NISM Certifications · exam guide

How the NISM Certifications Exam Is Conducted

Checked against NISM's official pages, as of 12 October 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm on the official site before you act.

Each module is a separate computer-based multiple-choice examination taken at a test centre, with silent calculators allowed and strict identity checks.

• Mode: computer-based test at a test centre. None of the eight modules covered here is marked by NISM as remote-proctored; NISM runs some other examinations only in online remote-proctored mode, using a laptop or desktop with webcam and microphone.
• Durations and marks: V-A, VI, VII, VIII, XV and XXI-A are 2 hours for 100 marks; X-A and X-B are 3 hours for 150 marks.
• Question formats: V-A, VI, VII, VIII and XXI-A have 100 one-mark multiple-choice questions. X-A has 90 one-mark questions, 6 caselets of 5 one-mark questions and 3 caselets of 5 two-mark questions (135 questions). X-B has 90 one-mark questions and 6 caselets of 5 two-mark questions (120 questions). XV (revised from 20 January 2026) has 80 one-mark questions and 5 cases of 4 one-mark questions.
• Language: V-A is offered in English and Hindi.
• Report to the test centre 30 minutes before the slot start time; late arrivals are not allowed in and are marked absent with no refund or rescheduling.
• Bring the admit card (printed or soft copy) and one original photo ID: PAN card, Aadhaar, driving licence or passport, or one of these stored in DigiLocker with a photograph.
• Candidates bring their own calculator and pen. NISM allows all types of calculators as long as they are silent and have no computer connectivity.
• Phones, books, papers, tablets, cameras and other gadgets must be switched off and kept outside the test centre or in the assigned locker. Food and drink are not allowed.
• Rough work is done only on the rough sheets given by the invigilator, which must be returned before leaving. The test centre may be under CCTV surveillance.
• Candidates who need special accommodation must apply to NISM in the prescribed form at least 10 days in advance.