Big Shakeup in CSEET: What Coaching Institutes Need to Know About ICSI’s Major Reform
In a landmark announcement during the 57th Foundation Day celebrations of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), President CS Dhananjay Shukla unveiled a series of major reforms to the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET). These changes have been introduced to strengthen the quality and credibility of the CS course at the entry level, while also addressing persistent concerns raised by the academic and professional communities. The decision is made in light of increasing feedback from educators, students, and industry professionals regarding the effectiveness and fairness of the existing CSEET format, particularly following its transition to an online mode during the pandemic.
According to the announcement, one of the most significant changes is the return of offline (pen-and-paper) mode for the CSEET exam. Ever since the exam transitioned to an online format due to the COVID-19 crisis, students and coaching institutes have consistently reported issues ranging from technical glitches and unstable internet connections to proctoring inconsistencies and even exam cancellations. Many educators and senior students argued that the online model compromised the seriousness of the examination process. By reverting to the traditional offline mode, ICSI aims to restore credibility, ensure fairness, and enhance the overall exam experience.
Another major update is the revamp of the exam pattern itself, which will now be aligned with the structure of the former CS Foundation Programme—the previous entry-level exam that was replaced by CSEET in 2020. While the exact details of the new syllabus and paper structure are expected to be announced shortly, the move indicates a return to a more structured, classroom-compatible format with clearly defined subjects and perhaps a mix of objective and subjective components. This shift will require coaching institutes to redesign their curriculum and teaching methods, moving away from digital test prep models to a more traditional, concept-based, and practice-intensive approach.
Furthermore, ICSI has decided to limit the CSEET exams to twice a year, most likely in June and December, which aligns with the old CS Foundation cycle. This represents a departure from the current model, which involves conducting the exam four times a year (in January, May, July, and November). For coaching centers, this change implies longer and more focused preparation periods for students. It also means that institutes will need to plan academic batches more carefully, ensuring that the syllabus is covered well in advance while also incorporating sufficient time for revisions and mock exams.
A particularly exciting update for students and institutes alike is the introduction of All India Ranks (AIRs) in the CSEET results. In recent years, the absence of AIRs had made the exam feel less competitive and removed an important motivational factor for high-performing students. With AIRs now returning to the scene, students will be encouraged to aim higher, and institutes can look forward to celebrating and promoting their rank-holding achievers, which will not only boost student morale but also significantly enhance the institute’s reputation and marketing potential.
Interestingly, despite these sweeping changes in format, frequency, and evaluation, the name of the exam will remain ‘CSEET’. ICSI has clarified that they do not intend to revert to the “CS Foundation” name, even though the new structure mirrors it in many ways. For institutes, this means there is no need to rebrand current programs or change promotional materials. However, it’s essential to clearly communicate to students and parents that although the name remains unchanged, the nature and structure of the exam have undergone a substantial transformation.
These reforms have come at a time when many in the CS education ecosystem had raised questions about the declining standards of the entrance process. Several online exam sessions in the past had to be cancelled due to mass-level technical errors, leaving students anxious and disillusioned. By reintroducing offline exams, reinstating All India Ranks, and bringing back the tried-and-tested structure of the CS Foundation model, ICSI is sending a strong message—it is committed to upholding the integrity, quality, and prestige of the CS profession from the very first step of the journey.
For coaching institutes, this shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It will require an immediate recalibration of teaching strategies, faculty readiness, batch planning, and academic delivery methods. Institutes should begin by reviewing and realigning their curriculum based on the old CS Foundation pattern. Conducting regular offline mock tests, organizing faculty training workshops, and providing personalized mentorship for high-potential students aiming for AIRs are some proactive steps that can make a significant difference.
In conclusion, these reforms represent a positive and much-needed shift in the CS education landscape. As ICSI redefines the standards of entry into the profession, coaching institutes must evolve alongside it, offering robust academic support, exam-oriented preparation, and a renewed focus on conceptual clarity and excellence. By doing so, institutes will not only remain relevant in this new phase but also play a vital role in shaping the next generation of competent, ethical, and qualified Company Secretaries.
Stay tuned for the official circular and detailed syllabus from ICSI, which is expected to be released soon. Until then, this is the ideal time for coaching centres to start strategizing and preparing for a new, more rigorous era in CS entrance preparation.
