The NISM Series V-A (Mutual Fund Distributors) examination requires 50% to pass — 50 marks out of 100. The paper has 100 multiple-choice questions of 1 mark each, to be completed in 2 hours. There is no negative marking, so you should attempt every single question.
| Item | V-A (MFD) |
|---|---|
| Total questions | 100 MCQs × 1 mark |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Pass marks | 50% |
| Negative marking | None |
| Certificate validity | 3 years |
Exam-day pressure, unfamiliar phrasing and time crunch typically cost candidates 10–15 marks versus their practice scores. If your mocks hover at 50–55%, your real-exam result is a coin toss — and a retake costs roughly the same as the original fee. Train to a 70% readiness score in mocks so that 50% on the day feels like a formality.
Yes — the official pass mark is 50% (50 of 100). However, candidates scoring 50–55% in practice frequently fail on exam day due to pressure and time management. Aim for 70%+ in full-length mocks.
No. NISM Series V-A has no negative marking, so attempt all 100 questions — an unanswered question and a wrong answer both score zero.
3 years from the date of passing. It can be renewed by passing the exam again or through the NISM CPE (Continuing Professional Education) route before expiry.