How to pass CS Professional - Interview with Kiran, Raja Nila & Srijit Kurup

1.       Hearty Congratulations on CS Professional successfully. How long it took for you to clear the entire course?

 

Kiran: I started this course in Dec 2017 and completed all modules of professional in Dec 2021. It took me 4 years to complete this course.

Raja Nila: Thanks a lot. Actually I started my CS journey in the year 2016 and I have completed it by December 2021. But my success has been definitely delayed by a year due to covid factors.

 

2.       Where did you do your training? How did you manage work and studies?

 

Kiran:I did my training in P. Sriram and Associates. I am not a night person, so I made sure I studied at least 2 hours daily in the morning before work during work days and during the study leave I made sure I utilized the maximum time and I made up a schedule and stuck to it.

 

3.       First Module of CS Professional -please tell us subject wise how to prepare and present.

Kiran: 

GRMCE paper – This subject consists of four parts of which Risk management and compliance covers 30 marks, I made sure I am thorough in these 30 marks and for the governance part there are 11 chapters which I covered based on the scanner weightage and previous years repeated questions which covers 50 marks. With regard to various countries governance aspects try to make notes of every country to a five mark answer and then study that which will be easier to complete.  While presenting answers I wrote everything point wise and kept it as precise as possible.

 

Tax paper – Apart from ICSI material I followed Bangars Tax laws book both for GST, Customs and Direct Tax. Make sure to practice GST sums as much as possible and be thorough with the provisions of the law. Concentrate on Customs equally as questions can be asked from customs beyond the weightage given (which is 10 marks).

 

Drafting paper – This is where we can score more. Initially read the book completely twice and understand the drafts. Practice drafts on your own repeatedly which will make it easy to remember points for each draft as well as manage the time constraint in the exam.

Raja Nila: 

Corporate governance : This paper has been divided into 3 parts. The concept of Risk management and Ethics should be covered first as you can score more in this area. Don’t omit even a single lesson and use institute material only. 

Advance Tax Laws : This paper is too vast , so start preparing and practicing this paper from day 1. Apart from institute material , I referred Bangar's Tax Laws book for this paper and it helped me a lot. Practicing sums are also equally important so that you will get time management. Don’t omit theory part in Direct tax portion. 

Drafting : Drafting will be the scoring paper for almost everyone. The main thing is practice and draft at least one document or letter daily. The paper will be lengthy and if you have writing and drafting practices daily then it will be easy for you to give your best within 3 hours. But don’t omit any theory part. Pleadings part will be some what tough so revise it well twice or thrice before exams.

4.       Second module- This module you had cleared recently; This group has been pretty challenging for many students. Why? How did you prepare and present for this module?

 Kiran:

This module was indeed a challenge for me as I could not clear this in first attempt. The reason why I found it challenging was this module requires more in-depth knowledge on various aspects of Company law, SEBI etc. and various case laws and case studies are also a part of the syllabus and covering the entire syllabus requires more time compared to the other two groups.

 

SACMDD paper – The paper had two parts – first part consisted of 40 marks and seven chapters , which I decided to be thorough on and the second part of 60 marks I prepared based on the previous year question paper weightage and questions.

 

CRILW paper – I focused more on the Insolvency part which covered 50% and for the first part I made sure to have knowledge on mergers and amalgamations (Section 230-240 of Companies Act)

 

RCD paper – This paper was actually a challenge as it had many case laws and provisions of various Acts. I made sure to study all the major case laws as questions were asked from it.

Raja Nila: 

To be frank , I got exactly 150 in this module and yes , it has been pretty challenging for me too. To begin with Secretarial audit , it will be very easy to study but as it is the core paper for our profession, I think the valuation may be some what strict in this particular paper and scoring in this paper is quite challenging. Next coming to Corporate restructuring and insolvency, first try to cover the insolvency portion thoroughly as it is a new concept for us ( So that we have only basics and very easy to cover ) Part A is very vast but you should not omit even a single lesson. All are equally important and practice some sums from CS executive book ( company accounts book ) The last one is Resolution of corporate disputes. This paper has many Case laws. The book seems to be small but quite tough. Practice case laws as much as possible. Try to remember sections for this particular paper. Revision is very important for this paper. 

5.       Third module – Please share your inputs paper wise. Open book exam how to approach?

 Kiran:

CFLSE paper - I focused on listing part as it covered 40 marks and to be thorough in SEBI(LODR) and SEBI(ICDR) regulations as these were the prime areas which were tested in the exam.

 

MDCS paper – I followed Inspire academy notes and the ICSI material. Make sure to take as many bare acts as possible as the Question No: 1 can be asked from any area (In my attempt it came from Labor law, since my elective paper was also labor law it was easy as I had the ICSI material in hand). Questions 2-6 will be from the ICSI material based on the case studies and the additional case study given the back of the material.

 

The format to write answer in the exam:

1)      Brief Facts – Facts to be written from the question given

2)      Decision – Decision as given by the Court or Tribunal for that particular case law

3)      Reason – The reasons for passing the judgment

4)      Conclusion – As per your thoughts whether the person can appeal or cannot appeal for the given case

 

Elective Paper was Labor law for which I followed ICSI material and previous year question Papers

Raja Nila : 

Corporate funding and Listing: First cover the Part B ( listing ) . This will be the scoring part. ICDR portions will be too vast but don’t omit anything. Just try to understand the concepts thoroughly as questions will be surely asked from this portion. 

MCS : In this paper , all the case laws will be asked from the institute material only. Don’t forget to go through the supplements issued by ICSI at least once. Prepare index . The main thing is to find out the case laws from the book. I used YES academy material for format and it will be very easy to study. The open book paper will always be too lengthy and so the time management will be the key factor. The main thing is how much you present it within the given 3 hours. 

Elective paper : My elective paper was labor laws and practice. Most of the questions asked are direct from institute material. I referred my executive book too ( Industrial labor law – old syllabus). Prepare index and take bare Act with you. Quote case laws as much as possible

 

Srijit Kurup

For Tax Vivek Gaba is the best ( Hindi ). Virtual videos

For Drafting,  i used to study from Book called drafting chalisa  ( by Praveen Chaudhary)

I used to study the formats of deeds,  Agreement etc from this book only..

For Elective subject of Insurance,  i covered the study material only and Study material  helped me a lot

6.       What is your future career plans?

Kiran:

Future career plan is to gain enough experience and network and start my own firm and guide aspiring students to become Company Secretaries.

Raja Nila: 

I am planning to go for employment for the next few years and gain experience and knowledge. Then thought of setting up my own office . 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR CS EXAMS : TIPS FROM ANISHA

Hearty Congratulations on CS Professional successfully. How long it took for you to clear the entire course? 

Anisha: Thank you so much. It took me almost 9 years to complete the course (2013-2021). However, alongwith CS, I completed B Com and LLB. 

Were you doing training and writing CS exams simultaneously? If so how did you manage both? 

Anisha: Yes, I was training/working alongwith writing CS Exams. I could manage both because I had generous mentors/employers, who gave me enough time to prepare for exam – like a 20-30 days study leave. Apart from that, I studied everyday for 1-2 hours. Despite all the work, I made sure I revised the subjects regularly. Consistent efforts and patience has helped me clear CS exams. Also, training/working gave me practical exposure of all the Compliances. It helped me understand and remember various concepts, provisions and procedures. 

Please tell how you prepared for CS exams 

Anisha: I prepared for CS exams, firstly, from ICSI Study Materials and Practice Manuals; secondly, Revision classes conducted by ICSI in 2020 (Videos are still available on YouTube -ICSI Channel for Students) and Notes from ACE Academy, Pune. Apart from the above, I prepared my own notes for ready reference and quick revision before exams. Lastly, exam preparation is incomplete without Practice Tests. Practice Tests helped me manage time, improve my writing speed and gave an overall understanding of how to attempt the question paper completely. 

What is your future career plans? 

Anisha: I’m currently working in the Secretarial Department of a Listed Company, based out of Bengaluru, Karnataka. In future, I want to be the Compliance Officer of a listed company and execute Initial Public Offering (IPO). 

INTERVIEW WITH SWATHI- HOW TO PREPARE FOR CS PROFESSIONAL

Greetings! I am Swathi.N. I took up this course with no idea of what it is or how it would be. But later studied about it and realized my decision was correct even though I didn’t know about it completely. I started loving the subjects and it made me believe that landing up in this course was nothing but Destiny’s play. I cleared Module 1 and Module 2 of Executive in December 2019 and December 2020 respectively. I appeared for Module 1 & 3 of Professional Programme in December 2021 and by Almighty’s grace, cleared them. I will be appearing for my Module 2 exams in June 2022. One common thing throughout my CS journey till date is that I was blessed with great Mentors. Their Guidance and the inputs helped me a lot in clearing my exams. I am happy to share my experience and the little inputs hoping that it would help my peers in their journey. I would like to share about my mistakes as well so that those reading this can be cautious and can avoiding doing them. For the friends who have 9 more months for their Professional exams and have not started their training yet, I would very well suggest them to appear for all the 3 modules because the Open book papers are boon given by the Institute to its students and appearing for all the three modules will help with marks set off. Whereas for those people who do not have sufficient time, they could either appear for one module or two modules considering the factors like training, time left for the exams, preparation status, etc. But always trust your instincts; they are messages from your soul.

Hearty Congratulations on passing out 2 modules of CS Professional successfully.

In your very first attempt, you have written 2 modules and passed. Please tell us how you planned and did it.

Thank you so much Sir. Due to some unavoidable circumstances, I was not able to start my preparation as soon as I cleared my Executive exams in December 2020 attempt. I had only 5 to 6 months to prepare for my December 2021 professional exams. So I decided to appear for only 2 modules, i.e; module 1 & 3. I first completed my Open Book Exam papers (Labour Laws was my elective) so that I would feel like there are just 4 more papers to prepare and it can be done comfortably. By then I had purchased all the materials and lectures. I then started the preparation for other 4 subjects. I did not have much time so I had to ensure I understood the concepts at the earliest and learn them simultaneously as I could not afford piling them up for future. I wish I could have planned in such a way that I had some time to take up some test series. But due to time constraint, I was not able to take them up. I would suggest taking up test series as it helps us so much with writing practice and also helps us know where we stand with our exam preparation. Prefer test series where test syllabus is split into 4 or 8 parts than a full portions test. When test series are taken, it could be attempted during the last one month or 45 days revision time and also try to take up the tests within the time allotted for it as time management is the key during the exams. Though you know everything, only when you are able to put it in the paper within 3 hours, you will be able to score well.

What are the books you referred and any useful online classes that you would like to prefer.

Module 1:

GRMCE- It can very well be done on our own. Most of the topics are either already studied in other subjects like Company Law or Securities Law of Executive or Corporate funding of Professional or are very common and general and thus it could be understood very easily.

But for those students who would prefer some formatted material to ICSI Module, I would suggest them to go for GRMCE Book from YES Academy. Wonderful work has been done and it is extremely student friendly with key points highlighted.

TAX- I had purchased Mr. Mohd. Rafi’s Indirect Taxes book from Bharat Publications. It has wonderful content but it is too vast. Than investing in such books you could use the module itself and get a scanner or practice questions book. More the practice more will be the possibility to clear.

DRAFTING- I would very happily suggest taking virtual classes from YES ACADEMY (by Vikas Sir). The material was extremely nice. The classes were so productive and he ensured the students wrote each and every draft in their note. Do watch the demo lectures in YouTube and decide.

Module 3:

CORPORATE FUNDING- I took virtual classes from Inspire Academy (by Shubhamm Sir). I was extremely satisfied with the classes. Just follow the instructions religiously and I think you are half done with your preparations. To be honest, clearing the paper would seem really possible after attending his classes.

MCS- This is a paper which could be done on our own. No classes are required. Preparing an index for all the case laws given would help you very much during the exams. You can use materials from Inspire Academy, i.e; Saarthi (crux of the case), Yoddha (summary of the case). They are available for free in pdf format in their website. Even if you use their material, do not forget to note the page number of the case from the module and Yoddha next to the cases in Saarthi itself which would then serve as an index. This would make easy for attempting Part B of the question paper. Whereas for Part A, it is generally not from the module but based on the chapters given in it. So try to carry materials covering those topics. Say a material for Company law, Securities law, Labour laws, Competition Act, etc;

LABOUR LAWS- Just the module is enough. But edit the module’s index by including all the side headings in it. It helps during the exam to land straight into the page where the topic is given. It saves so much of time and easily helps us complete the paper within 3 hours. Even labour laws can be studied on our own. Also, have a list of important case laws along with its page number.

TEST SERIES- Lately I got to know about online test series. After much search, I got to know about CSTESTSERIES and the reviews have been great. Do check them as it would serve as both revision as well as writing practice.

Many students who want to write 2 modules prefer Module 1 and 3; however very few only crack both together. How can they crack both modules together

In module 1, a check point we have is Tax paper. The portions are so vast that we could appear for Direct and Indirect tax papers separately for 100 marks each and still be left will so much content untouched. So, prepare for this paper with all your possible efforts. Do not aim for ‘just pass’. Prepare for exemption and we will land up with 40 marks at least.

GRMCE is indeed a scoring paper provided you write the answers to the point. I have explained in detail about the preparation and presentation in the next question.

DRAFTING might seem easy to read and understand. But the herculean task lies in drafting the documents and that too within a few minutes during the exam hours. So only writing practice can help you manage time efficiently.

When it comes to Module 3, only Corporate Funding requires learning and understanding concepts. The other two papers are totally based on your strategies, how you implement them and how smartly you act during the 3 hours of exam time. It is generally suggested to choose either Labour Laws or IBC as the elective paper.

Whatever be your choice of 2 modules, do not forget that you can’t take the advantage of ‘marks set off’. You have to clear each module separately. So never ever think about just passing in few papers and scoring 60+ marks in other papers. It is safer to aim for 60+ in all the papers and prepare accordingly. So that, even in the worst case we at least just pass in one paper but clear the group.

4. First Module of CS Professional -Please tell us subject wise how to prepare and present.

GRMCE- It is very easy to understand the concepts. But we have to remember the side headings and not get confused as all the topics may seem similar after having a full reading.

• Try to figure out common points and never miss writing them because even in the case you do not know the exact answer, you can at least write down the common points.

• In your exams, attend the questions in the following order;

1. PART B

2. PART C

3. PART D

4. PART A

Ensure you have only Part A for the last 90 minutes.

TAX- This is that one subject which would literally turnout to be a nightmare if not prepared with consistency. It became one such for me.

• Do read the module at least one time fully. As the portions are vast, questions can be asked from any part and especially from those topics that we would not even have imagined a question could be asked.

• Be strong with the basics.

• Practice as many questions as possible.

• Attend PART B first. Complete it within 1 hour maximum.

DRAFTING- Writing practice is the key. Spending one day for one draft will also be sufficient.

• Though there is no specific mark allocation for drafts and theory questions, on an average drafts and theory are for around 40 marks and 60 marks respectively.

• First attend all the theory questions and then start with the drafts.

• Try not to spend more than 8 minutes for one theory question and 20 minutes for one 10 marks draft question.

• Time management is very important in this paper as it is generally a very lengthy one.

5. Third module of CS Professional – Please share your inputs paper wise. How to approach Open Book Exam?

CORPORATE FUNDING- It requires clear understanding of the concepts. It is very important to remember the limits.

• PART B (LISTING) is very scoring. Simple efforts can itself help you score 20 marks out of 40 marks. Mastering this part will help you fetch more marks in the paper as a whole because most of the exam questions are direct into the topic and not case study based.

• PART A is completely concept based. Efforts have to be put to understand them and remember them.

• In the exam, first attend PART B and then move to PART A.

• Ensure you do not spend more than 75 minutes for PART B.

MCS- Students can score well in this paper provided they identify the cases in a jiffy.

• Read the entire module at least once. For the revision, it is enough to read the summary.

• Writing practice is very important. So practice identifying the cases using the index and also practice presenting them as answer for the question.

• Do not forget to carry your Index. Ensure to have the crux, module page no., summary page no., at one place as it would be easier to land up straight into the case without wasting time in finding where the case is.

• If time permits, customize the index with cases sorted topic wise and section wise as in the case may be. It cuts down the number of cases to check even if you are unable to find the exact case.

• Page flags could be used in the module to easily reach the chapter.

• Do not write the entire case law as it is. Writing the summary alone is sufficient.

• Ensure to write the answer in accordance with the question and do not forget to quote the name of the parties to the case.

• I was personally very much benefitted with Yoddha and Saarthi. I had a customized index which helped me immensely during the exam. It was one of the main reasons I was able to completely attend the paper.

• Whereas for PART A of the question paper, keep materials handy covering the topics given in the module.

• Even though there is no restriction with the number of books to be carried to the exam hall, please carry only those materials that would actually be required. Do not carry a trolley full of books as you won’t have time even to unpack them and search page by page.

• First attend PART B and then proceed with PART A. Try to complete PART B within 90 minutes.

LABOUR LAWS- This is an extremely scoring paper.

• Read the entire module at least once. Highlight the key points.

• Index covering each and every topic and side heading is a must to carry.

• Page flags could be used to identify the Act quickly as there are different Acts in the syllabus and you can’t afford turning pages to find the chapter.

• Have a list of important case laws covered in the module along with its page number.

• It is sufficient to write the key points alone in the answer.

• Do not copy line by line for the answers.

• Just the module alone with index is sufficient to be carried to the exam hall. If necessary, you may carry a Dictionary and Bare Act along with the module.

• There are rare chances for asking a numerical question. So to be on the safer side, carry a calculator as well.

• Even in this paper, attend PART B first. Then proceed with PART A. Ensure to complete PART B within 90 minutes.

6. How to present the answers in the exam?

• Do not beat around the bush. Write specific points.

• Present the answers point wise and not as a paragraph.

• Stick with the planned time for answering the questions. Ensure Time management.

• Try to spend last 5 minutes of the exam time to highlight the key words.

• Answer case study questions (in any subject) in the format said below;

1. Facts of the case

2. Provision

3. Decision

4. Reason

• For MCS paper, attend the case law questions in the format said below;

1. Facts and Question involved

2. Applicable judgment and Provision

3. Conclusion

For any further clarifications or queries regarding exams, you can ping me through WhatsApp. I would be glad to help you by sharing whatever the little I know and also those techniques that helped me.

All the best. Not just for your exams but for all your future endeavors. Always remember “If we fail to prepare, we prepare to fail”

How to prepare for Cs exams: Ms. Saranya & Ms Maithri

                            INTERVIEW ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR CS EXAMS

Hearty Congratulations on completing CS Professional successfully. How long it took for you to clear the entire course?

Ms. Saranya

I started the course in 2009. I appeared for my first Executive exam in December 2009 and second module in June 2010 and cleared the same.

Subsequently I had to take a break from appearing in Professional exam. I cleared one module in Professional Programme in 2014 in old syllabus.

In 2020 I took a break and pursued the professional level continuously.

Ms, Maithri  

I started this wonderful journey right after I passed 12^th. I could clear the foundation with All India 21^st Rank. There was no CSEET at that time. I joined B.Com which was integrated with CS and simultaneously prepared for the Executive program. As I was not taking any coaching, the first executive attempt was a new experience for me. I followed lectures on youtube and did self study for Executive also as I did for Foundation. 

 

I downloaded all the previous Question Papers available on the ICSI website and found out the paper pattern, question types and most important chapters myself. I prepared a plan of action based on all the previous year question papers. I could find that some of the same topics/ questions are asked repeatedly. Based on that plan of action I cleared Executive Module- 1 first and then Module- 2.

 

Then, I directly joined for an internship in a PCS firm in Thiruvananthapuram. I did one year training there and one year in a Govt. Company in Kerala. I then cleared professional program Module-1 first, then Module-2 and finally Module- 3.

Were you doing training and writing CS exams simultaneously? If so how did you manage both?

Ms. Saranya

Yes. I underwent training while appearing for exams. After my working hours at the training office, I had another career also to pursue. I was also working as a manager for a group company. I had to take care of finance and general administration of that company also. So my schedule was pretty tight.

During the COVID lockdown from March 2020 gave me a break from hectic office work. I utilized this period to speed up my preparations. This is how I managed my preparations.


Ms Maithri

Yes, starting days it was difficult for me as that was my first working experience also. But later I could find out that whatever we study we apply in that work life, especially Company Law. I passed the first module during training time only. But, I would like to suggest to my friends to pass the professionals and then go for training as it will obviously be not easy to manage.  

First attempt I wrote both modules together and I found it gives me more pressure. Hence, I chose to concentrate on one module and write both modules exams so that I can get experience in writing exams also. I took 2 months to complete one module and then one time revision only and also invested one month in the other module which I did study without going deep. I could not do many revisions.

Please tell how you prepared for CS exams ; which books to follow and any online classes that will be helpful- (please share only for the subjects that is present now in New syllabus)

Ms. Saranya

With respect to study materials, I relied upon Institute’s books only. I wanted additional help for two subjects, viz., Advanced Tax Law and Financial, Treasury and Forex Management. I attended classroom coaching conducted by Institute’s Coimbatore Chapter for Advanced Tax Law and Online Class for FTFM.

For all the other subjects I used Institute’s study material and supplement. I also referred the Guideline answers for all the subjects published by the Institute. For doubts in specific topics I referred exclusive videos in youtube.

For Advanced Tax Laws, CS Sachin sir’s class was very detailed and easy to understand.

For open book exam, Multi-Disciplinary Case Studies and Electives, I did indexing using sticky notes while going through the study material. It was very helpful. My elective subject was Intellectual Property Rights. So I referred few case laws available in the respective websites and Internet – Trademark, Patent, Geographical Indications, Copyright.

Ms Maithri

As I did the Old syllabus I think it is better if I can share some paper presenting methods with you rather than sharing how to prepare.

a.    Always attempt all the questions. Even if you don’t know the answer just try answering it with whatever knowledge you have that may be related to that. I could find a very positive shift in my marks once I started attending all the questions. And always start the paper with the question you know you will give your best.

b.    Write answer point wise or in small paragraphs. Even if the answer is a little bit lengthy, try to present it in small paragraphs.

c.    Highlight the main points by underlining.

d.    In practical papers such as Advanced Tax and GST always write detailed working notes. We can give like #WN-1, #WN-2 like that.

e.    Try to draw margins on the right side of the paper.

f.     Mention the question number clearly in the space given like “Answer to the Question No;”

g.    Write only one answer on one page. Even if there is only one line written on a page, always start a new question on a fresh page.

h.    Write the sections and case laws only if we have 100 percent confidence that it's right. Don’t write if you are confused.

 

I could score 66 in my Open book so I think I can share some tips I used for Open Book

 

1.    The subject I elected was Intellectual Property Rights. I only used the Guideline answers given by ICSI as my reference material in the exam hall with the ICSI study material. I think too much reference text books will not help us.

2.    I have gone through all the guideline answers of all previous years given by ICSI and prepared a note on which each year what all questions are asked was written. The note contained the question numbers and what was asked so that if any question comes with the same topic (Sometimes same questions also come) we can refer to the ICSI guideline answer and frame our answers accordingly.

3.    Don’t completely copy what is given in the study material. It is better if we give an introduction, conclusion and all. For introduction we can refer to what is given as an introduction to each lesson. For eg.- If there is a question on Copyright we can first give a small intro based on the introduction given for the lesson.

 

Finally, wishing all the very best to all upcoming Company Secretaries. Never ever think about quitting the journey in between or giving up. Though it takes time it is worth investing your time. Also, it is not at all like we can pass only if we go for coaching. Self study can also take us to the destination. Just keep in mind that Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. Do work hard and success will be yours!

 

What is your future career plans?

Ms. Saranya

I have planned to establish my career as a Practicing Company Secretary throughout South India, specializing in the following apart from secretarial work :

1. Trademark

2. GST

I have also planned to pursue ICSA, UK after completion of 2 years as per the MOU between ICSI and ICSA and bring in good standard and quality to my profession.

I wish to expand my horizon beyond domestic service. These would be my long term vision.

INTERVIEW ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR CS EXAMS- Mr AJAY KUMARAN

 Hearty Congratulations on a positive result in CS Professional. Understand you are just left with one paper to clear. Pl tell your journey so far

 I registered for CS Executive Programme in the year 2014 and completed the Executive Programme only by 2017 and I was able to clear 8 out of 9 papers from Professional Programme from 2018 till 2021. During this period, I completed B.com and LL.B degrees in full time and enrolled as member with Bar Council of India. From June, 2019 till September, 2020, I completed 15 months CS training at Lencorp Legal and I am presently working as an Associate at Fox Mandal & Associates, Corporate Compliance Team.

 Were you doing training and writing CS exams simultaneously? If so how did you manage both?

 Yes. As mentioned above, I was doing training and writing CS exams simultaneously and was able to clear one module i.e., 3^rd module of professional old syllabus. It was simple for me, as I was given sufficient leaves such as 1 month time (including exam days) for preparation, since I already attended classes and wrote an attempt it was easy to clear one module during training as I only did revisions. Moreover, the exposure during my training period helped me a lot to pass exams as I was drafting resolutions practically and during the exam also I knew how to present the paper professionally. Under the new syllabus since module 2 have the core subjects, I would suggest to commence training before appearing for module 2. Trust me it will have an impact on your results.

 You were one of the students who have written both in old syllabus and new syllabus; tell us that experience of shifting from Old to New syllabus- how did you find new syllabus papers after switching over?

 When I cleared 1^st and 3^rd modules of old syllabus and was attending classes for the 2^nd module of old syllabus which consisted of Financial management paper and IT paper, I found it very difficult as I was weak with numbers and technical terms used in IT paper, but still I made one attempt of the 2^nd module and came out unsuccessful.

 It was when I decided to switch over to new syllabus as under new syllabus the papers pending were corporate funding, Ethics and MDCS (open book). One comfort that I had preparing for these papers was having a fresh mind when switching over to new syllabus and I somehow had a vibrant approach to the papers in new syllabus. I should also thank the institute for drafting the study materials under new syllabus very easily understandable way and completely reliable for facing exams. The time has come now for students where they can completely rely on the ICSI study materials which was not in the case of old syllabus.

 Please tell how you prepared for CS exams; which books to follow and any online classes that will be helpful

 I have only appeared and cleared Corporate funding and MDCS papers under new syllabus, for Corporate Funding paper, the trick is to cover the part-B (listing) first as it is only 4 chapters but worth 40 marks, for this one should be thorough with the latest SEBI listing regulations. I would suggest to get this from the SEBI website itself as that would be reliable. In part A, for the last 2 sessions they have tested on the sums relating to working capital for at least 10 marks in last 2 sessions, and this you can easily score all 10 marks by reading just 2 papers of the study material.

 Coming to MDCS, the key aspect is to follow a uniform structure throughout all case study questions such as, facts, issues, relevant provision and decision. The questions from 2 to 6 are generally from the ICSI study material and you can easily take reference and write the answers. The 1^st question would be challenging for which there might not be direct reference from the ICSI study material so interpreting and writing your own answers is required. The preparation time may be allotted very less for this paper, like a glance of the cases on a daily basis would be sufficient and on the exam day I would suggest to take with you the ICSI study material along with all bare acts that are covered in the case studies. Even a small act like equal remuneration act which is mentioned in only one or two case study will also be helpful in the exam. 

 I have never tried online classes in my CS career, so couldn’t comment on that.

 What are your future career plans?

 Hopefully after clearing the ethics paper and obtaining membership number, I would continue working with my current law firm, Fox Mandal & Associates as am looking this relationship as a long term to build my career in one of the prestigious law firms in India.

Never, Never, Never give up- Interview with 2 students who took 10 yrs to complete CS

VIEWS OF MS THIVYA

Hearty Congratulations on clearing CS Professional successfully. Your story must be inspirational for many; since you took break because of family reasons for a very long time and again continued the course. Pl share your journey in passing the exams.

Thank you!!!! About my journey , I started CS while doing B.COM cleared foundation, 1 module executive along with my B.COM in first attempt in year 2010. In 2010 I joined MBA in regular along with my MBA I completed another module in executive programme in first attempt itself. To be noted I am not from wealthy family I lost my dad in my 6th std during all this period I used to take classes for school and college students to support financially myself. But I had only one determination somehow I have to become a professional and make my mother proud and stand independent.

Immediately after MBA I got married and due to some personal reasons I was not able to continue. But I believe in positive thoughts I always say myself that “ you will complete your CS soon”. As I felt I should not go away from the field I used to do self study and keep myself updated on the acts. Then at one point of time I strive hard and got acceptance from family and also again applied for CS Professional 1st and 4th Module for Dec 2020 exam and cleared it.

Then in June 2021 exam I gave 2nd and 3rd Module where I cleared 2nd Module not able to clear 3rd Module that was the first time I kept attempt which I felt bad and depressed then I encouraged myself you manage a family and 1.5 years kid along with that you prepared for the exam it’s nothing wrong if you give second attempt so again I gave in Dec 2021 exam. Finally cleared and became CS.

So the lesson which I learnt from my life cycle there may be many ups and down many time we will get a thought for what purpose we live but we should have a passion and determination in life which help to get successful in life and achieve heights in life

So, please don’t leave CS for any reason. How many times you fail is not important the day you pass in your life and exam will be unforgettable day for all. Please word hard and expect that day soon. All the best for all.

Please tell how you prepared for CS exams ; which books to follow and any online classes that will be helpful

I always prefer our own study material ( ICSI study material). I read the entire book line by Line, take notes for each and every lesson. During exam I will study only my notes so I will keep in my mind while taking notes that it should be short and also cover all the points. I never went for classes, do self study only and rarely if I had doubt will ask my friends and known lecturers from the college I studied.

For practical paper I solve minimum 5 years previous year question paper.

What is your future career plans?

As I have a 3 year kid I am planning to take few assignments and start the practice.

Then if that goes well I will continue with the same or else I will go for employment as whole time CS as now itself after clearing exams I get multiple good opportunities in employment.

Meanwhile I love to learn so will apply for LLB and complete it. So from my point learning will never stop.


VIEWS OF MR DHINAKARAN

Hello Dhinakaran, Congratulations on CS passing CS course recently. How long it took for you to clear the entire course?

Thank you very much for your wishes Sir, your guidance through the WhatsApp group was very helpful. It took elven years for me complete the entire course. FM paper alone took four years.


Were you doing training and writing CS exams simultaneously? If so how did you manage both?

Yes Sir, I completed my training along with CS exams. My senior was kind enough to grant leave for studying, which was very helpful. Apart from that daily I studied for four hours study during the training period.

Please tell how you prepared for CS exams ; which books to follow and any online classes that will be helpful

I followed Bhupesh Anand Sir’s classes for FM, rest other subjects I did self-study. This time I completed the syllabus one month before the exam. Apart from revision, I attended almost all the previous year question papers by following strict three-hour time pattern which was very helpful. For Corporate Funding and MCS papers inspire academy classes taken by Shubham Shuklecha are very good.

What is your future career plans?

I have my own office doing Tax Consulting, so after I receive my membership I would be applying for COP and do the practice. Thanks for allowing to share my views.

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Interview with Jinal Jain, All India 11th rank holder

INTERVIEW WITH SUBHASHREE, RECENTLY PASSED OUT CS STUDENT

Congratulations on clearing CS Professional successfully. How long it took for you to clear the entire course?

Thank you very much for your bestwishes and support. It took 3.5 - 4 years to clear the entire course.


Where did you do your training? How did you manage work and studies?

I did my training in a private company.

It will be tough to manage work and studies, for that need to keep yourself motivated throughout the hard days. Fix 3-4 hours in a day for studies consistently, I suggest morning hours will be good to study, in the morning your mind will be fresh and you don’t have an office and other work-related tensions and you will not get disturbed by the social media and others.

First Module of CS Professional -please tell us subject wise how to prepare and present.

a) GRMCE-Part I – Governance (50 marks)


Part II - Risk Management (20 marks)

Part III - Compliances (20 marks)

Part IV - Ethics & Sustainability (10 marks)

Complete all chapters in Part II,III & IV don’t skip any chapters on these, comparing part I these parts contain fewer chapters with more weightage.

Part I revise multiple times to remember the key point. While preparing make a short note of the crux. One day before the exam, revise all the crux.

GRMCE is a very easy paper to score more, it will helps to clear the whole group and help for setoff also.

During the exams, first attempt the Part II questions and then go for part III, IV and I.

Attend the whole paper don’t leave any questions.

b) Advanced Tax Laws- Part I– Indirect Taxes (70 Marks)

• Goods and Services Tax (60 Marks) • Customs Law (10 Marks)

Part II – Direct Tax & International Taxation (30 Marks) On taxation, 100 marks are a mix of theory and sums.

So while preparing go more for concepts and then work on sums. Revise all the chapters 3-4 times before exams.

Part 1 is more scoring compared to Part 2, hence first try to complete the GST & customs within the first two hours.

Go through institute guideline answers on previous question papers.

c) DRAFTING, PLEADINGS AND APPEARANCES-

It is another interesting and scoring subject in Module 1.

Practice at least one draft daily. Do self-evaluation on the prepared drafts. Note down the keywords of the content of the draft for quick revisions.

Refer institute guideline answers on previous question papers.

On drafting, format is more important, so be thorough with the format.

Don’t skip any pleadings related chapters and drafts.

In this paper both theory and drafts are important.

Second module- This module you had cleared recently; how did you prepare

a) SECRETARIAL AUDIT COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT AND DUE DILIGENCE Part I – Compliance Management (40 Marks)

Part II - c Audit and Due Diligence (60 Marks) It is a more interesting paper in this module.

Part I is easy and scoring, some places topics are repeated. Contains 7 chapters, chapter 1-5 is contains more weightage.

Part II contains Audit and Due diligence, its vast but easy to remember. Alteast 2-3 revisions are required. In due diligence chapters, some topics will be repeated in RCD papers too. More attention is required on the repeated topics.

Sometimes, other modules’ related questions can be asked.

In this paper you will get more things to learn, and it will be helpful for in future while going for Articles, jobs or practice. This Paper is a little bit vast but it’s more scoring comparing to other papers in this module.

b) Corporate Restructuring Insolvency, Liquidation & Winding-up Part I- 50 Marks

Part II- 50 Marks

Part II contains Insolvency, SARFAESI, and other acts

Part II is much scoring compared to Part I. For insolvency act need to have mind mapping for all the sections and concepts, it is helpful to remember the concepts.

Don’t skip the SARFAESI and other acts.

Part-I-

Takeovers and mergers chapters learn these concepts thoroughly and Sometimes small chapters can be asked for more weightage it’s required to cover maximum important chapters.

Paper is lengthy hence need to maintain the writing speed from starting.

C) RCD- Total 9 chapters

All chapters contain equal weightage. This is the toughest paper in this module 2, it contains the multiple acts, case studies, fines, and punishments, court hierarchy etc., Instead of remembering all fine amounts, better to concentrate more on concepts, hierarchies, and provisions. Need to remember the case studies name for important topics. Multiple revisions and attending mock test will help to crack this paper.

Third module – Please share your inputs paper wise. Open book exam how to approach?

a) Corporate Funding and listing- Part I-Funding – 60 Marks Part II- Listing- 40 Marks

Part I contains ICDR and other regulations, numerical problems. Make flow charts for every concepts, it will be helpful for remembrance.

Part II contains the LODR regulations.

Part II contains 6 chapters for 40 marks, all chapters are important and easy to score.

During the exam complete Part II first and go for Part I. Paper will be lengthy maintain the same writing speed from starting.

b) MCDS- Open book- contains case studies and case laws.

No need to remember the case law’s name. Prepare a crux for all case law within two lines. Read all cases at least twice, it will save the search time.

Case studies were asked for 40 marks, sometimes case studies were asked from out of the case studies given in study material.

It’s better to write the Case laws in the format- 1. Brief facts 2. Decision 3. Analysis and Conclusion

c) I opted for Insolvency law and Practice- Open book General on for all open books papers,

1. Read the ICSI module twice before exams, highlight all the important points and prepare a two-line crux on the top of the pages.

2. Requires the detailed index with page numbers, it will help to save the time which was spent on searching

3. Paper will be lengthy, need to maintain the writing speed from starting.

In general to all papers, read all the amendments and additions notified by ICSI. Revision is the key to success. Start writing the answers with an introduction and complete with proper conclusions.

What is your future career plans?


Planning to work in listed company.


Interview by: CS Mohan Kumar, Past Chairman ICSI SIRC

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Professional New Syllabus- Module 1- How to prepare & Present: Suggestions from passed out students

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INTERVIEW WITH JINAL JAIN, ALL INDIA RANK HOLDER

Congratulations Jinal on getting All India 11th Rank in CS Professional. Whether you worked for getting a rank or it just happened?

Jinal: I have prepared myself to give best in all my exams . My aim was to give my best and prepare the best. Getting All india rank just happened by efforts which I had put on my each subjects which resulted in getting All india rank.

Did you write your Executive exams also together? How was your journey in CS Executive exam?

Jinal: Yes, I wrote my executive exams also together both groups . It was a great journey with same efforts and with same aim of giving my best which resulted in getting All India 12th Rank at Cs executive level.

Oh; thats really great to know that you got all India rank in both Executive and Professional

How did you prepare yourself for CS Professional exams- How many hours you studied and how many times you revised?

Jinal: I prepared by doing smart work of learning consistently everyday rather than learning at the last moment. I prepared by setting everyday targets for each subject and would try best to complete my day to day targets. There was no specific hours but its just meeting day to day targets of learning and 3 to 4 revisions is a must for cs professional exams.

CS Professional – First Module – please tell us subject wise how to prepare and present.

Grmce : Requires lots of things to memorize and since its little dry subject make sure that a thorough revision is done for this subject to recall what you have learnt.

Advance tax : It requires lot of practice and thorough understanding of tax laws. Also go through basics which was learnt in cs executive.

Drafting : Do more practice of drafts and a good writing practice . Be thorough with secretarial standards and those drafts.

Second module- Kindly share your thoughts on how to prepare each paper. This group has been pretty challenging for many students. 

Sacmdd : It requires a good revision and atleast be fully with either one part of this subject . Do not leave anything.

CRI : It is challenging during exams to write correct answers for each question. Thorough Understanding and revisions would help in this subject. Be thorough with takeovers and its sums also.

Rcd : Only complete understanding of provisions,laws,codes and concepts. This would help you write every answer of your question.

Third module – Please share your inputs paper wise. Open book exam how to approach?

Funding and listing: It is a scoring subject just focus on learning every part of it and understand concepts by implying it on daily life. Listing has to be very very clear and be sure with all regulations.

Mcs : It is very easy if you understand all case laws. Attend case laws first during exams then attend case studies. Make notes of each case law in 2 lines with page numbers which would help you locate soon during exams.

Optional subject : Any subject you take be sure to read the entire module atleast twice before exams and prepare a good index to locate all the answers fast. Write fast to ensure that you complete the entire paper.

Have you started doing your training? What are your career plans?

Jinal:  No , not yet . Since I am still pursuing my under graduation I have not started my training . I am searching for a good firm or a listed company and will join for training soon.

Interview by: CS Mohankumar, Practicing CS & Past Chairman ICSI SIRC

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