Company Secretaries: Shaping Corporate Governance in India Inc.

The changing paradigm of Corporate Governance demands that businesses adopt policies and frameworks that integrate sustainability into corporate strategies and decision making.

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This heightened focus, alongside new laws and regulations, is driving greater transparency and accountability, and has significantly made Company Secretaries the most sought-after professionals today. With a strong foundation in corporate law, coupled with excellent communication and analytical skills, Company Secretaries can interpret statutes better and are aware of the social and environmental issues. As a key player in the corporate world, Company Secretaries have been able to carve out a niche for themselves in ensuring accurate and comprehensive reporting practices.

As the only professional body in the country that regulates and develops the profession of Company Secretaries, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, is diligently shaping the country's corporate governance framework. A comprehensive syllabus and a rigorous examination pattern, define the ICSI's robust educational system that nurtures these high calibre professionals desired by the industry.

To register in the Company Secretary Course, students need to qualify the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET). Students from any stream can enrol in CSEET, after which they can enrol in the Executive Programme. Graduates, however, can directly join the Executive Programme, which covers subjects such as company law, secretarial practice, financial management, and taxation, providing a solid foundation in corporate governance.

CSEET is a computer-based test and is held 4 times a year in remote proctored mode. However, CS Executive and CS Professional Examinations are held twice a year in June and December at around 200 examination centres across the length and breadth of the country and at ICSI Overseas Centre in Dubai.