ICSI Training Structure Changed : Big Relief or Big Challenge for CS Students?

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has finally launched a new training structure for CS students — a move which has evoked mixed responses within the student community. While some welcome it as a big relief, others view it as a big challenge.

Let us go deep to know what actually changed, why ICSI did that, and how it benefits future Company Secretaries.

Periodically, ICSI revises its curriculum and training model so that CS professionals are equipped to handle the contemporary corporate world. The training aspect — which was once a cause of worry for students — has been dramatically revamped now.

The revised ICSI training structure is designed to make the process of becoming a Company Secretary more practical, flexible, and industry-focused, as per the Company Secretaries (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 and recent corporate reforms in India.

Overview of the Old ICSI Training Structure

Previously, the ICSI training structure was deemed lengthy and rigid. The salient features were:

Old Structure (Effective up to previous batches)

1. Register for CSEET course and pass the exam

2. Register for executive level and appear for the EDP for 30days (15 days online and 15 days offline through classroom mode)

3. After passing executive one can begin the training for 21 months

4. CLDP training for 30 days (15 days online where the fee was 3800 and 15 days residential and non residential with an option to choose from two where the fee was 7500)

What Has Changed in the New Training Structure?

The new ICSI training structure makes significant simplifications and improvements with respect to professional learning.

New Training Structure (Applicable for new syllabus students)

Reason Behind the Change

ICSI’s decision was guided by several factors:

• To streamline the training journey with a clear start-to-end roadmap.
• Furnish training industry-relevant, with emphasis on leadership, governance, and real-life exposure to compliance.
• Smooth the transition from student to professional in a more formalized manner.
• Enhance networking among students.

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Advantages for Students (Big Relief)

Numerous students have termed this as a “big relief” — and here’s why:

1.Meaningful process: The overlapping 15-day programs have been consolidated and streamlined.

2.Simplified structure: No juggling of different kinds of training and timings.

3. Practical exposure: The 21-month training offers regular corporate exposure.

4. Improved infrastructure – the cities of Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata offer improved infrastructure.

5. Shorter membership timeline: Saves time waiting for final registration and membership.

All in all, the new format is more career-specific, flexible, and student-friendly.

Challenges & Concerns (Big Challenge)

Some students, however, view the change as a challenge, not a relief.

1. High fees – charges can go upto 50000 with the new programme which will slow down the membership timeline from previous batches.

2. Getting good training venues — competition for seats will be higher for the students as students from all over india will come to these three states – Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

3. Transition problems — students in middle of old framework are confused about applicability.

4. Increased pressure — round-the-clock 21-months of practical training can be challenging without intervals.

5. Clarity of implementation — still under evolution FAQs and circulars could create uncertainty.

Therefore, although the intention is good, the implementation and flexibility will determine its success.

Expert & Student Reactions

• Experts’ View: The majority of governance professionals welcome the structured format and digital flexibility. They expect it to make future CS members more employable and corporate-ready.

• Students’ Response: Mixed — while newcomers find it clear and straightforward, those in transition are looking for clarity, yet high charges still a major issue

Final Conclusion – Relief or Challenge?

For newcomers and financially strong students: A major relief – clear, straightforward, and applicable.

For transition and financially weaker students: A challenge – grasping applicability and adaptation.

In essence, this reform is a progressive step by ICSI, but its success depends on smooth implementation and consistent communication.

Conclusion & Way Forward

The new ICSI training structure reflects the institute’s intent to align CS education with modern governance standards, corporate realities, and global practices.

Students are advised to:

• Read the official notification carefully,
• Attend ICSI’s official webinars for clarity, and
• Plan training stages early to avoid last-minute confusion.

With a proper attitude, this transition can really make the CS journey a more professional and fruitful experience. It is also noteworthy to highlight that change in training structure in only in the CLDP while other programmes are unchanged

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