What is the Total Cost of Pursuing CS in 2025-26?
Understanding the ICSI CS Exam Fees for CS Executive and CS Professional is a crucial step for commerce aspirants planning their journey in 2025. Budgeting for every stage—from registration charges to exam form and renewal payments—helps future Company Secretaries manage costs, compare with related courses like CA and CMA, and take advantage of all available concessions. This comprehensive guide delivers fully updated details on all compulsory and optional charges, deadlines, exemptions, and payment tips for the CS Executive and Professional levels, allowing you to make informed, strategic decisions for your career.
ICSI CS Executive & Professional Exam Fee Structure 2025
The fee structure for ICSI CS Executive and CS Professional exams in 2025 involves several segments: registration fee, education fee, pre-exam test fee, orientation charges, exam form fee, and renewal expenses. For most candidates entering through CSEET or the Foundation Programme, the CS Executive total registration & course fee is ₹18,900 per module (includes tuition and all compulsory fees). For the CS Professional course, the total education and pre-exam test fee is ₹20,000. These figures do not include optional costs, such as the Chartered Secretary Journal subscription (₹500 annually).
| Fee Component | CS Executive (₹) | CS Professional (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | 2,000 | – |
| Education Fee | 12,900 | 19,000 |
| CSEET Exemption (Direct Entry) | 5,000* | – |
| Pre-Exam Test Fee | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| One Day Orientation | 600 | – |
| Journal Subscription (Optional) | 500 | 500 |
| Total | 18,900 (Direct: 23,900) | 20,000 |
*Payable only by candidates exempted from CSEET, e.g., certain graduates.
CS Executive and Professional Exam Registration Timeline 2025
Keeping track of CS registration and fee payment deadlines ensures you don’t miss your preferred attempt. For the June 2025 session, the typical last date for CS Executive registration is 30th November 2024 (both modules), with a staggered window for single modules. For the December 2025 session, registrations are generally accepted until 31st May 2025. Exam form submission for each attempt usually closes 31st March (June session) and 30th September (December session), with a late fee of ₹250 applicable after these dates. Mark all forms of payment early to avoid last-minute complications.
| Session | Registration Deadline | Exam Form Last Date |
|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | 30 Nov 2024 (both modules) | 31 Mar 2025 |
| Dec 2025 | 31 May 2025 (both modules) | 30 Sep 2025 |
Comprehensive CS Exam Fee Breakdown: All Categories & Add-Ons
The ICSI CS fee breakdown accounts for basic and supplementary charges to help you budget smartly. For each exam attempt, candidates pay:
- Exam Form Fee (per module/group): ₹1,500 for Executive, ₹1,800 for Professional
- Late Exam Form Fee: ₹250 (lump sum per form)
- Change of Centre/Module/Medium: ₹250 per modification
- Dubai Centre Surcharge: US$100 (if appearing abroad)
- Annual Registration Renewal (per year): ₹1,000
- De Novo Registration: ₹2,000 (within 2 years of expiry), ₹3,000 (within 5 years)
- Re-Registration to Professional: ₹19,000
All these payment heads are essential for students re-attempting, migrating, or extending their registration window. Be attentive to each category—CS foundation route students, direct graduates, and postgraduates (with CA/CMA finals) pay according to educational qualification and any CSEET exemption fees.
Fee Exemptions and Concessions Offered by ICSI
The ICSI provides significant fee waivers and concessions to make Company Secretary education accessible. Reserved category students may receive up to 50-100% fee reduction across registration, education, and exam stages. Applicable groups include:
- Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes: up to 50% off
- Physically Handicapped: up to 50% concession
- Defence service personnel, martyrs’ children/widows: up to 100% waiver
- ICSI staff/wards: up to 75% off
- North-East, Islands, J&K, Ladakh students: 50–100% per notification
Supporting documents are required when seeking concessions. Concessions typically apply at the point of registration, but some extend to annual or exam form fees. For complete updates, always check the ICSI Login & Registration Process for current rules and documentation.
Stepwise CS Exam Fee Payment: Online Mode Guidance
All ICSI CS Executive and CS Professional fee payments are made through the ICSI official portal using secure digital methods. Follow these steps for a smooth transaction:
- Login to your ICSI student account using valid credentials.
- Select ‘Fee Payment’ under ‘Student Services’ for the correct programme (Executive/Professional).
- Fill in required personal/academic details and choose applicable modules and payment heads.
- Upload necessary documents (category proof/concession certificates if claiming exemptions).
- Review all charges—including exam, late, or change fees—and confirm.
- Proceed to online payment gateway; choose debit/credit card, UPI, net-banking, or wallet.
- On successful payment, save the confirmation receipt for future reference and verification.
Retain all digital receipts until exam admission is confirmed to resolve any payment disputes with ICSI.
CA and CMA Exam Fee Comparison for Commerce Students
The total CS course fees remain highly competitive when compared to CA and CMA pathways in India. For context, CA registration plus intermediate and final exam costs are typically ₹28,000–₹38,000+, whereas CMA registration and complete attempts also fall around ₹25,000–₹35,000. The CS Executive & Professional registration and exam cost (₹38,900 max direct entry) keeps Company Secretary training affordable and transparent for most commerce graduates.
| Course | Registration + Main Exam Fees (₹) | Concession Range (%) |
|---|---|---|
| CS Executive + Professional | 18,900 + 20,000 | Up to 100% |
| CA Intermediate + Final | 22,000–28,000 | Up to 75% |
| CMA Intermediate + Final | 18,000–23,000 | Up to 75% |
Review our CA Registration Fees Guide and CMA Registration Fees Breakdown for full payment plan analysis.
Common CS Fee Payment Mistakes and Penalty Rules
- Missing deadline for registration or exam form, leading to ₹250 late fee per application
- Paying the wrong category amount or not submitting proof for claimed concessions
- Failing to renew registration annually (₹1,000 per year) and risking deactivation
- Delaying de novo registration after attempt window expiry incurring higher charges (₹2,000–₹3,000)
- Not saving or uploading proof of payment, causing approval delays
Always cross-check payment heads, track ICSI notifications, and submit clear supporting paperwork to avoid additional expenses.
Revision Tip Sheet: Key Reminders for CS Exam Fee Process
- Check updated fees every session, as ICSI revises rates annually.
- Register before each cycle’s deadline—plan for both main and supplementary modules.
- Apply for concessions with necessary proof at first opportunity.
- Pay all renewal charges to maintain valid registration status.
- Use official ICSI portal for payments; avoid third-party agents or unofficial sites.
Quick Checklist for ICSI CS Executive & Professional Applicants
- Registered timely for the correct session and course level?
- Paid all fees (registration, exam form, pre-exam, renewal) in full?
- Claimed any eligible concessions/fee waivers?
- Uploaded required documents including photo, signature, proof of category?
- Kept digital and printed fee receipts safe?
- Notified ICSI immediately if payment or approval errors occurred?
By keeping a close watch on the official ICSI CS exam fee structure, timelines, and payment rules for 2025, you can fully focus on your studies, minimize financial risk, and maximize access to one of India’s most respected commerce careers. Always use authentic sources for any updates, and ensure each step is completed well ahead of prescribed deadlines to secure your growth as a future Company Secretary.
FAQs on CS Executive and CS Professional Exam Fees (2025-26): Full Details
1. What is the fee for CS Professional?
CS Professional exam fees (ICSI) are ₹12,000 for registration and ₹1,200 per module for the examination fee. So, for all three modules, that totals ₹3,600 exam fee plus registration. Additional charges may include late fees or de novo registration if applicable. Fee concessions are available for select categories. Always check the latest details on the ICSI portal before payment.
2. What is the total cost of CS?
The total cost of CS (Company Secretary) from Foundation/Direct Entry to CS Professional typically ranges from ₹35,000 to ₹45,000 (excluding classes/coaching). This includes registration fees, exam fees for all stages, and renewal charges. In addition, students should budget for study material, training fees, and optional coaching, which may significantly increase overall expenses.
3. What are the CS Executive exam fees for both modules?
For the CS Executive exam, the current registration fee is ₹10,600. The examination fee is ₹1,200 per module. For students appearing in both modules, the total exam fee is ₹2,400. Additional late fees apply if you miss deadlines.
4. Are there fee concessions or exemptions available for CS exams?
Yes, fee concessions are available for students from reserved categories (like SC/ST, physically handicapped, or economically weaker sections). The concession percentage varies by category and may apply to both registration and examination fees. Check ICSI's latest notifications for specific eligibility and supporting documents required when applying for the concession.
5. What are the key registration and exam fee payment deadlines for CS Executive and Professional?
Important ICSI registration deadlines typically fall in February/March (for June session) and August/September (for December session). Exam form submissions also close a few months before the exam. Missing these deadlines may result in late fees or de novo registration. Always track the ICSI academic calendar for the latest timelines.
6. How do I pay CS Executive or CS Professional exam fees online?
To pay CS exam fees, login to the ICSI portal (https://smash.icsi.in), select your stage, fill the exam application form, and use the available online payment options (debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking). Always save your payment receipt for future reference.
7. What happens if I miss the CS exam fee deadline?
If you miss the fee deadline, you can still submit your exam form during the late period, but you must pay an additional late fee (usually ₹250). After the late period closes, you will have to wait for the next attempt or re-register, depending on your attempt window status.
8. Is the CS registration or exam fee refundable if I withdraw or switch to another course?
CS registration and exam fees are generally non-refundable, even if you withdraw your application or migrate to another course. Partial refunds may only occur in special circumstances as per ICSI policies. Always check the official withdrawal policy before applying.
9. What is de novo registration in CS, and what are its charges?
De novo registration is required if your CS registration lapses (i.e., you do not complete the course within the prescribed validity). The de novo fee is currently around ₹2,000 (as per latest ICSI notifications). This process extends your registration period so you can continue your studies and attempt the exams.
10. How do CS Executive and Professional exam fees compare with CA and CMA?
On average, the CS exam fees (ICSI) are slightly lower than CA (ICAI) and comparable to CMA (ICMAI). However, the total cost may vary based on registration, exam attempts, and additional trainings. Review all institute websites for up-to-date fee comparisons before deciding your commerce career path.
11. What mistakes should students avoid while paying their CS fees?
Common mistakes include:
- Missing deadlines and incurring late fees
- Submitting incomplete forms or incorrect documents
- Not claiming eligible fee concessions
- Forgetting to download/save payment receipts
- Not checking for ICSI updates before paying
12. Can I apply for exam fee exemption if I am re-appearing for one module after obtaining exemption in some papers?
You must pay the examination fee for the modules you are re-attempting, even if you have paper-wise exemptions. Exempted papers do not reduce the module-wise examination fee as per current ICSI rules.
