- EXAM OVERVIEW
NISM Series VI: Depository Operations Exam Pattern
Key highlights about the exam structure, marking scheme and important guidelines.
Exam Fees ₹1500 +
(may indicate taxes or additional fees)
Maximum Marks
100 marks
Test Duration
2 hours
Passing Marks
50% (i.e., 50 marks)
Total Questions
100 questions
Negative Marking
25% of the marks assigned to a question
- Free Mock Tests | Year: 2026
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Full-Length Test
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- SYLLABUS OUTLINE
NISM Series VI: Depository Operations Syllabus
The exam covers the following 11 units:
This unit introduces the structure of the Indian securities market, including primary and secondary markets, financial instruments, market participants, and the role of regulators. Candidates must understand the basic functioning of capital markets and the importance of investor protection within the securities ecosystem.
Candidates must understand the concept of depositories, dematerialisation of securities, and the benefits of holding securities in electronic form. This unit also covers the functions, features, and operational framework of depositories in India.
This unit explains the roles and responsibilities of Depository Participants (DPs), Issuers, RTAs, Clearing Corporations, and Stock Exchanges. Candidates must understand the relationship between depositories and their business partners within the depository system.
This section focuses on the account opening process for demat accounts, including KYC requirements, client agreements, PAN compliance, FATCA declarations, and account types. Operational procedures and regulatory requirements are heavily tested
Candidates must understand routine demat account operations such as debit and credit transactions, account statements, instruction slips, freezing and unfreezing of accounts, and modification of client details.
This unit covers nomination facilities and transmission procedures in case of death of account holders. Candidates must understand documentation requirements, legal procedures, and operational workflows for smooth transmission of securities.
This section explains the dematerialisation and rematerialisation process, including DRF procedures, rejection handling, ISIN concepts, and electronic conversion of physical securities. Practical operational questions are commonly asked from this unit.
One of the highest-weightage units, this section focuses on settlement cycles, pay-in and pay-out mechanisms, market settlements, off-market transfers, and clearing operations. Candidates must clearly understand the complete securities settlement process.
This unit evaluates knowledge of creating, invoking, closing, and confirming pledges and hypothecation of securities held in demat form. Operational procedures and rights of parties involved are important examination areas.
Candidates must understand how depositories handle corporate actions such as bonus issues, stock splits, dividends, rights issues, and IPO allotments. The unit also covers electronic credit of securities during public issues.
This unit covers holding and settlement of debt instruments and government securities in demat form. Candidates must understand the operational framework, settlement procedures, and benefits of electronic holding of fixed-income securities.
This section introduces depository services provided to Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), including account opening procedures, investment regulations, and operational compliance requirements applicable to foreign investors.
This unit focuses on investor grievance redressal mechanisms, complaint handling systems, investor awareness initiatives, and the role of depositories and DPs in ensuring efficient investor servicing and protection.
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- FAQ SECTION
Frequently Asked Questions
NISM Series VI Depository Operations Certification is a SEBI mandated certification exam designed for professionals involved in depository operations, demat account handling, settlement processes, and securities market operations. The certification focuses on practical knowledge related to depositories, depository participants, and investor services.
The NISM Series VI exam consists of:
- 100 multiple choice questions
- Total marks: 100
- Passing marks: 50 percent
- Duration: 2 hours
- Negative marking: 25 percent for incorrect answers
Candidates should prepare according to the latest exam pattern and syllabus.
Yes, the NISM Series VI Depository Operations exam includes 25 percent negative marking for incorrect answers. Regular mock test practice and conceptual understanding are important for improving accuracy.
The syllabus covers major topics including:
- securities market structure
- depository system
- demat account opening and operations
- trading and settlement
- dematerialisation process
- pledge and hypothecation
- corporate actions
- government securities
- investor services
These topics are important for depository and securities operations roles.
Units related to Depository Business Partners, Trading and Settlement, Dematerialisation, Corporate Actions, and Pledge and Hypothecation generally carry higher weightage and are considered important for scoring well in the examination.
Candidates can practice free mock tests and exam oriented questions directly through the NISM Series VI Depository Operations Certification section available on the platform.
Candidates looking for advanced preparation can access premium mock tests, chapter wise practice questions, and full length tests through the premium NISM mock test platform designed for multiple NISM certification exams.
Expert curated short notes, revision material, and concept based preparation resources are available through the NISM study material and short notes section for Depository Operations certification preparation.
Yes, NISM Series VI certification is mandatory for many professionals working in depository participant operations, demat services, settlement operations, and securities processing related activities regulated under SEBI guidelines.
After clearing the certification, candidates can explore opportunities in:
- depository participant operations
- stock broking firms
- back office operations
- settlement departments
- demat account services
- securities processing
- investor servicing operations
The certification helps improve professional credibility and operational knowledge in securities markets.