ICSI Announces New Initiatives, Academic Tie-ups; Highlights Rising Demand for Company Secretaries

Chennai: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has rolled out a series of initiatives, academic collaborations and governance frameworks to strengthen corporate governance, professional standards and global outreach.

The Southern India Regional Council hosted the Tamil Nadu State Conference in Chennai on May 16–17 on the theme “Metamorphosis: Sector Specific Governance Architect,” bringing together industry experts and governance professionals.

ICSI President Pawan G. Chandak said India currently needs around 10,000 additional Company Secretaries, with demand expected to rise to nearly 1.5 lakh by 2047 amid expanding compliance requirements.

Tamil Nadu has about 14,000 registered students, including over 8,000 in Chennai, and nearly 4,000 members, of which 2,671 are in the city. Of the 80,000 Company Secretaries nationwide, around 35,000 are women, reflecting growing diversity in the profession.

ICSI will also host the 27th National Conference of Practising Company Secretaries in Pune on June 13–14, themed “Company Secretaries as Leaders: AI, ESG & Stewardship.”

Among new initiatives, ICSI has introduced IFSCA-focused courses on fund management and capital market intermediaries. It has partnered with Gujarat Maritime University to launch a two-year MBA in Maritime Regulations and Compliance Management.

In collaboration with National Institute of Securities Markets, the institute will offer a one-year residential Certificate Course on Corporate and Securities Markets Compliances (CSMC) with internship exposure.

A Certificate Course on UAE Business Manager has also been launched to equip professionals with knowledge of international business regulations.

ICSI said the initiatives are aimed at enhancing employability and preparing professionals for evolving governance and compliance roles.