About NISM Exam

The National Institute Of Securities Market (NISM Certification) is part of SEBI (Securities Exchange Board of India) and was created in 2006. It's a special place that teaches a lot of different courses related to the stock market. Some of the courses include how to understand currency and investment advising, and how to know about merchant banking.

This institute gives special certificates to people who work in the market, helping them to be better at their jobs. NISM has six different schools that teach people how to be professional and maintain high standards in the stock market world.

Anyone can take NISM certification courses, whether they're already working, just studying, or want to learn new things to improve their skills. These courses help people add more to what they know and can do, making them more skilled.

NISM Exam 2024

Sr. No NISM Exam Test Duration Fees (Rs Maximum Marks No. of Questions Pass Mark (%) Negative Marks (%) Certificate Validity (in years) Download eBooks Attempt Free Mock Test
1 SEBI Investor Certification Examination 1hr 1500 50 50 50 - 2    
2 NISM Series I: Currency Derivatives Certification Examination 2hr 1500 100 100 60 25 3    
3 NISM Series II A: Registrars and Transfer Agents (Corporate) Certification Examination 2hr 1500 100 100 50 25 3    
4 NISM Series II B: Registrars and Transfer Agents (Mutual Fund) Certification Examination 2hr 1500 100 100 50 25 3    
5 NISM Series-III-A: Securities Intermediaries Compliance (Non-Fund) Certification Examination 2hr 1500 100 100 60 25 3    
6 NISM Series IV: Interest Rates Derivatives Certification Examination 2hr 1500 100 100 60 25 3    
7 NISM Series V A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination 2hr 1500 100 100 50 - 3    
8 NISM-Series­V-B: Mutual Fund Foundation Certification Examination 2hr 1200 50 50 50 - 3    
9 NISM Series VI: Depository Operations Certification Examination 2hr 1500 100 100 60 25 3    
10 NISM Series VII: Securities Operations and Risk Management Certification Examination 2hr 1500 100 100 50 25 3    
11 NISM-Series-VIII: Equity Derivatives Certification Examination 2hr 1500 100 100 60 25 3    
12 NISM Series-IX: Merchant Banking Certification Examination 2hr 1500 100 100 60 25 3    
13 NISM-Series-X-A: Investment Adviser (Level 1) Certification Examination 3hr 1500 100 100 60 25 3    
14 NISM-Series-X-B: Investment Adviser (Level 2) Certification Examination 3hr 3000 150 120 60 25 3    
15 NISM Series-XII: Securities Markets Foundation Certification Examination 2hr 1770 100 100 60 - 3    
16 NISM Series-XIII: Common Derivatives Certification Examination 3hr 3000 150 150 60 25 3    
17 NISM Series-XV: Research Analyst Certification Examination 2hr 1500 100 100 60 25 3    
18 NISM-Series-XVI: Commodity Derivatives Certification Examination 2hr 1500 100 100 60 25 3    
19 NISM-Series-XVII: Retirement Adviser Certification Examination 2hr 1500 100 100 60 25 3    
20 NISM-Series-XVIII: Financial Education Certification Examination 2hr 1416 50 50 50 - 3    
21 NISM Series XIX-A: Alternative Investment Funds (Category I and II) Distributors Certification Examination 2hr 1770 100 100 60 25 3    
22 NISM-Series-XIX-B: Alternative Investment Funds (Category III) Distributors Certification Examination 2hr 1770 100 100 60 25 3    
23 NISM-Series-XIX-C: Alternative Investment Fund Managers Certification Examination 3hr 3540 150 120 60 25 3    
24 NISM-Series-XX-Taxation in Securities Markets Certification Examination 2hr 1770 100 75 60 25 3    
25 NISM Series XXI-A: Portfolio Management Services (PMS) Distributors Certification Examination 2hr 1500 100 100 60 25 3    
26 NISM Series XXI-B: Portfolio Managers Certification Examination 3hr 3000 150 120 60 25 3    
27 NISM Series XXII: Fixed Income Securities Certification Examination 2hr 1770 100 85 60 25 3    
28 NISM Series XXIII: Social Impact Assessors Certification Examination 2hr 1770 100 100 60 25 3    
29 IBBI- Valuation Examination in the Asset Class: Land and Building 2hr 5900 100 90 60 25 -    
30 IBBI- Valuation Examination in the Asset Class: Plant and Machinery 2hr 5900 100 90 60 25 -    
31 IBBI- Valuation Examination in the Asset Class: Securities or Financial Assets 2hr 5900 100 90 60 25 -    

NISM Exam Pattern

  1. Time Duration: 2 hours, providing candidates ample time to thoroughly work through the questions.
  2. Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of ¼, or 25%, of the marks assigned to a question. This means if a question is worth 4 marks and is answered incorrectly, 1 mark (25% of 4 marks) will be deducted from the total score. This rule encourages careful answering and discourages guessing.
  3. Exceptions to Negative Marking: Specifically, for the NISM-Series-V-A (Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination), NISM Series XII (Securities Markets Foundation Certification Examination), and NISM-Series-V-B (Mutual Fund Foundation Certification Examination), there is no negative marking.

NISM Exam Age Limit

  1. Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for NISM exams. This requirement ensures that examinees have reached the age of majority, allowing them to engage in financial and business activities without restrictions.
  2. No Upper Age Limit: There is no specified upper age limit for taking NISM exams, which opens the door for individuals at any stage of their career to gain certification.

NISM Exam Educational Qualification

Not Specified: NISM does not specify any particular educational qualifications for taking its exams. This inclusive approach recognizes the diverse backgrounds of individuals in the financial markets and ensures that anyone with an interest and the necessary knowledge can attempt the certification exams.

NISM Exam Scheduling and Enrollment

Candidates can schedule and enroll for NISM exams through the official NISM certification portal: certifications.nism.ac.in/nismaol/The portal provides detailed information on available exams, schedules, registration procedures, and other relevant details.

About NISM Remote Proctored Exam

In response to the need for flexible examination options, NISM offers remote proctored exams, allowing candidates to take their exams online from a location other than physical test centres. This format includes live monitoring to maintain the integrity of the examination process. To take an exam in this mode, candidates need:

  1. Windows OS-based Laptop/Desktop: The system requirements ensure compatibility with the examination software.
  2. Stable Internet Connectivity: A minimum bandwidth of 512 kbps is required to ensure a smooth examination experience without technical disruptions.
  3. Webcam and Microphone: These are essential for live monitoring, including video recording and taking snapshots during the exam.

It's important to note that NISM reserves the right to discontinue the remote proctored exam facility without prior notice. Therefore, candidates are encouraged to stay updated with the latest information provided by NISM regarding examination modes and requirements.

NISM Exam Registration

  1. Initial Step: Begin by registering on the NISM's online portal. This involves navigating to the 'related links' tab and selecting 'Register for Certification Exam'.
  2. Information Submission: You will need to provide various details including your email ID, personal information, PAN (Permanent Account Number), proof of address, contact details, and professional information.

NISM Exam: Enrolment Process

  1. Selecting an Exam: Post-registration, you can choose the specific NISM exam you wish to take.
  2. Scheduling: The NISM Online Certification System allows you to pick a testing centre, as well as the date and time for your exam. Fill out and submit the enrolment form to complete this stage. Remember, your enrolment remains valid for 180 days.

Taking the NISM Certification

In today's fast-paced financial world, obtaining a NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets) Certification has become a cornerstone for professionals aiming to make a mark in the Indian securities and financial markets. This certification is not just a testament to the holder's expertise and commitment to their profession but also a regulatory requirement for certain roles within the industry. Designed to uphold the integrity and efficiency of the financial markets, NISM Certifications cover a wide array of modules, including mutual funds, equity derivatives, and compliance, among others.

For individuals looking to enhance their career prospects, the NISM Certification serves as a beacon of excellence, recognized across brokerage firms, asset management companies, and advisory services. It underscores a professional's ability to stay abreast of market dynamics, regulatory requirements, and ethical practices. Furthermore, the certification process, involving comprehensive study materials and a rigorous examination, ensures that every certified professional possesses a standardized knowledge base, essential for the proper functioning of India's financial markets.

Integrating NISM Certification into your professional journey not only elevates your standing within the financial community but also contributes to the overall integrity and competence of the market operations. Whether you are a seasoned professional looking to update your skills or a newcomer aspiring to break into the financial industry, achieving a NISM Certification is a strategic step towards realizing your career ambitions.

Issuance of NISM Certificatation

  1. Certificate Delivery: Successful candidates receive a soft copy of their certificate within 15 working days; NISM does not provide hard copies.
  2. PAN Verification: Certificates are issued after verifying the candidate's PAN details against the Income Tax database. If PAN details were not provided at registration, they can be submitted later via email, along with a scanned image of the PAN card.

Revalidation of NISM Certification

Timing: Certificate revalidation can be initiated 12 months before the expiry date.

Methods: There are two ways to revalidate a certificate:

  1. By successfully completing specified NISM Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs.
  2. By passing the relevant NISM exam again before the original certificate expires. The certificate will be revalidated for another 3 years.

This structured process ensures that individuals holding NISM certifications are up to date with the latest knowledge and skills required in the securities markets sector. For more detailed instructions and to begin the process, visit the official NISM website at certifications.nism.ac.in/nismaol/.

Revalidation of NISM Certification

Timing: Certificate revalidation can be initiated 12 months before the expiry date.

NISM Exam: FAQs

Q1. What is the NISM Certification?
Ans. The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) Certification is a series of qualifications offered by an institute established by the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in 2006. It aims to enhance the quality and standards of professionals working in the Indian securities market through various courses related to stock market operations.

Q2. Who can take the NISM Exams?
Ans. Anyone interested in enhancing their knowledge and skills in the securities market, including working professionals, students, or individuals seeking to improve their market understanding, is eligible to take NISM exams.

Q3. What are the types of NISM Exams available?
Ans. NISM offers a wide range of exams covering various aspects of the securities markets, including investor certification, currency derivatives, mutual funds, depository operations, merchant banking, and more. Each exam is designed to cater to specific market segments and roles.

Q4. Is there any age limit or educational qualification required for NISM Exams?
Ans. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to take NISM exams. However, there is no upper age limit or specific educational qualification required, making the exams accessible to a broad audience.

Q5. How can I register and schedule an NISM Exam?
Ans. Candidates can register and schedule their NISM exams through the official NISM certification portal. The portal provides detailed information on available exams, schedules, registration procedures, and other relevant details.

Q6. What is the NISM Remote Proctored Exam?
Ans. In response to the need for flexible examination options, NISM offers remote proctored exams that allow candidates to take their exams online with live monitoring. This option requires candidates to have a compatible Windows OS-based laptop/desktop, stable internet connectivity, and a webcam and microphone.

Q7. How is the NISM Exam structured?
Ans. NISM exams typically have a duration of 2 hours, with a mix of exams requiring different numbers of questions and marks. There is a negative marking of 25% for incorrect answers in most exams, except for certain modules where there is no negative marking.

Q8. How can I prepare for NISM Exams?
Ans. Candidates can prepare for NISM exams by studying the official workbooks provided by NISM, enrolling in preparatory courses, and taking mock tests to familiarize themselves with the exam pattern and question types.

Q9. What happens after passing the NISM Exam?
Successful candidates receive a soft copy of their certificate within 15 working days after the exam. Certificates are issued after verifying the candidate's PAN details against the Income Tax database.

Q10. How can I revalidate my NISM Certification?
Ans. Certificate revalidation can be initiated 12 months before the expiry date, either by completing specified NISM Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs or by passing the relevant NISM exam again. The certificate will then be revalidated for another 3 years.

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