Ultimate Guide to CSEET 2026: June & October Exam Schedule, New Syllabus, and Preparation Strategy

The journey to becoming a Company Secretary is a prestigious one, and the first step the CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test)—has just undergone its most significant transformation in years. If you are an aspirant planning to appear for the 2026 sessions, you are entering a new era of professional testing.
In late 2025, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) announced a complete restructuring of the CSEET. Gone are the days of remote-proctored, MCQ-only exams from home. Starting with the June 2026 session, the exam is more rigorous, descriptive, and industry-aligned.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down every single detail you need to know to navigate the CSEET 2026 landscape successfully.

For the past few years, CSEET was a 200-mark online exam that students could take from the comfort of their laptops. However, to enhance the quality of students entering the CS Executive level, ICSI has raised the bar.

Key Changes at a Glance:

• Mode of Examination: Shifted from “Remote Proctored” to Offline (Center-Based). You must now visit a designated center to write your exams.
• Total Marks: Increased from 200 to 400 marks.
• Number of Papers: 4 distinct papers conducted over 4 consecutive days.
• Exam Pattern: A hybrid of Subjective (Descriptive) and Objective (OMR-based).
• Registration Validity: Your CSEET registration is now valid for 3 years, though the result itself remains valid for 1 year.

The June session is the first-ever attempt under this new pattern. Aspirants should mark these dates in their calendars and plan their study leaves accordingly.

Date	Paper	Subject	Timing	Nature
1 June 2026	Paper 1	Business Communication	2:30 PM – 5:45 PM	Subjective
2 June 2026	Paper 2	Fundamentals of Accounting	2:30 PM – 5:45 PM	Subjective
3 June 2026	Paper 3	Economic & Business Environment	2:30 PM – 5:45 PM	Subjective
4 June 2026	Paper 4	Business Laws & Management	2:30 PM – 4:45 PM	OMR (MCQ)

Note on Timing: ICSI has introduced a 15-minute mandatory reading time for all papers from
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM. The writing/answering session begins at 2:45 PM.

Important Registration Deadlines
The ICSI recently extended the registration deadline for the June attempt, giving students a final window to apply.

• Last Date to Register: 28 February 2026
• Exam Enrollment (Normal Fee): 1 March 2026 to 7 April 2026
• Exam Enrollment (With Late Fee): 8 April 2026 to 20 April 2026

The curriculum has been modernized to include elements like Artificial Intelligence, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and advanced corporate ethics.

Paper 1: Business Communication (100 Marks)
This is now a 3-hour subjective paper. It no longer just tests basic grammar; it tests your ability to draft professional emails, reports, and business letters.

• Focus areas: Digital communication, professional vocabulary, and comprehension.

Paper 2: Fundamentals of Accounting (100 Marks)
This is a brand-new addition to the CSEET. ICSI realized that a strong grasp of accounting is vital for CS students.

• Focus areas: Double-entry system, Bank Reconciliation Statements (BRS), Depreciation, and Final Accounts of Sole Proprietors and LLPs.

Paper 3: Economic and Business Environment (100 Marks)
Another subjective paper that requires analytical writing.

• Focus areas: Union Budget 2026 updates, National Income, and the impact of AI on the Indian business environment.

Paper 4: Business Laws and Management (100 Marks)
This is the only paper that remains OMR-based (MCQs). It consists of two parts: Business Laws (60 Marks) and Business Management (40 Marks).

• Good news: There is no negative marking in this paper.

If you miss the June deadline or are currently appearing for your Class 12 board exams, the October attempt is your next best bet. Please note that the “November” attempt has officially been moved to October in the 2026 calendar.

• Registration Start Date: 16 February 2026
• Registration Last Date: 31 May 2026
• Expected Exam Dates: First week of October 2026

The passing requirements are strict because you must clear all four papers in a single sitting.

1. Individual Paper: Minimum 40% (40 marks out of 100).
2. Aggregate: Minimum 50% (200 marks out of 400).

There is no provision for “carrying forward” marks or exemptions in the new CSEET structure. If you fail even one subject or miss the aggregate by one mark, you must re-appear for all four papers.
If you miss the June deadline or are currently appearing for your Class 12 board exams, the October attempt is your next best bet. Please note that the “November” attempt has officially been moved to October in the 2026 calendar.

Since 75% of your total marks now come from subjective writing, your preparation strategy must change.

1. Focus on “Why,” Not Just “What”: Rote learning won’t help you in a subjective paper. Understand the logic behind accounting entries and legal provisions.
2. Writing Practice is Mandatory: You must practice writing 10-15 mark answers. Speed and handwriting legibility will matter in a 3-hour offline exam.
3. Stay Updated on Current Affairs: The Business Environment paper will likely include questions on the latest 2026-27 Union Budget and recent corporate law amendments.
4. Use Official ICSI Study Material: While coaching notes are great, the ICSI “Study Modules” are the bible. Ensure you have the 2026 version.
5. Mock Tests are Key: Simulating a center-based environment is crucial. Solve at least three full-length mock papers for each subject before the final day.

The 2026 CSEET is undeniably tougher than its predecessors, but it is also more rewarding. It prepares you for the rigors of the CS Executive and Professional levels, ensuring that when you finally earn those two letters CS before your name, you are truly ready for the corporate boardroom.
However, navigating such a massive change in the exam pattern alone can be overwhelming. This is where professional guidance makes all the difference