NISM Certification: All You Need To Know

Table of Contents

What is NISM?

NISM stands for National Institute of Securities Markets. It’s a public trust established in 2006 by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), the main regulatory body for the Indian stock market.

Think of NISM as the educational backbone of SEBI, dedicated to:

    1. Promoting professionalism and standardization in the Indian securities market.
    2. Equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of this dynamic field.
    3. Offering a wide range of courses and certifications across various financial domains, from equity markets and derivatives to mutual funds and wealth management.

NISM has six schools of excellence:

    1. Capital Markets
    2. Risk Management
    3. Investment Banking
    4. Derivatives Markets
    5. Investor Education
    6. Securities Operations and Technology

These schools collaborate to develop high-quality educational programs and research initiatives, ultimately aiming to enhance the overall quality and efficiency of the Indian securities market.

The key takeaway: NISM is more than just a certification provider; it’s a vital institution responsible for upskilling and empowering individuals to participate in the Indian financial ecosystem responsibly and effectively.

Here are some additional points you might find interesting:

    1. NISM certifications are recognized and valued by employers in the Indian financial sector, giving certified professionals a competitive edge in the job market.
    2. NISM courses are open to anyone, regardless of educational background or prior experience, making financial education accessible to a wider audience.
    3. NISM actively collaborates with international organizations to share best practices and promote global financial standards.

  1. What is NISM Certification?

    Imagine this: You’re navigating the bustling streets of the Indian stock market, confident in your knowledge and equipped with the expertise to make informed decisions. This vision can become reality with NISM certifications, your passport to a successful and rewarding career in finance.

    But what exactly is NISM certification?

    Think of NISM as the educational arm of SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), established in 2006 to bring professionalism and standardization to the Indian securities market. Just like a prestigious university, NISM offers a wide range of comprehensive courses and certifications across various financial domains, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the market.

    Here’s how NISM certification benefits you:

    1. Credibility and Expertise: Earning a NISM certification validates your knowledge and skills, setting you apart from non-certified professionals in the job market. It’s like wearing a badge of honor, showcasing your commitment to professionalism and continuous learning.
    2. Enhanced Knowledge: Dive deep into financial concepts, regulations, and best practices relevant to your chosen domain. Whether it’s equity markets, debt markets, mutual funds, or derivatives, NISM courses equip you with the necessary knowledge to make informed investment decisions.
    3. Career Boost: NISM certifications open doors to exciting career opportunities. Employers actively seek certified professionals for various roles, such as investment advisors, research analysts, portfolio managers, and many more. With a NISM certification under your belt, you’ll be well-positioned to climb the career ladder and land your dream job in the financial sector.
    4. Competitive Edge: In a competitive job market, NISM certifications give you a significant edge over non-certified individuals. It demonstrates your dedication to excellence and positions you as a valuable asset to potential employers.

    The best part? NISM certifications are open to everyone, regardless of your educational background or current profession. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a seasoned professional seeking upskilling, or a career changer looking for a new direction, NISM provides a pathway to your financial aspirations.

    Stay tuned for the next section, where we’ll explore the diverse range of NISM certifications available to cater to your specific career goals!

How to Register for NISM Certification Exam? 

Ready to embark on your NISM certification journey? Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate the registration process like a pro:

01. Create Your NISM Account:
    1. Visit the official NISM website: https://certifications.nism.ac.in/
    2. Click on “Register” if you’re a new user.
    3. Fill in the required details, including your name, email address, PAN card information, and create a password.
    4. Choose a security question and answer for account protection.
    5. Submit the registration form.

02. Verify Your Email and Activate Your Account:
    1. Check your email for an activation link from NISM.
    2. Click the link to activate your account.
    3. Choose a strong password and login to the NISM portal.

03. Select Your Desired Certification:
    1. Explore the wide range of NISM certifications available.
    2. Identify the one that aligns with your career goals and interests.
    3. Refer to the NISM website for detailed information on each certification.
    4. Choose the certification you wish to enroll in.

04. Schedule Your Exam:
    1. Choose a convenient exam date and time from the available slots.
    2. Select a preferred exam center location.
    3. Review the exam fee and make the payment online through a secure payment gateway.

05. Download Admit Card:
    1. Once your registration is confirmed, download your admit card.
    2. This card contains essential details like your exam date, time, center address, and guidelines.
    3. Print the admit card and carry it with you on the exam day.

06. Prepare for Success:
    1. Download the study material provided by NISM for your chosen certification.
    2. Develop a thorough understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern.
    3. Utilize online resources, practice tests, and mock exams to enhance your preparation.

07. Attend the Exam:
    1. Arrive at the exam center on time with your admit card and valid ID proof.
    2. Adhere to the exam rules and regulations.
    3. Give your best and confidently demonstrate your knowledge!

Additional Tips:

    1. Review the eligibility criteria for each certification carefully.
    2. Familiarize yourself with the exam format and duration.
    3. Manage your time effectively during the exam.
    4. Refer to the NISM website for any updates or changes in the registration process.

Remember, the NISM portal is user-friendly and guides you through each step smoothly. If you encounter any difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to NISM’s customer support for assistance.!

NISM CERTIFICATION EXAMINATIONS (ALL 29 EXAMS DETAIL)

Capital Markets: 8 NISM Certifications

Certification Duration (Hrs) Fees (INR) Max Marks Questions Pass (%) Negative (%) Validity (Years) Focus
Series I: Currency Derivatives 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Equips you with knowledge of currency derivatives, their products, risks, and strategies.
Series III: Equity Derivatives 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Master the complexities of equity derivatives, exploring their types, valuation, and risk management.
Series VI: Depository Operations 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Provides in-depth knowledge of depository operations, settlement procedures, and risk management.
Series VII: Securities Operations & Risk Management 2 1500 100 100 50 25 3 Equips you to manage risks and ensure efficient securities operations, covering trade settlement, clearing, and risk management.
Series VIII: Equity Markets: Dealer Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Gain in-depth knowledge of equity market operations, focusing on trading mechanisms, regulations, and best practices.
Series IX: Equity Markets: Investment Advisers Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Develop expertise in equity market analysis and portfolio management, catering to investment advisors.
Series XIV: Currency Derivatives Dealers Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Hone your skills in currency derivatives trading, risk management, and compliance.
Series XIX: Merchant Banking Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Understand the nuances of merchant banking activities, encompassing project financing, underwriting, and mergers & acquisitions.

Risk Management: 5 NISM Certifications

Certification Duration (Hrs) Fees (INR) Max Marks Questions Pass (%) Negative (%) Validity (Years) Focus
Series X: Investment Adviser (Level 1) 3 3000 150 135 60 25 3 Build a strong foundation for investment advising, covering portfolio management, investment analysis, and ethics.
Series X B: Investment Adviser (Level 2) 3 3000 150 135 60 25 3 Deepen your knowledge of investment advisory services, focusing on advanced asset allocation strategies and portfolio management techniques.
Series XI: Research Analyst 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Equip yourself with the tools for effective financial research, understanding methodologies, valuation techniques, and ethical considerations.
Series XVII: Portfolio Management 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Master the art of portfolio management, covering asset allocation, risk management, and performance evaluation.
Series XXII: Wealth Management 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Navigate the world of wealth management, catering to high-net-worth individuals and their financial needs.

NISM's Risk Management certifications offer a comprehensive understanding of investment advising, research analysis, portfolio management, and wealth management, providing practitioners with the skills necessary for navigating the intricate landscape of financial risk.

Investment Banking: 4 NISM Certifications

Certification Duration (Hrs) Fees (INR) Max Marks Questions Pass (%) Negative (%) Validity (Years) Focus
Series XII: Securities Markets Foundation 2 1500 100 100 [Percentage Not Provided] [Percentage Not Provided] [Validity Not Provided] [Focus Not Provided]
Series XVIII: Investment Banking Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Gain insights into investment banking activities, including corporate finance, valuation, and deal structuring.
Series XXIII: IPO Grade I Merchant Banker Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Become an expert in the IPO process, covering due diligence, regulatory requirements, and deal execution.
Series XXIII: IPO Grade II Investment Banker Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Deepen your expertise in IPO structuring, valuation, and investor relations.

NISM's Investment Banking certifications equip individuals with a solid foundation in securities markets and delve deeper into the intricacies of investment banking, IPO processes, and deal structuring, offering specialized knowledge essential for excelling in the realm of investment banking.

Derivatives: 4 NISM Certifications

Certification Duration (Hrs) Fees (INR) Max Marks Questions Pass (%) Negative (%) Validity (Years) Focus
Series XV: Interest Rate Derivatives Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Master the intricacies of interest rate derivatives, exploring their uses, valuation, and risk management.
Series XVI: Commodity Derivatives Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Gain expertise in commodity derivatives markets, understanding their products, trading mechanisms, and regulations.
Series XXIII: Credit Derivatives Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Equip yourself with knowledge of credit derivatives, their applications, and risk management techniques.
Series XXIV: Options Strategies Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Develop advanced options trading strategies, understanding various techniques and risk management practices.

NISM's Derivatives Markets certifications provide a comprehensive understanding of interest rate derivatives, commodity derivatives, credit derivatives, and advanced options trading strategies, offering specialized knowledge to navigate the complexities of derivative markets.

Empowering Investors: 4 NISM Certifications in Investor Education

Certification Duration (Hrs) Fees (INR) Max Marks Questions Pass (%) Negative (%) Validity (Years) Focus
Series XII: Securities Markets Foundation 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Provide sound basic knowledge of Indian securities markets to investors.
Series XIII: Investor Awareness (Financial Planning) Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Guide investors in making informed financial plans, covering budgeting, investments, and retirement planning.
Series XIV: Investor Awareness (Mutual Funds) Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Equip investors with understanding of mutual funds, their types, risks, and selection criteria.
Series XV: Investor Awareness (Capital Markets) Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Empower investors to navigate the capital markets confidently, understanding various investment options and market dynamics.

NISM's Investor Education certifications aim to empower individuals with foundational knowledge in securities markets, guide them in financial planning, provide insights into mutual funds, and enhance their understanding of capital markets, fostering informed and confident investment decisions.

Securities Operations & Technology: 4 NISM Certifications

Certification Duration (Hrs) Fees (INR) Max Marks Questions Pass (%) Negative (%) Validity (Years) Focus
Series VII: Securities Operations & Risk Management 2 1500 100 100 50 25 3 Gain expertise in efficient securities operations and risk management, including trade settlement, clearing, and risk assessment.
Series XX: Trade Surveillance & Monitoring Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Develop skills for effective trade surveillance and monitoring, identifying potential market manipulation and insider trading.
Series XXI: Information Technology for Securities Market Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Understand the critical role of IT in securities markets, focusing on infrastructure, cyber security, and technology implementation.
Series XXIV: Cyber Security & Information Security Module 2 1500 100 100 60 25 3 Equip yourself with knowledge of cybersecurity threats and mitigation strategies in the securities market.

NISM's Securities Operations & Technology certifications provide a comprehensive understanding of efficient securities operations, risk management, trade surveillance, information technology, and cybersecurity in the dynamic landscape of the securities market.