Major Changes in NISM Series XXV-A Exam – Mandatory Video Watching Removed

If you are planning to appear for the NISM Series XXV-A: Persons Associated with Research Services (Sales and Other Non-Core Services) Certification Examination, there are some important changes that you should know before you book your exam.

So the changes made by NISM in this series that is in XXV-A are definitely welcoming.

What Was the Earlier Process?

Previously, after booking the examination, candidates received links to mandatory video lectures on their registered email ID.

Candidates were required to watch these video lectures before the examination link became active. The examination window remained open for five days, and candidates could complete the exam during that period. So it was compulsory to watch those videos sitting in from of the system keeping our webcam on.

What Has Changed Now?

The mandatory video-watching requirement has been removed.

Now, when you book the examination, you must select a specific date and time slot. You are required to appear for the examination only during the selected slot.

For example, if you book the exam on 5 June for 10 June from 2 PM to 3 PM, you must log in and take the examination during that exact time slot.

The earlier five-day examination window is no longer available. And one important aspect is you have to keep steady, not to drink water or move your body, you need to fix your eyes on screen. Otherwise the system will disqualify you and you need to give exam again by paying the entire fees of Rs. 1500.

Study Material Availability

Candidates can access the official study material through the “View Study Material” section on the NISM website.

For students who prefer learning through video lectures, our course already covers the entire syllabus in a structured video format.

Key Examination Details

• Examination: NISM Series XXV-A
• Duration: 1 Hour
• Number of Questions: 50 MCQs
• Total Marks: 50
• Marks per Question: 1
• Passing Marks: 50%
• Negative Marking: No
• Mode of Examination: Online (Remote Proctored)
• Examination Fee: ₹1,500 (Earlier ₹2,500)

Who Should Take This Exam?

This certification is applicable to individuals associated with Research Services who perform non-core research functions.

Examples include:

• Sales Personnel
• Client Support Teams
• Operations Staff
• Research Support Personnel
• Other Non-Core Research Service Functions

SEBI Compliance Deadline

On 23 July 2025, SEBI issued an FAQ introducing the concept of Persons Associated with Research Services (PARS).

SEBI provided one year for eligible individuals to obtain the prescribed NISM certification. Then NISM did not come up with any specific exam. But on 10^th of FEB,2026, NISM XXV-A was introduced which is relatively a simpler exam as compared to NISM XV that is Research analyst certification exam.

Accordingly, the compliance deadline is 23 July 2026.

Conclusion

The NISM Series XXV-A certification process has become simpler and more convenient. The mandatory video-learning requirement has been removed, the examination fee has been reduced, and candidates now need to appear only in their chosen examination slot.

If this certification is applicable to your role, it is advisable to start your preparation early and complete the certification well before the compliance deadline.