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Why NISM Certifications Are the Foundation of a Career in India’s Securities Market

Tue Dec 30, 2025

Every year, millions of students prepare relentlessly for competitive examinations like JEE and NEET. These exams have become synonymous with structured career pathways, strong awareness, and a well-developed coaching ecosystem. However, when it comes to building a career in the Indian financial markets, the most critical qualification is often overlooked - NISM Certification. Unlike academic degrees, NISM certifications are not optional credentials. They are regulatory requirements mandated by SEBI for individuals who wish to work in specific roles within the securities markets.


Understanding the Role of NISM

The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) is the certification and capacity-building arm of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Under the SEBI (Certification of Associated Persons in Securities Markets) Regulations, 2007, NISM is empowered to design and administer certification examinations for various market intermediaries. In FY 2024–25, NISM offered:

  • 25 mandatory certification examinations
  • 6 non-mandatory certification examinations
  • Over 3.86 lakh candidate enrollments
  • More than 300 test centres across 200+ cities in India
These numbers clearly indicate the rapid expansion of India’s financial ecosystem and the increasing emphasis on compliance, professionalism, and investor protection.

What’s New: Growing Scope and Stricter Compliance

In line with evolving market needs, NISM continues to strengthen the certification framework. During the year:

  • Three new certifications were introduced:
    • NISM Series X-C: Investment Adviser Certification (Renewal)
    • NISM Series XV-B: Research Analyst Certification (Renewal)
    • NISM Series XXIV: AML & CFT Provisions in Securities Markets

  • The AIF Managers Certification was shifted from non-mandatory to mandatory following SEBI directions
  • 31 certification examinations and 17 CPE programs were revised
This reflects a clear regulatory signal:
👉 The future of finance belongs to certified, compliant, and well-trained professionals.


An Important Truth: Certification vs Job Guarantee

It is important to address a common misconception.NISM certification does not guarantee a job. However, without NISM certification, many finance roles cannot be legally performed. Roles such as:

  • Investment Adviser
  • Research Analyst
  • Mutual Fund or SIF Distributor
  • Compliance and AML professionals
  • AIF and Portfolio Management roles
Require mandatory NISM certification in accordance with SEBI regulations. Think of it as a driving licence - it does not guarantee a car, but without it, driving is illegal.


The Gap in Financial Market Education.

While JEE and NEET aspirants have access to thousands of coaching institutes, the ecosystem for NISM training remains limited. Many finance aspirants struggle with:

  • Technical concepts
  • Regulatory language
  • Practical application of the syllabus
  • Lack of structured guidance
This gap in quality training is exactly why Professor Sheetal Kunder Academy (PSKA) was established.


PSKA’s Mission: Building Legitimate Market Professionals.

At PSKA, we firmly believe that certification is not merely about clearing an exam; it is about building credibility. Over the years, we have proudly guided:

  • Fresh graduates entering finance
  • Working professionals upgrading their qualifications
  • Mid-career professionals planning a second innings
  • Senior aspirants proving that age is never a barrier to learning
Our focus has always been on:
✔ Conceptual clarity
✔ Regulatory relevance
✔ Practical market understanding
✔ Simple language with real-world examples

Final Thought

A degree may open doors.

Experience may accelerate growth.
But NISM certification provides legitimacy in India’s securities markets.

If you aspire to build a serious, compliant, and long-term career in finance, NISM certification is not a choice - it is the foundation.

And at Professor Sheetal Kunder Academy, we are committed to helping aspirants build that foundation the right way.

Prof. Sheetal Kunder

SEBI® Research Analyst. Registration No. INH000013800 M.Com, M.Phil, B.Ed, PGDFM, Teaching Diploma (in Accounting & Finance) from Cambridge International Examination, UK. Various NISM Certification Holders. Ex-BSE Institute Faculty. 18 years of extensive experience in Accounting & Finance. Faculty Development Programs and Management Development Programs at the PAN India level to create awareness about the emerging trends in the Indian Capital Market, and counsel hundreds of students in career choices in the finance area
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