A useful NISM mock has to behave like the real exam: the same marks, the same time limit, the same pass mark and the same negative-marking rule. This page lists every series BullWiser offers a free mock for, the official exam pattern each one is built around, and how to use the mocks so they change your score rather than just measure it.
| Series | For | Official exam pattern | Pass | Negative marking | Question bank | Free mock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V-A | Mutual fund distributors | 100 MCQs, 100 marks, 120 min | 50% | None | 2,000+ | Start |
| XV | Research analysts | 80 MCQs + 5 case studies, 100 marks, 120 min | 60% | 25% | 660+ | Start |
| X-A | Investment advisers, Level 1 | 90 MCQs + 9 caselets, 150 marks, 180 min | 60% | 25% | 3,850+ | Start |
| X-B | Investment advisers, Level 2 | 90 MCQs + 6 caselets, 150 marks, 180 min | 60% | 25% | 700+ | Start |
| V-D | Mutual fund and SIF distributors | 150 MCQs, 150 marks, 180 min | 60% | 10% | 900+ | Start |
| XXI-A | PMS distributors | 100 MCQs, 100 marks, 120 min | 60% | 10% | 800 | Start |
Exam pattern as published by NISM. Negative marking is a percentage of the marks assigned to the question, so a wrong answer on a one-mark question costs 0.25 marks in XV, X-A and X-B, and 0.1 marks in V-D and XXI-A.
Each series has one full-length mock that is free. For V-A and XV you can take it without logging in. Every attempt draws a fresh random set of questions from that series' question bank, so a repeat attempt is not the same paper.
When you want more practice, the mock pack unlocks unlimited full-length mocks with chapter-wise analytics for Rs 199 per series. Several series also offer a Rs 299 bundle that adds the notes PDF; the current offer is shown on each series' mock page. All of it is a one-time payment with lifetime access and no subscription.
Most candidates who fail do not lack knowledge, they do not know where they are weak. A mock only helps if you use the result.
If your series has negative marking, practise your skipping decisions in the mocks too. A wrong answer costs a quarter of a mark in XV, X-A and X-B, so the first time you deal with that pressure should not be in the exam hall. The NISM XV guide explains the maths.
V-A is the base certification for mutual fund distributors. V-D is the newer certification, launched in July 2026, for distributing Specialised Investment Fund products. XXI-A is mandatory for anyone who distributes Portfolio Management Services. XV is for people who publish research and is required for SEBI research analyst registration. X-A and X-B are the two Investment Adviser levels, for giving personalised advice to clients. Each serves a different registration, so pick by the work you want to do. The NISM certification guide compares all of them side by side.
You register for the real exam on cert.nism.ac.in, and a PAN is needed to receive the passing certificate. NISM's published exam fee is Rs 1,500 plus gateway charges for V-A, XV and XXI-A, and Rs 3,000 plus gateway charges for X-A, X-B and V-D. Each certificate is valid for 3 years. Confirm fees and slots on nism.ac.in before you book.
BullWiser (bullwiser.com/nism) has a free full-length mock test for NISM Series V-A, XV, X-A, X-B, V-D and XXI-A. The V-A and XV free mocks need no login.
One full-length mock per series is free. After that, a mock pack unlocks unlimited full-length mocks with chapter-wise analytics for Rs 199 per series, a one-time payment with lifetime access and no subscription.
Yes for the rules that decide your score: each series mock uses that exam's total marks, duration, pass mark and negative-marking rule, and every attempt draws a fresh random set of questions from the series question bank.
It depends on the series, exactly as in the real exam. V-A has none. XV, X-A and X-B deduct 25% of the marks for a wrong answer, and V-D and XXI-A deduct 10%.
At least three: one cold as a diagnostic, one after you have studied your weak chapters, and one two or three days before the exam. Aim to score comfortably above the pass mark, not just on it.
V-A if you distribute mutual funds, V-D if you also want to distribute Specialised Investment Funds, XV if you want to publish research as a research analyst, and X-A then X-B if you want to give personalised investment advice as an Investment Adviser.
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