NISM Series III-A: Securities Intermediaries Compliance – Complete Guide for 2025.

1. Introduction

The NISM Series III-A: Securities Intermediaries Compliance Certification Examination is an essential qualification for professionals working in the Indian securities market.
This exam is conducted by the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), an educational initiative established by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to promote investor education and professional standards in financial services.

The certification is designed for compliance officers, risk managers, finance students, and anyone aspiring to build a career in the Indian capital markets.
It ensures that intermediaries operating in the securities market understand the legal framework, regulatory responsibilities, and compliance processes mandated by SEBI.

To make preparation easier and more effective, CrackCertify.in offers comprehensive online mock tests, study notes, and preparation courses designed to simulate the real exam and improve your success rate.

2. About the NISM Series III-A: Securities Intermediaries Compliance Certification

The NISM Series III-A Certification aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of compliance professionals associated with market intermediaries such as brokers, sub-brokers, portfolio managers, and investment advisers.

Purpose of the Exam

• To develop a strong understanding of SEBI regulations and compliance procedures.
• To ensure intermediaries adhere to ethical standards and regulatory requirements.
• To build competence in handling inspection, audit, and reporting obligations within securities firms.

Target Audience

• Compliance officers of stockbrokers, portfolio managers, or custodians.
• Professionals aspiring to enter risk management or regulatory roles.
• Students and fresh graduates seeking a credible entry point into the financial services sector.

Benefits of Certification

• Regulatory recognition under SEBI’s framework.
• Career growth in compliance, audit, and regulatory functions.
• Enhanced credibility in financial institutions and capital market firms.

3. Exam Highlights (Quick Facts Table)

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	NISM Series III-A: Securities Intermediaries Compliance Certification Exam
Conducted by	National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) under SEBI
Mode of Exam	Online (at NISM-authorized test centres)
Number of Questions	100
Maximum Marks	100
Passing Marks	60% (i.e., 60 marks)
Negative Marking	25% of the marks assigned to the question
Exam Duration	2 hours
Exam Fees	₹1,500 (subject to revision by NISM)
Certificate Validity	3 years from the date of passing

4. Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: No specific minimum qualification is required, but candidates should possess a basic understanding of financial markets.
• Who Can Apply:
• Students pursuing commerce, finance, or management studies.
• Professionals working with stockbrokers, custodians, or portfolio managers.
• Individuals aiming to become compliance officers or regulatory executives.

5. Syllabus & Topics Covered

The NISM Series III-A syllabus covers the entire compliance ecosystem of securities intermediaries. Below is the topic-wise breakdown:

Detailed Syllabus

1. Introduction to Securities Market & Intermediaries
• Role and functions of intermediaries
• Regulatory structure under SEBI Act
2. Registration and Supervision of Intermediaries
• Process, eligibility, and obligations
• SEBI inspection and disciplinary procedures
3. Compliance Obligations and Internal Controls
• Code of conduct
• Risk management and audit framework
4. Investor Grievance Redressal Mechanism
• SCORES platform, complaint handling, and arbitration
5. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Know Your Customer (KYC)
• PMLA guidelines, client onboarding, and record-keeping
6. Reporting and Filing Requirements
• SEBI reporting formats, disclosure norms
7. Inspection, Investigation, and Enforcement
• Powers of SEBI and penalties for non-compliance

Important Focus Areas

• SEBI Regulations and Circulars
• AML/KYC compliance
• Risk and internal audit mechanisms

CrackCertify’s study materials and topic-wise mock tests thoroughly cover each syllabus area, ensuring aspirants gain both conceptual clarity and exam confidence.

6. Exam Pattern

• Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Total Questions: 100
• Total Marks: 100
• Negative Marking: 25%
• Duration: 120 minutes

Difficulty Level & Time Management Tips

The difficulty level is moderate to challenging, testing conceptual clarity and regulatory understanding.
Tip: Attempt familiar topics first, manage time wisely, and avoid excessive guessing due to negative marking.

Online Exam Procedure

Candidates must appear at NISM-authorized centres, log in using their credentials, and complete the test on a secure system. Results are generated immediately after submission.

7. Registration Process

Follow these steps to register for the NISM Series III-A Exam:

1. Visit the official NISM website – https://certifications.nism.ac.in.
2. Create an account using your valid email ID and personal details.
3. Login and select Series III-A: Securities Intermediaries Compliance exam.
4. Choose the exam centre, date, and time slot.
5. Pay the exam fee online through net banking, debit/credit card.
6. Download your admit card and carry a valid ID proof on exam day.

CrackCertify.in provides pre-exam training and real-exam simulation mock tests to help aspirants gain confidence before attempting the official NISM test.

8. Course Details (CrackCertify Offerings)

CrackCertify.in provides a comprehensive learning package for NISM Series III-A aspirants:

• 🎥 Online Video Lectures – Concept-wise lessons by market experts.
• 📚 Study Materials (PDFs & Topic Summaries) – Simplified notes for quick revision.
• 🧩 Full-Length Mock Tests – Simulate the real exam pattern.
• 📊 Instant Performance Analysis – Identify weak areas and track progress.
• 💻 Affordable Plans with Lifetime Access – Study at your own pace, anytime.

9. Fees Structure

Component	Amount (INR)	Remarks
Official NISM Exam Fee	₹1,500	Payable on NISM portal
CrackCertify Study Package	₹799	Includes mock tests, notes & lifetime access
Combo Offer (Course + Mocks)	₹1,199	Limited-time discount for new users

10. Career & Job Prospects

After obtaining the NISM Series III-A Certification, candidates can explore various opportunities in the financial services and capital market sectors.

Popular Job Roles

• Compliance Officer / Executive
• Risk & Audit Associate
• Equity Dealer / Trader
• Investment Adviser / Portfolio Executive
• Research Analyst

Industries That Value This Certification

• Stockbroking & Depository Firms
• Asset Management Companies (AMCs)
• Banks & NBFCs
• Investment Advisory and Wealth Management Firms

Career Benefits

• Recognition as a qualified SEBI-compliant professional.
• Salary range for freshers: ₹3–6 LPA; experienced professionals: ₹8–15 LPA.
• Opens doors to managerial and compliance leadership roles.

11. Preparation Tips

• Understand the Syllabus: Focus on SEBI regulations, compliance procedures, and AML guidelines.
• Create a Study Schedule: Allocate 1–2 hours daily for consistent progress.
• Attempt Mock Tests: Helps improve time management and accuracy.
• Revise Regularly: Revise key laws and circulars before the exam.
• Stay Updated: Track new SEBI updates and notifications.

With CrackCertify’s realistic mock tests, aspirants can experience the real exam environment, improve speed, and boost confidence.

12. FAQs

Q1. Who can take the NISM Series III-A exam?
Anyone interested in compliance, finance, or regulatory roles—students, brokers, and professionals.

Q2. What is the validity of the NISM certificate?
The certification is valid for 3 years from the exam date.

Q3. Is there negative marking?
Yes, 25% negative marking is applicable for each wrong answer.

Q4. Can I reappear if I fail?
Yes, you can reattempt by re-registering and paying the exam fee again.

Q5. How long does it take to prepare?
With daily study and mock practice, most candidates clear it within 3–4 weeks.

Q6. Are CrackCertify mock tests similar to the real exam?
Yes, the mock tests simulate actual exam difficulty and pattern, providing detailed solutions and analytics.

13. Conclusion

The NISM Series III-A: Securities Intermediaries Compliance Certification is your gateway to a promising career in India’s financial markets. It not only builds your regulatory knowledge but also adds a credible qualification recognized by SEBI.

Start your preparation early, practice regularly, and stay updated with the latest SEBI norms.

👉 Start your NISM preparation today with CrackCertify’s comprehensive course and mock tests. Get instant access and boost your success rate!
Visit CrackCertify.in to begin your journey now.