Every NISM certification exam is booked online on NISM’s own certification portal. The process takes about 15 minutes if you have your PAN and a payment method ready. Here is each step, and the small mistakes that cause problems later.
Before you start
- Your PAN card (the certificate is issued only if PAN is in your profile)
- An email ID and mobile number you use yourself
- Debit card, credit card, UPI or net banking for the fee
- The exact exam you want, for example NISM Series V-A or Series VIII
Step 1: Create your account on the NISM portal
Go to the NISM certifications registration page (linked from every exam page on nism.ac.in under “Register for Certification Exam”). Fill in your details. Type your name exactly as it appears on your PAN card. The certificate is printed with this name, and correcting it later takes time.
Step 2: Add your PAN
NISM says the passing certificate is issued only to candidates who have added their PAN to their registration details. Do this now, not after the exam.
Step 3: Choose the exam and pay
Select the module and pay the fee. Most exams, including Series V-A, VIII and XV, cost ₹1,500 plus payment gateway charges. Series X-A and X-B cost ₹3,000 plus charges. Fees can change, so check the amount shown on the portal.
Step 4: Pick your test centre, date and slot
NISM exams are computer-based and taken at NISM-approved test centres. Delhi has several centres, so pick one you can reach easily and book a slot at least 2–3 weeks ahead so you have time to prepare.
Step 5: Download the free study material
NISM gives its official workbook free on its website. Read it once completely before you start mock tests. Most exam questions come from this workbook.
Step 6: Exam day
- Reach the centre 30 minutes early with a valid photo ID
- Read each question fully. Series VIII, X-A, X-B and XV have negative marking of 25% for a wrong answer, so don’t guess blindly
- Your score appears on screen when you submit
Common mistakes
- A name that doesn’t match the PAN card
- Booking the exam before finishing the workbook
- Guessing on exams with negative marking
- Taking V-A when your job actually needs VIII (see our guide on which NISM certificate you need)
Need help preparing?
IFPI runs NISM preparation classes near Dwarka Mor Metro Station, Uttam Nagar, and live online, with chapter-wise classes, mock tests and doubt support. Book a free counselling call to plan your exam date.
Last checked on 28 September 2026 against nism.ac.in. NISM sets exam rules, fees and the syllabus, and can change them. Always confirm on the official NISM website before you pay. IFPI is an independent training institute and is not part of NISM.