NISM Series II-A: Frequently Asked Questions
Fee, validity, negative marking, re-attempts and renewal: the questions candidates actually ask.
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About the exam
What is NISM Series II-A?expand_more
It is NISM's Registrars to an Issue and Share Transfer Agents (Corporate) Certification Examination. It sets a common minimum knowledge benchmark for people who work at RTAs servicing listed companies.
How many questions are there in NISM Series II-A?expand_more
100 multiple choice questions of 1 mark each, for a total of 100 marks.
How long is the exam?expand_more
120 minutes (2 hours).
What is the passing mark for NISM Series II-A?expand_more
50%, which is 50 marks out of 100. There is no separate minimum per chapter.
Is there negative marking in NISM Series II-A?expand_more
No. The March 2026 workbook says there shall be no negative marking. Some older third-party summaries claim a 25% deduction; that is wrong. A wrong answer scores zero, the same as a blank.
How many chapters are in the syllabus?expand_more
15, in the March 2026 workbook. The heaviest is chapter 12, Processes related to Depositories, at 16 marks, followed by chapter 6, SEBI: Role and Regulations, at 14.
Does NISM publish chapter weightage for Series II-A?expand_more
Yes. The workbook's chapter-wise table gives a weightage for every chapter, adding up to 100. With 1 mark per question, each chapter's weightage is also its marks.
Registration and fee
What is the fee for NISM Series II-A?expand_more
₹1,500 plus payment gateway charges.
When is the next NISM Series II-A exam date?expand_more
There is no fixed date. NISM runs the exam on demand: you book an available slot on NISM's certification portal.
Is the exam online?expand_more
It is computer-based. You book a slot and a test centre on NISM's certification portal.
Who can take NISM Series II-A?expand_more
Anyone. NISM publishes no minimum educational qualification. The certification is aimed at associated persons of RTAs, but students and job seekers can sit it too.
What if I fail NISM Series II-A?expand_more
You can register for another attempt on NISM's certification portal. Check the portal for the current re-booking rules and fee before you pick a date.
Free account, this exam preselected.
Certificate and renewal
How long is the NISM Series II-A certificate valid?expand_more
3 years.
How do I renew it?expand_more
Either re-take the exam or complete NISM's Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programme before the certificate expires. Check NISM's CPE options for the current terms.
Is Series II-A the same as Series II-B?expand_more
No. Series II-A covers RTAs servicing listed companies. Series II-B is NISM's separate exam for RTAs servicing mutual funds.
Preparation
What study material should I use?expand_more
NISM's own workbook, version March 2026. Its note says to use this version for exams taken on or after April 30, 2026.
Is NISM Series II-A difficult?expand_more
Most of the syllabus is SEBI regulations and RTA procedures. NISM has not published a pass rate for it. The pass mark is 50% with no negative marking, but the regulations need careful study rather than a quick read.
Which chapters should I focus on?expand_more
Chapters 12, 6 and 13 together carry 40 of the 100 marks. Study those most, but do not skip the rest: you need 50 marks, so the lighter chapters still count.
Should I guess when I do not know the answer?expand_more
Yes. There is no negative marking, so a guess can only add marks. Never leave a question blank.
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