ICSI Overhauls Training and Exams to Strengthen Professional Standards

The Council of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India approved a wide set of academic, examination, training, and governance reforms in its meetings held on 10 November and 20–21 November 2025. Key decisions include approval of a revised Corporate Leadership Development Programme (CLDP) with Phase I in non-residential classroom mode and Phase II in residential mode, with implementation extended to 15 December 2025 and specified eligible centres. The Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) was restructured for registrations from 16 December 2025, with the first exam scheduled for June 2026, alongside a mandatory Student Induction Programme within one month of registration. The Council approved a new exam centre at Gaya from June 2026, revised fees for CGI members, a new elective on IFSCA regulations, a time-bound Students Amnesty Scheme, revised timelines for orientation programmes, amendments to multiple professional guidelines, continuation of Capital Markets Week, revised guidance notes on board and general meetings, establishment of additional CCGRTs across regions, and an updated English translation of the Institute’s motto.

THE INSTITUTE OF
Company Secretaries of India
IN  PURSUIT OF PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE
(Statutory body jurisdiction of Ministry of Corporate Affairs)

15 December 2025

Important decisions taken in the Meetings of the Council dated 10th November, 2025 and 20-21 November, 2025

1. The Council accorded approval for:

a. New syllabus pertaining to Corporate Leadership Development Programme (CLDP) Phase I [15 days Classroom Mode (Non-Residential)] and CLDP Phase II [15 days classroom Mode (Residential)]. The effective date for the implementation of the revised mode of CLDP stands extended to 15th December 2025, and the eligible offices for conducting CLDP shall be as under:

b. Restructuring the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) which shall be applicable for candidates registering for CSEET from 16th December 2025. The first examination of the restructured CSEET shall be held in the month of June 2026.

c. Student Induction Programme (SIP) to be undergone by all the candidates registering under the restructured CSEET, within 01 month of registration.

d. Opening of new examination centre at Gaya (Bihar) with effect from June 2026 session of examinations.

e. Fees structure for CGI members who wish to pursue the Company Secretaryship Course, viz- Student Registration Fees of Rs. 40,000/- and Examination Fee Rs. 1800/- per group.

f. Introduction of an elective paper ‘titled ‘IFSCA- Regulations, Listing and Compliances’ in Syllabus 2022 under Elective 1, as paper 4.6.

g. ICSI Students Amnesty Scheme 2025, as recommended by the Training and Educational Facilities Committee (TEFC), valid from 01st December 2025 to 28th February 2026.

h. Revised timeline for Three Day Orientation Programme (TDOP), to be undergone by students registering for the Executive Programme within 03 months of registration:

2. The Council accorded its approval for amendments in the following Guidelines:

a. ICSI (Continuous Professional Education) Guidelines, 2019.

b. ICSI (Anti Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing and Know Your Client) Guidelines, 2025.

c. ICSI Chapter Management Guidelines, 2024.

d. ICSI Programme Guidelines, 2024.

e. Peer Review Guidelines.

f. ICSI Student Training Guidelines, 2024.

3. The Council accorded approval for continuation of organisation of Capital Markets Week.

4. The Council accorded approval for the revised Guidance Note on Meetings of Board of Directors (SS-1) and Guidance Note on General Meetings (SS-2).

5. The Council accorded approval to establish additional CCGRTs in all the regions of the Institute and tentatively identified the following locations:

6. The Council accorded in-principle approval for the revised English translation of the motto of the Institute, सत्यंवद। घर्मंचर। as – ‘Speak the Truth, Pursue Righteousness’.