Know the Difference Between CSEET and CS Foundation
Over time, the journey to becoming a Company Secretary (CS) has changed considerably. Like with the introduction of the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) has replaced to the previous CS Foundation Programme. Both examinations serve as admission points for the CS course; however, they differ in structure, curriculum, method, eligibility, and more. Aspiring CS professionals must understand these distinctions to prepare for this lucrative corporate post.
This extensive guide will explain the differences between the two tests and address some of the most common questions (FAQs) to assist students in understanding this transition. Read more CSEET Eligibility Criteria 2024: Key Dates, Enrollment Process, Your Road to Company Secretary
1. Introduction to CS Foundation and CSEET
The CS Foundation Programme, which preceded the CS course, tested students in business management, law, accounting, and economics. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) ran it to prepare students for higher CS courses. The ICSI replaced the CS Foundation Programme with the CSEET in 2020. The training was updated to meet business demands. CSEET emphasises academic knowledge and soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and logical reasoning, which are crucial in business today.
2. Eligibility Criteria
Let’s look at how the eligibility criteria for both exams differ:
- CS Foundation: To be eligible for the CS Foundation exam, a candidate needed to pass their 10+2 (Higher Secondary Examination) or its equivalent from a recognized board.
- CSEET: The eligibility criteria for CSEET are quite similar, as students must still pass their 10+2 (Higher Secondary Examination) or its equivalent to register for the exam. However, a major change was introduced regarding graduates:
- Graduates and postgraduates may formerly apply for the CS Executive Programme after completing the CS Foundation test. Unless exempt, graduates and postgraduates must take the CSEET.
3. Exemptions in CSEET
Exemptions are a major CSEET addition. Candidates might skip the CSEET and join the CS Executive Programme. Exemptions are given to:
- Candidates who passed CS Foundation before CSEET. Non-fine arts graduates and postgraduates.
- Candidates who passed the ICAI CPT or ICMAI CMA Foundation test.
- This flexibility allows students with adequate academic degrees or experience to continue their CS education without an admission test.
This flexibility ensures that those with relevant academic qualifications or prior experience can continue their CS journey without having to go through an additional entrance exam.
4. Exam Structure and Mode
Analysis will be performed on the test architecture and delivery techniques used by the CS Foundation and CSEET.
CS Foundation:
- Mode: Pen-and-paper-based exam (offline).
- Structure: The exam consisted of four papers:
- Business Environment and Entrepreneurship
- Business Management, Ethics, and Communication
- Business Economics
- Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing
CSEET:
- Mode: Computer-based exam (online).
- Structure: The exam comprises four sections:
- Business Communication (50 Marks)
- Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning (50 Marks)
- Economic and Business Environment (50 Marks)
- Current Affairs and Presentation and Communication Skills (50 Marks)
Along with the four components, CSEET contains a video-conferencing Viva Voce element that tests presentation and communication skills. This is a big change from the former CS Foundation test, which had no conversational interaction.
5. Duration and Exam Sessions
CS Foundation:
- The CS Foundation test was often given in many sessions over two days.
- Traditional pen-paper sessions were assigned to each topic.
CSEET:
- A single session of 2 hours (120 minutes) is conducted for the CSEET.
- The computer-based examination is administered online, which expedites the testing process and provides applicants with greater flexibility.
6. Syllabus Comparison
Both tests include basic business and management topics, however the CSEET material is revised to meet corporate needs. Comparisons of the syllabus:
CS Foundation:
- The CS Foundation course included fundamental business, management, legal, and accounting concepts. The theoretical themes prepared students for conceptual learning in later CS courses.
CSEET:
- CSEET offers a diverse course that covers contemporary business trends and practical skills including logical thinking and communication.
- Legal aptitude, logical thinking, and current events equip students for academic rigour and business difficulties. Candidates must have soft skills for corporate communication and presentation since communication skills are emphasised.
7. Passing Criteria
CS Foundation:
- To pass CS Foundation, applicants needed to achieve at least 40% in each topic and maintain a 50% aggregate across all examinations.
CSEET:
- To pass the CSEET, students must obtain at least 40% in each topic and an overall aggregate of 50%.
8. Preparation Strategy of CSEET and CS Foundation
CSEET preparation differs from CS Foundation preparation because to curriculum and test format modifications. Some major points:
CS Foundation:
- For the CS Foundation test, preparation focused on key ideas in business, management, and accounting.
- The curculliun emphasised theory-based learning.
CSEET:
- To prepare for CSEET, students should improve their abilities in logical thinking, legal acumen, and current events in addition to theoretical knowledge.
- The Viva Voce test requires communication and presenting abilities.
- CSEET success requires keeping up with business changes and developing public speaking.
9. Why the Shift from CS Foundation to CSEET?
The desire to develop well-rounded workers with technical and soft skills drove the change from the CS Foundation Programme to CSEET. The ICSI recognised that Company Secretaries nowadays must grasp legal, financial, corporate communication, critical thinking, and logical reasoning. CSEET has switched the institute’s emphasis to developing future professionals who can handle changing corporate governance, compliance, and communication needs.
10. Impact of the New Structure on Aspiring CS Students
From CS Foundation to CSEET has numerous effects on students:
- Communication skills, logical thinking, and current events make the test more holistic, assessing applicants on a broader variety of competencies.
- Practical abilities: The Viva Voce component helps students acquire practical abilities, which are crucial in the workplace.
- Flexibility in Learning: Computer-based exams allow students to take the test from anywhere.
Conclusion
The move from the CS Foundation Programme to CSEET shows a larger focus on equipping CS professionals for organisational change. Both tests lead to the Company Secretary course, but CSEET emphasises current business skills, communication, and logic. Students may confidently take the CSEET knowing it will transform them into well-rounded, competent professionals with adequate preparation. Aspiring Company Secretaries must comprehend these changes and alter their study plans to succeed in this new, more stringent system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is CSEET harder than the CS Foundation?
On one hand, CSEET encompasses logical thinking, current events, and communication abilities. On the other hand, the CS Foundation test does not include these elements. Although the essential concepts remain unchanged, the emphasis on practical skills and current events could potentially make CSEET more challenging. Students may ace both examinations with adequate preparation.
2. Can graduates skip the CSEET?
Yes, graduates and postgraduates (excluding fine arts) may immediately join in the CS Executive Programme without taking CSEET..
3. What is the mode of CSEET, and how does it differ from the CS Foundation?
The CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test) takes place online and includes multiple-choice and subjective questions, whereas the CS Foundation typically employs a pen-and-paper format, although online options might be offered. CSEET targets 10+2 students who aspire to join the CS program, while CS Foundation serves as the initial level of the CS course, emphasising foundational concepts in law and accounting.
4. What are the subjects in CSEET?
The CSEET has four subjects:
- Business Communication
- Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning
- Economic and Business Environment
- Current Affairs and Presentation Skills
5. What is the passing percentage for CSEET?
To successfully pass the CSEET, candidates need to score at least 40% in each subject. Additionally, they must achieve an overall aggregate of 50%.
6. What are the exemptions available in CSEET?
Certain candidates are exempt:
- Are non-fine arts graduates/postgraduates
- Completed CPT, CMA Foundation, or CS Foundation examinations.
7. How do I prepare for the Viva Voce in CSEET?
Candidates should practice public speaking, presentation, and business communication for the Viva Voce. Staying current, practicing, and doing mock interviews helps enhance confidence.
8. Is the CSEET exam conducted offline?
One may take the computer-based online CSEET from anywhere.
9. How many times is CSEET conducted in a year?
CSEET is administered four times a year, providing students with ample opportunities to succeed.
10. What happens if I fail the CSEET?
Fail the CSEET? Retake it in the next session. The CS Executive Program is presented and conducted several times a year to give students many opportunities to succeed.
Also, read
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