The Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) is undergoing its most significant transformation since its inception. Starting from the June 2026 session, ICSI is moving away from the “Home-Based Remote Proctored” model to a more rigorous, Center-Based Offline format.
If you are planning to become a Company Secretary, understanding these changes is vital, as the exam will now test not just your memory, but your writing skills and conceptual depth. This blog provides the latest, accurate details on the restructured CSEET 2026 pattern.
What is the New CSEET?
The restructured CSEET is designed to align the entrance level with the professional standards of the CS Executive and Professional programs. ICSI’s goal is to ensure that students entering the course possess strong foundational knowledge in accounting, law, and professional communication.
The “Online from Home” format will officially end with the January 2026 attempt. From June 2026, the exam will be held at designated physical test centers across India.
Major Changes in CSEET June 2026
| Feature | Old Pattern (Till Jan 2026) | New Pattern (From June 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online Remote Proctored (Home) | Offline (Center-Based) |
| Duration | 2 Hours (Single Day) | 4 Days (Separate Papers) |
| Total Marks | 200 Marks | 400 Marks |
| Question Type | 100% Objective (MCQs) | Subjective (Written) + OMR (MCQs) |
| Frequency | 4 times a year | 3 times a year (Feb, June, Oct) |
CSEET Exam Structure – June 2026
Under the new guidelines, the exam is conducted over four consecutive days. Each paper is worth 100 marks, and the passing criteria remain 40% per subject and 50% in aggregate.
| Day | Subject | Marks | Pattern | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Business Communication | 100 | Subjective | 3 Hours |
| Day 2 | Fundamentals of Accounting | 100 | Subjective | 3 Hours |
| Day 3 | Economic & Business Environment | 100 | Subjective | 3 Hours |
| Day 4 | Business Laws & Management | 100 | OMR Based | 2 Hours |
Detailed Syllabus Updates
The 2026 syllabus has been modernized to include current corporate and technological trends:
- Business Communication (Subjective): Replaces the old MCQ format with a 3-hour written exam focusing on grammar, business correspondence, and drafting skills.
- Fundamentals of Accounting (New): A major re-addition to the syllabus. It covers basic accounting principles, bank reconciliation, depreciation, and company accounts to prepare students for the Executive level.
- Economic and Business Environment (Subjective): Covers demand-supply, national income, and the Indian budget, requiring descriptive answers.
- Business Laws and Management (OMR): This is the only objective paper. It combines legal aptitude (60 marks) with business management principles (40 marks).
Important Fee and Registration Updates
Aspiring students must take note of the revised fee structure, which is significantly higher than previous years:
- Registration Fee: ₹7,500 (Valid for 3 years).
- Examination Enrollment Fee: ₹1,500 per session.
- Viva Voce: There is no separate Viva Voce in the June 2026 pattern, as communication skills are now assessed through the 100-mark subjective paper.
Conclusion
The transition to a subjective, center-based exam marks a return to a more traditional academic assessment for ICSI. Students can no longer rely on “exam-cracking shortcuts.” Success in the June 2026 CSEET will require a deep conceptual understanding of accounting and law, along with polished professional writing skills. Start your preparation early and follow the official ICSI study material for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is no negative marking in the OMR-based paper (Business Laws and Management).
No. Starting June 2026, all candidates must report to a physical exam center assigned by ICSI.
You must score at least 40 marks in each of the four papers and a total of 200 out of 400 marks (50% aggregate).
No. The January 2026 exam is the final attempt under the old 200-mark online MCQ pattern. The new 400-mark offline pattern begins specifically in June 2026.