What Percentage is Required to Pass CS Professional in 2025?
The ICSI CS pass percentage for CS Executive and CS Professional is a critical metric for commerce aspirants aiming for Company Secretary certification in 2025. Each year, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) publishes these statistics, helping students benchmark their own preparation against national averages. Understanding recent trends, module-wise differences, and pass criteria enables better strategizing for both first-time and repeat candidates.
Definition of ICSI Pass Percentage and CS Exam Levels
The CS Executive is the second stage in the CS course, followed by the advanced CS Professional level. The pass percentage reflects the ratio of candidates clearing required modules in a given session against those who appeared. These percentages differ by module, session (June/December), and whether students attempt the old or new syllabus. The ICSI also updates grading policies to reflect regulatory and academic changes.
ICSI CS Executive and Professional Pass Percentage Trends (2020–2025)
Analysis of the last five years shows that the CS Executive passing rate has generally hovered between 10% and 28%, while the CS Professional result trend is often slightly lower—sometimes as low as 5% for certain modules. Marked shifts are seen with syllabus changes or major regulatory reforms.
| Session | Executive Module 1 | Executive Module 2 | Professional Group 1 | Professional Group 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2021 | 9.05% | 12.32% | 8.76% | 18.12% |
| Dec 2021 | 5.85% | 13.05% | 6.92% | 7.40% |
| Jun 2022 | 8.11% (Old), 9.64% (New) | 14.57% (Old), 21.91% (New) | 15.21% (Old), 8.27% (New) | 21.28% (Old), 15.49% (New) |
| Dec 2022 | 24.31% (Old), 15.60% (New) | 17.33% (Old), 23.66% (New) | 13.54% (Old), 7.68% (New) | 16.56% (Old), 11.95% (New) |
| Dec 2024* | 28.64% | 27.52% | 15.91% | 19.74% |
*2025 session data will be updated post-result announcement, but early analysis suggests module-wise rates between 10% and 30%.
ICSI Passing Marks and Criteria for CS Executive & Professional
The ICSI enforces strict pass criteria for both levels. Students must achieve:
- 40% minimum in each paper of a module
- 50% aggregate marks across all papers in a single sitting
- No offsetting of marks between modules or across attempts
- Separate clearance required for each module/group
- As of 2025, both objective and subjective formats are retained; consult the latest Company Secretary Exam Pattern for details
Students should not underestimate negative marking (0.25 per MCQ error) where applicable. For full criteria, see CS Executive Syllabus 2025.
CS Pass Percentage Compared to CA, CMA, ACCA, and CFA
To gauge the relative difficulty and benchmark the ICSI CS pass percentage, compare it with other major commerce exam stats. Generally, CS rates are slightly higher than CA, but lower than some international commerce certifications due to strict Indian regulations.
| Exam | Typical Pass Percentage |
|---|---|
| CS Executive | 10–30% |
| CS Professional | 5–20% |
| CA Final | 5–15% |
| CMA Final | 5–15% |
| ACCA (Global) | 30–50% |
| CFA Level 2 | 40–50% |
This comparison shows the challenge level and emphasizes the need for focused preparation. For full CA statistics, reference CA Final Pass Percentage resources.
Factors Influencing CS Exam Pass Rates
Pass percentages change in response to various factors affecting pass rate:
- Syllabus changes: Old vs new rules periodically impact pass statistics
- Exam format: Objective–subjective balance, negative marking, and case law complexity matter
- Study patterns: Coaching, self-study, or college-supported strategies affect outcomes
- Result policies: COVID-19, revaluation, and grace marks alter module-wise clearance
- Student attempt type: Repeater rates are typically lower than freshers
Implications of Pass Percentage for CS Aspirants’ Careers
A lower pass ratio often signals a rigorous qualifying process and can enhance the perceived value of the CS credential in the marketplace. However, it also means fewer certified professionals are produced each session, which can result in steady or rising demand for qualified company secretaries. Conversely, sudden increases may either signal easier papers or improved academic support.
For quick guidance on aligning your study plan, review the detailed CS Course Details to better anticipate result benchmarks and job outcomes.
Actionable Exam Tips and Common Mistakes Affecting Pass Percentage
- Focus on conceptual clarity—not just memorization
- Attempt full mock tests using the latest ICSI study material
- Target both minimum per-paper marks and aggregate safeguards
- Avoid last-minute syllabus hopping; complete core subjects first
- Be mindful of negative marking in MCQ-driven papers
- Review past module-wise pass trends for insight on high-failure topics
Summary Checklist Before Registering or Attempting CS Exams
- Review pass percentages and recent trend shifts
- Understand required marks for both module-wise clearance and aggregate total
- Choose the right attempt based on preparation, not peer pressure
- Consult updated exam pattern and study resources
- Track official result notifications and cutoff announcements
In summary, the ICSI CS pass percentage for executive and professional levels remains a key indicator of both exam rigor and candidate readiness. Stay updated with official notifications, analyze historical trends, and focus on strategic preparation to maximize your chances in the 2025 cycle.
FAQs on ICSI CS Executive & Professional Pass Percentage 2025
1. What percentage is required to pass CS Professional?
To pass the CS Professional exam, candidates must score:
- At least 40% marks in each individual paper (subject)
- At least 50% aggregate marks in all papers of the module taken together in a single attempt.
This means you need to clear both the minimum per paper and overall aggregate as per the latest ICSI regulations.
2. Which is more difficult, CS Executive or CS Professional?
CS Professional is considered more difficult than CS Executive due to its advanced-level papers and focus on practical application, corporate governance, legal drafts, and case studies. Lower pass rates and complex syllabus content make CS Professional more challenging. However, perceived difficulty may vary depending on your preparation, conceptual clarity, and practical exposure.
3. What's the CS Executive passing percentage?
The CS Executive pass percentage typically ranges between 10% to 20% per module for major exam sessions in recent years. For example, June 2024 and December 2023 saw pass rates around 12%–18% for Module 1 and Module 2, as per ICSI official results. This makes it a moderately competitive exam compared to CA and CMA levels.
4. What is a good CS Professional result percentage?
A good CS Professional result percentage is typically above 10–15%, which is the recent average pass rate for this stage as per ICSI data. If the pass percentage is above 20%, that session is considered comparatively easier. Consistent 10%–15% pass rates indicate the exam’s high standards and strict evaluation.
5. Is there a difference in pass rates between the old and new CS syllabus?
Yes, there can be differences in pass rates between the old and new CS syllabus. Initially, new syllabuses sometimes show higher or lower pass rates as students and faculty adjust to changed paper structures, updated content, and marking schemes. Historically, the overall pass percentages tend to normalize after the first few sessions.
6. How does the CS pass rate compare with CA and CMA?
CS pass rates are generally higher than CA Final but similar or slightly lower than CMA Final. Typical pass rates are:
- CS Executive: 10%–20%
- CS Professional: 10%–15%
- CA Final: often 5%–10%
- CMA Final: 15%–20%.
This means CS remains challenging but may be relatively more achievable compared to CA, based on official statistics.
7. What are the passing criteria for CS Executive?
To pass CS Executive:
- Score 40% marks in each subject
- Achieve 50% aggregate marks in all papers of the module (either Module 1 or 2) in a single sitting.
There is no negative marking, and both module-wise and group-wise passing is possible as per ICSI policy.
8. What factors affect pass percentage in CS exams?
Several factors can impact the pass percentage in CS Executive and Professional exams:
- Difficulty level and paper pattern
- Updated syllabus or regulation changes
- Quality of study material and coaching
- Student preparation trends and answer presentation
- Stricter or lenient evaluation by ICSI
Each of these can cause notable yearly or session-wise fluctuations in result statistics.
9. Does a low pass percentage mean the exam is very tough or poorly prepared students?
A low pass percentage usually indicates either a higher exam difficulty, stricter evaluation, or sometimes gaps in candidate preparation. It does not always reflect only exam toughness. Higher pass rates may result from quality preparation, better study support, or changes in paper design.
10. Are there specific colleges or institutes with a consistently high CS pass rate?
ICSI does not officially rank colleges or coaching centers by pass percentage. However, students with access to reputed CS coaching, experienced faculty, and structured preparation often have better passing chances. Always verify claims before choosing an institute for CS Executive or Professional coaching.
11. What should I do if I fail in one module of CS Executive or CS Professional?
If you fail in one module, you only have to reappear for that specific failed module/subject in the next attempt. Focus your preparation on weaker areas, analyze your answer sheets (if possible), use updated ICSI study material, and consider mentor feedback. Many aspirants clear the remaining module in subsequent attempts with targeted preparation.
12. Where can I find the latest CS Executive and CS Professional pass percentage statistics?
You can find the latest official CS Executive and CS Professional pass percentage data on the ICSI Result Portal and analysis pages such as Vedantu CS Pass Percentage. For December 2024 and June 2025 sessions, always refer to the most recent notifications for accurate statistics.
