'Absolutely against private coaching'

Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) president CS Dhananjay Shukla, spoke to Aeshwarya Tiwari about CS placements, technology, scholarships, internships, doctoral programmes and more. Edited excerpts from the conversation:

- Aeshwarya Tiwari

Q. Why should one become a company secretary?

A. In the evolving landscape of regulatory frameworks, company secretaries are being perceived as one of the most competent professionals across boardrooms. They have acquired the ability to navigate boards in terms of evolving trends in board functioning, regulatory frameworks, and, more importantly, the advent of the ESG framework. Over time, our role has evolved into an advisory role.

If a board is entering into any related party transaction, CS professionals are responsible for guiding them. The Companies Act, 2013, states that a company secretary shall report to the board of directors about the status of compliance with the Companies Act and all other applicable laws.

If I take the example of Haryana, setting up even a small company, particularly in the manufacturing sector, requires compliance with at least 48 laws. In today's world, the importance of a CS is that of a corporate strategist - guiding corporations through the evolving legal framework.

Q. Your CS evaluations are very tough, with the assessments requiring multiple attempts to clear the examination.

A. In my opinion, the Company Secretary Course syllabus is highly sophisticated. If a student is focused, he/she will be able to clear all examinations in one attempt. Company Secretary Executive Entrance Tests (CSEET) are held four times a year. CS Executive and CS Professional Programme Examinations are held twice a year, in June and December.

This apart, students need to undergo a mandatory 21-month practical training under a practising company secretary or a company registered with the ICSI. In total, it takes approximately three-and-a-half years to complete the CS qualification and apply for membership. Having said that, students who have taken multiple attempts are also successfully placed.

Q. Any advice to students?