How to Register for a NISM Exam: Step-by-Step (2026)

NISM exam registration is online. All NISM certification exams are computer-based tests at approved test centres; remote-proctored exams were discontinued from 1 January 2023, so you choose a centre and a slot. Here are the steps in order.

1. Register on the NISM certification portal. Go to cert.nism.ac.in and register for your series, for example V-A, XV, X-A, X-B or V-D. Register only on NISM's own portal.
2. Enter your PAN. You must provide your PAN during registration to receive the certificate. Without it you only get a temporary mark sheet at first.
3. Pay the exam fee. The published fee is Rs 1,500 plus gateway charges for V-A and XV, and Rs 3,000 plus gateway charges for X-A, X-B and V-D. See the fees and refund rules.
4. Choose a test centre, date and time slot. After registration you select these on the NISM website. NISM also publishes a test calendar for the next three months at nism.ac.in/exam-centres.
5. Download your study material. NISM gives a soft copy of the workbook free of cost after enrolment.

If your plans change

You can reschedule through the NISM portal up to four days before the exam, and up to two times. Missing your slot without rescheduling means the fee is forfeited.

What to carry on exam day

Reach the test centre 30 minutes before your slot; late arrival can mean denied entry with no refund or rescheduling. Carry an original photo ID: a PAN card, Aadhaar card, driving licence or passport, or a document in DigiLocker with an embedded photograph. You may bring your own silent calculator without any computer connectivity and a pen. Books, notes, phones, smart watches, headphones, food and other electronic devices are not allowed.

After the exam

If you gave your PAN at registration, NISM issues the certificate within about two weeks; NISM's candidate instructions say generally 10 to 15 working days. The certificate is valid for 3 years, and you can read the renewal rules before it expires.

When to book your slot

A common mistake is booking a date first and preparing later, so the calendar decides when you are ready. Do it the other way round: take a full-length mock as a baseline, study your weak chapters, and book once your mock scores sit comfortably above the pass mark. The booking then works as a deadline for your final revision. Use the exam pattern table to know the pass mark for your series.