The CS Executive exam is the second stage of the Company Secretary (CS) course conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). This exam is crucial for those aspiring to become a Company Secretary. Below is a detailed guide covering eligibility, fees, subjects, passing criteria, study tips, and career opportunities after clearing the CS Executive exam under the New Syllabus 2022.
Eligibility for CS Executive Exam
To enroll for the CS Executive exam, candidates must fulfill one of the following criteria:
- CS Foundation/CSEET Pass: Candidates who have cleared the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET).
- Graduates/Postgraduates: Candidates with a degree in any discipline (except Fine Arts) are eligible for direct entry, subject to passing CSEET.
- ICAI/ICMAI Pass: Candidates who have cleared the CA Final or CMA Final examination can directly enroll in CS Executive.
Registration Validity
- CS Executive registration is valid for five years.
- Candidates must revalidate their registration if they do not clear the exam within this period.
CS Executive Exam Fees
The fee structure for the CS Executive exam is as follows:
| Particulars | Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | 14,900 |
| Examination Fee (Per Module) | 1,500 |
| Pre-exam Test Fee | 1,000 |
| Late Fee (if applicable) | 250 |
Note: Fee concessions are available for physically handicapped students and certain reserved categories.
CS Executive Exam Papers (New Syllabus 2022)
The CS Executive Program is divided into two modules, with a total of seven papers. Candidates have the option to appear for both modules in a single sitting or attempt them separately.
Module I
- Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws
- Covers the basic principles of jurisprudence, legal interpretation, and general laws such as the Indian Contract Act, Law of Torts, Sale of Goods Act, Negotiable Instruments Act, etc.
- Company Law & Practice
- Focuses on the Companies Act, 2013, governance practices, corporate formation, and compliance. Topics include incorporation, management, board governance, financial disclosures, and other corporate law aspects.
- Setting Up of Business, Industrial & Labour Laws
- Deals with laws governing the establishment and functioning of businesses in India. This includes Industrial Laws, Labour Laws, Factories Act, Shops and Establishments Act, and other regulatory frameworks for business operations.
- Corporate Accounting & Financial Management
- Covers the fundamentals of corporate accounting, financial statements, and financial management. Topics include cost management, capital budgeting, working capital management, and financial reporting.
- Covers the basic principles of jurisprudence, legal interpretation, and general laws such as the Indian Contract Act, Law of Torts, Sale of Goods Act, Negotiable Instruments Act, etc.
- Focuses on the Companies Act, 2013, governance practices, corporate formation, and compliance. Topics include incorporation, management, board governance, financial disclosures, and other corporate law aspects.
- Deals with laws governing the establishment and functioning of businesses in India. This includes Industrial Laws, Labour Laws, Factories Act, Shops and Establishments Act, and other regulatory frameworks for business operations.
- Covers the fundamentals of corporate accounting, financial statements, and financial management. Topics include cost management, capital budgeting, working capital management, and financial reporting.
Module II
- Capital Market & Securities Laws
- Focuses on the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act, capital market regulations, stock exchanges, securities laws, and the functioning of financial markets in India.
- Economic, Commercial & Intellectual Property Laws
- Covers various aspects of economic law, commercial law, and intellectual property laws (such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights). It also deals with topics like competition law, consumer protection, and international trade.
- Tax Laws and Practice
- Covers direct tax laws (including the Income Tax Act, 1961) and indirect tax laws (including GST). It provides insights into taxation practices, tax planning, and the application of tax laws in corporate settings.
- Focuses on the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act, capital market regulations, stock exchanges, securities laws, and the functioning of financial markets in India.
- Covers various aspects of economic law, commercial law, and intellectual property laws (such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights). It also deals with topics like competition law, consumer protection, and international trade.
- Covers direct tax laws (including the Income Tax Act, 1961) and indirect tax laws (including GST). It provides insights into taxation practices, tax planning, and the application of tax laws in corporate settings.
CS Executive Exam Pattern
The CS Executive Program exam is conducted in an offline mode (pen-and-paper based). Below is the exam pattern:
- Number of Papers: 7 papers (4 in Module I and 3 in Module II)
- Total Marks: 700 marks (minimum 350 required to pass)
- Duration: 3 hours for each paper
Marking Scheme:
- Each paper carries 100 marks.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Mandatory Requirement after registering for CS Executive Level
Aspirants must complete their TDOP (Three Days Orientation Program) after registering for CS Executive Level.
Passing Criteria for CS Executive
To pass the CS Executive exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Score at least 40% marks in each paper.
- Obtain a minimum 50% aggregate marks in all subjects of a module.
- Exemption: If a candidate scores 60% or more in a subject but fails the module, they are exempted from reappearing for that subject in the next attempt.
Conclusion
The CS Executive exam is a crucial milestone in becoming a Company Secretary. By preparing diligently and staying updated with ICSI guidelines, candidates can successfully clear this stage and move closer to a rewarding career in corporate governance and compliance.
Good luck with your CS Executive journey!