What is the NISM XVII exam?
The NISM Series XVII: Retirement Adviser Certification Examination is conducted by the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) for professionals registered with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) who offer retirement planning services. It covers retirement planning concepts, the National Pension System (NPS), fund evaluation and selection, investment strategies for retirement, and the regulatory framework governing retirement advisers.
What this practice test covers
- Fundamental concepts in retirement planning and investment products
- The retirement planning process and methodology
- Features and benefits of the National Pension System (NPS)
- Evaluation tools and fund selection strategies
- Investment strategies for retirement plan execution
- Management of specific retirement planning scenarios
- Regulatory framework governing retirement advisers
Passing the NISM XVII exam
NISM XVII is a 100-mark computer-based test of 100 questions (1 mark each) to be completed in 2 hours, with a passing score of 60%. It carries negative marking of 25% (0.25 marks) for every wrong answer, so accuracy matters as much as coverage. NISM can revise its criteria, so always verify the current passing marks and marking scheme on nism.ac.in before registering.
Why practice with mock tests
Reading the official workbook builds conceptual understanding, but a timed mock test reveals what you can actually answer under exam conditions. Because NISM XVII penalises wrong answers, full-length mocks help you judge when to attempt and when to skip, surface the topics you keep getting wrong, and remove surprises on exam day.