NISM Academy
NISM Series XVII · Mock tests coming soon

NISM Series XVII Retirement Adviser: exam pattern, syllabus and how to register

Required for retirement advisers registered with PFRDA. NISM Series XVII is mandated by PFRDA for retirement advisers under the PFRDA (Retirement Adviser) Regulations, 2016. It covers retirement planning, the National Pension System and its architecture, investment choices, exit rules, Atal Pension Yojana, taxation and the adviser’s code of conduct.

NISM Series XVII exam pattern at a glance

Questions
100
Duration
120 minutes
Total marks
100
Passing score
60% (60/100)
Negative marking
25% per wrong answer
Exam fee
₹1,500 + charges
Certificate valid
3 years

100 multiple-choice questions, 1 mark each. Fees and pattern are set by NISM and can change, so confirm on the official NISM Series XVII page before you book.

Who should take NISM Series XVII?

Proprietors, partners and representatives of retirement advisers registered with PFRDA, and anyone advising clients on NPS.

Why you need it: Required for retirement advisers and their representatives under the PFRDA (Retirement Adviser) Regulations, 2016.

NISM Series XVII syllabus: 7 chapters

  1. Retirement planning basics
  2. NPS architecture
  3. NPS investment choices
  4. Exit & withdrawal rules
  5. Atal Pension Yojana
  6. Taxation of pension products
  7. Retirement adviser regulations

How to prepare for NISM Series XVII

NPS rules carry most of the marks, and PFRDA updates them, so use the latest workbook. 25% negative marking applies.

NISM Series XVII mock tests are coming soon

We are building exam practice one series at a time and start with the most requested. Tell us you want NISM Series XVII: it takes one tap and needs no sign-up.

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NISM Series XVII FAQs

What is NISM Series XVII?

NISM Series XVII is the Retirement Adviser Certification Examination conducted by the National Institute of Securities Markets. Required for retirement advisers and their representatives under the PFRDA (Retirement Adviser) Regulations, 2016.

How many questions are in NISM Series XVII?

The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions, 1 mark each, for a total of 100 marks. You get 120 minutes.

What is the passing score for NISM Series XVII?

You need 60%, which is 60 out of 100 marks.

Is there negative marking in NISM Series XVII?

Yes. 25% of a question’s marks are deducted for each wrong answer. Unattempted questions score zero.

How should I prepare for NISM Series XVII?

NPS rules carry most of the marks, and PFRDA updates them, so use the latest workbook. 25% negative marking applies.

How do I register for NISM Series XVII?

Create an account on NISM’s certification portal, choose the exam, pick a test centre or remote-proctored slot, and pay the fee online. NISM Academy can’t register you; we link you to the official portal.

How long is the NISM Series XVII certificate valid?

Three years from the date you pass.

Related NISM exams

Official links