The Company Secretary (CS) exam, conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), is one of the most prestigious professional qualifications for individuals looking to build a career in corporate law, governance, and compliance. Understanding the CS exam format is essential for strategic preparation and success.
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CS Exam Format – Understanding the Three Levels
The CS exam consists of three levels, each designed to assess different levels of expertise in company law, taxation, and business governance.
1️⃣ CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) – First Level
The CSEET exam is the entry-level test for students who wish to pursue Company Secretaryship. It evaluates basic knowledge in business, law, and communication skills.
Exam Details:
- Number of Papers: 4
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Exam Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) + Viva Voce (Presentation & Communication Skills)
- Duration: 120 minutes for MCQs + 15 minutes for Viva Voce
- Passing Criteria: Minimum 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate
Subjects Covered:
✔ Business Communication
✔ Legal Aptitude & Logical Reasoning
✔ Economic & Business Environment
✔ Current Affairs & Presentation Skills
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2️⃣ CS Executive – Second Level
After clearing CSEET, candidates move to the CS Executive level, which covers core corporate laws, taxation, and compliance topics.
Exam Details:
- Number of Papers: 8 (Divided into 2 Modules)
- Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)
- Exam Type: Descriptive + MCQs
- Duration: 3 hours per paper
- Passing Criteria: Minimum 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate
Subjects Covered (Module 1 & 2):
✔ Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws
✔ Company Law
✔ Setting up of Business Entities & Closure
✔ Tax Laws
✔ Corporate & Management Accounting
✔ Securities Laws & Capital Markets
✔ Economic, Business & Commercial Laws
✔ Financial & Strategic Management
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3️⃣ CS Professional – Final Level
The CS Professional level is the final stage, focusing on advanced company law, governance, and strategic management.
Exam Details:
- Number of Papers: 9 (Divided into 3 Modules)
- Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)
- Exam Type: Descriptive + Case Study Based
- Duration: 3 hours per paper
- Passing Criteria: Minimum 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate
Subjects Covered:
✔ Governance, Risk Management, Compliance & Ethics
✔ Advanced Tax Laws
✔ Drafting, Pleadings & Appearances
✔ Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management & Due Diligence
✔ Corporate Restructuring, Insolvency & Valuation
✔ Resolution of Corporate Disputes
✔ Multidisciplinary Case Studies
✔ Elective Papers (Choose from Banking, Insurance, IPR, and more)
