The Company Secretary (CS) course is a professional program offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). It is designed to train individuals to become proficient in corporate governance, corporate laws, compliance, and secretarial practices. The CS course equips candidates with the knowledge and skills required to efficiently manage the legal and regulatory framework of companies and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Here's an overview of the Company Secretary course:
- Foundation Program: The CS course begins with the Foundation Program, which is open to candidates who have completed their Class 12 examinations. The Foundation Program consists of four papers covering topics such as Business Environment and Law, Business Management, Ethics, and Entrepreneurship, Business Economics, and Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing.
- Executive Program: After clearing the Foundation Program or graduating from a recognized university, candidates can enroll in the Executive Program. The Executive Program consists of two modules, each comprising four papers. The subjects covered in the Executive Program include Company Law, Cost and Management Accounting, Tax Laws and Practice, Economic and Commercial Laws, Company Accounts and Auditing Practices, Capital Markets and Securities Laws, Industrial, Labor, and General Laws, and Financial and Strategic Management.
- Professional Program: Upon completing the Executive Program and undergoing certain specified training requirements, candidates can register for the Professional Program. The Professional Program consists of three modules, each comprising three papers. The subjects covered in the Professional Program include Advanced Company Law and Practice, Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management, and Due Diligence, Corporate Restructuring, Valuation, and Insolvency, Information Technology and Systems Audit, Financial, Treasury, and Forex Management, Ethics, Governance, and Sustainability, Advanced Tax Laws and Practice, Drafting, Appearances, and Pleadings, and Elective Subjects.
- Practical Training: After passing the Executive or Professional Program examinations, candidates are required to undergo practical training for a specified period under the guidance of a Company Secretary in practice or in a company recognized by the ICSI. The practical training provides hands-on experience in company law compliance, secretarial practices, corporate governance, and related areas.
- Final Examination: Upon completion of the practical training and fulfilling other specified requirements, candidates can appear for the Final Examination conducted by the ICSI. The Final Examination consists of nine papers, divided into three modules, covering advanced topics in corporate laws, secretarial practices, governance, and allied areas.
- Membership: After passing the Final Examination, completing the practical training, and fulfilling other specified requirements, candidates can become Associate Members of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and use the designation of Company Secretary (CS).
The Company Secretary course prepares individuals for career opportunities in corporate governance, compliance, secretarial practices, legal advisory, and corporate management roles in various sectors, including corporate entities, government organizations, financial institutions, and consultancy firms.