📊 NISM Series XVChapter 6 of 15⚖ 8 marks weightageCase-Based ✓
Ch.6: Industry Analysis
Practice questions for NISM-Series-XV: Research Analyst Certification Examination
(mandated by SEBI under the Research Analysts Regulations, 2014).
Chapter 6 carries 8 out of 100 marks
in the final examination. The exam has 80 MCQs + 5 case-based sets, 120-minute duration,
60% passing score, and −0.25 negative marking per wrong answer.
40
MCQ
2
Case Sets
48
Total Qs
8
Exam Marks
60%
Pass Score
−0.25
Neg. Marking
What You Will Learn in This Chapter
Apply Porter's Five Forces and other industry analysis frameworks
Understand industry life cycles and key performance indicators
Know how to assess regulatory environment and competitive landscape
Key Terms:Porter's Five Forcesindustry life cyclemarket sizingcompetitive landscapeindustry KPISWOT
Multiple Choice Questions (40)
Q1MCQMediumMarket Sizing Approaches
In market sizing, what approach involves quantifying the market by looking at individual companies and aggregating their data to arrive at the industry size?
ATop-down approach
BMacro-economic approach
CBottom-up approach
DIndustry concentration approach
Q2MCQMediumMarket Sizing
A research analyst quantifies the total industry size for a particular therapy by identifying the number of patients and ascertaining the average expenditure per patient. What market sizing approach is being used?
ABottom-up approach.
BTop-down approach.
CComparative analysis.
DHistorical trend analysis.
Q3MCQMediumMarket Sizing
An analyst quantifies the total industry size for a particular therapy by identifying the number of patients who underwent the therapy and ascertaining the average expenditure per patient. This approach is an example of which market sizing method?
ABottom-up approach
BTop-down approach
CPeer comparison approach
DTrend analysis approach
Q4MCQEasySecular Trends
The shift from film rolls to digital cameras and then to mobile cameras is cited as an example of a secular trend driven by:
ADemographic changes.
BChanges in income levels.
CTechnological advancement.
DChanges in government policy.
Q5MCQMediumIndustry Classification Systems
Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the text as a standard industry classification system?
AGlobal Industry Classification Standard (GICS)
BNational Industry Classification (NIC) system
CNorth American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
DInternational Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC)
Q6MCQEasyDefining the Industry
What is explicitly identified as the very first step in an industry analysis?
AQuantifying the potential size of the market.
BDefining the industry in which the company operates.
CAnalyzing the level of competition in the industry.
DUnderstanding the impact of cyclical trends on the economy.
Q7MCQEasyDefining Industry
According to the provided text, which of the following best defines an 'Industry'?
AA broad category comprising similar and related industries.
BSegments of an economy which contribute to the total national income.
CA grouping of firms, which offer the same or similar products or service to serve the same customer need.
DAll companies operating within a specific geographic region.
Q8MCQMediumDefining the Industry
When a company competes in many industries, what approach should an analyst take to classify it effectively for industry analysis?
AAlways apply a narrow industry definition to avoid overlooking direct competitors.
BClassify it as part of a much broader media and entertainment industry to ensure all aspects are covered.
CRely solely on standard industry classification systems like NIC or GICS.
DCarefully consider the various factors that drive the business and classify it as part of the industry group with common driving factors.
Q9MCQHardChallenges in Defining Industry
The text highlights that standard industry classification systems like NIC may not always capture the substance of an industry. What example is used to illustrate this challenge, particularly from an analyst's perspective?
APVR Limited competing with OTT platforms and live theatres.
BThe classification of all car manufacturers, including entry-level and luxury, under a single category despite different market dynamics.
CCamera manufacturing losing sales to mobile phones with built-in cameras.
DThe four-tiered hierarchical structure of the GICS system.
Q10MCQMediumIndustry Cyclicality
Which characteristic best describes 'Defensive industries' as per the text?
AThey experience extreme cyclicality in their revenues, largely driven by economic cycles.
BTheir sales grow during expansion and decline during recession, but they maintain a base level demand.
CThey create products and services with low-income elasticity, experiencing minimal impact from economic cycles.
DTheir business prospects are primarily affected by short-term market fluctuations.
Q11MCQMediumSecular Trends
Which of the following is NOT listed as a factor that drives secular trends according to the text?
ATechnological advancement
BDaily fluctuations in stock market indices
CDemographic changes
DChanges in regulation or government policy
Q12MCQHardSecular Trends
All of the following are explicitly mentioned in the text as factors that drive secular trends EXCEPT:
ATechnological advancement
BFluctuations in short-term interest rates
CChange in income levels
DDemographic changes
Q13MCQMediumSecular Trends
The implementation of GST in India leading to certain efficiencies in the logistic industry and a reduced demand for new commercial vehicles is an example of a secular trend driven by which factor?
ATechnological advancement.
BChange in income levels.
CDemographic changes.
DChanges in regulation or government policy.
Q14MCQMediumEconomic Sector
Which of the following best describes an 'Economic sector' according to the provided text?
AA broad category comprising similar and related industries.
BA grouping of firms offering the same products or services to the same customer need.
CSegments of an economy that contribute to the total national income or national product.
DA classification system used for global investors like GICS.
Q15MCQEasyIndustry Analysis Steps
As per the text, what is identified as the very first step in an industry analysis?
AUnderstanding industry cyclicality.
BDefining the industry in which the company operates.
CAnalyzing potential market size and past trends.
DIdentifying secular trends and value migration.
Q16MCQHardIndustry Definition Strategy
When faced with the challenge of defining an industry for a company like PVR Limited, the text suggests that an analyst should primarily:
AStrictly adhere to standard classification systems like NIC or GICS without deviation.
BAlways classify the company as part of a much broader media and entertainment industry to avoid overlooking competitors.
CCarefully consider the various factors that drive the business and classify it as part of the industry group with common driving factors.
DFocus solely on the company's largest revenue stream to determine its industry classification.
Q17MCQEasyRole of Industry Analysis
What is the primary purpose of industry analysis in fundamental analysis?
ATo understand general economic growth or decline.
BTo determine how each industry is impacted by current economic conditions.
CTo analyze the performance of individual companies without considering the industry.
DTo predict global geopolitical changes.
Q18MCQEasyMarket Sizing
In a top-down approach to market sizing, an analyst would typically start by measuring the market size from:
AIndividual company revenues.
BMacro-economic factors.
CCompetitor analysis.
DProduct-specific sales data.
Q19MCQMediumIndustry Cyclicality
Industries like Capital Goods or Steel, which witness extreme cyclicality in their revenues largely driven by economic or commodity cycles, are categorized as:
ADefensive industries.
BSemi-cyclical industries.
CDeep cyclical industries.
DGrowth industries.
Q20MCQHardValue Migration
The significant fall in mobile service prices due to high competition intensity in the Indian telecommunication space, which led to a decline in shareholder value for telecom companies but increased consumption of digital products and traction for digital content providers, is an example of which type of value migration?
AGeographic migration.
BCross industry migration.
CMigration across the value chain.
DMigration across companies in the same industry.
Q21MCQHardValue Migration Types
The advent of digital cameras leading to a massive decline in the film rolls industry and the shutdown of large companies like Kodak is presented in the text as an example of which specific type of value migration?
AGeographic migration
BMigration across the value chain
CCross industry migration
DMigration across companies in the same industry
Q22MCQEasyIndustry Cyclicality
Which characteristic primarily describes Defensive Industries?
AThey experience extreme cyclicality in their revenues.
BTheir sales drop significantly during recessionary conditions.
CThey have products and services with low-income elasticity, experiencing minimal economic cycle impact.
DThey experience growth in sales during expansionary phases and decline during recessionary phases, but maintain a base demand.
Q23MCQEasyDefinition of Industry
According to the provided text, what defines an 'Industry'?
AA broad category comprising similar and related industries.
BSegments of an economy contributing to national income or product.
CA grouping of firms which offer the same or similar products or service to serve the same customer need.
DAny group of companies listed on a stock exchange.
Q24MCQHardValue Migration
The advent of digital cameras causing a massive decline in the film rolls industry, leading to companies like Kodak shutting down, is an example of which type of value migration?
AGeographic migration
BMigration across value chain
CCross industry migration
DMigration across companies in the same industry
Q25MCQEasyIndustry Cyclicality
Which of the following best describes the behavior of 'Deep cyclical industries' during recessionary conditions, as per the text?
AThey experience minimal impact on account of economic cycles.
BTheir sales drop significantly as most companies put their capacity expansion plans on hold.
CThey maintain reasonably healthy sales due to some base level demand.
DThey experience massive growth at the first signs of economic recovery.
Q26MCQEasyDefining Industry
According to the text, an 'Industry' is best defined as a grouping of firms that:
AContribute to the total national income or product.
BOffer the same or similar products or services to serve the same customer need.
CRepresent broad categories of similar and related businesses.
DAre listed on the same stock exchange.
Q27MCQEasyRole of Industry Analysis
What is the primary role of industry analysis in fundamental analysis?
ATo understand whether the economy, in general, is likely to grow or decline.
BTo identify how individual industries will be impacted under current economic conditions.
CTo determine the valuation of a specific company within an industry.
DTo classify firms based on their contribution to national income.
Q28MCQEasyRole of Industry Analysis
What is the primary purpose of Industry analysis in fundamental analysis?
ATo understand whether the economy, in general, is likely to grow or decline.
BTo understand how each industry would be impacted under current economic conditions.
CTo assess the financial health and management quality of individual companies.
DTo identify global macroeconomic trends affecting all sectors.
Q29MCQEasyDefining Industry Terms
According to the provided text, which of the following best defines an 'Industry'?
AA broad category comprising similar and related industries.
BSegments of an economy which contribute to the total national income.
CA grouping of firms, which offer the same or similar products or service to serve the same customer need.
DA classification system used globally for financial sectors.
Q30MCQMediumDefining the Industry
The challenge faced by an analyst when classifying PVR Limited, which competes with both OTT platforms and live theatres, primarily highlights the difficulty in what aspect of industry analysis?
AUnderstanding industry cyclicality
BDefining the industry
CPerforming market sizing
DIdentifying key industry specific drivers
Q31MCQEasyRole of Industry Analysis
Economic analysis helps understand general economic growth or decline. What is the primary role of industry analysis in fundamental analysis?
ATo determine the overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of an economy.
BTo understand how each industry would be impacted under current economic conditions.
CTo forecast global commodity prices.
DTo set regulatory frameworks for various sectors.
Q32MCQEasyIndustry Cyclicality
Industries that create products and services with low-income elasticity, meaning a fall or rise in income does not significantly affect demand, are classified as what type of industries?
ADeep cyclical industries
BSemi-cyclical industries
CDefensive industries
DGrowth industries
Q33MCQHardValue Migration
The text describes a scenario where 'high competition intensity in the Indian telecommunication space resulted in significant fall in price of mobile services, which in turn led to significant decline in shareholder value for telecom companies. However, this resulted in increased consumption of digital products and thus more traction for digital content providers.' This is an example of which type of value migration?
AGeographic migration
BCross-industry migration
CMigration across value chain
DMigration across companies in the same industry
Q34MCQMediumValue Migration
What phenomenon, as described in the text, occurs when a long-term advantage is created for one or more entities at the cost of other entities, leading to an increase in shareholder value for the gaining entity and a loss for the losing entity?
AIndustry cyclicality
BEconomic analysis
CValue migration
DMarket sizing
Q35MCQMediumDefining Industry Challenges
The example of PVR Limited competing with satellite channels, OTT platforms, live theatres, and sporting leagues primarily illustrates which challenge for research analysts?
AQuantifying the potential size of the market in a dynamic environment.
BIdentifying the appropriate industry definition when a company competes across diverse entertainment forms.
CUnderstanding the impact of cyclical trends on consumer spending patterns.
DDetermining the level of competition within a narrowly defined industry segment.
Q36MCQMediumChallenges in Industry Definition
The example of PVR Limited illustrates the challenge in industry definition because:
AIt primarily competes with government-owned entertainment platforms.
BIts business dynamics are the same regardless of the classification chosen.
CClassifying it narrowly as cinema exhibitors risks overlooking competitors like OTT platforms and live performances.
DIt only earns income from a single, clearly defined product category.
Q37MCQHardDefining Industry Terms
Based on the text, what is the key distinction between a 'Business Sector' and an 'Economic Sector'?
AA Business Sector is a grouping of firms, while an Economic Sector is a broad category of industries.
BA Business Sector comprises similar and related industries, while an Economic Sector represents segments of an economy contributing to national income.
CA Business Sector primarily deals with services, while an Economic Sector focuses on manufacturing.
DA Business Sector is defined globally, while an Economic Sector is defined nationally.
Q38MCQMediumDefining the Industry
The example of passenger car manufacturing, where entry-level compact car manufacturers and high-end luxury car manufacturers fall under the same NIC classification but have different dynamics, illustrates which significant challenge in industry analysis?
AThe difficulty in identifying economic sectors.
BThe inability of standard industry classification systems to always capture the substance of an industry.
CThe lack of data for private companies within an industry.
DThe impact of secular trends on industry definition.
Q39MCQEasyIndustry Cyclicality
Which category of industries experiences minimal impact on account of economic cycles and is primarily affected by secular trends?
ADeep cyclical industries
BSemi-cyclical industries
CDefensive industries
DGrowth industries
Q40MCQMediumIndustry Classification
Which of the following is an example of a 'Business Sector' as defined in the text?
AAgriculture.
BAuto industry.
CFinancial Services Sector, encompassing Insurance, Banking, and Credit Rating.
DManufacturing.
Case-Based Questions (2 sets)
Case 1Case-BasedIndustry Cyclicality, Secular Trends, Value Migration, and Industry Definition
Ms. Priya Sharma, a research analyst, is evaluating 'AutoTech Components Ltd.,' a publicly listed Indian company. AutoTech primarily manufactures engine blocks, transmission gears, and exhaust systems for Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. The automotive sector, generally considered a deep cyclical industry, is currently experiencing moderate growth due to an improving economic outlook. However, a significant shift is underway. The Indian government recently announced aggressive targets for Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption by 2030, coupled with significant subsidies for EV manufacturers and buyers. This has led to a noticeable decline in new ICE vehicle sales growth and a surge in EV sales. AutoTech's management is considering diversifying into EV battery casings and motor components, but this requires substantial R&D and capital expenditure. Ms. Sharma needs to assess the long-term viability of AutoTech's existing business and its potential transition, considering the broader industry dynamics, intense competition from existing players, and the influx of new technology-focused entrants.
Medium Sub-question 1
If Ms. Sharma classifies AutoTech solely under 'Manufacture of ICE Auto Components' using a standard classification system, what is the primary risk she faces in her analysis?
AOverlooking the company's strong brand loyalty in its traditional segment.
BUnderestimating the company's current profitability due to legacy assets.
CFailing to identify significant competition from EV component manufacturers and alternative technologies.
DMisjudging the company's ability to raise capital for diversification.
Hard Sub-question 2
To accurately assess AutoTech's future potential in the evolving EV component space, which market sizing approach would be most appropriate for Ms. Sharma to estimate the potential market for EV battery casings and motor components, and why?
AA bottom-up approach, aggregating data from existing EV component suppliers.
BA top-down approach, starting with government EV targets and projected vehicle sales.
CUsing historical growth rates of the ICE component market as a proxy.
DRelying solely on management's internal projections for EV diversification.
Easy Sub-question 3
Based on the scenario, how would you primarily classify the automotive components industry in terms of cyclicality?
ADefensive industry
BSemi-cyclical industry
CDeep cyclical industry
DNon-cyclical industry
Medium Sub-question 4
The shift from ICE vehicles to EVs, driven by government policy and technological advancements, primarily exemplifies which two concepts from industry analysis?
AMarket sizing and bottom-up approach
BIndustry definition and defensive industries
CSecular trends and value migration
DEconomic sector and industry KPIs
Case 2Case-BasedIndustry Cyclicality, Secular Trends, Market Sizing, and Regulatory Framework
Mr. Rajeev Mehta, a research analyst, is tasked with evaluating 'GreenHarvest Foods Ltd.,' an unlisted Indian company specializing in organic, gluten-free packaged snacks and health beverages. The company operates in a highly competitive and fragmented market, with both large established FMCG players and numerous small, unorganized local producers. Consumers are increasingly health-conscious, particularly the urban youth and middle-aged demographics, driving demand for GreenHarvest's products. However, the sector is also subject to evolving food safety standards and stringent labeling regulations imposed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). While the overall economic growth is stable, disposable incomes are steadily rising, leading to a willingness to spend more on premium health products. Mr. Mehta needs to understand GreenHarvest's industry positioning and growth prospects.
Easy Sub-question 1
Given the nature of organic, gluten-free packaged snacks and health beverages, how would you classify GreenHarvest Foods Ltd.'s industry in terms of cyclicality?
ADeep cyclical industry
BDefensive industry
CSemi-cyclical industry
DNon-existent industry
Hard Sub-question 2
If the FSSAI introduces even more stringent regulations regarding organic certification and ingredient sourcing, leading to higher compliance costs for GreenHarvest Foods and its competitors, this would primarily be considered a change in which aspect of industry analysis, and what potential outcome could it lead to?
AIndustry cyclicality; potential for the industry to become deep cyclical.
BSecular trends; potential for value migration to companies with better compliance infrastructure.
CMarket sizing; potential for a top-down approach to become more accurate.
DIndustry definition; potential for the industry to be reclassified as a niche sector.
Medium Sub-question 3
The increasing health consciousness among urban youth and middle-aged demographics, coupled with rising disposable incomes, represents which two types of secular trends affecting GreenHarvest Foods Ltd.?
ATechnological advancement and value migration.
BDemographic changes and change in income levels.
CRegulatory changes and geographic migration.
DMarket sizing and industry cyclicality.
Medium Sub-question 4
What is the primary challenge Mr. Mehta would likely face when attempting to quantify the current market size for the 'organic, gluten-free packaged snacks and health beverages' industry in India?
ALack of historical data for premium products.
BDifficulty in identifying the average expenditure per customer.
CPresence of many unorganized players and private companies whose data is not publicly available.
DOverestimation due to high growth rates in the premium segment.
About this content: These practice questions are based on the
NISM-Series-XV: Research Analyst Certification Examination Workbook (February 2026)
published by the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), Mumbai.
NISM is a SEBI-established institution. Questions cover Industry Analysis with verified answers and explanations.
BullWiser is an independent exam preparation platform — not affiliated with NISM or SEBI.
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