In this post, we are going to talk about the Company Secretary Course. Here you will get all the Company secretary course details like What is Company secretary, Who is Company Secretary, Salary, the Company secretary course syllabus, Job and all other facts in India.
In the dynamic realm of corporate affairs, the role of a Company Secretary (CS) stands as a pillar of governance and compliance. These professionals are entrusted with safeguarding the legal and regulatory interests of companies, ensuring adherence to corporate laws and ethical practices. Embarking on a career as a CS opens doors to a rewarding and multifaceted professional journey.
Company Secretary Course details
Here are the Company secretary course details:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Course Name | Company Secretary Course |
| Offered by | Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) |
| Purpose | To equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to excel as a Company Secretary (CS) |
| Eligibility | Foundation Level: 12th standard examination from any recognized board or institution in any stream, except fine arts. Executive Level: Successful completion of the foundation level or a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Professional Level: Passed the executive level. |
| Duration | Foundation Level: 8 months Executive Level: 9 months Professional Level: 15 months |
| Subjects Covered | Company Law, Secretarial Practice, Securities Law, Tax Laws, Corporate Governance, Management Accounting and Financial Management, Business Laws, Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances, Secretarial Audit, Corporate Restructuring |
| Career Opportunities | Company Secretary, Legal Advisor, Compliance Manager, Corporate Governance Consultant, Secretarial Auditor, Director |
| Salary Range | Starting salaries: ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 50,000 per month |
| Benefits | Lucrative career opportunities, diverse industry exposure, intellectual stimulation, prestigious designation, ethical and legal contribution |
| Application Process | Online registration through the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) Website |
The Company Secretary course is a comprehensive professional program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to excel as a CS. It is offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), the statutory body regulating the profession in India. The course structure is meticulously designed to provide a thorough understanding of corporate laws, regulations, and practices, enabling CS professionals to confidently navigate the complexities of the corporate world.
Who is a Company Secretary
Here are the Company secretary course details about who is a Company Secretary.
A Company Secretary (CS) is a senior position in the corporate governance of organizations, playing a crucial role in ensuring adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements. They serve as a guardian of compliance, a facilitator of communication between the board of directors and other stakeholders, and a custodian of corporate records.
Company Secretary course details: Key Responsibilities
- Compliance Management: Ensures the company complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards.
- Board Support: Provides administrative and procedural support to the board of directors, including organizing meetings, preparing agendas, and drafting minutes.
- Legal Advice: Advises the board and management on legal matters, including corporate law, securities law, and contract law.
- Shareholder Management: Manages shareholder records, communicates with shareholders, and organizes shareholder meetings.
- Corporate Records Management: Maintains and safeguards corporate records, including statutory registers, meeting minutes, and resolutions.
- Corporate Governance: Implements and oversees corporate governance policies and practices.
- Reporting and Disclosure: Prepares and reviews statutory filings, financial reports, and disclosures to regulatory bodies.
- Risk Management: Assesses and manages corporate risks, including legal, regulatory, and financial risks.
What is the role of the Company secretary?
Below we have discussed the role of the Company Secretary:
Company Secretary is such a job profile in which you have to do various tasks to meet the needs of the company. A company secretary is the legal face of the company. The job of a company secretary is to monitor the legal matters of the company, provide assistance to the board of directors, explain the interests of the company to the opposing party, and ensure that the directors of the company stay within the ambit of the law, and also see whether the company is paying dividends to its shareholders or not.
Imperative Planning: Strategy making is a critical task for any organization, strategy is a framework to achieve its goal. A company needs to meet its goals, financial reporting, demands from shareholders, investments, etc. Therefore, strategic planning becomes very important. To complete this task, the company secretary is appointed, the job of the company secretary is to make such a strategy so that the company’s goal can be achieved and the company can be motivated.
Research work: Research is a very important task to improve any field and any skill, through research we find new ways and practice them. Research is a technique through which awareness can be spread and skills can be improved, through this it is ensured that the work being done can be done even better with the changing times. And the job of the company secretary is to research different types, find new ways, after analyzing the market because it motivates the staff and also to do good work.
Communication with stakeholders: The Company Secretary is a unique interface between the Board and the Management and a very important link between the Board and the business. Through this, they communicate the board’s expectations and values to the management. Another important function of a Company Secretary is to communicate with external stakeholders such as investors. It is the job of the company secretary to work closely with the chairman and the board to maintain a good and effective relationship with the shareholders.
Reporting: To improve an organization, they must analyze their past performance and interpret it so that the current performance can be improved even more and reporting helps in doing so. By reporting continuously throughout the financial year, one is aware of the market and also knows what is going on in a similar industry. Reporting helps companies, governments and corporations make the right decisions. So it is also the job of a company secretary from time to time, she/he keeps making reports about the market, business performance, new laws etc. and communicates it to the organization.
Trend Exploration: Trend exploration is very important for an organization, it helps the business to become even better and improve. Trend exploration yields very valuable information that helps an organization in decision-making. Trend exploration helps an organization to know what is increasing interest among the people in the market, and what people like so that the business can be improved accordingly. It is the job of the company secretary that he should be up to date with what is going on in the market so that he can help the organization in making strategy.
Also read: CA course details after 12th
Company Secretary Course details: Eligibility
Here are the Company Secretary Course details about the eligibility
Foundation Level:
- Must have passed the 12th standard examination from any recognized board or institution in any stream, except fine arts.
- Must have obtained at least 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination.
Executive Level:
- Must have completed the foundation level or hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- Must have obtained at least 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination.
Professional Level:
- Must have passed the executive level.
- Must have completed 15 months of practical training.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must be above 17 years of age at the time of registration.
- Must have a good moral character and should not have been convicted of any criminal offence.
Key Responsibilities: Exemptions
Certain exemptions are available for candidates with specific qualifications. For instance, graduates of Chartered Accountancy (CA) or Cost and Works Accountancy (CWA) courses are not required to register for the foundation level.
It is essential to note that the eligibility criteria may be subject to change, and it is advisable to check the latest guidelines from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) before applying.
Company Secretary Course duration
The Company Secretary course duration depends on the level at which you enter the program and the pace at which you proceed. In general, there are three stages to becoming a Company Secretary:
- Foundation Program: This is the entry-level stage. The duration is around 8 months.
- Executive Program: After completing the Foundation Program or holding a relevant degree, you can directly enter the Executive Program. The duration is approximately 9 months.
- Professional Program: Once you pass the Executive Program, you can enrol in the Professional Program. The duration is about 10-12 months.
This timeline is an estimate and may vary depending on the frequency of exams, the time taken for preparation, and the policies of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), which is the regulatory body governing CS courses in India.
Additionally, to become a Company Secretary, you must complete practical training and undergo the necessary modules, including computer training programs and a management skills orientation program. The duration of practical training typically lasts 15 months and can commence after passing the Executive or Professional Program.
Overall, the entire CS course duration, including all three levels and practical training, can take around 3 to 4 years to complete. However, the exact timeline can vary based on individual circumstances and the ability to clear exams on the first attempt.
Company secretary course details: fees
Here are the company secretary course details regarding fees.
The fees for the Company Secretary (CS) course in India vary depending on the course level. Here is a breakdown of the fees for each level:
- Foundation Level: ₹ 4,500
- Executive Level: ₹ 7,000
- Professional Level: ₹ 12,000
In addition to the tuition fees, there are also other costs to consider, such as registration fees, examination fees, and study materials. The total cost of the CS course in India can range from ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 45,000.
Here is a table summarizing the fees for the CS course in India:
| Level | Tuition Fees | Total Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Level | ₹ 4,500 | ₹ 5,500 |
| Executive Level | ₹ 7,000 | ₹ 8,000 |
| Professional Level | ₹ 12,000 | ₹ 13,000 |
Additional Costs:
- Registration Fees: ₹ 1,000
- Examination Fees: ₹ 2,000
- Study Materials: ₹ 5,000 – ₹ 10,000
Total Cost:
The total cost of the CS course in India can range from ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 45,000, including tuition fees, registration fees, examination fees, and study materials.
Financial Assistance:
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) offers various financial assistance schemes to help students with the cost of the CS course. These schemes include scholarships, loans, and fee waivers.
Company secretary Course details: syllabus
Here are the Company secretary course details about the syllabus:
Foundation Program
- Business Communication and English
- Basic Economics and Business Environment
- Financial Accounting
- Elements of Business Laws and Management
- Information System and Quantitative Techniques
Executive Program
- General and Commercial Laws
- Company Accounts, Cost and Management Accounting
- Tax Laws
- Company Law
- Economics and Labour Laws
- Securities Laws and Compliance
Professional Program
- Company Secretarial practice
- Appearances, Drafting and Pleadings
- Treasury, Financial and Forex Management
- Insolvency and Corporate Restructuring
- Alliances, Strategic Management and International Trade
- Advanced Tax Laws and Practice
- Due Diligence and Corporate Compliance Management
- Business Ethics, Governance and Sustainability
Company Secretary course details: Employment Area
Here are the Company secretary course details: Employment area
Company Secretaries (CS) are highly sought-after professionals across various industries, offering a diverse range of employment opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of the key employment areas for CS professionals:
1. Public and Private Companies:
CS professionals play a crucial role in the governance of public and private companies, ensuring compliance with corporate laws and regulations. They serve as advisors to the board of directors, manage shareholder affairs, and handle legal and secretarial matters.
2. Government Organizations:
Government ministries, departments, and regulatory bodies require the expertise of CS professionals to manage their legal and compliance obligations. They handle drafting of contracts, tenders, and other legal documents, ensuring adherence to government regulations.
3. Consulting Firms:
CS professionals with their expertise in corporate law, governance, and regulatory compliance are in high demand at consulting firms. They provide expert advice to clients on corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, and compliance issues.
4. Law Firms:
Law firms with a focus on corporate law and securities law often employ CS professionals. They assist lawyers in drafting legal documents, conducting research, and providing legal guidance on corporate matters.
5. Financial Institutions:
Financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, and investment firms, require CS professionals to manage their legal and compliance requirements. They handle drafting of financial contracts, managing regulatory filings, and ensuring adherence to financial regulations.
6. Educational Institutions:
Educational institutions, particularly business schools and management institutes, often hire CS professionals as faculty members or guest lecturers. They share their knowledge of corporate law, governance, and compliance with students.
7. Independent Practice:
Experienced CS professionals can opt for independent practice, offering their services to a variety of clients on a contract basis. They may provide legal advice, handle corporate filings, and conduct compliance audits.
8. Research and Development:
CS professionals with a strong research background can contribute to the field of corporate law and governance by conducting research, writing articles, and presenting at conferences. They may work in academic institutions, research organizations, or think tanks.
9. International Organizations:
International organizations involved in trade, finance, and development often require the expertise of CS professionals with a global perspective. They may handle legal affairs, manage compliance with international regulations, and provide advice on cross-border transactions.
10. Entrepreneurship:
CS professionals with entrepreneurial aspirations can start their ventures, by providing consulting services, training programs, or software solutions related to corporate law, governance, and compliance.
These employment areas represent a broad spectrum of opportunities for CS professionals, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in diverse settings and contribute to the corporate world in various ways.
Company secretary salary in India
Here are the details of the Company secretary salary in India.
Company Secretaries (CS) in India command attractive salaries commensurate with their experience, qualifications, and the complexity of their roles. The average annual salary for a CS in India is around ₹8,36,348, with a range from ₹2,70,000 to ₹15,00,000.
Factors Influencing Company Secretary Salary in India:
- Experience: The most significant factor influencing CS salaries is experience. As CS professionals gain more experience, their expertise and value to organizations increase, leading to higher salaries.
- Qualifications: CS professionals with additional qualifications, such as a Chartered Accountancy (CA) or Cost and Works Accountancy (CWA) designation, command higher salaries due to their broader knowledge and expertise.
- Industry: The industry in which a CS works can also impact their salary. CS professionals working in industries with higher profit margins or greater regulatory compliance requirements typically earn higher salaries than those in less demanding industries.
- Location: Location plays a role in CS salaries, with professionals in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru typically earning more than those in smaller cities or towns.
- Job Title and Responsibilities: The specific job title and responsibilities of a CS also influence their salary. CS professionals in senior positions or those with specialized responsibilities, such as mergers and acquisitions or compliance audits, command higher salaries than those in entry-level or less specialized roles.
Company Secretary Salary in India: Starting Salaries
Starting salaries for CS professionals in India typically range from ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 per month. Fresh graduates with the CS qualification may start at the lower end of this range, while those with prior experience or additional qualifications may command higher starting salaries.
Company Secretary Salary in India: Salary Progression
With experience and professional development, CS professionals can progress to senior positions and command significantly higher salaries. Salaries for experienced CS professionals can reach ₹10 lakhs per annum or more.
Additional Compensation:
Apart from base salaries, CS professionals may also receive performance bonuses, allowances, and other benefits, such as medical insurance, travel allowances, and professional development opportunities.
FAQ on Company secretary course details
Question 1. What is a Company Secretary course?
Answer: A Company Secretary (CS) is a professional who plays a crucial role in the corporate governance of companies, ensuring compliance with corporate laws, regulations, and ethical practices. They serve as advisors to the board of directors, manage shareholder affairs, and handle legal and secretarial matters.
Question 2. Who should pursue the Company Secretary course?
Answer: The Company Secretary course is suitable for individuals who are interested in a career in corporate governance and have a strong aptitude for legal and administrative matters. It is also a good option for individuals who are already working in corporate or legal roles and want to enhance their skills and career prospects.
Question 3. What are the eligibility criteria for the Company Secretary course?
Answer: The eligibility criteria for the Company Secretary course vary depending on the level of the course. For the foundation level, candidates must have passed the 12th standard examination from any recognized board or institution in any stream, except fine arts. For the executive level, candidates must have completed the foundation level or hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. To pursue the professional level, candidates must have passed the executive level.
Question 4. What is the duration of the Company Secretary course?
Answer: The Company Secretary course is structured into three levels: foundation, executive, and professional. The duration of each level is as follows:
- Foundation Level: 8 months
- Executive Level: 9 months
- Professional Level: 15 months
Question 5. What are the key subjects covered in the Company Secretary course?
Answer: The Company Secretary course encompasses a wide spectrum of subjects, including:
- Company Law
- Secretarial Practice
- Securities Law
- Tax Laws
- Corporate Governance
- Management Accounting and Financial Management
- Business Laws
- Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances
- Secretarial Audit
- Corporate Restructuring
Question 6. What are the career opportunities for Company Secretaries?
Answer: Company Secretaries are highly sought-after professionals across industries, including public and private companies, government organizations, consulting firms, and law firms. They play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with corporate laws, regulations, and ethical practices. Some of the key job roles for CS professionals include:
- Company Secretary
- Legal Advisor
- Compliance Manager
- Corporate Governance Consultant
- Secretarial Auditor
- Director
Question 7. What is the Company Secretary Salary in India?
Answer: Company Secretaries command attractive salaries in the corporate world. Their compensation packages are commensurate with their experience, qualifications, and the complexity of their roles. Starting salaries for CS professionals typically range from ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 50,000 per month. With experience and expertise, CS professionals can advance to senior positions, commanding salaries above ₹ 10 lakhs per annum.
Question 8. What are the benefits of pursuing the Company Secretary course?
Answer: The Company Secretary course offers a multitude of benefits, including:
- Lucrative career opportunities with high earning potential
- Exposure to diverse industries and corporate environments
- Intellectual stimulation and continuous learning opportunities
- Prestigious professional designation and recognition
- Contribution to the ethical and legal integrity of the corporate world
Question 9. How can I apply for the Company Secretary course?
Answer: To apply for the Company Secretary course, candidates must register with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). The registration process is online and requires candidates to provide personal information, educational qualifications, and supporting documents.
Question 10. What is the future of the Company Secretary profession?
Answer: The role of Company Secretaries is expected to continue to grow in importance as corporate governance and compliance requirements become increasingly complex. CS professionals are well-positioned to play a critical role in ensuring that companies adhere to these requirements and maintain high standards of ethical conduct.
