Embarking on a company secretary course after 12th is a smart career move for commerce students and anyone interested in corporate law, governance, and compliance. In this guide, you’ll discover what is company secretary course after 12th, how to pursue company secretary course after 12th, fees, duration, subjects, and career scope after completing the CS course in India.
What Is a Company Secretary Course After 12th?
A company secretary (CS) is a key corporate officer responsible for legal compliance, board support, shareholder communications, and governance. The CS course after 12th is a structured path recognized by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), designed for those beginning from 12th-grade onward.
Must Read : Best College for Company Secretary in India
Can We Do Company Secretary Course After 12th?
Absolutely! The CS Foundation route is open to students immediately after completing 12th (10+2). Here’s what you need to know:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 in any stream (commerce preferred but not mandatory) |
| Minimum Marks | No specific cutoff; a pass in 12th suffices |
| Age Limit | No upper or lower age limit |
The aspirant only needs to register for the CS Foundation, allowing even arts and science students to enroll.
How to Pursue and Apply for Company Secretary Course After 12th
Follow this step-by-step:
Register with ICSI:
Visit the ICSI official website and fill out the CS Foundation registration form.
Pay the Foundation/course fees via online gateway.
Receive Study Material:
ICSI provides digital and physical modules. You can also buy supplementary books.
Attend Classes:
Options include classroom coaching or online CS course after 12th.
Search “company secretary coaching classes near me.”
Appear for Foundation Exam:
Held twice annually (June and December).
Four subjects: English, Business Economics, Business Law, and Business Management.
Progress to Executive & Professional Levels:
Upon clearing Foundation, move to CS Executive, then CS Professional.
Practical Training:
Mandatory practical training for 15-21 months during Executive & Professional stages.
Final Certification:
Clear Professional level and training to earn the CS designation.
Company Secretary Course Details After 12th
A. Course Duration
Foundation stage: 8 months from registration.
Executive + Professional: approximately 2–3 years in total.
Overall: 3–4 years depending on attempt success and training duration.
B. Course Fees in India
Foundation Fees: Around ₹8,000 – ₹10,000 including exam and enrollment.
Executive Fees: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000.
Professional Fees: ₹15,000 – ₹20,000.
Coaching & books extra.
C. Syllabus Overview
Foundation Subjects:
Business Environment & Law
Business Economics
Business Management, Ethics & Communication
English
Executive & Professional Subjects: Divided into modules covering corporate governance, secretarial practice, taxation, securities laws, and corporate restructuring.
Company Secretary Course Subjects After 12th
Company Secretary (CS) course is divided into Foundation, Executive, and Professional levels, each with specific subject requirements.
| Level | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Foundation | English – Business Environment and Business Management – Business Economics – Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing |
| Executive | Group I: – Company Law – Cost and Management Accounting – Tax Laws – Economic and Commercial Laws Group II: – Corporate and Management Accounting – Securities Laws and Capital Markets – Governance, Risk Management, Compliances and Ethics – Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances |
| Professional | Advanced Company Law and Practice – Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management and Due Diligence – Corporate Restructuring – Financial, Treasury and Risk Management – Ethics, Governance and Sustainability – Strategic Management, Alliances and International Trade |
Which Course Is Best for Company Secretary After 12th?
When it comes to deciding which course is best for company secretary after 12th, the most recommended and credible path is the ICSI Certified CS Program. However, pairing the CS course with relevant side certifications or degrees can boost your career prospects and give you an edge in the job market.
Top Choices to Combine with CS Course:
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com): Perfectly aligns with CS topics like accounting, law, and corporate finance.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): Ideal for understanding business strategies, management principles, and communication.
Law (LLB): Best for aspirants who wish to specialize in corporate law and compliance.
Chartered Accountancy (CA) or CMA (Cost Management Accounting): Excellent for those who want to diversify their finance and audit skills alongside CS.
Online Certification Add-ons
Corporate Governance
Securities Law & Capital Market
Legal Drafting & Secretarial Practices
Digital Compliance and Risk Management
Best Learning Platforms:
ICSI E-learning Portal
Unacademy CS
SuperProfs
BYJU’S Exam Prep
CAclubindia
The key is to focus on complementary learning that enhances your CS knowledge while aligning with your career goals in corporate governance, law, and financial compliance.
Company Secretary Course Duration After 12th
A commonly asked question is: What is the total duration of a company secretary course after 12th? full CS course duration after 12th typically takes 3 to 4 years, depending on how many attempts you take to clear each stage.
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Foundation | 8 months |
| Executive | 9-12 months |
| Professional | 10-12 months |
| Practical Training | 15 to 21 months (can overlap with Executive/Professional) |
Factors Affecting Company Secretary Course Duration
Study Consistency: Regular self-study or coaching can speed up success.
Attempt Gaps: Students delaying attempts due to failures or personal reasons extend their timeline.
Training Timeline: Practical training can be started after clearing Executive or Professional levels.
To complete your CS course smoothly in 3–4 years, make a structured plan and remain consistent. Remember, preparation and time management are the real game-changers here.
Company Secretary Course After 12th Commerce Salary
Let’s talk money – because understanding the company secretary course after 12th commerce salary is essential before jumping in.
Average Salary Post-CS Qualification:
Fresher CS (0-2 years): ₹4 LPA – ₹6 LPA
Mid-Level (3-5 years): ₹6 LPA – ₹12 LPA
Senior Level (6+ years): ₹12 LPA – ₹25 LPA+
Top Corporate Roles (Company Secretaries in MNCs): ₹30 LPA+
Factors That Influence CS Salary
Type of Employer : Private firms vs. public sector units vs. multinational corporations
Location: Metro cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad offer better pay.
Additional Qualifications: Having an LLB or MBA can increase your chances of a higher salary.
Skills: Legal drafting, corporate restructuring, taxation, and financial compliance expertise.
Real-World Example: A qualified CS working with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) or Infosys can easily command an annual package of ₹8–₹15 lakhs depending on experience and certifications.
CS Course Fees After 12th in India
Here’s the financial side of things—how much does the company secretary course cost after 12th?
CS Course Fees Structure
| Course Level | Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Foundation | ₹8,500 |
| Executive | ₹13,000 |
| Professional | ₹17,000 |
| Exam Fees | ₹1,200 per module |
| Training Programs | ₹3,000 – ₹10,000 |
Additional Costs:
Study Material (if not included)
Coaching classes (₹10,000 – ₹50,000 per level)
Computer training or specialized modules
Ways to Save on CS Fees:
ICSI scholarships for meritorious or economically weaker students
Online courses that cost less than classroom coaching
Self-study using ICSI-provided modules
Remember, the return on investment is high – once certified, your initial package can cover your total course cost within the first year.
Career Scope and Job Opportunities After CS Course
After completing the CS course, candidates can pursue careers as Company Secretaries in corporates, MNCs, or government sectors. Job roles include legal advisor, compliance officer, corporate planner, and governance professional. CS professionals are in demand in industries for handling legal, regulatory, and secretarial compliance functions efficiently and ethically. So, you’ve cleared the CS Professional exam—what’s next?
Career Options After Company Secretary Course
Company Secretary (CS) in MNCs or Indian Companies
Legal Advisor or Corporate Consultant
Compliance Officer
Corporate Governance Executive
Share Registrar or Transfer Agent
Practicing Company Secretary (self-employed)
Industries That Hire CS Professionals
Banking & Financial Services
Legal Firms
Government Organizations (like SEBI, ROC, MCA)
Insurance Companies
Stock Exchanges (like NSE, BSE)
Top Recruiters
Reliance Industries
HDFC Bank
ICICI Group
Infosys
TCS
Larsen & Toubro
Deloitte
Long-Term Growth: CS professionals often grow into CFOs, CEOs, or Directors thanks to their deep understanding of legal and financial compliance.
Company Secretary Course Eligibility After 12th
If you’re wondering, “Can we do company secretary course after 12th?”, the answer is a big YES! But it’s crucial to understand the exact CS course eligibility after 12th so you can plan your path smartly.
Eligibility Criteria for CS Foundation Program:
Educational Qualification: Passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary/Intermediate)
Streams Accepted:
Commerce (Highly recommended)
Arts (Accepted)
Science (Accepted, but legal/commercial aptitude needed)
Minimum Marks: Just a pass; no specific percentage required
Age Requirement: No age limit
Nationality: Indian and international students welcome
For CS Executive Level (Direct Entry after Graduation):
If you’ve completed your graduation, you can skip Foundation and directly enter the Executive level. But since we’re focused on after 12th, the Foundation route is your best bet.
Note: Students awaiting 12th results can also register provisionally for the CS Foundation.
This open-door policy makes the CS course accessible to anyone who’s ready to work hard, study consistently, and build a rewarding corporate career.
Company Secretary Entrance Exam After 12th
Although there’s no separate entrance exam for the CS course, the Foundation exam itself acts as your first qualifying gate. If you’re curious about the structure and nature of the company secretary course entrance exam, here’s everything you need to know:
CS Foundation Exam Highlights:
Conducted by: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)
Mode: Online, computer-based
Frequency: Twice a year (June & December)
Eligibility: 12th pass (any stream)
Subjects in Foundation Exam:
Business Environment and Law
Business Management, Ethics, and Entrepreneurship
Business Economics
Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing
Exam Format:
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
No negative marking
Duration: 1 hour per subject (4 exams total)
Passing Criteria:
40% in each subject
50% aggregate overall
You can register for the exam online through the ICSI website, and start your journey with confidence knowing that the entrance stage is accessible yet competitive.
Company Secretary Course Details After 12th in Hindi and Marathi
To support regional language learners, ICSI has made strides in making the company secretary course details after 12th in Hindi and Marathi accessible.
CS Course in Hindi:
ICSI provides Hindi-translated modules for Foundation subjects.
Hindi-speaking coaching centers are available in major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Bhopal.
You can write the exam in Hindi if preferred.
CS Course in Marathi:
ICSI has introduced some support material in Marathi.
Coaching classes in Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik cater to Marathi-medium students.
While English is the default, translation aids help learners bridge the gap.
Important Note: The CS course is primarily English-centric. However, support for regional languages is growing to ensure inclusivity and easier learning. Whether you’re from a Hindi or Marathi-speaking background, your dream of becoming a Company Secretary is well within reach.
CS Course Registration Process After 12th
Let’s walk through how to apply for company secretary course after 12th step by step. Registration is online, streamlined, and easy to follow.
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
Visit the ICSI Website: Go to www.icsi.edu
Click on “Student” > “Registration”: Choose Foundation Program for 12th pass-outs.
Create a Login: Enter your name, mobile number, email, and password to sign up.
Fill in Personal & Academic Details: Upload documents such as 12th mark sheet, ID proof, and photograph.
Pay Registration Fees: Use net banking, UPI, credit card, etc.
Download Confirmation: You’ll get a confirmation email with your registration number and e-study material access.
Company Secretary Registration Important Dates
For June Exam: Register by 30th September
For December Exam: Register by 31st March
Timely registration ensures you don’t miss an exam cycle and have ample time for preparation.
Best CS Course Colleges and Coaching Classes in India
Choosing the right institute can make a huge difference in your success. While ICSI is the only certifying body, CS coaching classes and colleges help simplify concepts and improve your chances of clearing exams on the first attempt.
Top CS Coaching Classes (Online & Offline):
SuperProfs – Online
Unacademy CS – Live lectures and recorded classes
CS Tutorials – Mumbai-based coaching center
Edukemy – Live CS exam prep
TopRankers – Targeted online coaching for Foundation/Executive
Best Colleges That Support CS Aspirants:
Narsee Monjee College (Mumbai)
Christ University (Bangalore)
Delhi University Colleges (SRCC, Hindu, Hansraj)
St. Xavier’s College (Kolkata/Mumbai)
Symbiosis (Pune)
While these colleges don’t offer the CS course directly, they support students preparing for it alongside their B.Com or BBA degrees.
If you’re still asking yourself, “Should I do a company secretary course after 12th?“—the answer really depends on your passion for law, governance, and business. This course is an exceptional opportunity, especially for commerce stream students. But don’t be mistaken—science and arts students can also pursue it successfully. With no entrance barriers, low cost, and high return on investment, the company secretary course after 12th opens the door to a future where you’re not just an employee, but a strategic advisor to company boards, CEOs, and investors.
Key Takeaways
Open to all streams after 12th
Structured, affordable path to a professional designation
Wide scope across industries and countries
Flexibility to study online or offline
Huge career potential—both job-wise and salary-wise
Whether you’re interested in corporate law, secretarial audit, tax planning, or boardroom advisory, the CS course equips you with powerful knowledge and practical exposure.
So, if you’re ready to take your first big step after high school into the world of corporate leadership, now is the best time to enroll. Success doesn’t come easy—but for those who plan, persist, and prepare, becoming a Company Secretary can be one of the most rewarding professional journeys.
| Other Courses After 10th/12th |
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Q1. How do I become a company secretary after 12th?
To become a CS after 12th, register with ICSI for the Foundation program → pass the Foundation exam → progress to Executive → clear Professional → complete training → get CS membership.
Q2. What is the salary of a company secretary after 12th in India?
After completing the course, a fresher CS can earn between ₹4–6 LPA, while experienced professionals can earn over ₹15–25 LPA in reputed companies.
Q3. Can a science student do the company secretary course after 12th?
Yes! The CS course is open to all streams, including science. However, it helps to develop an interest in subjects like law, economics, and accounting.
Q4. Is coaching mandatory for the CS course after 12th?
No, coaching isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended—especially for the Executive and Professional levels. Many students choose online platforms like Unacademy or SuperProfs for flexible learning.
Q5. Is the CS course available in regional languages like Hindi or Marathi?
ICSI primarily uses English, but study materials in Hindi and Marathi are increasingly available. Exams can also be written in Hindi upon request.
Q.6 : What Is a Company Secretary Course ?
A stepwise professional certification program regulated by ICSI. It includes Foundation, Executive, and Professional stages, preparing students for governance, corporate law, and compliance roles
