Company Secretary (CS): PROFESSIONAL

The Professional Programme of the Company Secretary (CS) course offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is the final stage in the journey to becoming a qualified Company Secretary. Here are the details of the CS Professional Programme:

1. Eligibility:

• Completion of the Executive Programme of the Company Secretary course conducted by ICSI.

2. Registration:

• Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can register for the CS Professional Programme.
• Registration for the Professional Programme is open throughout the year. However, there are specific examination cycles.

3. Syllabus:

• The CS Professional Programme consists of three modules.
• Module 1:
  • Paper 1: Governance, Risk Management, Compliances and Ethics
  • Paper 2: Advanced Tax Laws and Practice
• Module 2:
  • Paper 3: Drafting, Pleadings, and Appearances
  • Paper 4: Corporate Restructuring, Insolvency, Liquidation, and Winding-up
• Module 3:
  • Paper 5: Resolution of Corporate Disputes, Non-Compliances, and Remedies
  • Paper 6: Corporate Funding and Listings in Stock Exchanges
• The syllabus covers advanced topics in governance, risk management, ethics, tax laws, corporate law, drafting legal documents, corporate restructuring, insolvency, liquidation, dispute resolution, corporate funding, and stock exchange listings.

4. Examination Pattern:

• The CS Professional examination is conducted twice a year, usually in June and December.
• Each paper is of 100 marks and is conducted in English medium.
• The examination is conducted in offline (pen and paper) mode.
• Candidates must score a minimum of 40% marks in each paper and an aggregate of 50% marks in all papers to pass the examination.

5. Exemption:

• Candidates who have completed specific post-graduation degrees or professional qualifications may be eligible for exemptions from appearing in some subjects of the CS Professional Programme.

6. Registration Fee:

• The registration fee for the CS Professional Programme varies depending on the student's location and other factors. It includes registration fees, subscription fees, and examination fees.

7. Career Path:

• After successfully clearing the CS Professional examination and fulfilling the required practical training, candidates become eligible for membership of the ICSI.
• Company Secretaries can pursue various career paths in corporate governance, compliance, legal advisory, corporate law, taxation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, insolvency, and dispute resolution.
• They can work in public and private sector companies, law firms, consultancy firms, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and government agencies.

The CS Professional Programme equips candidates with advanced knowledge and skills required to perform the role of a Company Secretary effectively in today's corporate environment.