How to Become a Company Secretary in India
Becoming a Company Secretary (CS), is one of the most satisfying career paths for those students amongst us who have an inclination towards the field of law and corporate management and compliance, is a very viable option in today’s dynamic business scenario wherein running a business strictly in accordance with laws is highly crucial and supreme.
Under the Companies Act, 2013, the ‘CS’ designation is not only a title but also a key managerial position in Indian corporate culture. This blog intends to give the reader a step-by-step approach on ‘How to become a Company Secretary in India’ that suits the new pattern introduced in 2026.
Who is a Company Secretary?
A Company Secretary is a seasoned expert committed to ensuring a company complies with all relevant statutory and legal requirements. The CS functions like an advisor to the Board of Directors, a bridge between shareholders and the authorities, and a maintainer of corporate governance.
The appointment of a company secretary is compulsory only in the case of listed companies and a few other specific companies. That is why the job of a CS has become so important.
Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Company Secretary in India
Step 1: Pass 10+2 (Any Stream)
The journey of CS starts after completion of Class 12 from any recognised board. Students from Commerce, Science, or Arts (excluding Fine Arts) may apply.
You can enroll in the CS course the moment you come out of Class 12 or even when you are appearing for the exams.
Step 2: ICSI Registration
The ICSI is the only statutory body that holds the CS course in the country.
After registration, candidates have to follow the three-tier structure of the CS course.
Structure of CS Course as per 2026 Pattern
Level 1: CS Executive Entrance Test [CSEET]
The CSEET is the entrance level exam that leads to the CS course.
Topics Taught as per latest Syllabus of June 2026
Business Communication
Fundamentals of Accounting
Economic & Business Environment
Business Laws and Management
Company Secretary Eligibility:
Passed or appearing in Class 12
As per the present guideline of ICSI, graduates and postgraduates are exempt from CSEET.
Level 2: CS Executive Programme
It provides a sound conceptual understanding of corporate laws and business regulations.
Major Subjects Include:
Group 1
Paper 1 Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws
Paper 2 Company Law & Practice
Paper 3 Setting Up of Business, Industrial & Labour Laws
Paper 4 Corporate Accounting & Financial Management
Group 2
Paper 5 Capital Market & Securities Laws
Paper 6 Economic, Commercial & Intellectual Property Laws
Paper 7. Tax Laws and Practice – for June 2026 exam onwards
The Executive level is divided into two modules, and both must be cleared to proceed.
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Company Secretary Eligibility:
Passed CSEET, or
Graduate in any discipline (except Fine Arts), or
Passed CA Final / CMA Final
Level 3: CS Professional Programme
The Professional Programme is the final and most advanced stage of the CS course.
Key Focus Areas:
Group 1
Paper No. 1. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) – Principles & Practice
Paper No. 2. Drafting, Pleadings & Appearances
Paper No. 3. Compliance Management, Audit & Due Diligence
Paper No. 4 – Elective 1
Elective Paper No. 4.1. CSR & Social Governance
Elective Paper No. 4.2. Internal & Forensic Audit
Elective Paper No. 4.3. Intellectual Property Rights – Law & Practice
Elective Paper No. 4.4. Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Cyber Security – Laws & Practice
Elective Paper No. 4.5.Advanced Direct Tax Laws & Practice – Laws & Practice
Elective Paper No. 4.6. IFSCA – Regulations, Listing and Compliances
Group 2
Paper No. 5. Strategic Management & Corporate Finance
Paper No. 6. Corporate Restructuring, Valuation & Insolvency
Paper No. 7- Elective 2
Elective Paper No. 7.1. Arbitration, Mediation & Conciliation
Elective Paper No. 7.2. Goods & Services Tax (GST) & Corporate Tax Planning – for June 2026 exam onwards
Elective Paper No. 7.3. Labour Laws & Practice
Elective Paper No. 7.4. Banking & Insurance – Laws & Practice
Elective Paper No. 7.5. Insolvency and Bankruptcy – Law & Practice
This level prepares candidates for board-level responsibilities and leadership roles.
Company Secretary Eligibility:
Completion of CS Executive Programme
Step 3: Practical Training Requirements
Practical exposure is a core strength of the CS course.
Short-Term Training
One Day Orientation Programme (ODOP)
Three days orientation Programme (TDOP)
Executive Development Programme (EDP) – 30 days
Long-Term Training
21 months of Management Training
Can be completed under:
A Company
A Practicing Company Secretary (PCS)
Step 4: Specialized Training
Corporate Leadership Development Programme (CLDP) – 30 days
Mandatory before applying for membership
Step 5: Becoming a Member of ICSI
Once a candidate clears the CS Professional Programme and undertakes all required training programs, he/she can become a member of ICSI.
Upon approval of your application, you are entitled to the designation of Associate Company Secretary (ACS) and are allowed to legally work as a CS.
Career Opportunities After CS
A qualified Company Secretary has the potential to work in several sectors because the need for compliance is universal.
Top Career Options Include:
Corporate Sector – Listed and Unlisted Companies
Banks and financial institutions
Government departments and regulators
Government departments deal
Consulting and advisory firms
Independent Practice as a Practicing Company Secretary
With their experience, CS professionals can also take up other roles like Chief Compliance Officer, Legal Head, Corporate Advisors, or even CFO.
Company Secretary Salary in India 2026
The salary for a Company Secretary depends upon experience, industries, and location.
Average Salary Structure:
Fresh CS: ₹6 – 8 LPA +
3 – 5 yrs experienced :₹10 – 15 LPA +
Senior CS/Compliance Head: ₹20 – 40 LPA +
Practicing CS: No upper limit; income based on clientele and expertise gained.
Companies which are publicly traded, as well as multinational corporations, often provide greater salary packages.
Skills Required to Become a Successful Company Secretary
Strong knowledge of corporate and securities laws
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Analy
Excellent communication and drafting skills
Ethical judgment and attention to detail
Leadership and decision-making skills
Final Thoughts
To emerge as Company Secretaries in India, one needs to achieve more than simply passing an examination—building a reputation as the best in the field of trust, integrity, and governing expertise is the key. With more reforms being introduced by the regulators of the Indian corporate sector, the requirement for CS professionals is also on the rise, particularly in 2026.
If one is seeking a strong, reputable, and growing career path in an environment like corporate and law, then a career in Company Secretary holds huge potential.
FAQs – Company Secretary Course in India
Yes, they can register immediately after passing class 12 in the CS course.
No, as the graduates and postgraduates are already exempted from CSEET as per the guidelines set by the ICSI
The average time is about 3 to 4 years, depending on results’ approval through an exam and training course completion.
CS, CA, and CMA are different professional fields. CS deals with law and governance, so does CA with accounting and CMA with cost management.
Yes, after getting a certificate of practice, a CS can start his own practice.
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