Company secretary

What is a Company Secretary (CS)?

A Company Secretary is a key professional in a company who ensures compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements. They play a crucial role in corporate governance, risk management, and administrative functions. CS professionals also act as advisors to the board of directors, ensuring ethical management and adherence to laws.

Educational Eligibility

  • Completion of 10+2 (High School or equivalent) for the Foundation Program.
  • Graduates in any discipline (except fine arts) can directly enroll in the Executive Program, bypassing the Foundation stage.

Handicapped Eligibility

There is no discrimination against handicapped individuals for pursuing the CS course. They may receive additional support or accommodations (like extra exam time) based on their specific needs, as per the guidelines of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).

Admission Process

  1. Register with ICSI for the desired level (Foundation/Executive/Professional).
  2. Submit required documents (academic certificates, ID proof, etc.).
  3. Pay the registration fee online.
  4. Follow the structured course curriculum and pass the examinations at each stage.

Entrance Exam

  • Foundation Program: A basic-level entrance exam for students who have completed 10+2.
  • Subjects include Business Environment, Legal Aptitude, Business Economics, and more.
  • Graduates directly enter the Executive Program without a separate entrance exam.

Colleges and Universities

Company Secretary programs are primarily administered by ICSI, not traditional universities. However, many universities offer integrated courses like B.Com (CS) in partnership with ICSI.

Scholarships

ICSI offers scholarships to eligible students based on:

  • Merit: High academic performance.
  • Need: Financial constraints.
  • Special Categories: Scholarships for handicapped students or wards of martyrs.

Time and Expenses

  • Time:
    • Foundation: 8 months.
    • Executive: 9 months (per module).
    • Professional: 15 months (per module).
  • Expenses:
    • Foundation: ₹4,500 – ₹6,000.
    • Executive: ₹9,000 – ₹12,500.
    • Professional: ₹12,000 – ₹15,000.
    • Including books, training, and exams, the overall cost is around ₹50,000 – ₹70,000.

Average Income

  • Starting Salary: ₹3–6 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum) in private companies.
  • Experienced CS professionals can earn ₹12–20 LPA or more depending on the company and industry.

Growth in Career

CS professionals have vast growth potential, including roles like:

  • Chief Compliance Officer.
  • Legal Advisor.
  • Corporate Planner.
  • Board Secretary.

With experience, they can also join the board of directors.

Specialist Roles

Specialization areas include:

  • Corporate governance.
  • Regulatory compliance.
  • Mergers and acquisitions.
  • Risk management.

Scope in Government and Private Sectors

  • Government: Roles in SEBI, IRDA, public sector undertakings, and regulatory bodies.
  • Private: Opportunities in finance, banking, legal consultancy, and multinational corporations.

Special Eligibility in a Person

  • Strong analytical and communication skills.
  • Knowledge of law, finance, and management.
  • Ethical mindset with attention to detail.

Work Responsibilities

At the workplace, a Company Secretary may:

  • Ensure compliance with corporate laws and regulations.
  • Prepare and file necessary legal documents with regulatory bodies.
  • Organize and manage board meetings.
  • Advise on mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring.
  • Maintain corporate records and handle stakeholder communication.