The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is the professional body in India that regulates and promotes the profession of Company Secretaries. Here is the full information about the CS course offered by ICSI:
Eligibility: A candidate who has passed 10+2 or equivalent examination is eligible to register for the CS Foundation program. Graduates in any discipline (except Fine Arts) are eligible for the CS Executive program. Postgraduates in any discipline (except Fine Arts) or candidates who have cleared the Final examination of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) or the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) are eligible for the CS Professional program.
Registration: After fulfilling the eligibility criteria, candidates need to register themselves with ICSI. The registration process can be done online on the ICSI website.
Examination: The CS course is divided into three stages- Foundation, Executive, and Professional. Each stage has a separate examination. The CS Foundation program has four papers, the CS Executive program has eight papers divided into two modules, and the CS Professional program has nine papers divided into three modules.
Training: After passing the Executive program, candidates need to undergo 15 months of practical training, which includes training in a company, under a company secretary in practice, or in a government department. After completing the training, candidates need to submit a training completion certificate to ICSI.
Membership: After passing the Professional program, candidates are eligible to become a member of ICSI. They need to apply for membership and pay the prescribed fee.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Members of ICSI need to undertake ongoing professional development courses to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date. This is mandatory for maintaining the membership of ICSI.
Overall, the CS course offered by ICSI is a comprehensive program that covers various aspects of corporate law, governance, and management. It provides a platform for aspirants to pursue a career as a company secretary and contribute to the growth of the corporate sector in India.