How to become a Company Secretary in India
A company secretary (CS) ensures a company complies with corporate law and governance requirements and advises the board on legal and regulatory matters. In India, qualified through ICSI, they typically manage statutory filings, board and shareholder meetings, regulatory compliance, and corporate records — acting as the link between the board, regulators and shareholders, and safeguarding the company's legal standing.
Key takeaways
- To become a Company Secretary: Qualified Company Secretary (ICSI) membership.
- Master the skills employers test for: Corporate law, Companies Act compliance, Board meeting management, Statutory filings (ROC/MCA), Corporate governance.
- Typical experience asked for is 0–12 yrs; typical pay is typically ₹5L–₹20L/yr.
Steps to become a Company Secretary
- 1
Meet the education requirement
Qualified Company Secretary (ICSI) membership
- 2
Build the core skills
Develop the skills employers test for: Corporate law, Companies Act compliance, Board meeting management, Statutory filings (ROC/MCA), Corporate governance. Practise on real projects so you can show, not just tell.
- 3
Gain experience
Get hands-on through internships, freelance work or personal projects. Most Company Secretary openings list 0–12 yrs of experience — start building it early.
- 4
Prepare your resume & interview
Put your skills and projects on a strong resume, then rehearse the most-asked Company Secretary interview questions before you apply.
- 5
Apply to live roles
Apply to Company Secretary jobs that match your level on OnJob, with an AI fit score for each so you target the ones you can actually win.
Skills and qualifications a Company Secretary needs
- Qualified Company Secretary (ICSI) membership
- Strong knowledge of the Companies Act, SEBI and corporate law
- Attention to detail and command of compliance and documentation
- Excellent communication and governance-advisory skills
- Integrity and discretion in handling sensitive matters
How to become a Company Secretary — FAQs
How do I become a Company Secretary in India?
A company secretary (CS) ensures a company complies with corporate law and governance requirements and advises the board on legal and regulatory matters. In India, qualified through ICSI, they typically manage statutory filings, board and shareholder meetings, regulatory compliance, and corporate records — acting as the link between the board, regulators and shareholders, and safeguarding the company's legal standing. To get there: Qualified Company Secretary (ICSI) membership, master skills like Corporate law, Companies Act compliance, Board meeting management, Statutory filings (ROC/MCA), gain experience through internships or projects, and apply to roles that match your level.
What does a company secretary do?
A company secretary (CS) ensures a company complies with corporate law and governance, manages statutory filings and board meetings, maintains corporate records, and advises the board on legal and regulatory matters — acting as the link between the board, regulators and shareholders.
How do you become a company secretary in India?
You qualify through the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) by clearing the Foundation/Executive/Professional levels and completing practical training, then become a member to practise as a CS.
What is the difference between a CA and a CS?
A chartered accountant (CA) focuses on accounting, auditing and taxation, while a company secretary (CS) focuses on corporate law, governance and statutory compliance. CAs handle the numbers; CSs handle legal and regulatory compliance.
How much does a company secretary earn in India?
Freshly qualified company secretaries typically earn ₹5L–₹9L per year, experienced CSs ₹10L–₹18L, and senior or listed-company roles ₹20L+. See our salary guide for current ranges.
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