The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has granted official approval to the Environmental Social Governance and Company Secretary (ESG CS) Foundation to conduct its AI-driven commerce and startup programme titled the C.A.S.T. (Commerce Aptitude & Startup Talent) Project across all schools in the Virudhunagar district, covering nearly 2,000 students.
This approval marks a state-level first for the ESG CS Foundation, a registered trust committed to empowering commerce education through artificial intelligence, law, and governance literacy. The Foundation has launched this initiative as part of its broader vision to integrate AI technology into practical, skill-based commerce learning.
The startup programme begins with CAPS 2025 (Commerce Aptitude for Startups) — a district-level event open to students from other districts as well — designed to make commerce education engaging, skill-focused, and AI-driven for Class 11 and 12 students. The project seeks to mentor students for professional fields such as Company Secretary (CS), Law, Banking, and SEBI-related courses, while also nurturing entrepreneurial thinking at the school level.
As part of the Foundation’s long-term roadmap, the career guidance and incubation phase will culminate in the CA.R.E.S 2026 (Commerce Aptitude for Real-Career Empowered Startups) event, scheduled for March 28, 2026. This follow-up initiative will extend continued mentorship, helping students transition from academic learning to real-world startup and professional opportunities.
The CAPS 2025 event is set to be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Sri Kaliswari College, Sivakasi, where AI applications will be actively used to teach core commerce subjects, professional skills, and startup thinking.
Mathankumar M.A., M.Ed, the Chief Education Officer of Virudhunagar District, will preside over the event, symbolizing the Tamil Nadu government’s endorsement of the long-term project. The event will also feature eminent Company Secretaries who will provide students with real-world professional insights and guidance.
Top-performing students will receive cash prizes worth ₹20,000, recognizing their excellence and innovative potential. Furthermore, 250 interested students will be selected for specialized, free mentorship for the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET), thus creating a direct pipeline to professional careers in commerce and corporate governance.
