The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has officially announced a major change in the CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test), which will now follow a new schedule and revised exam pattern from June 2026. The aim is to ensure that students are tested more effectively in communication, accounting, business laws, and practical corporate understanding.
I am writing about this update because it directly affects every student planning to pursue the Company Secretary profession. The CSEET serves as the gateway to the CS Executive Programme, and any change in its pattern or schedule can completely alter preparation timelines. Many students still rely on the remote-proctored system, so the shift to offline centres is a significant move. It is important to understand the new marking structure, timetable, syllabus changes, and fees so that aspirants can plan their studies, registrations, and exam attempts with full clarity. With the new reforms focusing more on practical knowledge and written expression, early preparation becomes even more crucial for success.
What Is Changing in the CSEET Exam
New Exam Schedule
- The CSEET will now be conducted three times a year: February, June, and October.
- The January 2026 exam will be the last under the old, remote-proctored format.
- Registrations for the June 2026 exam will open on 16 December 2025 and close on 15 February 2026.
Mode of Examination
- The exam will now be conducted completely offline at allotted test centres.
- Each subject will be held on a separate day.
- Every paper will carry 100 marks and the exam will be conducted in the afternoon session.
Revised Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The new pattern focuses more on conceptual clarity and writing skills. Three papers will be subjective and one will be OMR-based.
| Day | Subject | Marks | Type of Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Business Communication | 100 | Subjective (3 hours) |
| Day 2 | Fundamentals of Accounting | 100 | Subjective (3 hours) |
| Day 3 | Economic and Business Environment | 100 | Subjective (3 hours) |
| Day 4 | Business Laws and Management | 100 | OMR-based (Business Laws 60 marks + Business Management 40 marks) |
The updated syllabus is designed to test real-world business awareness, communication, and analytical skills that a company secretary needs in corporate environments.
Fee Structure and Registration Validity
- The registration fee for the new CSEET pattern will be ₹7,500, which also covers SIP and online classes.
- The exam/enrolment fee for each session will be ₹1,500.
- Once registered, the enrolment will be valid for three years, allowing multiple attempts within that period.
Eligibility and Transition Rules
- Students who have passed or are appearing for Class 12 can continue to apply.
- Graduates, postgraduates, and candidates with certain professional qualifications may get direct entry into the CS Executive Programme.
- Students who take the last remote-proctored exam in January 2026 will get up to one year from their result to register for the Executive Programme without an exemption fee.
Why These Changes Matter
These reforms will impact how students plan their preparation:
- Separate exam days mean focused study for each subject.
- Subjective papers require strong writing skills and conceptual understanding.
- Offline exams eliminate technical issues faced in remote mode.
- More exam sessions in a year give students flexibility to plan attempts.
How Students Should Prepare
- Begin studying according to the subject-wise new pattern.
- Practise writing long subjective answers regularly.
- Use ICSI’s updated study material once released.
- Decide early whether to attempt the final old-format exam in January 2026 or start with the new June 2026 cycle.
- Plan finances for the increased registration and exam fee.
