SEBI–NISM Certification · Mutual Fund Distributor Exam PrepCurriculum updated September 2026

Clear NISM Series V-A in 15 days. Earn your ARN. Start selling.

The exam that gives you an AMFI Registration Number — and lets you start selling mutual funds across India. Structured training across all 12 chapters of the latest NISM syllabus (March 2026 workbook), so you clear it on the first attempt and begin earning.

✓ 12 chapters · 46 lessons · 10+ hours ✓ Unlimited mock retakes ✓ 45,000+ trained

Self-Paced NISM V-A Training

₹999+ 18% GST
₹1,178.82 total payable today
  • All 12 chapters, latest NISM syllabus
  • 46 recorded lessons (~10 hours)
  • Questions with answers & explanations
  • 6 mock tests — unlimited retakes
  • Plain-language concept explanations
  • Step-by-step worked numericals
  • Mobile + desktop access
  • Dedicated learning support
Enroll NowInstant access · 12 months

NISM exam fee of ₹1,500 is separate — paid directly to NISM when you book your exam slot.

12
Chapters · Latest Syllabus
46
Recorded Lessons
Mock Test Retakes
15
Days · 1 Hr/Day
About the Certification

What is the NISM Series V-A?

The SEBI-mandated exam everyone selling or distributing mutual funds in India must clear.

It is the SEBI-mandated benchmark that everyone selling or distributing mutual funds in India must clear. Passing it is a regulatory requirement to obtain an ARN and operate as a mutual fund distributor — it confirms you understand the product you're recommending and the rules that govern how you recommend it. The syllabus covers the complete working knowledge a distributor needs: what a mutual fund is and how it is structured and regulated, how schemes are distributed, how NAV and pricing work, how investments are taxed, how investor services and transactions are handled, and how to evaluate schemes and recommend the right one for each investor.

1 hr × 15 days = Pass

That's the pace our learners follow. One focused hour a day for 15 days covers the syllabus, with mock-test revision before the exam.

Who This Is For

Built for Aspiring Distributors, Working Professionals & Finance Students

NISM V-A is open to anyone entering mutual fund distribution. Most of our learners fit one of these profiles.

Aspiring Mutual Fund Distributors

Anyone who wants an ARN and plans to start selling mutual funds as an independent distributor.

Insurance & Other Agents

Advisors adding mutual funds to an existing practice built on insurance or other products.

AMC & Distribution Employees

Sales and distribution staff at asset managers and distribution houses who need the certification for their role.

Bank Branch & Relationship Staff

Teams who sell or refer mutual funds to walk-in and existing customers.

Students & Fresh Graduates

Those entering the industry who want a recognised first credential on the resume.

Second-Career & Home-Based Starters

Anyone building a flexible, commission-based distribution practice from scratch.

Why It's Worth Doing

Your ARN Opens a Career You Can Build From Anywhere

Mutual fund distribution is one of the few finance careers you can start without a large investment, an office or a degree.

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A business you can build from anywhere

Start without an office, heavy setup cost or a degree — and grow at your own pace as India's investor base expands.

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Income that compounds

Distributors earn trail commission on the assets they bring in — a book built patiently keeps paying long after the initial sale.

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Low barrier to entry

No minimum degree, no heavy setup cost. One certification and an ARN are enough to begin as an independent distributor.

⚖️

Flexible and yours

Work full-time, part-time or alongside an existing practice in insurance or advisory — the business scales to the effort you put in.

Roles this certification opens: Mutual Fund Distributor (ARN Holder) · AMC Sales Executive · Bank Relationship Manager · Distribution Channel Partner · Financial Products Advisor · IFA — Independent Financial Advisor.
What's Included

Everything You Need to Clear on the First Attempt

A complete training system — plain-language lectures, worked numericals, chapter tests with explanations, and unlimited mock retakes.

1

12 Chapters · 46 Recorded Lessons

Plain-language concept explanations across all 12 chapters of the latest NISM V-A syllabus (~10 hours of video). Built for first-timers, not finance graduates.

2

Step-by-Step Worked Numericals

NAV, expense ratio, loads, returns and taxation worked step by step — the topics where first-timers stumble most, practised in the exam format.

3

Chapter Quizzes with Answers & Explanations

Questions with answers and full explanations after every chapter — so recognition of exam-pattern questions becomes second nature.

4

6 Mock Tests · Unlimited Retakes

Timed practice (100 questions , 120 minutes) under real exam conditions. No capping — retake as many times as you need until the paper feels familiar.

5

Mobile & Desktop Access

Learn on any device. Pick up where you left off across phone, laptop or tablet — ideal for the 1-hour-a-day study rhythm.

6

Dedicated Learning Support

Reach the AAFM India team by email for content, billing or technical questions during your preparation.

Enroll Now — ₹999 + GST12-month access · unlimited mocks
Why Candidates Slip

NISM V-A Looks Easy. The Pass Rate Says Otherwise.

50% pass mark and no negative marking — that's exactly the trap. Here's where first-timers lose marks, and how this training addresses each.

Where Candidates SlipHow Our Training Fixes It
Reading the NISM workbook without practising questionsExam-format practice throughout — chapter quizzes with answers and explanations after every chapter, plus 3 full-length mock tests.
Skipping or rushing the numerical chaptersStep-by-step worked calculations until NAV, loads, returns and taxation feel routine.
No plan across 12 chapters, then crammingA built sequence of 46 lessons that paces the whole syllabus so nothing gets left for the last night.
Never sitting a full timed mockTimed practice with unlimited retakes — 100 questions in 120 minutes feels familiar on exam day.

One clear rule in your favour: No negative marking on V-A. Never leave a question blank. Our training makes sure you have the knowledge to make every attempt count.

How We Teach It

Plain Language First, Jargon Second

Most first-time candidates aren't from a finance background. We start from the assumption you're new — every concept in plain English with an everyday example, before the technical term is attached.

Concepts, then questionsEach topic is taught the way the exam tests it, so recognition becomes second nature.
Numericals made simpleNAV, returns, loads and taxation worked step by step, ready for the test-centre format.
A clear sequenceAll 12 chapters in a planned order, so nothing gets crammed at the end.
Exam technique Pacing 100 questions across 120 minutes and reading application-based questions correctly.
Curriculum · 12 Chapters

Latest NISM V-A Syllabus (March 2026 Workbook)

Coverage follows the official NISM Series V-A workbook — every chapter taught in the order a distributor learns it.

1
Investment Landscape

Investor goals, asset classes, investment risk, risk profiling and asset allocation

Weightage 8%
3 lessons
00:46:11
2
Concept & Role of Mutual Funds

What a mutual fund is, scheme classification, growth of the industry in India

Weightage 6%
3 lessons
00:49:51
3
Legal Structure of Mutual Funds in India

Sponsor, trustee and AMC structure — how the pieces fit together

Weightage 4%
3 lessons
00:41:18
4
Legal & Regulatory Framework

SEBI regulation, the role of AMFI, rules that govern distribution

Weightage 10%
3 lessons
00:40:01
5
Scheme Related Information

SID, SAI and KIM — what they contain and how to use them

Weightage 10%
3 lessons
00:29:31
6
Fund Distribution & Channel Management

Types of distributors, modes of distribution, commissions, SEBI disclosure, due diligence

Weightage 6%
3 lessons
00:39:32
7
NAV, Total Expense Ratio & Pricing of Units

Fair valuation, NAV computation, loads, accounting behind unit pricing

Weightage 8%
2 lessons
00:42:34
8
Taxation

How mutual fund investments are taxed across scheme types and investor categories

Weightage 4%
2 lessons
00:28:57
9
Investor Services

KYC, application processing, systematic transactions, cut-off times, transaction lifecycle

Weightage 15% — High
7 lessons
02:01:16
10
Risk, Return & Performance of Funds

Risk factors, drivers of return, how scheme performance is measured

Weightage 7%
5 lessons
01:36:34
11
Mutual Fund Scheme Performance

Benchmarks, performance measures, how to read a scheme's track record

Weightage 7%
3 lessons
00:28:45
12
Mutual Fund Scheme Selection

Selecting schemes by investor need, risk profile and strategy; do's and don'ts of recommendation

Weightage 15% — High
3 lessons
00:45:21

Plus <strong>3 full-length mock tests</strong> mirroring the real exam (100 questions · 120 min · unlimited retakes · no capping).

Enroll Now — ₹999 + GSTUnlock all 46 lessons
Your Journey

From Enrolment to ARN — In 6 Steps

A clear sequence from payment to the day you start distributing mutual funds.

1
Enroll & Get Access

Pay securely; learning portal opens within 24 hours.

2
Learn the 12 Chapters

Built sequence from investment landscape to scheme selection.

3
Practise & Mock-Test

Chapter quizzes and timed mocks until the paper feels familiar.

4
Register on the NISM Portal

Book your exam slot and pay the NISM fee directly.

5
Clear the Exam

100 questions in 120 minutes, 50% to pass, no negative marking.

6
Apply for Your ARN

Use your NISM certificate to get your AMFI Registration Number.

Exam Details

The NISM Series V-A Examination

Conducted by NISM at designated test centres across India.

Examination nameNISM-Series-V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification
FormatComputer-based, multiple-choice
Language optionsEnglish & Hindi
Questions & marks100 questions × 1 mark = 100 marks
Duration120 minutes (2 hours)
Passing score50% — 50 out of 100
Negative markingNone
ResultDisplayed immediately on-screen
NISM examination fee₹1,500 + payment gateway, payable to NISM
Certificate validity3 years (renewable via CPE or re-exam)

PAN must be updated and verified in your NISM candidate profile before registration.

Faculty

Learn from Practitioners, Not Presenters

Industry veterans with combined experience of 70+ years across wealth management, mutual funds and Indian financial markets.

Dr. Deepak Jain

Dr. Deepak Jain

Director & Co-founder, Nexgen Estate Planning Solutions & AAFM® India

25+ years in wealth management and estate planning. Author of 26 books on finance; has led AAFM India to train 45,000+ individuals including 30,000+ wealth managers.

Dr. K S Rao

Dr. K S Rao

Director, AAFM® India

Pioneer and thought leader in investor education, financial capability and professional development, with over three decades of deep industry experience in mutual funds and wealth management. A Harvard Business School and IIM Calcutta alumnus, he has played a significant role in shaping India's investor education ecosystem. Author of The Retirement Planning Manifesto.

Romit Barat

Romit Barat

Director, AAFM® India

25+ years across Mutual Funds, PMS, AIF, wealth management and insurance. Has trained 15,000+ professionals in the NISM regulatory curriculum.

Puneet Grover

Puneet Grover

Head – Academics (Markets & Exchanges), AAFM® India

Financial markets professional, trader and educator with 20+ years across Indian and global markets — Equities, Derivatives, Technical Analysis, Algorithmic Trading, Crypto Markets and Risk Management.

How We Compare

AAFM India vs. The Generic Options Out There

A side-by-side of what you actually get — and why our training is built for first-timers, not finance graduates.

FeatureAAFM IndiaGeneric Test-Series Portals
Recorded video lectures (all chapters)✓ Yes — 46 lessons✗ Usually not
Chapter quizzes with answers & explanations✓ Yes✓ Sometimes
Full-length mock tests✓ 3 full-length mocks✓ 1–2 mocks
Mock test retakes✓ Unlimited · no capping✗ Capped at 10–15 attempts
Step-by-step worked numericals✓ Yes✗ Rare
Access validity✓ 12 months✗ 15 days
One-time payment, no subscription✓ ₹999 one-time✗ Subscription model
Backed byAAFM India is the India chapter of the American Academy of Financial Management (AAFM®) — a global body with 30+ years worldwide and 15+ years in India. AAFM India is an accredited NISM CPE provider.~ Independent portal
Note: NISM Series V-A itself is a SEBI-mandated certification — the certificate is awarded by NISM after you pass their exam, not by AAFM India. AAFM India does not issue any certificate for this training.
Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions Before You Enrol

Quick answers to what most learners ask before they start.

What is NISM Series V-A?

It is a SEBI-mandated certification conducted by NISM for anyone who wants to sell or distribute mutual funds in India. Clearing it confirms you understand mutual fund products, distribution, taxation and the rules that govern how you advise investors — and it is the qualification AMFI requires before issuing you an ARN.

Do I need NISM V-A to sell mutual funds?

Yes. AMFI requires a valid NISM V-A certificate before issuing you an ARN (AMFI Registration Number). The certificate is valid for 3 years and is renewable.

What is the NISM V-A exam pattern?

100 multiple-choice questions of 1 mark each, for a total of 100 marks, completed in 120 minutes at an NISM examination centre. It is a computer-based test available in English and Hindi.

Is there negative marking in NISM V-A?

No. With no negative marking, the rule is simple — never leave a question blank.

How long does it take to prepare for NISM V-A?

Most candidates are ready in two to four weeks of steady study, less if you already work in financial services. The variable is usually the numerical chapters — budget real time for those rather than assuming they'll click on the first read.

Do I need a finance background to start?

No minimum qualification is required to take NISM V-A — it is open to anyone entering mutual fund distribution. Basic comfort with numbers and a calculator helps.

Isn't the free NISM workbook enough to pass?

The NISM workbook is comprehensive but reads like a reference manual, not a training course. Our training converts it into a guided study path with plain-language explanations, worked numericals, chapter quizzes with explanations, and timed mock tests with unlimited retakes.

Will the training guarantee I pass?

We don't make guarantees on a SEBI-administered external exam — anyone who does is being careless. What we do say: follow the 1-hour-a-day-for-15-days plan, work through all 46 lessons, attempt mocks under timed conditions, and you'll be well prepared.

Who issues the certificate — AAFM India or NISM?

The NISM Series V-A certificate is issued by NISM (a SEBI-regulated body) after you pass the exam at their test centres. AAFM India issues a Certificate of Completion for this training program — it is separate from the NISM certificate and is not a substitute for it.

Is AAFM India affiliated with NISM or SEBI?

AAFM India is an accredited NISM CPE (Continuing Professional Education) provider. We are the India chapter of AAFM® (American Academy of Financial Management), a global body with 30+ years worldwide and 15+ years in India.

What does the AAFM India training include?

All 12 chapters of the latest NISM V-A syllabus (March 2026 workbook), 46 recorded lessons, chapter quizzes with answers and explanations, 3 full-length mock tests with unlimited retakes (no capping), mobile and desktop access, and dedicated learning support.

What is the fee — and what's the NISM fee separate?

The AAFM India training fee is ₹999 + 18% GST (₹1,178.82 total). The NISM examination fee is ₹1,500 + payment gateway charges, paid directly to NISM on their portal when you book your exam slot — separate from the training fee.

How long is the certificate valid?

The NISM V-A certificate is valid for 3 years. It is renewed through a NISM CPE programme or by re-taking the exam before it expires.

Ready to Start Earning as a Distributor?

NISM V-A is the one exam between you and your ARN. Clear it the first time with training built for first-timers. 1 hour a day for 15 days. ₹999 + GST.

Enroll Now — ₹999 + GST12-month access · unlimited mocks

Secure payment via Razorpay · Instant access within 24 hours

📞 011-4512-0800 📱 +91 96501 59683 ✉️ info@aafmindia.co.in
₹999 + GST 12-month access
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