NISM Equity Derivatives Exam

What is the NISM Equity Derivatives exam?

NISM Equity Derivatives exam conducted by NISM is a certification you require to work in the equity derivatives market (like equity futures, options) in India. This exam is mandated by SEBI to ensure that everyone involved have the essential knowledge.

Why is the NISM Equity Derivatives exam mandatory?

If your job involves dealing, sales, advising, or managing funds related to equity derivatives, you must have this NISM certification. SEBI has mandated it because as the securities market regulator, it has to protect investors and ensure market integrity by making sure these professionals are competent.

Who typically takes the NISM Equity Derivatives exam?

It’s essential for Equity Derivatives Dealers, Sales Personnel (selling derivative products), Fund Managers (handling derivatives), Investment Advisors, Research Analysts, Compliance Officers, and even Back-Office Staff involved in processing derivatives trades.

What will I learn from the NISM Equity Derivatives exam?

You’ll gain a solid foundation knowledge in how equity derivatives work, different products (futures, options), trading strategies (hedging, speculation, arbitrage), market structure, clearing & settlement, risk management concepts (like margin), and the all-important regulatory framework in India.

What specific jobs require this NISM Equity Derivatives exam certification?

If your role involves executing, advising on, managing, or processing trades in Equity Futures & Options (F&O) on Indian exchanges (NSE, BSE), this NISM Equity Derivative exam is mandatory. Check with your employer or SEBI guidelines for specific details.

How does the NISM Equity Derivatives exam benefit me?

Beyond being mandatory, it deepens your understanding of the Indian derivative market, opens up career opportunities in this segment, helps you advise clients better (managing their risks and yours!), and keeps you compliant with SEBI regulations. It’s valuable for students too.

How long is the NISM Equity Derivatives exam certificate valid?

Your NISM certification is valid for 3 years from the date you pass this exam. Don’t worry, you can renew it by completing Continuing Professional Education (CPE or eCPE). We’ll cover that later!

Are there any prerequisites to be eligible for this exam?

There are no strict educational or work experience prerequisites to take the NISM Equity Derivatives exam. However, having a basic understanding of the Indian stock market and financial concepts will definitely make your preparation smoother.

How is NISM Equity Derivatives exam different from other NISM exams?

NISM offers many exams, each focused on a specific area (like mutual funds, investment advisor, research analyst, etc.). The NISM equity derivative exam is specifically focused on futures and options contracts based on stocks and indices.

What’s covered in the NISM Equity Derivatives exam syllabus and chapter-wise weightage?

Which equity derivative products are covered in this exam?

The big four equity derivatives products covered in this exam are Stock Futures, Index Futures, Stock Options, and Index Options. The NISM equity derivative exam focuses on these core products traded on Indian exchanges.

What’s the NISM Equity Derivatives exam format?

NISM Equity Derivatives exam is conducted as a online Computer-Based Test (CBT) across NISM test centers in India. You’ll need to answer 100 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete the exam. You need to score at least 60% to pass. All questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). You’ll usually have four options (A, B, C, D) and need to pick the one correct answer. There is 25% negative marking in this exam.

How tough are the questions in NISM Equity Derivatives exam?

You’ll get a mix of easy and difficult questions. Some easy questions based on basic concepts and definitions, some tough questions that require application and calculations (especially related to pricing, margins, and payoffs).

How do I register for the NISM Equity Derivatives exam?

NISM registration is done online through the official NISM certification website (https://cert.nism.ac.in/). You’ll need to create an account or login to your existing one, select NISM Equity Derivatives exam , choose your test center and date, and pay the fee.

What’s the exam fee?

The fee for the NISM Equity Derivatives exam is Rs. 1,500 + GST (total approx. Rs. 1,770 as of current rates). You can pay online via Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI during NISM registration.

Where do I find NISM test centers and dates?

Once you login to the certification portal and start the registration process, you’ll see a list of available test centers (across major cities) and their upcoming exam dates. Choose what suits you best.

How early should I book my NISM Equity Derivatives exam slot?

Book your NISM exam slot at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Otherwise you may not get the nearest test center or preferred date.

What ID do I need at the NISM test center?

You must bring your printed Admit Card (downloadable after registration) and the original PAN Card. Photocopies may not work. So don’t forget them!

What are the NISM test center rules?

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Strictly no electronic devices (phones, watches, calculators – the exam interface has one), bags, or study materials are allowed inside. You’ll get rough paper and a pen. Follow the invigilator’s instructions carefully during your NISM exam.

What’s the official study material for NISM Equity Derivatives exam?

The absolute essential is the official NISM Series-VIII: Equity Derivatives Workbook. It is available for free to download on NISM website. The physical copies of the book are published by Taxmann and can be bought online (Taxmann, Amazon, Flipkart).

Where can I find good NISM Equity Derivatives exam mock tests?

We offer 10 premium NISM Equity Derivatives exam mock tests at Rs.299/*- only. Our mock tests will help you: 1) Understand the question pattern and difficulty, 2) Identify your weak areas, 3) Practice time management (crucial for 100 questions!), 4) Build exam temperament and reduce anxiety. Aim to take at least 5-6 full-length mocks under timed conditions before your real NISM exam.

How long should I prepare for NISM Equity Derivatives exam?

It depends on how much you already know about equity derivatives. Most candidates may need 3-4 weeks of study (1-2 hours daily). If you’re new to this subject, give yourself more time.

Any effective study strategies that can help?

Start with the official workbook. Make notes. Focus deeply on concepts and calculations. Give mock tests and analyze every wrong answer. Revise the tricky topics using feedback note you get at the end of our mock tests.

What’s the official NISM certification website?

For all things about NISM certification, visit the official webpage. 

How do I access the NISM certification portal?

Simply go to NISM Portal and register if you are a new user. If you have already registered, login using your credentials (username and password you created during registration).

What to do if I forgot my login details?

On the NISM login page, click “Forgot Password?”. You’ll usually need your registered email ID or mobile number to recover them. Follow the instructions sent to your email/phone.

How do I see or download my NISM certificate after passing the exam?

After passing the exam, you’ll need to login to the NISM certification portal. Once logged in you can view and download your e-Certificate.

When will I get my NISM exam results?

Results for the NISM exam are typically displayed instantly on your screen after submitting the test. You’ll see “Pass” or “Fail” along with your score.

How do I get my NISM certification score card or report?

Your provisional score is shown on screen. For the official scorecard, login to the NISM certification portal within a few days (usually 48-72 hours). You can view and download the detailed scorecard from your dashboard.

What if I fail in the NISM certification exam?

If you fail in any NISM exam, you can re-attempt the same exam. There’s usually no mandatory waiting period for the next attempt. But you will need to pay the full exam fee again and book a new slot.

How many times can I re-attempt?

There’s no limit on the number of attempts for the NISM equity derivative exam. You can take it as many times as needed to pass. However, you have to register and pay the fees each time.

How do I renew my NISM Equity Derivative exam certificate?

Your NISM certificate is valid for 3 years only. You can renew it in 2 ways. One way is to appear for the exam again and pass. Alternatively, you have to complete the NISM Continuing Professional Education (CPE or eCPE) before your certificate expires. For more details on NISM CPE/ eCPE of NISM Equity Derivatives exam click here. 

What if I could not renew my certificate and it expires?

If you don’t renew your NISM certificate before the 3-year expiry date, you’ll need to retake and pass the NISM Equity Derivatives exam again.