Series XII · Beginner
Securities Markets Foundation
The best first certificate for a complete beginner.
Questions
100
Duration
120 min
Pass mark
60%
Negative marking
None
Exam fee
₹1,770 (incl. GST)
Validity
3 years
Why this certification matters
It is not mandatory for a job, but it gives students a clean, examinable foundation of the Indian securities market and looks credible on a fresher resume.
Who should take it: Students, beginners, career switchers, and anyone new to Indian securities markets.
What you get after clearing it
- No prerequisites, ideal starting point for students
- Covers the entire securities market landscape
- Makes later modules far easier to clear
- Good resume signal for internships
Where it takes you
Best used by college students in first or second year before targeting a specialised module.
Treated as a foundation credential rather than a pay driver, it helps you get shortlisted.
Explore finance careers2 week study plan
Week 1
Markets and products
Primary and secondary markets, equity, debt, derivatives, mutual funds.
Week 2
Regulation and mocks
SEBI, exchanges, depositories, investor protection, then timed mocks.
Exam-day tips
- This is definition heavy, use flashcards daily
- No negative marking, attempt every question
- Two full mocks above 70% means you are ready
Full syllabus
Basics of Securities Markets
- What are securities? Equity, debt, and derivatives
- Primary and secondary markets
- Role of SEBI, stock exchanges, and depositories
- Market participants and intermediaries
- Indian market indices Sensex, Nifty 50
Equity & Debt Markets
- Equity shares, IPOs, and FPOs
- Corporate actions dividends, bonus, splits, rights
- Bonds and fixed-income basics
- Government securities and corporate debt
- Interest rates and yield concepts
Mutual Funds & Derivatives
- Mutual fund basics, NAV, and types of schemes
- ETFs and index funds
- Introduction to futures and options
- Uses and risks of derivatives
- Basics of commodities and currency derivatives
Investor Protection & Regulations
- KYC and investor registration
- Investor rights and responsibilities
- SEBI SCORES and grievance redressal
- Prohibition of insider trading and market manipulation
- Risk management in securities markets
Practical Aspects
- Trading accounts and demat accounts
- Order types and settlement cycles
- Basics of portfolio and risk
- Taxation of capital market income
- Financial planning introduction
Learn it first in VIA Capital Academy
Frequently asked questions
What is NISM Series XII?
It is a foundational certification covering the basics of Indian securities markets, ideal for beginners and students.
Who should take this exam?
Students, beginners, career switchers, and anyone who wants a broad overview of securities markets before specializing.
What is the passing score?
60 out of 100 marks (60%). There is no negative marking.
Is this official NISM material?
No. These are independent practice questions. Refer to the official NISM workbook before the exam.
Is Series XII mandatory?
No, it is not mandatory for any specific role, but it is a good entry-level credential for market awareness.
Ready to test yourself?
100 questions · 120 minutes · no negative marking. Free, no login.