Where do you register for a NISM exam?
Every NISM certification exam is registered for through one official website: certifications.nism.ac.in. There is no offline form and no third-party shortcut — you create an account on the NISM certification portal, book your series and pay online. Before you begin, keep your PAN, a government photo ID and a means of online payment ready, as you will need all three during the process.
Step 1: Create your candidate account
Start by registering as a new user on the portal. You will provide basic details — name, email, mobile number — and set a password. Use an email and mobile number you check regularly, because your admit card, confirmations and CPE reminders are tied to this account. An OTP-based verification usually confirms your contact details.
Step 2: Complete your profile and identity details
Once your account is active, complete your profile. This is where accuracy matters most:
- PAN: your Permanent Account Number is the primary identifier for NISM certification. Enter it exactly as printed.
- Name and date of birth: these must match your PAN and the photo ID you will carry to the exam.
- Aadhaar and other personal details: supply these as prompted by the portal.
Mismatches between your registered name, PAN and photo ID are the single most common cause of trouble on exam day. Double-check every field before moving on.
Step 3: Choose the right series
Next, select the certification you want to sit. This is a decision to make deliberately, not quickly — each series maps to a specific role:
- Series V-A for mutual fund distributors (the gateway to an ARN and AMFI registration).
- Series VIII for equity derivatives.
- Series XV for research analysts.
If you are unsure which series your role legally requires, confirm it before paying, because fees are generally non-transferable between series. The portal lists the current syllabus and workbook for each exam.
Step 4: Pay the registration fee
After selecting your series, pay the fee online. Registration fees vary by series and typically fall in the ₹1,200–₹3,000 (plus GST) range; the widely taken Series V-A sits around ₹1,500 (plus GST). Payment is made through the portal's online gateway, and you should save the payment confirmation for your records.
Step 5: Schedule your exam
With payment done, you book your test:
- Choose an available date and time slot.
- Select a test centre from NISM's empanelled centres near you, or choose the remote-proctored option where the series and portal allow it.
- Confirm the booking and note the details.
Popular dates and centres can fill up, so booking a little in advance gives you more choice. The exam itself is a computer-based test (CBT).
Step 6: Download your admit card
Before exam day, log back in and download your admit card from the portal. Check that every detail — name, series, date, time and centre — is correct. Keep a copy ready, whether printed or accessible, along with the valid government photo ID you registered with.
Exam-day essentials
On the day, carry your admit card and the original government photo ID matching your registration. Reach the centre with time to spare for check-in and verification. Remember the general exam shape: commonly 100 questions in two hours, with a pass mark of 50% or 60% and negative marking on some series but not others — so know the rules of your specific series in advance.
Common registration mistakes to avoid
| Mistake | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Name/PAN mismatch with ID | Enter details exactly as on PAN and photo ID |
| Registering for the wrong series | Confirm your role's required series before paying |
| Leaving booking to the last minute | Schedule early for better date and centre choice |
| Forgetting the admit card or ID | Download the admit card ahead and pack original ID |
After you pass
Once you clear the exam, your certificate is issued and can be downloaded and verified through the portal. Remember that it is valid for three years and renewable via the CPE programme, so keep your account details current for future reminders.