How to Clear CS Executive in First Attempt- Tips by Qualified CA

CS Executive is the second stage of the professional course of Company Secretary. The executive stage is basically designed to inculcate skills and competence of executive program passed students. The main objective is to make students capable and competent to act as Secretarial Executive in companies or in professional and consultancy firms.

As we all know that the Company Secretary Course is a distance learning professional course offered by Institute of Company Secretaries of India. It is a professional course which is not only a reputed one rather is very lucrative in terms of salary.

Students who are interested to pursue this course has to undergo different stages of examinations along with some practical training sessions.

The different stages of examination includes the following-

• CSEET Programme
• Executive Programme
• Professional Programme
• Management Training

As all of us understand that nowadays, there’s a great emphasis on adherence to norms of efficient corporate governance, hence the demand of Company Secretaries has also risen especially after enactment of Company Act 2013. The role of Company Secretary revolves around the following domains-

• Structure of the company
• Management of the company
• Administration of the company
• Provisions related to conduct of affairs of company

Company Secretary Courses and Specialization- Executive Programme Papers

CS Executive is the second stage to clear for becoming CS i.e., Company secretary. After the completion of CS Foundation Course (First Stage), there are two more courses to be completed to become CS which are CS Executive & CS Professional. So, the second stage is the CS Executive.

Students can apply for the executive program through the CS foundation route or direct entry route provided by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. For the direct route, the student must have cleared the graduation in commerce, or CMA foundation program, or CA foundation program to register for the executive level.

To appear for the executive program exams, the student must have cleared the Student Induction Program (SIP). Also, they have successfully completed a computer training program as may be specified from time to time by the Council. The institute has not described any age limit to appear in the CS executive program.  

The course of Company Secretary is a professional course. The three stages of the course , Foundation, Executive and Professional have different subjects. In this article , we will discuss the Professional Stage of CS Course.

There are 8 papers divided into 2 Modules in CS Executive Programme

Executive Programme [8papers] ( New Syllabus – w.e.f. 1st Mar 2018 )

Module I (4 Papers)	Module II (4 Papers)
1. Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws	5. Corporate & Management Accounting
2. Company Law	6. Securities Laws & Capital Markets
3. Setting Up Of Business Entities And Closure	7. Economic, Business And Commercial Laws
4. Tax Laws	8. Financial And Strategic Management

Duration of CS Executive Exam

CS Executive Exams are usually held two times in a year i.e. in the months of June & December.

CS Executive Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Before planning to start the preparation, the students must know about the exam details, patterns and syllabus of CS Executive.

Medium of Exam	English and Hindi
Mode of Exam	Pen and paper-based
Duration of Exam	Three Hours (180 minutes)
Type of Questions	Both Objective and Subjective For Objective papers- 100 MCQ each paper For Subjective papers- Total 6 questions each divided into 4 parts
Total Number of Papers	Total two modules – 4 papers in each module
Number of CS Professional Subjects/ Papers	8
Marking Scheme	2 marks for each correct answer Negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer

Study Plan for CS Executive Exam 2021

1. Ensure complete understanding of the CS Study Material

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) provides study material for the candidates preparing for the CS Executive exam. Go through those study materials along with some reference books as recommended by experts. Conceptual understanding and correlations among various topics are the best strategies you can adopt while preparing for theoretical topics because everything is correlated.  Don’t focus on memorizing, but understanding and analyzing the topic.

2. Practice of making notes

While studying the chapters make short and handy notes of the topics. This will not only help in noting down the important points but also help in remembering the topics for the future. Keep a small notebook handy while studying a new chapter. Focus on writing for theoretical subjects. It will not only improve the writing speed but also help remember the topics easily. Practice as much as you can before the exams, do the writing instead of just learning formulas.

3. Start with a proper Time Table

Prepare a timetable or study routine so that all the CS Syllabus is covered within a given time period. It is necessary to dedicate most of the time to CS Executive exam preparation. The aim should be to complete one chapter at a time. After doing that, refer to the practice manual, scanner, and gauge if the coverage is maximum.

Time tables can be made on a weekly or monthly basis with breakups in between.

4. Setting targets

Set targets for a day that is achievable. Do not set such targets which are impossible to achieve. It will only lead to exam burden and not help in any way. Aspirants must try to finish the entire syllabus at least three months before the main exam. One and a half months should be dedicated for revision. During the revision phase-only go through the previous chapters which are completed, and focus on improving the weaknesses

5. Analyzing the actual performance very week

Analyze every week’s target and check if there are any backlogs. Monitor the effort put in and revise the schedule accordingly.

6. Never Do following

• Never go with selective topics, go through each and every concepts and chapter thoroughly.
• Never refer to old study material. Before every attempt, you can find all the supplements, practice paper, ICSI Study Material, amendment of all sorts in every subject 
• Try to finish your revision beforehand, do not leave anything undone or partly done. Time management is the key.

Some reference books for CS Executive Preparation

• Shuchita Prakashan Scanner CS Executive Programme (Green Edition) Paper-1 Jurisprudence, Interpretation And General Laws for June 2020 Exam
• CS Executive Paper 1 Jurisprudence, Interpretation and General Laws (Google Drive + Printed Book)
• Company Law
• Company Law Made Easy
• Company Law – Paper Objective Compilation
• Shuchita Prakashan Scanner CS Executive Programme Module – I (2017 Syllabus) Paper – 3 Setting Up Of Business Entities And Closure For June 2020 Exam
• Shuchita Prakashan Scanner CS Executive Programme (Green Edition) Paper-3 Setting Up Of Business Entities And Closure for June 2020 Exam
• Shuchita Prakashan Scanner CS Professional Programme Module I (2017 Syllabus) Paper-2 Advanced Tax Laws (Applicable For June 2021)
• CS Executive Paper 4 Tax Laws (Google Drive + Printed Book)
• Tax Laws & Practice With MCQs
• Management Accounting
• Shuchita Prakashan Scanner CS Executive Programme (Green Edition) Paper-5 Corporate And Management Accounting for June 2021 Exam
• Shuchita Prakashan Scanner CS Executive Programme (Green Edition) Paper-6 Securities Laws And Capital Market for June 2021 Exam
• Solution Securities Laws and Compliance
• Shuchita Prakashan Scanner CS Executive Programme (Green Edition) Paper-7 Economic, Business And Commercial Laws for June 2021 Exam
• Shuchita Prakashan Scanner CS Executive Programme Module-II (2017 Syllabus) Paper-7 Economic, Business And Commercial Laws (Applicable For June 2021)
• Strategic Financial Management
• Shuchita Prakashan Scanner CS Executive Programme (Green Edition) Paper-8 Financial And Strategic Management for June 2021 Exam

CS Executive Examination Syllabus

ICSI CS Executive New Syllabus Study Material : Module 1

No.	Paper	Coverage
1.	Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws	Constitution of India, Law of Torts, Interpretation of Statutes & Other General Laws (Limitation, Specific Relief, Evidence, Stamp, Registration, General Clauses, CPC, CrPC, Arbitration, RTI)
2.	Company Law	Part A: Company – Law, Principles and Concepts, Companies Act, 2013 except areas covered in Paper 3 and other papers in professional paper (50 Marks) Part B: Company Administration and Meetings- Law and Practices (Directors, KMP, Board and General Meetings, Secretarial Standards) (40 Marks) Part C : Company Secretary as a profession (10 Marks)
3.	Setting up of Business Entities & Closure	Part A : Setting up of Business (40 Marks) 1)    Setting up of various types of business& other Entities 2)    Setting up of professional firms 3)    Setting up of business outside India Part B: Registration, Licence & Compliances (35 Marks) Part C : Insolvency, Liquidation & Closure of Business (25 Marks)
4.	Tax Laws	Part A: Direct Taxes (50 marks) Part B: Indirect Taxes-Goods and Services Tax (50 Marks)

ICSI CS Executive New Syllabus Study Material : Module 2

No.	Paper	Coverage
5.	Corporate & Management Accounting	Part A: Corporate Accounting (40 Marks) Part B: Accounting Standards (15 Marks) Part C: Concept and Principles of Valuation (20 Marks) Part D: Cost & Management Accounting (25 marks)
6.	Securities Laws & Capital Markets	Part A: Securities Laws (80 Marks) Part B: Capital Markets & Intermediaries (20 Marks)
7.	Economic, Business and Commercial Laws	Part A: Foreign Exchange Management & NBFCs (40 Marks) Part B: Competition Law (25 marks) Part C: Business and Commercial Laws (35 Marks)
8.	Strategic and Financial Management– Principles and Techniques	Part A: Strategic Management (40 Marks) Part B: Financial Management (30 Marks) Part C: Information Technology (30 Marks)

Arrangement Of Study Lessons- Module Wise and Subject Wise

Module 1
Module-1 Paper-1 Jurisprudence, Interpretation and General Laws	1. Sources of Law 2. Constitution of India 3. Interpretation of Statutes 4. General Clauses Act, 1897 5. Administrative Law 6. Law of Torts 7. Limitation Act, 1963 8. Civil Procedure Code, 1908 9. Indian Penal Code, 1860 10. Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 11. Indian Evidence Act, 1872 12. Special Courts, Tribunals under Companies Act & Other Legislations 13 Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 14. Indian Stamp Act, 1899 15. Registration Act, 1908: Registration of Documents 16. Right to Information Act, 2005 17. Information Technology Act, 2000
Module-1 Paper-2 COMPANY LAW	PART I: Company Law, Principles & Concepts 1. Introduction to Company Law 2. Shares and Share Capital 3. Members and Shareholders 4. Debt Instruments 5. Charges 6. Distribution of Profits 7. Corporate Social Responsibility 8. Accounts, Audit and Auditors 9. Transparency and Disclosures 10. An overview of Inter-Corporate Loans, Investments, Guarantees and Security, Related Party Transactions 11. Registers and Records 12. An overview of Corporate Reorganization 13. Introduction to MCA 21 and filing in XBRL 14. Global Trends and Developments in Company Law Part II: Company Administration and Meetings – Law and Practices 15. Board Constitution and its Powers 16. Directors 17. Key Managerial Personnel (KMP’s) and their Remuneration 18. Meetings of Board and its Committees 19. General Meetings 20. Virtual Meetings Part III : Company Secretary as a Profession Secretaries 21. Legal framework governing Company Secretary 22. Secretarial Standards Board 23. Mega Firms
Module-1 Paper-3 Setting up of Business Entities and Closure	Part – A: Setting up of Business (40 Marks) 1. Choice of Business Organization 2. Types of Companies 3. Part I : Charter Documents of Companies Part II : Alteration of Charter Documents 4. Legal Status of Registered Company 5. Formation of LLP 6. Different Forms of Business Organizations & its Registration 7. Formation and Registration of NGO’s 8. Financial Services Organization and its Registration Process 9. Startups and its Registration 10. Business Collaborations 11. Setting up of Business outside India and Issues Relating Thereto 12. Conversion of Business Entities Part B: Registration; Licenses & Compliances (35 Marks) 13. Various Initial Registrations and Licenses 14. Maintenance of Registers and Records 15. Identifying Laws applicable to Various Industries and their Initial Compliances 16. Intellectual Property Laws (Provisions applicable for Setting up of Business) 17. Compliances under Labor Laws (Provisions applicable for Setting up of Business) 18. Compliances relating to Environmental Laws (Provisions applicable for Setting up of Business) Part C: Insolvency; Winding up & Closure of Business (25 Marks) 19. Dormant Company 20. Strike Off and Restoration of Name of the Company and LLP 21. Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process, Liquidation and Winding Up: An Overview
Module-1 Paper-4 TAX LAWS	PART I (DIRECT TAX) 1. Direct taxes – At a glance 2. Basic concept of income tax 3. Incomes which do not form part of total income 4. Computation of income under various heads 5. Clubbing provisions and set off and / or carry forward of losses 6. Deductions from gross total income & rebate and relief 7. Computation of total income and tax liability of various entities 8. Classification and tax incidence on companies 9. Procedural compliance 10. Assessment, appeals & revision PART II (INDIRECT TAX) 11. Concept of Indirect Taxes at a glance 12. Basics of Goods and Services Tax ‘GST’ 13. Concept of Time, Value & Place of Taxable Supply 14. Input Tax Credit & Computation of GST Liability – Overview 15. Procedural Compliance under GST 16. Basic overview on Integrated Goods and Service Tax (IGST), Union Territory Goods and Service tax (UTGST), and GST Compensation to States 17. Overview of Customs Act
Module-2 Paper-5 Corporate and Management Accounting	Part I : Corporate Accounting 1. Introduction to Financial Accounting 2. Introduction to Corporate Accounting 3. Accounting for Share Capital 4. Accounting for Debentures 5. Related Aspects of Company Accounts 6. Financial Statements Interpretation 7. Consolidation of Accounts as per Companies Act, 2013 8. Corporate Financial Reporting 9. Cash Flow Statements 10. Accounting Standards (AS) 11. National And International Accounting Authorities 12. Adoption, Convergence and Interpretation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Accounting Standards In India. Part II : Management Accounting and Valuation 13. An Overview of Cost 14. Cost Accounting Records & Cost Audit Under Companies Act, 2013 15. Budget, Budgeting and Budgetary Control 16. Ratio Analysis 17. Management Reporting (Management Information Systems) 18. Decision-Making Tools 19. Valuation Principles & Framework 20. Valuation of Shares, Business And Intangible Assets 21. Accounting for Share-Based Payments (Ind AS 102) 22. Methods of Valuation
Module-2 Paper-6 Securities Laws and Capital Markets	Part I – Securities Laws 1. Securities Contracts (Regulations) Act, 1956 2. Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 3. Depositories Act, 1996 4. An Overview of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018 5. An Overview of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 6. An Overview of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 7. SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 2018 8. SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009 9. SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 – An Overview 10. SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002 – An Overview 11. SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 12. Mutual Funds 13. Collective Investment Schemes 14. SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003 Part II – Capital Market and Intermediaries 15. Structure of Capital Market 16. Securities Market Intermediaries
Module-2 Paper-7 ECONOMIC, BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL LAWS	Part I – Securities Laws 1. Securities Contracts (Regulations) Act, 1956 2. Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 3. Depositories Act, 1996 4. An Overview of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018 5. An Overview of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 6. An Overview of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 7. SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 2018 8. SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009 9. SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 – An Overview 10. SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002 – An Overview 11. SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 12. Mutual Funds 13. Collective Investment Schemes 14. SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003 Part II – Capital Market and Intermediaries 15. Structure of Capital Market 16. Securities Market Intermediaries Part I: Foreign Exchange Management and NBFCs 1. Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 2. Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 3. Foreign Exchange Transactions & Compliances 4. Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 5. Foreign Direct Investments – Regulations & FDI Policy 6. Overseas Direct Investment 7. Liberalized Remittance Scheme 8. External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) 9. Foreign Trade Policy & Procedure 10. Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) 11 Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 Part II : Competition Law 12. Competition Act, 2002 Part III : Business & Commercial Laws Consumer Protection 13. Consumer Protection Act, 1986: 14. Essential Commodities Act, 1955 15. Legal Metrology Act, 2009 Property Law 16. Transfer of Property Act, 1882 17. Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 Anti-Corruption Laws 18. Benami Transaction Prohibitions (Act) 19. Prevention of Money Laundering Business Laws 20. Indian Contracts Act, 1872 21. Specific Relief Act, 1963 22. Sale of Goods Act, 1930 23. Partnership Act, 1932 24. Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881
Module-2 Paper 8 FINANCIAL AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT	Part I: Financial Management 1. Nature, Significance and Scope of Financial Management 2. Capital Budgeting 3. Capital Structure 4. Sources of raising Long term Finance and Cost of Capital 5. Project Finance 6. Dividend Policy 7. Working Capital 8. Security Analysis 9. Portfolio Management 10. Practical Problems and Case Studies Part II: Strategic Management 11. Introduction to Management 12. Introduction to Strategic Management 13. Business Policy and Formulation of Functional Strategy 14. Strategic Analysis and Planning 15. Strategic Implementation and Control 16. Analyzing Strategic Edge