Sunday, 26 April 2026

CS Executive: Tips from Mahaalakshmi and Aadharshini

Question : Please suggest how you prepared for individual  subjects in module 1 of CS executive

Mahaalakshmi:


JIGL- I bought classes from Arivupro nidhi mam..her notes are more than enough to crack the exam..I referred her notes till the end.. and make sure to read The important and repetitive questions from JIGL..it will be really helpful in the last minute plus..do write the questions..have a regular writing practice.

Co.law - Arivupro Sai SIR is the BESTTTT without second thoughts you can go for it. Read section number everyday if possible. Co.law is quite easy and interesting but a lengthy paper. More than reading provisions try to solve case study questions as many as possible. Do solve case study questions. Buy some scanner or refer past exam questions.

SBILL- I got 77 in this.. read Labour Laws entirely..completely..I referred sooraj santhosh sir from arivupro..marathon In YouTube.. more than enough..make short notes..Try to get full 40 in labour laws..its very very very easy..and For SB part Bought classes again from arivupro sai sir..great pick

For CAFM- Honestly I've not attended FM..that's a very risky decision..but I've omitted working capital management chap..plus..For CA- watched arivupro marathon lecture its around 9hrs i guess..buy such suchitha prakashan scanner..bestt uhh! ✨ as for FM..solve questions..memorise formulas..morethan enough! 

Aadharshini

Module 1 is comparatively vast and time consuming, but interesting. I took classes from JT which is decent. Then I used to study for like at least 8 hours 

I wrote my exams module by module so it was manageable 

Question:  Kindly inform how you prepared each of the paper in module 2

Mahaalakshmi:

Module 2 CMSL- sai sir classes from arivupro again! 

ECIPL- Honestly you can watch marathon videos from YouTube no specific channel suggestion and all..bcoz its a easy nut to crack..aim to score exemption! Can be read on our own! 

Tax- I joined SJK anna classes..my sister knew one of the sir personally and requested them to  take class for me! But the thing is  They're taking classes only for CA and CMA..but tax is kinda same..so they agreed.

Aadharshini

Module 2 is scoring so i would suggest putting more focus on that for the aggregate and ECIPL, SLCM, Tax are all scoring

Again I took classes from JT for only a few papers

Question:  Did you attend any class either in physical mode or online.  Only online and mostly recorded lectures..better if you attend online

Mahaalakshmi:

Mostly arivupro and for CMSL- shubham shukhlecha for last mintue concept revision its in Hindi only but subtitles would be available 

Aadharshini

I used to learn only through online mode .

For tax and Law Anushree Agarwal Mam classes on YouTube will be really helpful 

Question:  Any other tips on how to prepare for CS executive 

Mahaalakshmi:

Mostly write..! writing practice is must..Revise everyday!

Aadharshini

Be consistent, Trust your process and it's all about the 3 hours in the exam, performing well there is important than anything. Remember only very important sections that's enough. Paper need not be with full of law terms use wherever it is needed otherwise you can write the right answer in simple terms. 

All the best :) 

7 Points on CS Executive- Tips from Priyadarshini

Priyadarshini started doing CS Executive only after completing her Graduation- starting a little late does not deter her from completing Executive quickly; Here are the tips from Priyadarshini..


 1. Module 1 is quite tough when compared to module 2.    Spend more time in company law and CAFM. SBIL will be the easiest paper in Module 1. So focus more on other 3 papers.As CAFM is the only Practical paper in mod 1 do more practice in that paper because it will test all our patience and that will be the tough paper for us when compared to others. Many student will find it difficult and that’s the only paper where student used to fail. So do more focus on CAFM.

2. ⁠Module 2 will not be that much difficult when compared to mod 1. CMSL and Tax needs more attention and Time. ECİPL  will be the scoring and easy paper. CMSL is like company law paper. Heart of mod 2. For Tax understand the logic there will be no formulas like CAFM.

3. ⁠I watched recorded classes of ArivuPro. If you can prepare well in online mode means recorded class will help you more.

4. ⁠I also Watched marathons of ArivuPro to revise, it will help you the most when you can’t revise the full Syllabus at the last moment.

5. ⁠I would recommend students to complete module 2 at first because it would be quite easier to handle the pressure when compared to mod 1. Because Mod 1 needs more sweat and blood and will also test your patience level. Completing Mod 2 at first will give you confidence to continue CS path. Focus more on Practical papers because that’s where we loose.

6. Subjectwise analysis of Module 1

1. JIGL - Doesn’t have part A part B. So prepare accordingly. Sections are very much important. Prepare based on ABC analysis.Complete small chapters first.

2. ⁠Company Law- The most important paper for us.Complete Part B first. Then go for Part A. Part B most important one . Focus more on draftings, it will gain you 10-20 marks for sure. 

3. ⁠SBIL- Easier paper when compared to all others. Complete Part B first. Then go for part A. 

4. ⁠CAFM - the one all CS students feel tough because this the only practical paper we have while others are theory papers. Focus more on CA. Because CA will help you in exams. FM will be easier while preparing when compared to CA but CA will help you in exams.FM will be confused during exams. And this the paper where many students struggle to pass.

 Overall in Mod 1 focus more on company law and CAFM. Even when students pass all 3 theory papers students find it tough to clear CAFM paper

7. Module 2

1. CMSL - Important paper in Mod 2 .Complete part A first. Then go for Part B. Chapters 8 11 17 important. Some chapters have problems focus on that too.

2. ⁠ECIPL- Easier paper in Mod 2. Complete part B first. That will gain you 40marks easily. Then go for Part A.

3. ⁠Tax- complete Indirect Tax first. That will give you solid 40 marks and also easier when compared to direct Tax. Then go for Direct Tax. Complete salary head , House property head, IFOS, clubbing and setting off and also some theory chapters will be there. Prepare for that also. After completing those 3 head then go for Capital gains and PGBP. These 2 chapters will consume more time and tougher one. 

In Tax Understand the logic behind it

In mod2 CMSL and Tax are important. Focus more on that.

All the best friends for your CS Executive. I am sure you will put your best efforts and pass the Course !

Note From Aglin- A Law + CS student on How she approached CS Executive

Hello friends.

My name is Aglin Rosebino. I passed the CS Executive subject with some strategies and cost efficiency . I am also pursuing an LL. B. and I joined a training program at a PCS firm before completing the CS Executive. Let me explain how I studied the subject.



I used to attend college, so attending face-to-face classes was very difficult. Therefore, I purchased recorded classes which cost around 1500 per subject, and I also invested in a test series; it was very cost-efficient and we could watch the classes whenever we wanted.

First of all , I kept in mind that all the subjects are equal and I should give equal importance to all of them . I purchased Arivupro recorded class material for 30 days per subject, which cost around Rs . 1500 only , so my target was one month for one subject.

The following are the things I did:

1. Instead of printing the whole material, I printed it chapter-wise, which made it easier for me to study.

2. I purchased test series from various platforms for each subject. After completing 4 to 5 chapters, I would write those test series and upload them. The platform would correct them and provide remarks to improve my writing skills. Finally, I would take a full syllabus test

3. For the revision part, I reserved exactly one month for revision , spending 5 days on each subject, and classified the subjects for revision from difficult/important chapters to easier ones . I numbered them, studying the first 2 numbers and the last 2 numbers on one day , then following the next 2 and the subsequent last two numbers the  next day . This way, my revision was easier, and after completing
one subject revision , I took a full syllabus test.

Now, let me disclose how I studied for each subject.

1. Company Law: I started with Company Law first since it is extremely important. Understand the concept thoroughly; without it, don't proceed to the next subject . Try to remember the sections as much as you can. If you can't remember , no problem; you will get to know them during your training . Create a flowchart yourself; since

I studied Arivupro classes, Company Law was taught by SAI Sir, which was really helpful. Please take notes on that. If you don't have any access, please refer to his marathon videos on YouTube .

2. SBILL : Since setting up is full of procedures, kindly make a separate note and write each procedure down so you won't get confused. On the last page of your notes, divide it into three column headings: | Day Limit | Penalty | Whenever you study the day limit headings, please note them down; this will be helpful during your revision. I studied from the same Arivupro material. For Labour Law, please understand the concept and why the provisions exist.

3. CAFM : This is where many CS students face difficulty , but instead of just studying the format and memorizing the formulas, if you understand the concept behind the format and formulas, it will become interesting and easier . For studying ratio analysis, when you learn the formula, open the formats for Trading A/C, P&L, and Balance Sheet; you will see the differences . If you're interested, let me know and I will share the ratio analysis formulas I studied , which include detailed explanations .Please don't memorize; understand it. Practice at least 50 sums per chapter ; any number is good , but you definitely need to practice; without practice, you can't excel in this subject.

4. Jurisprudence : This subject has many acts , and we need to study multiple acts. For law background students, it may be easier. For other students, on the first page of your notes, disclose the section followed by the heading of the provision . The next page should consist of flowcharts or bullet points. Please avoid paragraphs in your notes. Making flowcharts on your own will help you retain the information better and make revision easier.


5. CMSL : This is a very important chapter in your Group 2 exam and contains many procedures . To understand the practical knowledge of this subject, I opened a trading account. If you open a trading account and explore the markets and IPOs, it will be easier to understand the concepts . Keep a separate note for this

6. ECIPL : This is one of the easiest subject to learn; while reading , you will understand the concepts clearly . If possible , make notes. Ensure you have proper notes on Intellectual Property and give it complete revision, as you may get confused with other IP acts.

7. DT and IT : Tax is a really enjoyable subject if you understand the concepts before diving into the formats. At least read the Bare Acts once or more to grasp the basics . Kindly practice 10 to 15 sums per heading; for the whole chapter, aim to practice 60 to 70 sums. Refer to scanners if you need materials to practice; search on Telegram, and you will find resources. Alternatively, let me know and I will help you with it.

Lastly, if you have time , go through marathon videos for each subject .

The main thing to keep in mind is time management and consistency. Balancing college, work , and studying is really challenging, but I found it manageable due to my consistency. You may feel lonely while your friends enjoy life, but I also enjoyed time with my friends . Make a proper plan and stick to it; don't procrastinate until the next day.

My dear friends, There was no one for us to teach us the techniques and ways to get to study. I really feel grateful to share this so that it will be helpful for you. All the very best, my dear friends. If you have any doubt, you can contact me.

Interview with Nethra Balaji- Tips for CS Executive

Nethra hails from a small town; she wrote both modules one by one and cleared them; She failed once in Module 1 since she was unwell during exams; but subsequently she cleared it immediately.  




On How to approach Module 1


Module 1  - all subjects are kind of tricky  but if you know the concepts and how to present it well,  you will score good marks 

❇️JIGL : JIGL basically is a combination of all laws so you won’t get any confusions kindly go through important case laws and write that in exams so that you may get more marks 

⭕️Important lesson ⭕️ 

These are just key areas don’t depend only on this 

🔹BNS

🔹 Constitution 

🔹Interpretation 

🔹Contract act 

🔹CPC

Focus more on this 

❇️Company Law 

This is more of ur understanding kindly refer more case laws scanners past question papers 

Study Part B througly; practise more questions here and refer guidelines answer in company law always all chapters are important as our core profession is based on this 

🔹Study sections 

🔹Refer case laws 

🔹Present it extremely well 

❇️ SBILL (Setting up of Business and Industrial Laws)

It’s really easy subject compared to others all the lessons are so easy first study part a then b 

🔹ln one is just a basics no need to give more focus just read it enough question may be asked but easily manageable 

🔹ln 12  13 are kind of similar so u can easily manage this too 

🔴this and JIGL are the scoring subjects 

❇️ CAFM (Corporate Accounting and Financial Management)

It is somewhat tough subject for many people

If you are good at accounts , then no issues but if you are not good in it, means really do more practise ; focus more on corporate accounting in your exam don’t leave any questions here refer to more scanners old question paper and CA scanners like vivistu 

✅Focus more on CAFM and Company Law - these two will test your knowledge in exams.

ON MODULE 2...

Module 2 is comparatively easy than Module 1,  so you can crack easily if you are well versed in concepts  

✳️CMSL - Very interesting subject - focus more on part B case law based questions can be asked here don’t leave any chapter in any subject 

✳️ECIPL-  give ur 100% in part B; study all lessons - do more research and refer past papers in part A - you should study all - but focus more on Part B

⭕️Important Lessons 

🔹FEMA

🔹FDI

🔹SEZ

🔹Money laundering 

🔹COPRA 

🔹Competition Act  

❇️Tax - this is kind of easy only do lot of practise kindly refer past papers for practise 

Direct tax may be easy for some people, while indirect tax may be easy for different people. 

So based on your preference you can work on your strength, but kindly attend for 100 marks 

🛑 All the papers are manageable if you are strong in your concepts.

Online class Vs Physical class VS Free You tube lectures

I attended online classes - as in my city no physical class is available. 

English best is Arivu pro 

In Tamil hustlers academy is good. 

But I don’t know hustlers academy are currently providing classes iin recent syllabus class - kindly verify that ; but Arivu pro is doing good they also have physical classes in Chennai, Coimbatore and Bangalore 

YouTube lectures if you know Hindi you don’t need any class - all lectures are available in you tube but if u don’t know Hindi sorry no lectures but for tax u may find some classes in YouTube 

Hindi students - yes  Inspire academy is the best as far my knowledge 

GENERAL TIPS 

Please don’t leave any questions in exam ! Attend for 100 marks ;  Don’t mugup ; 

Kindly understand the concept and write in your language

Nowadays there are lot of AI available kindly use that 

If any concept is really hard to break means ask interpretation help from AI; you can generate Video  mind map , charts from Notebook LM  

All the best for your preparation ! Let me know if you have any queries happy to help !

Sunday, 9 March 2025

Interview with Vetriselvi - How to pass Old syllabus three modules

1. Hearty congratulations on completing the CS Course; You were one of the rarest who passed CS without facing failure; Particularly this is phenomenal in Professional modules.. how were you able to do it? And writing only 1 module at a time- about that decision…

Thankyou sir.


Self-learning is very important. Having said that I avoid overwhelming myself by trying to study all modules at once, especially while undergoing training. A proper timetable and consistent study helped me during exams, and regular revisions with past year question papers prepared me well.

2.     You wrote 1 module and without waiting for results started your training; then next 2 modules you completed while doing your training ? What was your planning in this? How did you manage work and studies?

 Health is wealth. I maintain a balanced schedule with a proper diet, exercise, and enough sleep. As mentioned, time management is the key during exam preparation. I also plan my exam leave in advance

The study cycle I follow includes:

1.       Understanding the concept

2.       Highlighting key points

3.       Continuous revision

I make sure not to skip any chapters, and even if I miss one, I focus on learning the key concepts. My goal is to aim for a full 100 marks and leave no questions unanswered unless I’m unsure.

 

3.     Can you tell paperwise how to prepare- first on Group 1 of old Syllabus

Paper 1- Governance, Risk Management, Compliances and Ethics

 

Part I – Governance (50 marks) – Very important, thus leave none.

Part II - Risk Management (20 marks)- Again very important and mostly repetitive.

Part III - Compliances (20 marks)

Part IV - Ethics & Sustainability (10 marks)- General concepts

Focus on Part II,III & IV first and then finally Part I, in this way you will make best use of your time since you covered the last three parts before moving to the first part.

Paper 2- Advanced Tax law

If given the choice, I would always prefer practical sums over theory answers. Focusing on concepts helps you score well in tax.

Part I : GST and Customs Laws(60 Marks)

Customs Law (10 Marks)

Part II: Direct Tax & International Taxation (30 Marks)

Starting with GST and customs laws covers up to 70 marks. Continuously revising with previous year question papers helps. Then, focus on direct tax, which covers 30 marks, including theory. The tax paper is advantageous since it's more scoring compared to the other two theory papers. With proper time allocation and consistent revision, we can ace this paper

Paper 3- Drafting, Pleading and appearances:


Compared the other two papers this paper requires less time for preparation. Practicing legal language will help.

4. Tips on Group 2 papers…

Paper 4- Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management and Due Diligence

PART I : Compliance Management (40 Marks)

Part II: Secretarial Audit & Due Diligence (60 Marks)

 Start with Part I and then move to Part II along with your practical exposure. Since I was undergoing training, this paper was more understandable, and I could relate to it. My training helped a lot. This is the core paper, and students can truly grasp it only with practical exposure

 

Paper 5- Corporate Restructuring, Insolvency, Liquidation and Winding – up    


PART I- Corporate Restructuring (50Marks)

Part II: Insolvency, Liquidation & Winding-Up (50 Marks)

I wrote module III before module II, which made Part II easy. Part I comes with practical sums too which is again a scoring part. But since in Module III I opted my elective as IBC, Part II was easy for me and I relied on part II entirely. As pointed out earlier I will understand the concepts and leave nothing thus I covered most of the topics in Part I.

A quick tip is to make use of time smartly and neatly presenting the paper with pointing out of provisions.

5.       Module 3 papers

Paper 7- Corporate Funding and Listings in Stock Exchanges

Corporate funding: 60 marks

Listing : 40 marks

When it comes to the above paper, amendments play the important role. Since we mostly studied the concepts in executive ,we cover here the elaborative part. A quick go through with the amendments before the exam helps.

Paper 8 Multidisciplinary Case Studies Open book

1.       Read all the case laws

2.       Write down your own crucks

3.       Go through the topics of executive books

4.       Quick Index (prepare on your own)


Paper 9- Electives- Open book


Insolvency law and practice

1. Go through the entire study material

2. Case laws must be we prepared along with amendments

3. Quick Index ( Prepare on your own)

6. Knowing you well, you did a proper strategy considering and weighing your strengths and weaknesses- can you share about this – since it may be useful for others.

I completed one module at a time and completed the entire course over four years, starting in 2021 and finishing in 2024. While it might seem like I'm not a multitasker, I know my strengths and what I needed. I also worked for a year in a corporate job, where with good time management and focus, I successfully managed to complete my executive. Now along with my training I had completed professional, everything in my first attempt, one step at a time with perseverance

7. Which of the groups you found it difficult? Why- how you managed it.

Paper 7- Corporate Funding and Listings in Stock Exchanges

This was a challenge rather say difficult and it required assistance from my teachers, although I did self-study for the rest. However, with proper learning, understanding, and live examples, this paper is doable for most people.

8. Module 2 of old syllabus – lot of people struggle though the papers are core subjects of Company law- getting aggregate here is very difficult – how to handle it

I think the most challenging part for students was to complete the paper within the time frame, as this module covers a vast amount of content. To maximize marks, ensure that your answers are concise, pointing out provisions and citing relevant case laws. Only mention the sections you’re confident about. If you're unsure about a question, move on to the next one and keep going. Time management is key to completing the entire paper

9. Any general suggestions on how to prepare/ present.. mainly theory papers and open book exams?


1. Have a proper schedule- Eat fit, exercise, Proper sleep, Study.

2. Be consistent

3. Know your mistakes and learn from it

4. Take help form others if needed

5. Continuous revision



Good things takes time. All the best



Saturday, 8 March 2025

CS Professional Old Syllabus : Tips for all 3 Modules : Interview with Monikha


1.       Hearty congratulations on completing the CS Course Monikha ; Did you write the groups separately or few of them together?

 

Thank you Sir. As everyone is aware of CS Professional (old syllabus) contains 3 modules. I attempted 3 modules separately. I think attempting modules separately gives us the ample of time to Study, especially those are simultaneously working.


2.       How many years it took to clear the Professional alone? Were you working/ doing your training?

 

For me, to complete professional examination it took around 2 years. Except module 1, other modules ( i.e.,2 ND and 3 RD have cleared in 1 st attempt).

At present, I have completed my training. While attempting my professional exams, I was in my articles.

3.       Can you tell paperwise how to prepare- first on Group 1 of old Syllabus

 

Paper 1- Governance, Risk Management, Compliances and Ethics


THIS IS THE SCORING PAPER IN MODULE 1.


This consist of 4 parts.

1.       Governance – 50 marks(3rd important): It has 11 chapters. Just come across all the chapters once. Chapters in this part are mostly you would have studied in executive level.

2.       Risk Management – 20 marks (1st important): This is the part you should be thorough with. One chapter carries 20 marks. Start with this part 1st and learn the concepts clearly. All the concepts are very important, not to omit any topics. Answers can be written by your own words. Make sure you get at least around 15 marks in this part.

3.       Compliances - 20 marks (2nd important): This part consist of 3 chapters. This part is likewise important. All the notes mentioned above are applicable for this part.

4.       Ethics & Sustainability - 10 marks (4th important): This part consists of 3 chapters. The concepts in the chapters are general in nature. You can give your answers in your own.


Paper 2- Advanced Tax law

 This would be the subjective paper. Almost the same chapters were covered as you studied in Executive level. Only difference is in executive level you would have attempted in objective manner but here it is subjective. For me, when I start reading it was tough like how to attempt the paper, but once I gone through and practiced the sums, I gained confidence. I purchased class for tax, my advice for tax paper would be if you are really good in accounts and numbers you can study by your own, if not you can purchase the class. Most important in respect to pass this paper is to do a lot of practice.


This consist of 2 parts.

 1.       Indirect Taxes - 70 Marks: This part subdivide into 2:

 

a.  GST (60 marks) -

 

b.  Custom law (10 marks).

 

2.       Direct Tax & International Taxation: 30 Marks

 

Paper 3- Drafting, Pleading and appearances

This paper is to test our drafting skills. If you’re a person having good drafting skills then need not to be worried about this paper, all we want to do is to go through the formats given in the study material. Roughly for about 30-40 marks are pertaining to drafting the agreement etc., there will be direct questions also. I would say this subject will be really helpful in our CS career. Drafting will enhance our professionalism very much.

The tip I followed was, I wrote all the format in a paper while studying, in brief to make a quick revision frequently.

4. Tips on Group 2 papers…


Paper 4- Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management and Due Diligence

This paper is the damn easy subjects in module – 2. I would say this would be your saving paper. This paper practically connects with our training very much. Need not spend much time in this subject. Learn the topics in the chapters write on your own.

These papers consist of 2 parts:

1.       Compliance Management - 40 Marks

2.       Secretarial Audit & Due Diligence - 60 Marks


Paper 5- Corporate Restructuring, Insolvency, Liquidation and Winding up 

Here comes the vast subject…..

This paper contains 2 books to study.

 

1.       Part I – Corporate Restructuring 50 marks

 

2.       Part II: Insolvency, Liquidation & Winding-Up - 50 Marks

 

Study all the chapters once in both the books, analyse in which book you are very much confident with. Do thorough learning over the concepts. There will be sums regarding valuation for about 10 marks. Try solving past question papers. While studying the 2nd part, start from the 1st chapter, do not skip the in-between concepts and jump to the next chapter. All the chapters are inter connected. Time management will be learnt from this subject, like to allocate time, preference etc. At the time of Revision, you would have only time to just flip the pages you have already studied, so while studying itself make sure you understood the concepts. Try to know most of the caselaw for better marks

 

Paper 6- Corporate restructuring and insolvency

 This subject is more with the legal terms. Some topics in this paper has to be byhearted. Do not skip any of the chapters. All the chapters have equal weightage. Try to know most of the caselaw for better marks. Caselaw based questions are highly asked.

 

5.       Module 3 papers

 

Coming to module 3, I would say this would be the easier one comparatively.

 

Paper 7- Corporate Funding and Listings in Stock Exchanges

 

This paper contains 2 parts.

 

1.       Corporate Funding - 60 Marks (2nd important)

2.       Listing - 40 Marks (1st important)

 

All the chapters are equally important. This would be the scoring paper in Module 3.

 

Paper 8 Multidisciplinary Case Studies Open book


This paper is full of case laws. 1st read all the caselaw and write in brief by your own. Know the concepts of the caselaw that would be enough. 2nd make Index with the name of the case law (like in case of SEBI write all the related caselaw, insolvency write all the related caselaw), this will help to point out the caselaw in the exam. Make sure you manage the time in the exam, for 1st 30 mins– 45 mins try to find out the caselaw.

Around 40 marks are asked relating to chapter 6 (Business Strategy and Management), book back in the study material and in general. For this refer previous 6 question papers which will gives an idea.

 

Paper 9- Electives- Open book

 I opted for Insolvency law and practice.


It is almost 90% same as insolvency in module 2.

 

6.       Which of the groups you found it difficult? Why- how you managed it


I felt 1st module is little difficult because of tax paper. I try solving as many model questions which helps me to pass.


7.       Module 2 of old syllabus lot of people struggle though the papers are core subjects of Company law- getting aggregate here is very difficult – how to handle it

 

I would say Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management and Due Diligence paper is the scoring paper. I don’t think module 2 is though rather I would say it is vast because it contains 4 books to study. If we allocate correct time and constantly revising, it will lead to success. Study and remember as many caselaw you can to get more marks.

 

8.       Any general suggestions on how to prepare/ present.. mainly theory papers and open book exams?

 

·         Make sure you answer for 100 marks; even you don’t know the answer write something related to those concepts.

·         Try to mention section nos. wherever required.

·         Write the answers according to the marks.

·         Revise at least 2 times before going for exams. Try to write at least 1 past year question paper to allocate the time and that will gives you confident and clarity on how to present the paper.

·         Try to attempt most known answers/parts in the beginning of the answer paper.

·         In case of problem paper, there will be step marks so try attending all the questions.

·         For open book I have already mentioned in detail


All the best future Company Secretaries - Monikha


Interview by: CS Mohankumar

Related posts:

Friday, 7 March 2025

Exam Tips for Module 1 & 2 of New syllabus: Interview with M S Manickavasakam

 Congratulations Manickavasakam on completing the CS Course; How the planning happened and how much preparation you did ..



I completed my 21 months training in listed company and ended up being as a semi qualified CS in a listed company again. Even though work was hectic, I found myself to dedicate specific time in a daily basis for completing the syllabus. I frequently used ICSI Centralised Online Classes and it was very much helpful for my preparation. I also used mock tests which helped me to shape writing skills and time management.

Your paperwise tips…

Module – 1

Paper 1- ESG:

ESG is a hardcore theory paper and it has been divided into three parts. First, i started with Risk Management because that one chapter alone weighs 20 marks. Part 1 is also easy as it is all based on Companies Act and SEBI contents. Since i have exposure of it in my workplace  i felt it was bit easy to grasp. I studied all chapters and worked with scanners and past year papers

Paper 2- Drafting & Pleading

Since i was a law student, it was easy for me to learn and prepare for this paper. This paper gives equal weightage for drafts and theory. First four chapters is theory and remaining chapters are drafts. I prepared all the drafts and made skeleton drafts with main pointers for quick reference. For example, for Legal notice draft, it should be facts based, for affidavit the draft should be in first person like that.

Paper 3- Compliance management, Audit & DD

Personally, I found CMADD to be a
toughest subject because it is expected to provide precise answers which correlates  with the ICSI study material. One challenge i faced was that even after completing the syllabus i tend to forget the concepts now and then. So, i started preparing one page fact sheet which contains information of all topics in that particular chapter. Mock test for this paper was really really helpful.

 Paper 4- Open book


I chose CSR because the chapters of this paper are quite easy and not complex. This is one of the paper which doesn’t have any sections, provisions, case laws. This is actually an advantage in a open book paper. I created chapter - wise index and marked important topics/questions in it. Yes there were some case studies. In the index itself i created separate column and inserted summarised text in it which was useful at exam hall. Overall time management is key. I focused on attempting full 100 marks. Since it is open book paper, usually we as students will try to write more contents. What to write and what not to is a key.

Did you attend any classes – also suggest books and reference materials if any for the papers..

Earlier I attended online classes. For this attempt I used online centralised classes in ICSI TCS Ion website and it was useful to prepare and complete the syllabus. According to me, ICSI Study material is more than sufficient.

Open book exams – there is one paper each in both groups – students struggle to get more marks in open book- how to write open book exams

Open Book paper is all about time management and formulating techniques to limit the time to find answers in the exam hall. I kept a deadline for me. 15 minutes reading time + 10 mins extra time. 25 mins is the overall time limit within which answers for all the questions has to be found out. I practiced frequently with random questions and set timer to found out the answers. Index preparation is very vital as it helped during the exam hall very much. I understood that the examiners looks for answers with clarity rather than answers with quantity. They are not giving marks for very lengthy answers (my view), they are not providing marks if u exactly reciprocate the bare text of the book. Examiners expects students to provide their interpreted version of the answers with the help of materials and information therewith.

Any general suggestions on how to prepare/ present?


Generally, I usually prefer to split a day into multiple slots and study which provided me effective results. I split a day like 9 am-12 noon, 4-7 pm, 7.30 - 9.30 pm, 11pm - 1am. there were sufficient breaks in between and also it is not too lengthy session which helped me to concentrate more rather than getting tired often.

I personally feel study material is more than sufficient and one has to complete all the chapters and if possible take mock tests. Try to shape a answer. For example, for a 5 marks application oriented questions, i will first write the facts provided in the questions, then respective provisions of it, then elaborate and correlate with the issue and conclude the answer. The overall answer can be of one page and i feel it is sufficient. So, Constructing a answer is more important.

I hope the above inputs will be useful to everyone. All the Best..!

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