More and more students are joining the Company Secretary course today, says SC Sharadha, secretary, Bangalore Chapter, Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). Also, she sees a much younger profile of those joining the course. These are some of the trends that she observes in the industry today.
She explains, "Earlier, the eligibility was graduation. But now, the eligibility criterion has been lowered. Students can join the course after second PUC or plus two. So, I see a high influx of students at 18 or 19 years. Also, students of today want multiple degrees." So, there are some who do their chartered accountancy plus BCom and CS.
The trend has also been encouraged by colleges which create a suitable environment for students who wish to add on the company secretary/ other courses. Sharadha adds, "Some colleges have made it a part of the curriculum. Or they hold regular BCom classes between 7.30 am-11.30 am, so that students have time for CS or CA or ICWA courses." Some colleges even have tie-ups with the ICSI to impart expertise.
Many young women now join the CS course, she adds. "In a class of 70 students, I see that more than 30-35 are girls. This is good as there will be a supply of more women company secretaries in future."
It's mostly BCom students who join the course, and some from the BBM stream, while very few from BSc opt to become company secretaries. However, there are a few doctors and engineers who join the course because it is helpful for those who want to become entrepreneurs. "This course gives a good perspective of all the legalities involved in running a business," she says. The upside of doing the course is that you start at the managerial level in a company and report to the CEO or managing director. You also get a chance to interact with the board of a company when very young. In addition, starting salaries are Rs 25,000 a month, though there have been students who have begun at Rs 30,000 or Rs 35,000 month. Besides, if you are good at managing both a BCom and CS course, you could complete the CS course by the time you complete your graduation. What's also attractive is that you do not spend a fortune on the course. Emerging areas in the profession are specialisation in intellectual property rights and indirect tax. Also, at the national level, collaborations are on with countries like the UK and Malaysia which enable one to qualify in India and get exemptions so one can study/ get employment opportunities in those countries.
Roadmap to do CS
Register after II PU/ plus two Do the foundation course After the foundation level, register for the executive level Before taking up the executive level, complete the student induction programme (SIP) which orients you to the CS course. Next is the professional level. Between the two levels, you must do the executive development programme (EDP) There is also a 15-month training or apprenticeship under a company secretary, which can be done before or after the professional level