CS Foundation programme replaced with CSEET; Check Major Changes
Institute of Company Secretaries of India Exam 2026 ( ICSI Exam )
Registration - 1 Dec '25 - 31 Jan '26
ICSI CS Foundation Programme has been discontinued by ICSI. The programme has been replaced with CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET). Check below the major changes.
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has introduced a major change in the curriculum of ICSI CS programme. The institute has discontinued the CS Foundation programme. The programme has been replaced with CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET). Now, CSEET will be a mandatory qualifying test for registration to Executive Programme for all categories of students. However, exemption has been given to few categories.
The existing Foundation programme students will be allowed to appear in the exam till the expiry of the validity of their registration. Such students after passing the Foundation programme may register for Executive programme as per the existing process.
Graduate or postgraduate candidates who were other-wise eligible to seek registration directly to the Executive programme will also have to qualify the CSEET to become eligible for registration to the Programme.
The new curriculum was proposed by ICSI in September which is implemented this year. The aim is to ensure students have the requisite level of aptitude and skills to become successful professionals.
Click here to check the official notice
- CSEET: Eligibility & Exemption
- CSEET Dates & Registration Deadline
- Revised Fee Structure
- CSEET Exam Pattern & Syllabus
- Minimum Qualifying Marks
CSEET: Eligibility & Exemption
Candidates, who have completed 12th standard, will be eligible to take ICSI CSEET exam. The following categories of students will be exempted from qualifying CSEET and can seek registration directly to Executive Programme.
- CS Foundation Programme passed students
- ICAI (The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) Final Course passed students
- ICMAI (The Institute of Cost Accountants of India) Final Course passed students
CSEET Dates & Registration Deadline
The ICSI will conduct the first CSEET in May and hold the subsequent tests in July, November and January. The tentative schedule of CSEET throughout the year is given below.
| Month of Examination | CSEET Registrations | CS Executive Entrance Test | Last Date of Result Declaration | Last date to register into CS Executive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May |
January 21 to April 15, |
On a saturday close to May 10, |
By May 20, |
May 31 (for CS Executive both modules in December session in the same year) |
| July |
May 21 to June 15 |
On a Saturday close to July 10, |
By July 20, |
July 31 (for any one module of CS Executive in December session in the same year) |
| November |
July 21 to October 15, |
On a Saturday close to November 10, |
By November 20, |
November 30 (for CS Executive both modules in June session in the next year) |
| January |
November 21 to December 15 |
On a Saturday close to January 10 |
By January 20 |
January 31 (for any one module of CS Executive in June session in the next year) |
The cutoff dates for registration to Executive Programme and Professional Programme for appearing in ICSI CS examinations held in June and December every year are given below:
| Session of CS Executive/ Professional Examinations | No. of Module(s) in which a Student can appear in the Examinations | Cutoff date for Registration to Executive/ Professional Programme |
|---|---|---|
| June
|
All Modules |
November 30 (previous year) |
| Any One Module |
January 31 (same year) |
|
| December
|
All Modules |
May 31 (same year) |
| Any One Module |
July 31 (same year) |
Revised Fee Structure
The revised fee structure for Executive programme is given below:
| Details |
Fee (in Rs) |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee for all |
2,000 |
| Education Fee |
6,500 |
| CSEET Exemption Fee |
CSEET passed & CS Foundation passed- Nil ICAI Final passed & ICMAI Final passed- 5,000 |
| Pre-Exam Test Fee |
1,000 |
| One Day Orientation Prog. Fee |
600 |
| Chartered Secretary Journal Subscription (Optional) for one year |
500 |
| Total |
10,600 |
CSEET Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The CSEET will be an online Computer-based Test. The test will comprise Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), audio clips, video clips, and descriptive questions. The duration of CSEET will be135 minutes (120 Minutes for MCQ test and 15 minutes for Viva-Voce). There is no negative marking. The following subjects will be covered under CSEET.
- Paper 1: Business Communication
- Paper 2: Legal Aptitude & Logical Reasoning
- Paper 3: Economic and Business Environment
- Paper 4: Current Affairs, Presentation and Communication Skills
Minimum Qualifying Marks
Candidates need to secure an aggregate of 50% and 40% in each subject in CSEET.
The provisional registration to Executive Programme is discontinued. ICSI has introduced ‘Continuation of Registration’ according to which the students are required to keep their registration renewed from time to time even after passing Professional Programme. The fee for this is Rs 1000 per year.
News & Updates
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