To become a Company Secretary (CS) in India, you need to enroll with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and pass the three stages of the CS course: Foundation (now CSEET), Executive, and Professional. After completing the exams, you’ll need to undergo practical training before becoming an Associate Company Secretary (ACS). 

Steps to Becoming a Company Secretary:

1. Educational Qualification: You need to have passed your 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. 
2. Enroll with ICSI: Register with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). 
3. CSEET: If you are a 10+2 graduate, you need to clear the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET). 
4. CS Executive Programme: After clearing CSEET, you’ll move on to the Executive Programme, which covers various aspects of company law, tax laws, and business management. 
5. CS Professional Programme: This is the final stage and focuses on advanced legal and management practices. 
6. Practical Training: After passing the Professional Programme, you’ll need to complete a period of practical training (usually 21 months) under a practicing Company Secretary or in a company employing CS professionals. 
7. Associate Membership: Upon completing the training, you can apply for Associate Membership with ICSI and officially become a Company Secretary. 

Key Points:

• The CS course is regulated by ICSI, which is the statutory professional body. 
• Graduates and post-graduates (excluding Fine Arts students) can directly enroll in the CS Executive Programme, skipping the Foundation (CSEET) stage. 
• The CS course is considered equivalent to a Master’s degree. 
• Practical training is a crucial part of the CS course, providing real-world experience.