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
- Retirement planning basics
- NPS architecture
- NPS investment choices
- Exit & withdrawal rules
- Atal Pension Yojana
- Taxation of pension products
- 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
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Request NISM Series XVIINISM 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.