Examination Overview - NISM Series XII: Securities Markets Foundation Certification Mock Test
The examination is designed to establish a foundational knowledge benchmark for individuals seeking to understand the structure and functioning of the Indian securities markets. It is ideal for beginners, students, entry-level professionals, and anyone looking to build a career in the financial services industry.
This certification aims to develop a clear understanding of key financial concepts, including various asset classes, market participants, financial instruments, primary and secondary markets, and the role of regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). It ensures that candidates gain essential knowledge of trading, clearing and settlement processes, risk management practices, and the basic principles governing investment decisions.
By strengthening conceptual clarity around financial markets, investment products, regulatory framework, and market operations, the examination prepares candidates to make informed financial decisions and lays a strong foundation for advanced certifications in the securities market domain. It promotes financial literacy, ethical practices, and a better understanding of investor protection mechanisms within the Indian financial ecosystem.
Examination Objectives
On successful completion of the examination, the candidate should be able to:
Know the basic structure, functions, and participants of the Indian securities markets, including the roles of various intermediaries and regulatory bodies.
Know the various processes involved in Primary and Secondary Markets
Understand the schemes and products in Mutual Funds and Derivatives Markets in India.
Assessment Structure
| Component |
Details |
| Mode of Exam |
Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Type of Questions |
Multiple Choice Questions |
| Language Options |
English |
| Number of Questions |
100 |
| Total Marks |
100 |
| Marks per Question |
1 mark |
| Passing Criteria |
60% |
| Negative Marking |
NO Negative Marking |
| Exam Duration |
2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Exam Fee |
Rs. 1,770 (inclusive of GST) + payment gateway charges extra |
| Result Declaration |
Immediately after exam completion |
| Certificate Validity |
3 Years from the date of passing |
| PAN Requirement |
PAN must be updated in your profile to apply |
| Exam Delivery Modes |
At 150+ NISM test centers across India |
Syllabus Outline – Securities Markets Foundation Certification Examination
| Chapter No. |
Chapter Name |
Weightage (%) |
| Chapter 1 |
Understanding Securities Markets and Performance |
10 |
| Chapter 2 |
Securities: Types, Features and Concepts of Asset Allocation and Investing |
20 |
| Chapter 3 |
Primary Markets |
20 |
| Chapter 4 |
Secondary Markets |
20 |
| Chapter 5 |
Mutual Funds |
20 |
| Chapter 6 |
Derivative Markets |
10 |
| Total |
Total Weightage |
100 |
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Frequently Asked Questions - NISM Series XII: Securities Markets Foundation Certification
Based on the provided curriculum, this examination is designed to establish a common minimum knowledge benchmark for professionals engaged in the distribution of Category III Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). It ensures distributors understand fund structures, leverage implications, hedge fund strategies, and SEBI regulatory guidelines to evaluate investor suitability effectively.
The examination consists of 100 questions totalling 100 marks. This is divided into two sections: 80 standard Multiple Choice Questions (80 marks) and 5 Case-Based Questions, with each case featuring 4 questions (20 marks).
Yes, the examination enforces a negative marking policy. For every incorrect answer, 10% of the marks assigned to that specific question will be deducted. It is highly recommended to practice with our mock tests to develop a strategy that minimises negative marking.
Candidates must secure a minimum of 60% (60 marks out of 100) to successfully clear the NISM Series XII certification examination.
Candidates are given exactly 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete the 100-question computer-based test. Time management is crucial, especially for the case-study section.
Upon successful completion, your NISM Series XII certification remains valid for a period of 3 years from the date of passing the examination.
The official examination fee charged by NISM is Rs. 1,770 (inclusive of GST). Please note that additional payment gateway charges may apply during the registration process.
To successfully apply and register for the NISM Series XII examination, it is mandatory to have your Permanent Account Number (PAN) updated and verified within your NISM candidate profile.
Yes, significantly. Chapter 9 of the syllabus (carrying a 10% weightage) requires candidates to gain detailed knowledge of the taxation aspects applicable to Category III AIFs, including treatment under domestic tax laws and the specific frameworks applicable within International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) jurisdictions.
Our premium preparation package is built to train you exactly the way the real exam tests you. It provides 600 exam-focused questions aligned with the latest syllabus, ensuring you master complex topics like Net Asset Value (NAV) calculations, leverage, and valuation methodologies before exam day.
Our comprehensive NISM Series XII mock test package is highly affordable, priced at just Rs. 599 (inclusive of GST). This provides you with premium study resources at a fraction of the cost of a failed exam attempt.
When you subscribe to our Rs. 599 package, you receive 15 test attempts per set. This allows you to practice extensively, refine your time management skills, and track your progress over multiple simulated sessions.
The premium mock test package grants you 15 days of uninterrupted access. This provides ample time for focused, intensive preparation and revision right before your scheduled examination date.
According to the syllabus outline, the regulatory framework (Chapter 5) and the fee structure, fund performance, and benchmarking (Chapter 6) hold the highest weightage, each accounting for 15% of the total exam marks.
The official exam is an online, computer-based test delivered at over 150 designated NISM test centres located across India.