NISM Series XII: 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 XII?expand_more
It is NISM's Securities Markets Foundation Certification Examination, a voluntary, entry-level exam on how Indian securities markets work: securities, primary and secondary markets, mutual funds and derivatives.
How many questions are there in NISM Series XII?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 XII?expand_more
60%, which is 60 marks out of 100. There is no separate minimum per chapter.
Is there negative marking in NISM Series XII?expand_more
No. A wrong answer scores zero, the same as a blank, so answer every question.
How many chapters are in the syllabus?expand_more
6, in the March 2026 workbook. Chapters 2 to 5 carry 20 marks each; chapters 1 and 6 carry 10 each.
Are there calculations in the exam?expand_more
Some. The workbook says test centre workstations have MS-Excel or LibreOffice for numericals, and chapter 2 covers calculations such as dividend yield and bond yields.
Registration and fee
What is the fee for NISM Series XII?expand_more
₹1,003 inclusive of tax, plus payment gateway charges.
When is the next NISM Series XII 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 XII?expand_more
Anyone. NISM publishes no minimum educational qualification, and the workbook names students, homemakers, teachers and professionals from other industries among its audience.
Is NISM Series XII mandatory?expand_more
No. The workbook calls it a voluntary examination.
What if I fail NISM Series XII?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
How long is the NISM Series XII certificate valid?expand_more
3 years.
How do I keep it current?expand_more
You can re-take the exam. NISM also runs Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programmes for some certifications; check NISM's site for whether one applies to Series XII.
Does Series XII replace a job-specific NISM certificate?expand_more
No. If your role requires a particular NISM series, you need that series. Series XII is a foundation exam.
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 XII difficult?expand_more
It is an entry-level exam, but it covers a wide syllabus and needs 60% to pass. NISM has not published a pass rate for it. Steady reading of the workbook plus practice questions is the reliable route.
Which chapters should I focus on?expand_more
Chapters 2, 3, 4 and 5 together carry 80 of the 100 marks. Study those most, but do not skip chapters 1 and 6: you need 60 marks, so 20 marks matter.
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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