The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) conducts the Company Secretary (CS) Foundation Programme Examination, a crucial step for aspiring company secretaries. This examination is a gateway to a promising corporate governance and compliance career. To ensure success, candidates must adhere to specific guidelines outlined by ICSI. 

This program aims to impart foundational knowledge in various aspects of company secretarial practices, including business communication, legal and regulatory framework, economic and commercial laws, and more. It serves as the first step towards becoming a qualified company secretary, paving the way for advanced levels of the CS course.

This article will delve into the essential guidelines for the ICSI CS Foundation Programme Examination, providing comprehensive insights for aspirants.

Also Read: ICSI CS December 2021 Exam

Eligibility Criteria

One of the primary guidelines for appearing in the ICSI CS Foundation Programme Examination is meeting the eligibility criteria set by ICSI. Candidates must have passed 10+2 or its equivalent examination from a recognized board to be eligible for the Foundation Programme. Additionally, no minimum aggregate marks are required for pursuing the Foundation Programme, making it accessible to a wide range of candidates.

Registration Process

To appear in the CS Foundation Programme Examination, candidates must complete the registration process with ICSI. This involves filling out the registration form on the official ICSI website and submitting the requisite fees. It's essential to ensure that all information provided during registration is accurate and up-to-date to avoid any discrepancies later.

Examination Pattern

Understanding the examination pattern is crucial for adequate preparation. The ICSI CS Foundation Programme Examination comprises four papers, each carrying a specific weightage. These papers include Business Environment and Law, Business Management, Ethics, and Business Economics. Candidates must familiarize themselves with each paper's syllabus and weightage distribution to strategize their preparation accordingly.

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Essential Guidelines for ICSI CS Foundation Programme Examination

In a recent announcement, the authorities stated that the examination will be held in Remote Proctored mode to ensure convenience and safety for the candidates. However, strict adherence to the provided guidelines is imperative for the successful conduct of the examination. Any violation of instructions may result in disqualification.

Part 1: General Instructions:

• Candidates must carefully verify the details on the CS Foundation admit card, including name, photograph, signature, admission number, date, and timing of the examination. Any discrepancies should be reported immediately to http://support.icsi.edu.
• The examination will be conducted in Remote Proctored mode. Candidates must download the SEBLite, Safe Exam Browser, and follow the instructions provided.
• Candidates must have their admit card and a valid government-issued identity card for verification by remote proctors. Please present the required documents to avoid disqualification.
• Log in 40 minutes before the exam's given time, but no candidate will be allowed to enter 30 minutes before the commencement. The exam must be completed within 45 minutes from the time of login.
• Each paper will have 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each worth two marks. Candidates will be given 90 minutes to complete two papers daily, except for paper-wise exemptions.
• The question paper will be available in both English and Hindi, with a toggle option, except for Business Management, Ethics, and Entrepreneurship, which will be in English only.
• To qualify, candidates must score at least 40% marks in each paper and 50% in aggregate. There is no negative marking for wrong answers.
• Personal items such as mobile phones, wristwatches, and study aids are prohibited in the examination hall. However, a specific calculator model and rough sheets are allowed for certain papers.
• Candidates must focus during the examination and stay on the workstation or communicate with others.
• Any violation of the examination guidelines should be reported to the Directorate of Student Services of the Institute.

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Part 2: Instructions for appearing in the Foundation Programme examination through remote proctored mode

• Candidates must ensure that their systems meet the technical requirements specified by ICSI for appearing in the examination.
• Technical requirements include operating system, processor, RAM, screen resolution, browser, webcam, microphone, graphics, internet connection, .NET Framework, antivirus, and necessary extensions.
• Candidates must have administrative privileges on their devices for installation/uninstallation purposes and ensure an uninterrupted power supply during the test.
• The test process involves copying and pasting the provided URL, entering login credentials, and undergoing identity verification at two levels.
• Remote proctors will monitor candidates throughout the test, and any attempt to engage in unfair means will be detected and reported.
• Candidates facing technical issues during the test can contact the helpline number or use the support portal provided by ICSI.
• Once the exam commences, no bio breaks will be allowed, and candidates experiencing internet connectivity or power issues can log in again and continue from the last attempted question.

Part 3: Operating Instructions

• Candidates must follow the instructions provided by the proctor and clarify any doubts before commencing the test.
• Four options will follow each question, and candidates must select the correct option using the mouse. Answers will be saved automatically.
• Candidates can modify their answers before the timer ends and use the bookmark option to revisit questions later.

Part 4: Examination Submission

• After completing the examination, candidates can submit by clicking the "DONE" button followed by three warnings with the "FINISH" button.
• Candidates should remain cautious while clicking the "FINISH" button, as the examination cannot be restarted once it has been submitted.
• A confirmation message will appear upon successful submission of the examination.