Is CS a Degree? Recognition and Equivalence of the Company Secretary Qualification

Students and parents often ask whether the Company Secretary course is a degree. Strictly, it is not: CS is a professional qualification awarded by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), a statutory body set up under the Company Secretaries Act, 1980. A person who completes the course and the required training becomes eligible for membership of the Institute, and it is membership that makes a person a Company Secretary.

The qualification is, however, recognised as equivalent to a postgraduate degree for academic purposes. This article explains what that means in practice.

Professional qualification, not a university degree

Point	University degree	CS qualification
Awarded by	A university	The Institute of Company Secretaries of India
Basis	University Act and UGC regulations	Company Secretaries Act, 1980 and ICSI regulations
What it leads to	A degree certificate	Eligibility for membership of ICSI (ACS, and later FCS)
Right to practise	Not applicable	A member may practise on obtaining a Certificate of Practice

Equivalence to a postgraduate degree

In 2021, the University Grants Commission recognised the Company Secretary qualification as equivalent to a postgraduate degree. The main practical effect is that CS members can apply for a PhD in commerce and allied disciplines, subject to the admission rules of each university.

For other purposes, such as government recruitment, the eligibility conditions of each notification should be read carefully. Some recruitments name the CS qualification expressly; others ask for a specific degree, and equivalence may then depend on the recruiting body.

Does a CS need a graduation as well?

Not to enter the course. Students can register for the CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) after Class 12. Many students, however, complete a degree such as B.Com, BBA or LLB alongside the course, since it widens career options and is often expected by employers. Graduates and postgraduates in certain disciplines may be eligible for exemptions; see exemptions in the CS course.

How the qualification is completed

1. Pass the CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET), unless exempted
2. Pass the Executive and Professional programmes
3. Complete the practical training prescribed by the ICSI
4. Apply for associate membership (ACS) of the Institute

The detailed structure of papers is explained in the CS course syllabus. Students from science backgrounds may also find CS for science graduates useful.

Frequently asked questions

Can I write CS after my name before membership?

No. The designation ACS or FCS can be used only by members of the Institute. A student who has passed the examinations but not yet been admitted as a member should not describe himself or herself as a Company Secretary.

Can a CS do a PhD?

Yes, following the UGC recognition, a CS member can apply for a PhD in commerce and allied disciplines, subject to the university’s admission process. See PhD eligibility for Company Secretaries.

Is CS equal to an MBA?

Both are recognised postgraduate-level qualifications, but they are different. CS is a specialised professional qualification in corporate law, governance and compliance, with a statutory role under the Companies Act. An MBA is a general management degree.

ചുരുക്കം (Summary in Malayalam)

കമ്പനി സെക്രട്ടറി ഒരു യൂണിവേഴ്സിറ്റി ബിരുദമല്ല; ICSI നൽകുന്ന പ്രൊഫഷണൽ യോഗ്യതയാണ്. കോഴ്സും പരിശീലനവും പൂർത്തിയാക്കി ICSI അംഗത്വം (ACS) നേടുമ്പോഴാണ് ഒരാൾ കമ്പനി സെക്രട്ടറിയാകുന്നത്. 2021-ൽ UGC ഈ യോഗ്യതയെ ബിരുദാനന്തര ബിരുദത്തിന് തുല്യമായി അംഗീകരിച്ചു; അതുവഴി കൊമേഴ്സിലും അനുബന്ധ വിഷയങ്ങളിലും PhD-ക്ക് അപേക്ഷിക്കാം. പ്ലസ് ടു കഴിഞ്ഞ് CSEET വഴി കോഴ്സിൽ ചേരാം.

This article gives a general overview of the Company Secretary qualification. Course rules, exemptions and recognitions are revised from time to time; for accurate and current requirements, refer to the ICSI website and the notifications of the authorities concerned. The article is not advice on any particular case.