How to Become a Company Secretary (CS) After 12th: Course Details, Duration & Eligibility

Choosing a career is more than just picking a profession. It shapes how you grow as a person and what opportunities you open for yourself. If you are in Class 12 or have just passed, and are seeking a rewarding career, Company Secretary course after 12th could be an excellent option. This field combines legal expertise, business knowledge, and strategic thinking—all within one professional journey.

CS course after 12th commerce is especially popular among Commerce students; it is open to students from any stream, except Fine Arts.

In this guide, you will learn CS course duration after 12th, how to become CS after 12th, the stages, and CS eligibility criteria after 12th and all the important details you need to get started.

Who is a Company Secretary?

A Company Secretary (CS) is a certified professional responsible for ensuring that a company follows all legal and regulatory rules. As per the Companies Act 2013, certain companies, such as listed companies and those with a paid-up capital of ₹5 crore or more are mandated to appoint a Company Secretary.

They play a key role in:

• Advising the board of directors
• Managing legal documents and procedures
• Ensuring smooth corporate governance
• Overseeing compliance with government policies

All the above factors make a CS an essential decision-maker in any organisation.

Why Choose CS After 12th Commerce or Any Other Stream?

Choosing CS after 12th offers multiple career benefits:

• You enter the professional world early
• You gain knowledge in legal, financial, and corporate governance areas
• You can work in top companies, law firms, consultancy firms, and even government departments
• You can also pursue independent practice as a corporate advisor

How to Become CS after 12th - Steps at a Glance

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do CS after 12th:

• Complete your 12th in any stream (except Fine Arts)
• Register for CSEET and clear it
• Prepare for and pass the CS Executive Programme
• Move on to the CS Professional Programme
• Complete 21 months of practical training
• Apply for ICSI membership and become an Associate Company Secretary (ACS)

Eligibility to Become a Company Secretary After 12th

Now that you're aware of how to do CS after 12th, let’s explore the eligibility criteria to enrol in the CS course after Class 12.

• You should have passed Class 12 in any stream (Science, Commerce or Arts—except Fine Arts).
• There is no minimum percentage requirement in the 12th.
• There is no age restriction for applying to the CS course.
• After the 12th, you can directly register for the first level, which is called CSEET.

Company Secretary Course After 12th - Fee Structure

Here is a quick look at the fee structure for each level:

Company Secretary Course Details After 12th

The CS course consists of three primary stages (excluding training): CSEET, CS Executive Programme, and CS Professional Programme.
The course details for each of the three stages are mentioned below.

CSEET – The Starting Point

CSEET is the first step for 12th pass students. It is an entry-level test designed to give you a basic understanding of business laws, communication, and governance.

• Duration: 4 months
• Exams Held: January, May, July, and November
• Eligibility: Class 12 pass (or equivalent) from any stream except Fine Arts

Subjects in CSEET

• Business Communication
• Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning
• Economic and Business Environment
• Current Affairs and Quantitative Aptitude

To pass CSEET, you need:

• Minimum 40% in each subject
• At least 50% overall aggregate

The test is conducted online through a computer-based system.

CS Executive Programme – The Intermediate Level

After clearing CSEET, you can register for the CS Executive Programme. This stage involves deeper learning in company law, accounting, and governance.

• Duration: 9 months
• Exams Held: June and December
• Eligibility:
1. Students who clear CSEET
2. Direct entry for graduates (except from Fine Arts)

Subjects in CS Executive
The course is divided into two modules:
Module 1

• Jurisprudence, Interpretation, and General Laws
• Company Law and Practice
• Setting Up of Business, Industrial, and Labour Laws
• Corporate Accounting and Financial Management

Module 2

• Capital Market and Securities Laws
• Economic, Commercial, and Intellectual Property Laws
• Tax Laws & Practice

You must prepare well in advance, as the syllabus is vast. To pass:

• You need 40% marks in each paper
• And 50% marks overall in the module

This level is descriptive and conducted offline.

CS Professional Programme – The Final Step

This is the most advanced level of the CS course. It focuses on topics like ESG, audit, drafting, and complex corporate strategies.

• Duration: 10 months
• Exams Held: June and December
• Eligibility: Must have cleared the CS Executive level

Subjects in CS Professional
Module 1

• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
• Drafting, Pleadings, and Appearances
• Compliance Management, Audit & Due Diligence
• Elective (Choose one):
1. CSR & Social Governance
2. Internal and Forensic Audit
3. Intellectual Property Rights
4. AI, Data Analytics, and Cyber Security

Module 2

• Strategic Management & Corporate Finance
• Corporate Restructuring, Valuation, and Insolvency
• Elective (Choose one):
1. Arbitration, Mediation & Conciliation
2. GST & Corporate Tax Planning
3. Labour Laws & Practice
4. Banking & Insurance Laws
5. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Laws

This level requires focused guidance and strategic preparation. After clearing it, you will be ready to apply for the final step—practical training.

Training Requirement

After clearing the CS Professional Programme, you must undergo 21 months of practical training as required by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). You can apply for ICSI membership only after this training.

Once you receive the membership, you officially become an ACS (Associate Company Secretary) and can begin your professional journey.

CS Duration After 12th

On average, it takes about 3 to 5 years to complete all three levels of CS and the training after the 12th. The duration may vary depending on how quickly you pass each level and complete the training.

Conclusion

Becoming a Company Secretary after the 12th is more than just a career choice—it’s a strategic move toward a profession that combines legal expertise, corporate governance, and business leadership. The CS path is structured to guide you through progressive levels of knowledge and training, yet flexible enough to welcome students from diverse academic backgrounds. With no minimum marks or age barriers, it offers an equal opportunity for anyone with the ambition to thrive in the corporate world.

As a qualified Company Secretary, you won’t just work behind the scenes—you’ll be a key advisor to management, a guardian of corporate compliance, and an enabler of sound governance. Whether you choose to work with top organisations, join a legal or consulting firm, or offer independent professional services, the scope is vast and growing today.

FAQs

Q1: Can someone apply for a Company Secretary after the 12th?

A1: Yes. Students who pass Class 12 from any recognised board can apply for the CS course.

Q2: Is CS similar to CA or CMA?

A2: No. CS mainly focuses on law, while CA and CMA cover wider financial subjects.

Q3: Can science or humanities students pursue CS?

A3: Yes. Students from any stream except Fine Arts can join the CS course after 12th.

Q4: Is CS easier compared to CA?

A4: Yes. Many students find CS easier than CA.

Q5: Can I start CS after the 12th?

A5: Yes. You can start with the CSEET exam after completing your 12th.