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Key Facts: ICSB Foundation Exam

50%

Passing Score

ICSB Rules

Tk. 9,000

Exam Fee

ICSB ERP 2024

70%

Required Attendance

ICSB Student Rules

4 Papers

Foundation Subjects

ICSB Syllabus

The ICSB Chartered Secretary Foundation Level exam is the entry gate for corporate secretarial candidates in Bangladesh. The exam fee is Tk. 9,000, and a minimum passing score of 50% per subject is required. This 100-question practice bank tests your readiness across Business Communication, Business Law, Economics, and Accounting fundamentals.

Sample ICSB Foundation Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the ICSB Foundation exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In the communication process, what is the term for the process of converting an idea into a symbolic form (words, gestures, or symbols) by the sender?
A.Decoding
B.Encoding
C.Feedback
D.Transmission
Explanation: Encoding is the process of translating mental concepts, ideas, or feelings into a symbolic format (like written or spoken words) so that it can be transmitted. The receiver subsequently performs decoding to interpret the message.
2Which type of communication barrier arises from differences in language, vocabulary, or interpretation of words between the sender and the receiver?
A.Psychological barrier
B.Organizational barrier
C.Semantic barrier
D.Physical barrier
Explanation: Semantic barriers occur when the sender and receiver do not share the same interpretation of language, words, or jargon. This can result from cultural differences, technical jargon, or ambiguous phrasing.
3In a standard business letter format, which section contains the polite greeting to the recipient, such as 'Dear Sir' or 'Dear Mr. Rahman'?
A.Salutation
B.Subject Line
C.Complimentary Close
D.Inside Address
Explanation: The salutation is the formal greeting block in a business letter. It is typically positioned below the inside address and above the body paragraphs.
4What is the primary purpose of the 'Executive Summary' in a formal business report?
A.To list all references and citations in alphabetical order
B.To provide a concise overview of the report's key findings, conclusions, and recommendations
C.To present raw data tables and statistical charts for specialist review
D.To outline the detailed methodology of primary and secondary research
Explanation: An executive summary is a condensed version of the entire report designed for busy executives. It summarizes key findings, analysis, and recommendations so the reader can understand the core takeaways without reading the entire document.
5In a business presentation, which of the following is considered the most critical factor for establishing immediate rapport and trust with the audience?
A.Using complex technical jargon to demonstrate authority
B.Speaking at a very rapid pace to show confidence
C.Relying heavily on slide transitions and animation effects
D.Maintaining consistent eye contact with the audience
Explanation: Consistent eye contact builds credibility, projects confidence, and establishes personal connection and trust with the audience. It keeps the audience engaged and allows the speaker to read the room's reaction.
6In Shannon and Weaver's communication model, what is the term used to describe any disturbance that interferes with the transmission and receipt of a message?
A.Entropy
B.Feedback
C.Noise
D.Distortion
Explanation: Noise is any physical, psychological, or semantic disruption that degrades or alters a message as it travels from sender to receiver. It prevents the message from being received exactly as sent.
7When sending an official corporate email to all employees regarding a policy change, which section should be used to briefly state the email's purpose to ensure high open rates?
A.Header
B.Subject Line
C.Salutation
D.Signature Block
Explanation: The subject line is the most important component for catching the recipient's attention. A clear, concise subject line summarizes the email's intent and directly influences whether and when the recipient opens it.
8Which term refers to the study of body language, including posture, gestures, and facial expressions, as a form of non-verbal communication?
A.Kinesics
B.Proxemics
C.Paralanguage
D.Haptics
Explanation: Kinesics is the systematic study of non-verbal communication through body movements, gestures, posture, and facial expressions. The term comes from the Greek word 'kinesis' meaning movement.
9In non-verbal communication, the study of how people use space and distance to communicate comfort and relationships is known as:
A.Kinesics
B.Proxemics
C.Chronemics
D.Oculesics
Explanation: Proxemics, coined by anthropologist Edward T. Hall, is the study of personal space and the physical distance individuals maintain from one another. It categorizes space into intimate, personal, social, and public zones.
10When a business letter is signed on behalf of another person, what abbreviation is placed before the signer's name?
A.e.g.
B.i.e.
C.N.B.
D.p.p.
Explanation: The abbreviation 'p.p.' stands for 'per procurationem' (Latin for 'through the agency of' or 'by proxy'). It is used before a signature to indicate that the letter is being signed on behalf of another person with proper authority.

About the ICSB Foundation Exam

The Foundation Level Examination of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB) is the initial qualifying hurdle for aspiring corporate governance professionals. This practice test prep covers Business Communication, Business Law, Economics, and Accounting fundamentals.

Exam sponsor: Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

100 questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

50%

Exam / Certification Fees

Tk. 9,000

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25%

Business Communication

Concepts, process, channels, models, report writing, letters, and barriers to communication

25%

Business Law

Bangladesh Contract Act 1872, Partnership Act 1932, Sale of Goods Act 1930, and basic Company Law

25%

Business Economics

Microeconomics (demand/supply, production, market structure) and Macroeconomics (national income, monetary/fiscal policy, inflation)

25%

Fundamentals of Accounting & Auditing

Double-entry system, trial balance, bank reconciliation, depreciation, financial statements, and auditing basics

Preparing for the ICSB Foundation Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 50%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: Tk. 9,000 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ICSB Foundation: Suggested Study Strategy

1Focus on Bangladesh-specific laws such as the Contract Act 1872 and Sale of Goods Act 1930; learn key sections and legal definitions.
2For Accounting, practice double-entry ledger postings, depreciation calculations, and the trial balance preparation.
3Understand basic macroeconomic parameters of Bangladesh, including GDP components, fiscal policies, and the role of Bangladesh Bank.
4Do not neglect Business Communication; practice structured report drafting, memo formats, and barrier resolutions.
5Complete all 100 mock questions in this practice set and review wrong explanations to build conceptual clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What subjects are covered in the ICSB Foundation Level exam?

The ICSB Foundation Level covers four core areas: 1) Business Communication (written/oral communications and reports), 2) Business Law (the Contract Act 1872, Partnership Act 1932, Sale of Goods Act 1930, and Companies Act 1994), 3) Business Economics (Microeconomics and Macroeconomics of Bangladesh), and 4) Fundamentals of Accounting & Auditing.

What is the passing score for the ICSB Foundation Level exam?

A student must obtain a minimum of 50% marks in each individual subject/paper to pass the ICSB Foundation Level examination. Students can pass on a subject-wise basis, but all subjects must be completed before progressing to Certificate Level-I.

What are the fees for the ICSB Foundation Level?

Under the current fee structure, the coaching fee is Tk. 18,000 and the examination fee is Tk. 9,000 per session. Additional fees for student admission, registration, and student handbook may apply.

Is coaching mandatory for ICSB Foundation Level students?

Yes, attending coaching classes organized by ICSB is generally mandatory, and students must maintain a minimum of 70% attendance to be eligible to sit for the examinations.