The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) conducts the Company Secretary (CS) exams, a rigorous yet rewarding journey that leads to a prestigious career in corporate governance and legal compliance. This blog post provides a comprehensive guide to the exam patterns, offering valuable insights and preparation strategies to help you succeed. We'll keep December 2026, June 2027, and the sessions that follow in mind as we explore the nuances of each level.
Preparing for CS exams? Practise with our CS Executive test series or CS Professional test series, designed as per the latest ICSI pattern.
Know the syllabus? Now test it the way the exam will.
ICSI-pattern papers for every chapter, checked with marks and remarks.
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CSEET Exam
It is the entrance exam for Company Secretary course which has the following details as mentioned below:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Mode of Exam | Online Proctored Examination |
Duration of exam | 2 Hours |
Language | English |
Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Total Marks | 200 |
Number of subjects | Four |
Frequency of Exam | Three times a year |
Conducting Body | The Institute Of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) |
Level of Exam | National level |
Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate |
Papers | Business Communication, Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning, Economic and Business Environment, Current Affairs & Quantitative Aptitude |
CS Executive Exam
The CS Executive exam is divided into two modules, each containing distinct subjects designed to build a comprehensive understanding of corporate law and practice.
| - | Subject | Marks | Key Areas of Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
Module 1 |
| 100 | Understanding legal principles, interpretation techniques, and key general laws. |
- | 2. Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws | 100 | In-depth knowledge of the Companies Act, 2013 and practical aspects of company management. |
- | 3. Setting Up of Business, Industrial & Labour Laws | 100 | Procedures for setting up businesses, understanding industrial and labour laws. |
- | 4. Corporate Accounting and Financial Management | 100 | Accounting standards, financial statement analysis, and financial management techniques. |
Module 2 | 5. Capital Market & Securities Laws | 100 | Regulations governing capital markets, securities laws, and the role of regulatory bodies like SEBI. |
- | 6. Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Laws | 100 | Understanding economic laws, commercial laws, and the protection of intellectual property rights. |
- | 7. Tax Laws & Practice | 100 | Direct and indirect tax laws, tax planning, and compliance requirements |
Passing Criteria
To successfully navigate the CS Executive exam in December 2026, June 2027, or beyond, you must pass both modules/groups. The criteria for passing is:
● A minimum of 40% marks in each paper.
● An aggregate of 50% marks across all papers in each module.
Exam Structure:
The CS Professional exam is divided into three modules, with each module containing multiple subjects.
| Module | Subject |
|---|---|
I | Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) - Principles and Practice |
II | Strategic Management and Corporate Finance |
I | Drafting, Pleadings, and Appearances |
II | Corporate Restructuring, Valuation, and Insolvency |
I | Compliance Management, Audit, and Due Diligence |
II | Elective (one out of 5 subjects) |
I | Elective (one out of 4 subjects) |
II | Resolution of Corporate Disputes, Non–Compliances, and Remedies |
III | Any 1 subject out of 5 (open book exam) |
Elective Subjects (Illustrative - Subject to ICSI Updates)
● Module II Electives
○ Banking Law and Practice
○ Insurance Law and Practice
○ Intellectual Property Rights: Law and Practice
○ Forensic Audit and Fraud Detection
○ Direct Tax Law and Practice
● Module I Electives
○ Labour Laws and Practice
○ Advanced Tax Laws and Practice
○ Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016
○ Capital, Commodity and Money Market
CS Professional Exam Form: Application Process
The ICSI is expected to open the CS Professional June 2027 exam form window in the last week of February 2027.
Here is the step-by-step process to apply for the CS Professional Exam:
1. Visit the official smash portal of ICSI (smash.icsi.edu).
2. Enter your login details such as CS Professional registration number and password.
3. Select the Module option on the menu bar and click on “Enrolment”. Then select ‘Examination Enrolment Request’.
4. Add the required information and click on the option of ‘Add Enrolment Request’.
5. Submit details such as level of exam, country, medium of language, modules to be applied for and related details.
6. Verify your CS Professional 2027 enrollment details on the next page.
7. Review your CS Professional exam application form and click on ‘Confirm Application’.
8. Choose your mode of payment and proceed to make payment of the exam fee.
9. Once done, a fee receipt is instantly generated. Save and keep a copy for reference.
Prerequisites for Application
Before filling out the registration form, candidates should keep a soft copy of the following documents ready:
● Photograph of the candidate
● Signature of candidate
● DOB certificate
● Admit Card of Class 12
● Pass Certificate/ Mark sheet of Class 12
● Category Fee
● Identity Proof
Important Instructions
● Select your examination center, the combination of module, and medium of examination carefully.
● Retain a copy of the receipt for the examination fee generated online at the time of enrollment fee payment.
● Check your transaction status after paying the fee; in case of a failed transaction, re-submit the enrollment form again.
● If the enrollment fee amount is deducted from your bank account or credit/debit card and the acknowledgement slip is not generated, contact your bank.
● In case of payment of the examination fee through Canara Bank Challan, deposit the cash in the bank within the scheduled date.
The application fee for the CS Professional exam is INR 1800 per module. A late fee of INR 250 will be charged for applications submitted after the deadline.
Preparation Strategies for Success (December 2026, June 2027 and Beyond):
1. Begin by meticulously reviewing the official ICSI syllabus for each subject. Identify key topics, weightage, and areas requiring more focus.
2. Create a realistic and consistent study schedule. Allocate sufficient time for each subject based on its complexity and your familiarity with the topic.
3. Solve past question papers, mock tests, and case studies to get familiar with the exam pattern and improve your problem-solving skills.
4. Develop a habit of taking concise and organized notes during your studies.
5. Practice time management techniques to ensure you can complete the exam within the stipulated time.
6. Get adequate sleep, eat nutritious food, and exercise regularly to maintain your physical and mental well-being.
Key Resources
● ICSI Website: The official ICSI website (https://www.icsi.edu/ is your primary resource for all official announcements, syllabus updates, exam schedules, and other important information.
● Study Materials: Utilize the official study materials provided by the ICSI. Supplement these with reference books and online resources as needed.
● Coaching Classes: Consider joining coaching classes if you need additional guidance or support. Choose a reputable coaching center with experienced faculty.
By understanding the exam patterns, the application process, adopting effective preparation strategies, and staying focused on your goals, you can confidently navigate the ICSI CS exams and embark on a successful career as a Company Secretary.
Remember to stay updated with the latest announcements from the ICSI, especially as the December 2026 and June 2027 exam cycles approach. Good luck!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.What is the exam pattern for the ICSI CS Exam?
The ICSI CS Exam will consist of multiple-choice questions, descriptive questions, and case studies.The exam will be divided into two sessions, with each session covering different subjects relevant to the CS curriculum.
Q2.How is the marking system structured for the ICSI CS Exam?
The marking system for the ICSI CS Exam includes a combination of marks for correct answers and negative marking for incorrect answers in multiple-choice questions.Descriptive answers will be evaluated based on content, clarity, and adherence to the marking guidelines.
Q3.When are the ICSI CS Exams scheduled for December 2026 and June 2027?
The December 2026 session runs from 21 to 28 December 2026 as per ICSI's time table, with papers from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm including 15 minutes of reading time. The June 2027 session follows in June 2027. Confirm your own paper-wise dates on the official ICSI website and on your admit card.
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