Ace NISM Series 6Depository Operations
Essential certification for depository participants and operations staff. Master dematerialization, settlement, and custody services.
Negative Marking Applied
Incorrect answers will reduce your score
About NISM Series 6 Certification
The NISM Series 6 (NISM Series VI) Depository Operations Certification Examination is a mandatory professional qualification for individuals working in India's depository system. As the gateway to becoming a certified depository operations professional, this certification is required for all associated persons engaged or employed by registered depository participants (DPs) who deal with clients, securities, investor grievances, risk management, and operational activities.
With over 24,000 depository participant locations across India and millions of demat accounts being opened annually, the demand for certified depository operations professionals has never been higher. Whether you're joining a DP organization, working with clearing members, or employed by banks offering demat services, mastering the NISM Series 6 exam is your crucial first step.
Regulatory Framework and Importance
The NISM Series 6 certification was introduced to ensure that depository operations personnel possess adequate knowledge about the depository system, dematerialization processes, settlement mechanisms, regulatory guidelines, and investor protection standards. This regulatory framework protects investors by ensuring they receive services from qualified professionals who understand the complexities of depository operations.
Every person involved in depository operations—whether handling account opening, dematerialization, transaction processing, corporate actions, or investor grievances—must hold a valid NISM Series 6 certification. Without this certification, you cannot legally work in operational roles at depository participants.
Understanding India's Depository System
India's depository system revolutionized the securities market by eliminating physical share certificates and introducing electronic book-entry systems. Prior to 1996, investors faced challenges with physical certificates including theft, forgery, mutilation, delay in transfer, and bad deliveries.
The Depositories Act, 1996, along with SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018, provides the legal and regulatory framework. India operates a two-depository system with NSDL and CDSL serving as the country's depositories, working with hundreds of depository participants.
Salary Expectations and Income Potential
Entry-level positions in Tier 1 cities typically start at ₹3-4.5 lakh per annum, while Tier 2 cities offer ₹2.5-3.5 lakh annually. With 3-5 years of experience, professionals can expect salaries in the ₹5-8 lakh range. Senior operations managers with 7-10 years of experience typically earn ₹10-15 lakh per annum.
Banks and large financial institutions generally offer higher compensation packages. Foreign banks and custodian banks typically offer the highest compensation, with salaries 20-30% above market averages. Complementary certifications like NISM Series 2A or 7 can further enhance earning potential.
Certificate Validity and Renewal
The NISM Series 6 certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain active certification status, professionals must complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits before the certificate expires. The CPE program ensures professionals stay updated with the latest regulatory changes, technological innovations, and industry best practices.
NISM has accredited both NSDL and CDSL as CPE providers for conducting depository operations CPE programs. Many depository participants sponsor their employees' CPE programs as part of staff development initiatives.
Industry Demand and Market Trends
The number of demat accounts in India has grown exponentially, crossing 15 crore (150 million) accounts as of 2024, with several lakh new accounts being opened monthly. This growth translates directly into increased demand for certified depository operations professionals.
Recent regulatory developments include mandatory dematerialization for private companies, e-voting and e-IPO processes through depositories, Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA) for small investors, and enhanced KYC norms. Understanding and implementing these regulations requires certified professionals, making NISM Series 6 certification more valuable than ever.
Certificate Holders Must Know
The exam has a 60% passing threshold with 25% negative marking for incorrect answers. This makes strategic preparation essential—you need to balance attempting sufficient questions to reach 60 marks while avoiding excessive wrong answers that could reduce your score through negative marking.
The certification covers 12 comprehensive chapters including dematerialization (the core process), account opening and operations, regulatory framework, corporate actions, and specialized topics like FPI operations and debt instruments. Thorough preparation covering all chapters systematically is the key to success.
Career Opportunities After NISM Series 6
Obtaining NISM Series 6 certification opens numerous career pathways in India's securities infrastructure. Here are the top career options:
Depository Operations Executive
Handle day-to-day operations at DP branches including account opening, dematerialization processing, transaction verification, and client servicing.
Client Services Manager at DPs
Manage client relationships, resolve investor queries and grievances, coordinate with depositories, and ensure compliance with service standards.
Operations Manager at Clearing Members
Manage settlement operations, pledge management, margin calculations, and corporate action processing for stock exchange clearing members.
Compliance and Risk Management Officers
Monitor operational risk, ensure regulatory compliance, implement internal controls, and conduct periodic audits of depository operations.
Back Office Operations at Banks
Manage demat account operations, transaction processing, and investor servicing for banks operating as depository participants.
Corporate Actions Team Lead
Specialize in processing corporate actions including dividends, bonuses, rights issues, buybacks, and mergers with opportunities for senior roles.
Complete NISM Series 6 Syllabus
The certification exam covers 12 comprehensive chapters. Click each chapter to see detailed topics and study focus areas:
Study Tip: Focus on chapters with 15%+ weightage for maximum impact.
NISM Series 6 Exam Pattern
Understanding the NISM Series 6 exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The examination assesses candidates' knowledge across various aspects of depository operations, including regulatory framework, operational processes, technology systems, risk management, and investor protection mechanisms.
Examination Structure and Format
The NISM Series 5A examination is a computer-based test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Candidates have 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the exam, which translates to approximately 1.2 minutes per question. The passing score is 50%, meaning candidates must answer at least 50 questions correctly to pass.
Importantly, there is no negative marking in the NISM Series 5A examination. This means incorrect answers do not deduct points from your score, so it is strategically advisable to attempt all questions even if you're uncertain about some answers.
Questions are distributed across the syllabus chapters according to their weightages. For example, if a chapter carries 15% weightage, approximately 15 questions will be drawn from that topic. This proportional distribution ensures comprehensive coverage while focusing on more important areas.
Question Types and Difficulty Level
Questions in the NISM Series 5A examination fall into two primary categories:
Knowledge-Based Questions
Test recall and understanding of definitions, concepts, regulations, and facts. Example: "What is the minimum investment amount for a SIP in most mutual fund schemes?"
Application-Based Questions
Require applying knowledge to scenarios or case studies. Example: "A 30-year-old investor with moderate risk appetite and 15-year investment horizon wants to accumulate wealth for retirement. Which type of mutual fund scheme would be most suitable?"
The difficulty level is moderate, designed to assess competency rather than exceptional expertise. Approximately 60-70% of questions test fundamental concepts and regulatory knowledge, while 30-40% assess practical application and scenario-based understanding.
Why Choose PrepCore for NISM Series 6?
Preparing for the NISM Series 6 examination requires quality study materials, practice questions that mirror the actual exam complexity, and tools to track your progress effectively. PrepCore has been specifically designed to address all these needs.
450 Practice Questions
Meticulously crafted questions covering all 12 chapters with proper weightage distribution. Updated regularly to reflect latest SEBI regulations and depository guidelines.
Detailed Explanations
Every question includes comprehensive explanations that explain concepts, reference regulatory provisions, and provide practical context beyond just identifying correct answers.
Negative Marking Simulation
Our system accurately simulates the 25% negative marking policy, helping you understand the impact of wrong answers and develop appropriate risk management strategies.
Performance Analytics
Chapter-wise breakdown, negative marking impact analysis, time management metrics, and comparative performance against other users. Transform random practice into strategic preparation.
Best Value: ₹199/Month
Less than 15% of exam fee with extraordinary ROI. Total investment typically just ₹600-800 for 3-4 weeks of unlimited access to high-quality preparation resources.
2 Free Demo Tests
Try our platform risk-free with 2 complete mock tests. Experience the same difficulty level, comprehensive explanations, and negative marking simulation—no credit card required.
Mobile-Friendly
Study anywhere on any device. Progress syncs automatically, so you can switch between phone, tablet, and computer seamlessly without losing any data.
Updated for 2025
Content continuously updated with latest SEBI circulars, depository operational bulletins, changes in KYC/PMLA norms, and regulatory amendments.
Strategic Preparation
Question mix includes 40-50% fundamental concepts, 30-40% regulatory compliance, and 20-30% application-based scenarios—exactly mirroring the actual exam pattern.
How to Prepare for NISM Series 6 Exam
Strategic preparation is the key to passing the NISM Series 6 examination on your first attempt. While the exam is moderately challenging due to the 60% pass requirement and negative marking, disciplined study covering all syllabus topics and sufficient practice can ensure success.
Realistic Study Timeline: 3-5 Weeks
3-Week Intensive
Suitable for candidates with securities markets background or prior DP experience. Requires 3-4 hours of daily focused study with strategic allocation across syllabus chapters.
4-Week Balanced
Ideal for most candidates. Adequate time to cover all twelve chapters thoroughly, complete multiple mock tests, and revise weak areas. Requires 2-3 hours of daily study.
5-Week Comfortable
Best for candidates with limited depository exposure or demanding schedules. Requires 1.5-2 hours daily with sufficient time for concept absorption and practice.
Week-by-Week Study Plan
Click each week to see the detailed day-by-day breakdown and study focus areas:
Important Topics to Prioritize
Dematerialization Process (Chapter 7)
Expect 12-15 questions. Master the entire process flow, timelines, documentation, rejection reasons, and ISIN concepts thoroughly.
Account Opening and KYC (Chapter 4)
Expect 10-12 questions on account opening procedures, KYC norms, BSDA provisions, account types, and documentation requirements.
Regulatory Framework (Chapter 3)
Expect 10-12 questions testing SEBI regulations, rights and obligations of depositories/DPs/investors, and penalty provisions.
Corporate Actions (Chapter 10)
Expect 8-10 questions on record dates, ex-dates, processing timelines, and different corporate action types.
Account Operations (Chapter 5)
Expect 8-10 questions on DIS, online instructions, transaction types, and settlement procedures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Neglecting Regulatory Details
Many candidates focus on operational procedures but neglect precise regulatory provisions, timelines, and penalty clauses. Regulatory questions constitute 30-40% of the exam.
Ignoring Negative Marking Impact
Some candidates attempt all questions carelessly. With 25% negative marking, wild guessing can significantly reduce your score. Develop a strategy for handling uncertain questions.
Insufficient Practice Tests
Reading the workbook alone doesn't prepare you for the exam experience, timing pressure, and question formats. Attempting multiple full-length mock tests under timed conditions is essential.
Confusing Similar Concepts
Depository operations involves many similar terms (dematerialization vs rematerialization, pledge vs hypothecation, NSDL vs CDSL). Create comparison charts to avoid confusion.
NISM Series 6 vs Related Certifications
Understanding how NISM Series 6 compares to other depository and securities operations certifications helps candidates make informed decisions about their certification path.
NISM Series 6 vs NISM Series 2A
NISM Series 6
NISM Series 2A
Strategic Certification Path: Rather than viewing certifications as alternatives, consider a phased approach: Phase 1 (Months 1-3)—Obtain NISM Series 6 as your foundation; Phase 2 (Months 4-12)—Add Series 2A for RTA operations, Series 7 for comprehensive securities operations, or Series 3A for compliance roles; Phase 3 (Years 2-3)—Pursue advanced certifications based on senior career aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to the most common questions about NISM Series 6 certification. Click any question to expand the answer.
Related Certifications
Mutual Fund Distributors Certification
Master mutual fund distribution with comprehensive mock tests. The essential certification for AMFI registered distributors.
Securities Operations & Risk Management
Mandatory certification for broking operations staff. Master trade lifecycle, clearing & settlement, margins, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
Mutual Fund Foundation Certification
Foundation certification for mutual fund operations staff. Master operational procedures, transaction processing, and investor servicing standards.
Ready to Ace Your NISM Series 6 Exam?
Start practicing with 450 expertly crafted questions. 2 free mock tests included—no credit card required.
Start Free Trial