Over the past 10 years the Indian corporate sector has grown exponentially, a growth that has led an increased demand for qualified professionals who can take up specialized corporate functions. A company secretary (CS) is one such professional. Companies with a paid-up share capital of Rs. 5 crore or more and all companies seeking listing on the stock exchange are compulsorily required to appoint a full-time company secretary.

Constituted under an Act of Parliament (the Company Secretaries Act, 1980), the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is involved in developing and regulating the profession of the company secretary. Headquartered in New Delhi, the ICSI has four regional councils in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai, and 68 chapters spread across the country.

The company secretary (CS) primarily ensures that his/her client complies with the various company laws. The various departments in a company, such as accounts, finance, legal, human resource and administration, need the help of the CS. Company directors too seek the CS’s advice on statutory requirements of the company. Besides thorough knowledge of relevant subjects, command over language is another skill that this job demands. Also, company secretaries can succeed only if they keep updating themselves with the latest information in the corporate sector, especially that related to law.

A CS maintains company records, arranges meetings, plans and manages taxes, assesses loans and investment options, and explores expansion, merger, joint ventures and acquisition opportunities. The CS is the link between directors and shareholders.

Loyalty and integrity are two personal traits that are essential for these professionals as they work with the top management of the company and are in possession of confidential information related to the company.

For the Foundation course, ICSI registers students with 10+2 and graduate qualifications.
There are three stages in pursuing a CS course:

1. Foundation — 6 months long, fee is 3,600 rupees
2. Executive — 9 months long, fee is Rs. 7,000 for commerce graduates, Rs. 7,750 for non-commerce graduates, Rs. 6,500 for Foundation-pass students
3. Professional — 18 months long, fee is Rs. 7,500

Stipend is available for students during the Professional Programme course.
The course content includes

1. corporate and economic laws
2. management
3. accounting
4. taxation

ICSI conducts the Company Secretaryship examination twice a year, in June and December. It provides coaching and training through postal/contact classes, arranges e-learning for students through web-based training, video-based training, and live virtual classroom, and organizes training for students who have passed the Executive/Professional Programme and are working in companies or with practicing company secretaries, or are empanelled with the ICSI.

Growth prospects depend on the aptitude and work experience of the person. A degree in law, cyber law, or MBA is an added advantage. A qualified candidate will initially draw an annual salary of Rs. 3.5 lakh.