NISM Series XXV-A: Frequently Asked Questions
Fee, validity, negative marking, re-attempts and renewal: the questions candidates actually ask.
The questions candidates ask most about NISM Series XXV-A, answered in one line each where one line is honest.
The exam itself
What is the passing score for NISM Series XXV-A?expand_more
25 out of 50 (50%). There is no sectional cut-off: the requirement is on the paper as a whole.
How long is the NISM Series XXV-A exam?expand_more
1 hour (60 minutes) for a 50-mark objective, computer-based paper. The result appears on screen as soon as you submit.
Does NISM Series XXV-A have negative marking?expand_more
No. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so leaving a question blank gains you nothing.
What is the NISM Series XXV-A exam fee?expand_more
₹1,500 plus applicable GST, payable online at booking. The fee applies per attempt.
How long is NISM Series XXV-A valid?expand_more
3 years from the date of passing. To stay certified you either pass the exam again or complete the CPE programme before it expires.
When is the next NISM Series XXV-A exam date?expand_more
There isn't one. NISM certification exams run on demand throughout the year, so you register and pick your own slot, then sit the exam remotely from home or office, typically within a week.
More about Persons Associated with Research Services
When was Series XXV-A introduced?expand_more
NISM launched the Series XXV-A examination on 10 February 2026, as part of SEBI's framework for people working around a registered Research Analyst. It covers client-facing and support roles that no earlier NISM certification addressed.
Do I need XXV-A or Series XV?expand_more
If you write or publish research, or issue buy and sell recommendations, you need Series XV. If you sell, market or otherwise support research services without preparing the research yourself, you need XXV-A.
How is the exam conducted?expand_more
It is an internet-based exam taken in a remotely proctored environment, so you sit it from home or your office rather than at a physical NISM test centre. That is unlike most other NISM series, which are test-centre based.
What is the exam pattern?expand_more
50 multiple-choice questions worth 1 mark each, 60 minutes, and a pass mark of 50 percent, which is 25 out of 50. There is no negative marking and no sectional cut-off.
How long is the certificate valid?expand_more
Three years. Before it lapses you either sit the exam again or complete the CPE programme. Verify the current renewal route on the NISM certification portal, because CPE rules differ between series.
Free account, this exam preselected.