Indian Corporate Law Service

The Indian Corporate Law Service, also termed as ICLS is a Group A Service that indicates the post’s prominence. This highly respected post is available to those candidates who successfully clear the UPSC Civil Service Examination.

Reporting to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs of the Indian government, ICLS is involved in giving legal counsel to Indian corporations.

Come; let us look into the eligibility, salary package and other details for the ICLS post in this article.

Indian Corporate Law Service

Indian Corporate Law Services represent the legal services given to corporations in India that include legal advice, litigation, compliance, and transactional services. Entry to this posting through the UPSC Civil Services Examination started in 2009.

Going back to history, ICLS was commenced in the year 1967 to accomplish effectiveness in implementing and administering the Companies Act.

The Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS) is a specialized civil service in India and is committed to enriching the intricacies of corporate governance, regulations, and compliance. Until 2004, the service was functioning under the Ministry of Finance Department and then placed under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Eligibility for Indian Corporate Law Service

The eligibility terms for ICLS remain the same as for the other posts of All India Civil Services. It is listed below:

  1. Age Limit

Candidates for the UPSC must be between 21 and 32 years of age. The age limit is set as of 1st August of the year of the UPSC examination.

Age relaxations are applicable for certain categories.

  1. Educational Qualification

Candidates appearing for the UPSC CSE should have a bachelor’s degree in law (LL.B) from a renowned university. Candidates in their final year LL.B are also qualified to apply for the exam. However, it is recommended to submit proof of passing the degree before the beginning of the ICLS training.

  1. Nationality

Should be a citizen of India.

  1. Physical Standards

Have to fulfil the physical standards as mentioned in the government eligibility criteria.

Recruitment and Training

The recruitment process comprises two approaches:

Direct Recruits:

Since 2009, candidates have been recruited through the Civil Services Examination conducted by the UPSC.

Promoted Officers: 

Members in Group B Service, who are employed within the Ministry, can be promoted depending on their years of service.

The chosen candidates will undergo training at The Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS) Academy at the Manesar campus. It is in the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) in Haryana. This training is intended to focus on topics such as Accounting, Finance, Management, Economics, and Law. The Training of Probationary Officers is around 10 months. The induction training introduces the participants to the Limited Liability Partnership Act (LLP Act), allied acts and the provisions of the Companies Act.

Apart from classroom training, candidates are also given practical and hands-on training in numerous offices across India.

Roles and Responsibilities of ICLS

  • Administering the Companies Act, the LLP Act and other related acts
  • Deliver expert legal advice and opinions on corporate matters to facilitate informed decisions
  • Committed to draft and reviewing legal documents and contracts and it covers agreements and similar significant papers that are legally valid.
  • Monitor and check if the companies are filing and updating their annual returns and balance sheets. In addition, they should keep track of other major documentation.
  • Responsible for liquidating diverse companies as ordered by the courts.
  • Take control of the assets, recover debts, sell the company assets through public auction, settle creditors’ claims, etc.
  • Typically, the Regional Director (RD) is the senior ICLS officer and is responsible for administering the work of the RoCs and the OLs.
  • The core role of the service is to authorize and control the corporate sector of the nation and preserve the rights of the investors, specifically small investors.

Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS) – Glance on the Pay Scale and Grade 

GradeDesignationPay ScaleGrade Pay
Junior Time Scale●       Registrar of Companies

●       Official Liquidator

 

●       Registrar of Companies cum Official Liquidator

 

●       Assistant Registrar of Companies

 

●       Assistant Official Liquidator

 

●       Assistant Director

 

●       Bench Officer – Company Law Board

15600 – 391005400
Senior Time Scale●       Registrar of Companies

●       Official Liquidator

 

●       Deputy Registrar of Companies

 

●       Deputy Official Liquidator

 

●       Deputy Director

15600 – 391006600
Junior Administrative Grade●       Registrar of Companies

●       Official Liquidator

●       Joint Director

●       Secretary, Company Law Board

 

15600 – 391007600
Senior Administrative Grade●       Regional Director

●       Director of Inspection and Investigation

●       Director

 

37400 – 6700010000
Higher Administrative Grade       DGCA – Director-General of Corporate Affairs67000 – 79000

 

ICLS Perks and Benefits

Apart from attractive pay scales, ICLS officers are also provided with some exclusive perks and allowances. Let us look into detail.

Residential Accommodation:

Depending on their rank and availability, ICLS officers are given official residential accommodation.

Medical Facilities:

Officers and their dependents can avail of the medical facilities under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) scheme.

Leave Travel Concession (LTC):

ICLS officers can explore various parts of the country by using  Leave Travel Concession.

Pension and Gratuity:

ICLS officers are entitled to enjoy Pension and Gratuity benefits

Transport Facilities:

Official vehicles and drivers are provided for ICLS officers

 Career Prospects

The Hierarchy in ICLS service is very big. The officers can get promoted to various levels based on their hard work.

  • Can be posted as Assistant Directors (AD), Joint Directors (JD) and Deputy Directors (DD). This role is responsible for assuring the seamless functioning of the companies in alignment with the Companies
  • Can get promotion as Director of Inspection and Investigation, who is committed to probe matters into companies that do not adhere to the rules and lead to revenue loss to the Government.
  • Can get the chance to serve in Serious Fraud Investigation Offices (SFIO)
  • ICLS Cadre officers at the Ministry level are empowered to devise policies, rules and regulations.

Successfully clear the UPSC examination to navigate your journey to the dream ICLS officer!

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