ICSI CS Executive Exam- Company Secretary professional program

CS Exam Pattern: The CS Executive exam consists of two modules, and each module is further divided into various subjects. The exam pattern is as follows:

a. Module 1: ● Company Law (100 marks) ● Cost and Management Accounting (100 marks) ● Economic and Commercial Laws (100 marks) ● Tax Laws and Practice (100 marks) b. Module 2: ● Company Accounts and Auditing Practices (100 marks) ● Capital Markets and Securities Laws (100 marks) ● Industrial, Labour, and General Laws (100 marks) c. Each subject carries 100 marks, and the duration of each paper is 3 hours.

Syllabus Module 1:

Company Law: ● Introduction and Basic Concepts ● Incorporation and its Consequences ● Membership and Share Capital ● Membership in a Company ● Prospectus and Allotment of Securities ● Contracts and their Impact on Corporate Governance ● Board of Directors and Key Managerial Personnel ● Meetings of the Board and its Powers ● Inspection, Investigation, and Inquiry ● Compromises, Arrangements, and Amalgamations ● Prevention of Oppression and Mismanagement ● Winding Up Cost and Management Accounting: ● Introduction to Cost and Management Accounting ● Material Cost ● Employee Cost and Direct Expenses ● Overheads ● Activity-Based Costing ● Cost Records ● Costing Systems ● Marginal Costing ● Standard Costing and Variance Analysis ● Budget and Budgetary Control ● Ratio Analysis and Cash Flow Statement Economic and Commercial Laws: ● Foreign Exchange Management and Regulation ● Foreign Trade Policy and Procedures ● Competition Law ● Consumer Protection Law ● Intellectual Property Rights ● Law Relating to Arbitration and Conciliation ● Law Relating to Transfer of Property and Easement ● Law Relating to Contracts and Specific Relief ● Law Relating to Sale of Goods and Partnership Tax Laws and Practice: ● Direct Tax Laws ● Indirect Tax Laws ● Goods and Services Tax (GST) ● Customs Law ● Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010

CS Module 2:

Company Accounts and Auditing Practices: ● Statutory Framework for Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements ● Accounting Standards ● Corporate Financial Reporting ● Accounting for Employee Stock Option Plans, Buyback of Securities, and Underwriting ● Redemption of Preference Shares and Debentures ● Advanced Issues in Partnership Accounts ● Amalgamation, Absorption, and Reconstruction of Companies ● Financial Analysis and Interpretation ● Audit and Auditing Concepts ● Internal Control ● Internal Audit Capital Markets and Securities Laws: ● Securities Contracts Regulation Act, 1956 ● Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 ● Depositories Act, 1996 ● Issue and Listing of Securities ● Intermediaries in Securities Market ● Securities Market Instruments ● Debt Market ● Mutual Funds ● Collective Investment Schemes ● Stock Exchanges and Listing Agreement Industrial, Labour, and General Laws: ● Factories Act, 1948 ● Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948 ● Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 ● Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 ● Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 ● Employees' Compensation Act, 1923 ● Minimum Wages Act, 1948 ● Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 ● Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 ● Trade Unions Act, 1926 ● Employment Exchanges (Compulsory Notification of Vacancies) Act, 1959

Study Material

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) provides comprehensive study material for each subject of the CS Executive exam. The study material is designed to cover the entire syllabus and help candidates understand the concepts and prepare effectively for the exam. Here is a brief overview of the study material provided by ICSI: ● Textbooks: ICSI publishes textbooks for each subject of the CS Executive exam. These textbooks cover the theoretical aspects of the subjects in a detailed manner. They provide comprehensive coverage of the topics and include explanations, examples, illustrations, and case studies to enhance understanding. ● Practice Manuals: ICSI also releases practice manuals that accompany the textbooks. These practice manuals contain a variety of practice questions, case studies, and practical exercises. They are designed to help candidates apply the concepts learned and develop problem-solving skills. Practice manuals also include suggested answers and solutions to the practice questions. ● Revision Test Papers (RTPs): ICSI publishes revision test papers that can be used by candidates for self-assessment and revision purposes. RTPs include a compilation of past exam questions, which helps candidates understand the exam pattern and practice answering questions in the required format and time frame. ● Study Material Updates: The syllabus and study material for the CS Executive exam are periodically revised by ICSI to ensure they remain up to date with the changing business and regulatory environment. ICSI releases updates to the study material, if any, to incorporate these changes. It is essential for candidates to stay updated with the latest study material and any revisions made by ICSI. ● Online Learning Resources: ICSI also provides online learning resources, including e-learning modules, video lectures, and webinars, to supplement the study material. These resources can be accessed through the ICSI e-learning portal and offer additional support for candidates in understanding complex topics and clarifying doubts. It is important to note that the study material provided by ICSI is considered the primary source of reference for the CS Executive exam. Candidates are recommended to thoroughly go through the study material, understand the concepts, and practice solving questions from the practice manuals and revision test papers. Additionally, candidates can also refer to other reference books, online resources, and coaching materials to supplement their preparation. To access the official study material for the CS Executive exam, candidates can visit the ICSI website (www.icsi.edu) or refer to the study material provided by the regional offices of ICSI. It is advisable to use the latest edition of the study material and stay updated with any notifications or updates provided by ICSI regarding the study material.

CS Application form Details

To fill the application form for the CS Executive exam in India, you need to follow the guidelines provided by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). Here are the general steps and details required for filling the application form: ● Registration: Before filling the application form, ensure that you have completed the registration process with ICSI. You need to register as a student with ICSI and obtain your unique student registration number. ● Visit the ICSI Website: Go to the official website of ICSI (www.icsi.edu) and navigate to the 'Students' section. ● Exam Registration Portal: Look for the 'Examination' tab or link on the ICSI website. It will redirect you to the online exam registration portal. ● Log in: Log in to the exam registration portal using your student registration number and password. If you are a first-time user, you may need to create an account and generate a password. ● Select Exam Session: Choose the session for which you want to appear for the CS Executive exam (June or December). ● Fill the Application Form: Fill in the required details in the application form. The form will typically ask for the following information: ○ Personal details: Name, date of birth, gender, category, etc. ○ Contact details: Address, email address, phone number, etc. ○ Educational qualification: Details of your academic qualifications. ○ Choice of examination center: Select the preferred examination center from the available options. ● Upload Documents: You may be required to upload scanned copies of certain documents. These may include your photograph, signature, and relevant educational certificates. Follow the specified guidelines for the size, format, and resolution of the documents. ● Pay Examination Fee: The application form will include the examination fee payment process. You can make the payment online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. The fee amount will depend on the number of modules you are appearing for. ● Review and Submit: Once you have filled in all the details and made the payment, review the application form carefully. Ensure that all the information provided is accurate. If required, make any necessary corrections. Finally, submit the application form. ● Acknowledgment: After submitting the form, you will receive an acknowledgment or confirmation message. Save or print this acknowledgment for future reference.

Passing Criteria

The passing criteria for the CS Executive exam in India are as follows: Subject-wise Passing Criteria: ● To pass each subject of the CS Executive exam, candidates must obtain a minimum of 40% marks in that particular subject. In other words, a candidate should score at least 40 marks out of 100 in each subject. Aggregate Passing Criteria: ● In addition to the subject-wise passing criteria, candidates must also achieve an aggregate of 50% marks in all subjects of a particular module. This means that the total marks obtained in all subjects of a module should be at least 50% of the total maximum marks for that module. Exemption in Individual Subjects: ● If a candidate obtains 60% or more marks in any particular subject, they are eligible for an exemption in that subject. Exemptions are valid for the next three consecutive exams. However, it is important to note that exemptions are granted only if the candidate appears in all other remaining subjects of that module and fails to clear the module as a whole. Carry Forward of Marks: ● If a candidate secures 60% or more marks in any subject, the excess marks (above 40%) are eligible for carry forward. These carried forward marks can be added to the subsequent exams within the next three consecutive exams.

Result and Grades:

● The results of the CS Executive exam are declared in the form of grades. The grades awarded are as follows: ● "Pass" if the candidate passes all subjects of a module. ● "Pass with Exemption" if the candidate is exempted in any subject(s) of a module but passes the remaining subjects. ● "Fail" if the candidate does not meet the passing criteria for any subject(s) or fails to obtain the aggregate passing criteria for a module.

Exam Dates and Registration The exam dates and registration process for the CS Executive exam in India are announced by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) through official notifications. Here is some general information about the exam dates and registration process:

Exam Dates:

● The CS Executive exam is conducted twice a year, generally in the months of June and December. ● The exact dates for the exams are typically announced by ICSI well in advance through official notifications. ● It is important to regularly check the official website of ICSI (www.icsi.edu) for the latest updates and notifications regarding the exam dates.

Registration Process:

● Candidates must register with ICSI as students before they can appear for the CS Executive exam. ● The registration process includes submitting the necessary documents, completing the registration form, and paying the registration fees. ● Once registered, candidates will be assigned a unique student registration number. ● Registration for the CS Executive exam is open throughout the year. However, there are specific cut-off dates for each exam session. To register for the CS Executive exam, follow these steps: ● Visit the official website of ICSI (www.icsi.edu). ● Navigate to the 'Students' section. ● Look for the 'Examination' tab or link. ● Select the option for 'CS Executive Exam Registration' or similar. ● Read the instructions and guidelines provided. ● Fill in the required details in the registration form, including personal information, educational qualifications, and contact details. ● Upload the necessary documents, such as photographs and signatures, as per the specified guidelines. ● Pay the registration fees online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. ● After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation message or receipt. ● Save or print the confirmation for future reference.

Professional Training

Professional training is a crucial component of the Company Secretary (CS) course in India. After clearing the CS Executive exam, candidates are required to undergo practical training to gain practical exposure and develop the necessary skills and competencies required to work as a professional Company Secretary. Here is some detailed information about professional training for CS aspirants:

Management Training:

● Duration: Candidates are required to undergo 15 months of Management Training. ● Objectives: The primary objective of management training is to provide candidates with exposure to the practical aspects of management functions, corporate governance, and compliance-related activities. ● Training Entities: Candidates can undergo Management Training in any of the following entities: ● Companies having a paid-up share capital of Rs. 10 crore or more. ● The Secretarial Audit section of a firm of Company Secretaries. ● The Secretarial Department of the Central or State Government, including any PSU (Public Sector Undertaking). ● The Secretarial Department of any statutory or regulatory authority. ● Training Activities: During Management Training, candidates are typically involved in activities such as drafting legal documents, maintaining statutory registers, preparing compliance reports, conducting research, and providing support in secretarial functions.

Professional Training:

● Duration: Candidates are required to undergo 15 months of Professional Training. ● Objectives: The objective of professional training is to provide candidates with exposure to specialized areas of practice and enhance their knowledge and skills in the Company Secretary profession. ● Training Entities: Candidates can undergo Professional Training in any of the following entities: ● A Company Secretary in Practice (Practicing Company Secretary). ● The Secretarial Department of a company with a paid-up share capital of Rs. 5 crore or more. ● The Secretarial Department of the Central or State Government, including any PSU. ● Any other organization recognized by the Council of the Institute. ● Training Activities: During Professional Training, candidates gain practical experience in areas such as compliance, corporate governance, corporate laws, board meetings, legal matters, secretarial audit, and more. They work under the guidance of a practicing Company Secretary or in a relevant organizational setting. It is important to note that the training periods for Management Training and Professional Training can run concurrently or consecutively, as per the candidate's preference and availability of training opportunities. The training period can be extended up to a maximum of 5 years from the date of passing the CS Executive exam. During the training period, candidates are required to maintain a Training Diary and get it certified periodically by the training authority. These diaries are crucial for documenting the practical training activities and serve as evidence of completion of the training. Completing the prescribed training period is mandatory for becoming eligible for the CS Final exam and obtaining the CS membership. Candidates must comply with the training guidelines and requirements specified by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). It is advisable to refer to the official notifications, guidelines, and FAQs provided by ICSI for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding professional training for the CS course. Career Opportunities Upon successfully completing the CS Executive exam and the required professional training, candidates can explore a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors. Here are some potential career paths and job opportunities for Company Secretaries in India:

Corporate Sector:

● Company Secretary: Many companies, both public and private, employ Company Secretaries to ensure compliance with corporate laws and regulations, maintain company records, and handle corporate governance matters. ● Corporate Legal Advisor: Company Secretaries can work as legal advisors, providing expert advice on legal and regulatory matters, contract drafting and negotiation, and ensuring legal compliance. Banking and Financial Institutions: ● Compliance Officer: Company Secretaries play a vital role in banks and financial institutions, ensuring compliance with banking regulations, monitoring internal controls, and managing legal and regulatory risks. ● Risk Management: Company Secretaries can work in risk management roles, identifying and mitigating legal and compliance risks faced by banks and financial institutions. Regulatory Bodies and Government Organizations: ● Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI): Company Secretaries can work with SEBI or other regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with securities laws, handling corporate governance matters, and regulating the capital markets. ● Government Departments: Company Secretaries can find opportunities in government departments, including the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, as well as regulatory bodies such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). Consultancy and Advisory Services: ● Corporate Governance Consultant: Company Secretaries can work as consultants, advising companies on corporate governance practices, compliance requirements, and best practices in corporate management. ● Legal and Compliance Consultant: Company Secretaries can provide consultancy services related to legal and compliance matters to organizations across various sectors. Practicing Company Secretary: ● Company Secretaries can establish their own practice and provide professional services to clients, including secretarial compliance, corporate restructuring, legal advisory, and corporate governance. Academia and Teaching: ● Company Secretaries can pursue careers in academia and teaching, sharing their expertise by becoming faculty members in universities, colleges, and professional institutes offering courses in commerce, law, and management.