CS Executive · exam guide
CS Executive Rules and Regulations
Checked against ICSI's official pages, as of 12 October 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm on the official site before you act.
Before each exam you must hold a valid registration, have completed the TDOP, and have cleared the online Pre-Examination Test. Practical training starts only after you pass the Executive Programme.
- Pre-Examination Test: qualifying the online Pre-Examination Test is mandatory before enrolling for the Executive exam. ICSI's FAQ says the qualifying mark is 40% per subject and that a pass in a subject stays valid for future exams.
- Three Days Orientation Programme (TDOP): mandatory for students registered in the Executive Programme on or after 1 February 2025, to be completed within 3 months of registration. It is a pre-requisite for filling the exam form.
- There is no fixed limit on attempts; all Executive and Professional exams must be cleared while the registration is valid, including any de novo renewal.
- After passing the Executive Programme: a one-month Executive Development Programme (EDP), 15 days online and then 15 days in classroom mode, which is a pre-requisite for long-term training.
- Long-term practical training of 21 months under a registered Practising Company Secretary, company or other eligible entity starts after the Executive pass and the EDP. The trainer must pay a minimum stipend of Rs 5,000 a month.
- A change of exam centre, medium or module is normally allowed only on an application received at least 30 days before the exam (Regulation 33).
Official sources
- ICSI - Company Secretaries Regulations, 1982 (as amended)
- ICSI - Pre-Examination Test, E-Learning and FAQs
- ICSI - Student Training Guidelines, 2024
- ICSI - Long Term Practical Training guidelines and annexures
- ICSI - Guidelines for Registration De Novo
- ICSI - Mandatory completion of Three Days Orientation Programme (TDOP)
CS Executive: questions students ask
Can a graduate join CS Executive directly?
Yes. Graduates and postgraduates are exempt from the CSEET and can register directly for the CS Executive Programme by paying a CSEET exemption fee of Rs 5,000 along with the other registration fees.
What is the last date to register for the June 2027 CS Executive exam?
30 November 2026 to take both groups. Under ICSI's cut-off rules, the date to take only one group in a June session is 31 January of that year.
What are the passing marks for CS Executive?
At least 40% in each paper and 50% in the aggregate of the group, in one sitting.
How long is a CS Executive registration valid?
Five years from the month of registration. It can be renewed by registration de novo: Rs 2,000 within two years of expiry, or Rs 3,000 if later, up to five years after expiry.
When are the December 2026 CS Executive exams?
From 21 to 28 December 2026, 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM, with no exam on 25 December.
Is the Pre-Examination Test compulsory?
Yes. ICSI requires students to qualify the online Pre-Examination Test before they can enrol for the Executive exam.