Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET)

As of March 14, 2026, the CSEET is undergoing its most significant transformation since it replaced the old Foundation course. Starting with the June 2026 session, ICSI has moved away from home-based exams to a more rigorous, center-based format.

📅 2026 Important Deadlines

June 2026 Session (Current Focus)

  • Registration: CLOSED (Ended Feb 28, 2026).

  • Enrollment (Exam Form): OPEN until April 7, 2026 (without late fee).

  • Late Enrollment: Up to April 20, 2026 (with late fee of ₹250).

  • Exam Dates: June 1 – June 4, 2026.

October 2026 Session (Next Window)

  • Registration: OPEN NOW (Started March 1, 2026).

  • Registration Deadline: May 31, 2026.

  • Enrollment Window: Starts July 1, 2026.

🔄 The Restructured 2026 Exam Pattern

The "Home-Based Remote Proctored" model has officially ended. The new structure aligns more closely with the Executive and Professional levels.

  • Mode: Offline (Center-Based) at designated physical centers.

  • Format: 4-Day Schedule (One paper per day).

  • Question Type: A mix of Subjective (Written) and Objective (OMR).

  • Total Marks: 400 (100 marks per paper).

  • Time: 2:30 PM to 5:45 PM (includes 15 minutes of reading time).

The 4 Papers:

  1. Business Communication: (Subjective - 3 Hours) — Focuses on drafting, grammar, and correspondence.

  2. Fundamentals of Accounting: (Subjective - 3 Hours) — New addition for 2026; covers basic principles to final accounts.

  3. Economic & Business Environment: (Subjective - 3 Hours) — Covers demand-supply, national income, and the budget.

  4. Business Laws & Management: (Objective/OMR - 2 Hours) — Only MCQ paper; no negative marking.

🎓 Eligibility & Exemptions

  • Eligibility: Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 or equivalent.

  • Direct Entry (Skip CSEET): You can register directly for the CS Executive level if you are:

    • A Graduate (any stream except Fine Arts) with 50% marks.

    • A Postgraduate (any stream).

    • A Final Level passed candidate of ICAI (CA) or ICMAI (CMA).

💰 Revised Fee Structure (2026)

The fees have increased significantly due to the inclusion of mandatory orientation and coaching:

  • Registration Fee: ₹7,500 (Valid for 3 years).

  • Examination Enrollment Fee: ₹1,500 per session.

📝 Quick Preparation Checklist

  • Subjective Practice: Since 3 out of 4 papers now require written answers, focus on answer presentation and professional vocabulary.

  • Accounting Re-entry: If you are from a non-commerce background, prioritize the new Fundamentals of Accounting paper, as it is foundational for the Executive level.

  • Study Material: Ensure you are using the "Restructured CSEET Study Material" released by ICSI specifically for the 2026 syllabus.