cheques or On-line Transfers only.

21. What are the working hours while undergoing practical training under New Training structure as per Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020

The candidates undergoing Practical training shall be required to work during normal hours which shall not be less than 8 hours a day for 5 days or 40 hours in a week for a total period of practical training.

22. How many transfers are allowed during the period of 21 months long term practical training under New Training structure as per Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020

Maximum 02 (two) transfers shall be permitted during the entire duration of training under New Training structure as per Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020

23. What is the eligibility for a CS in practice/company to engage trainees

(a) The trainers – Corporates / Practising Company Secretary will be enrolled on the basis of eligibility criteria i.e. adequate infrastructure, clientele, work profile, turn-over, etc., to ensure the quality of the trainers. 

(b) A company having a company secretary in whole time employment and minimum paid up capital of Rs 50 Lakhs or any other company having a paid up capital of in accordance with the provision made in Rule 8 (A) and amendments made by the MCA from time to time. 

(c) A Company Secretary in whole time practice having at least one year of experience as member in employment or practice and having adequate infrastructure. 

(d) LLP, General LLP, CS Non Attestation LLP having not less than half of its partners are members of ICSI and having net worth/capital contribution/turnover of not less than Rs 50 lakhs 

(e) any other body corporate or institution or organization or entities fulfilling the criteria as may be determined by the Council;

24. What is the procedure of taking Transfer from One trainer to another trainer

A student has to give a notice of minimum 45 working days to his trainer in writing by giving the reason for the same. Resignation letter must be handed over personally against proper acknowledgement receipt. It can also be sent by speed post / Registered post.

25. When to submit the project report

A candidate will prepare a Project Report on the basis of his practical training under the guidance of his/her trainer and submit the Report to the Institute in stimulate portal. However, The trainees will be required to submit the project report at the time of Corporate Leadership Development Programme (CLDP). The project Report shall be assessed by a panel of experts at the time of CLDP. The assessment shall be made through a five point grading system.

26. What is the process of submitting quarterly report

The trainer through the Online Mode shall submit quarterly report to the Institute regarding the progress of the Trainee. The trainer has to submit the quarterly report within 30 days of ending of each quarter. However, the trainee will pursue the matter with the trainer to get it completed in time.

27. What is the procedure of qualifying the viva voce

The Project Report/ Research Report shall be prepared by the candidate under the guidance of his/her trainer and there shall be a viva voce on that project report during the CLDP by the experts. The Project report and viva-voce shall be graded as following :- A+ : Outstanding A : Very Good B+ : Good B: Satisfactory C: Needs Improvement & Resubmission