Top 20 Most Asked CS Interview Questions for Job & Traning
Whether you’re preparing for your CS Management Training, Industrial Training, or your first job as a Company Secretary, interviews can feel intimidating. A CS professional is expected to have not just academic knowledge, but also a deep understanding of corporate law, governance, compliance, and communication skills.
To enable you to deliver confidently, below are the Top 20 Company Secretary Interview Questions that you should excel at — plus tips on what the interviewers want in your responses.
Top 20 Company Secretary Interview Questions
1. Tell us about yourself.
Reason: To get to know your background, education, and objectives.
Tip: Be concise, formal, and link it to the work of a Company Secretary.
Example: “I am a CS Executive student interested in corporate governance, compliance, and draftsmanship of legal documents. I am working hard on preparing myself for my training in order to have hands-on experience in secretarial and regulatory work.”
2. Why did you want to become a Company Secretary as a profession?
Purpose: To test your enthusiasm.
Tip: Emphasize your interest in law, compliance, and governance.
Example: “I chose CS because I’m passionate about corporate law and want to contribute to transparent governance and ethical business practices.”
3. What are the key functions of a Company Secretary?
Expected Answer:
Ensuring legal and statutory compliance
Conducting board/general meetings
Maintaining company records and registers
Liaising with regulators (ROC, SEBI, Stock Exchanges)
Advising the Board on corporate governance and ethics
4. What is the difference between Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)?
MOA: Specifies the scope and objects of the company.
AOA: Specifies the rules and management procedures from within.
5. What are the major provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 pertaining to a Company Secretary?
Section 2(24) defines a Company Secretary.
Section 203 prescribes the appointment of KMPs (including CS).
Section 205 states the duties of a CS.
6. What is corporate governance, and why is it important?
Answer: Corporate governance refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. It ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness in the company’s dealings.
7. What do you understand by secretarial audit?
Answer: Secretarial audit is an independent process of verification that ensures the company has adhered to all laws, rules, and regulations governing the company, under Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013.
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8. What are the statutory registers a company has to keep?
Register of Members
Register of Directors & KMP
Register of Charges
Register of Contracts & Arrangements
Register of Share Transfers
9. Define public company and private company with distinction.
Public Company: May invite public subscription to its shares; at least 3 directors.
Private Company: May not invite public subscription; at least 2 directors.
10. What are the responsibilities of a CS during a Board Meeting?
Preparation and distribution of agenda
Issuance of notices to directors
Preparation and maintenance of minutes
Compliance with Secretarial Standards (SS-1)
11. What is SEBI and how does it assist in regulation of the corporate sector?
Answer: SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) regulates the securities market and safeguards investor interests. A Company Secretary maintains SEBI compliance for listed companies.
12. What measures do you take in your organization to ensure compliance?
By means of compliance calendars, checklists, periodic review, and updated statutory registers and filings.
13. What are Secretarial Standards (SS-1 and SS-2)?
SS-1: Meetings of the Board of Directors.
SS-2: General Meetings.
These are released by ICSI to ensure uniformity in secretarial procedures among companies.
14. How do you deal with stringent deadlines and multiple compliance activities?
Tip: Demonstrate organizational ability and prioritization.
Example: “I employ a systematic calendar and compliance management software to track and fulfill all deadlines systematically.”
15. What is your perception about ROC filings?
Answer: Every company is required to file annual returns and accounts (Form MGT-7 and AOC-4) and other periodic forms with the Registrar of Companies within specified time limits.
16. Describe the appointment and resignation of a Director.
Appointment: Board resolution, agreement in Form DIR-2, filing Form DIR-12.
Resignation: Letter of Director, acceptance by the Board, filing Form DIR-12 with ROC.
17. What is the difference between a Company Secretary and a Chartered Accountant?
CS: Corporate law, compliance, and governance.
CA: Accounts, tax, and audit.
Both supplement each other in corporate management.
18. What are your strengths as a CS professional?
Tip: Mention analytical skills, communication, drafting skills, and attention to detail.
19. What do you know about e-Forms and MCA portal filings?
Answer: The MCA portal (www.mca.gov.in) is employed to file e-Forms like AOC-4, MGT-7, DIR-12, and INC forms. The CS ensures that they are submitted accurately and on time.
20. Where would you like to be in five years’ time?
Tip: Demonstrate career vision.
Example: “Five years from now, I would like to be a certified Company Secretary heading compliance functions in a well-known corporate with ethical and transparent corporate governance.”
Stay informed with the latest amendments to the Companies Act, 2013.
Read official notifications of ICSI on a regular basis.
Update Secretarial Standards (SS-1 & SS-2).
Project positive body language and confidence.
Bring along your resume, ICSI registration document, and academic documents neatly updated.
FAQs on Interview Preparation for Company Secretary
Questions typically range from company law, SEBI rules, board practices, form filing, and compliance work in practice.
Make it short and formal — list your education, areas of interest (such as compliance, corporate law, or governance), and why you want to become a CS.
Take your resume, letter of ICSI registration, mark sheets, identity proof, and internship certificates or recommendation letters if any.
Yes. A CS has to communicate regularly with directors, regulators, and stakeholders. Good writing and oral skills are a must.
Revise major provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, SEBI Rules, Secretarial Guidelines, and recent amendments or case laws. Mock interviews also help to practice.
Conclusion
Passing a CS interview is not all about memorizing sections — it’s about comprehending how a company legally and ethically works.
Your corporate law knowledge, paired with practical acumen and confidence, will make you shine.
Don’t forget, no interview is merely a test, but an exercise to express your passion for governance and compliance — the essence of being a Company Secretary.
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