NISM Series 6 Depository Operations Exam 2026: Complete Syllabus & Study Plan

The NISM Series 6 Depository Operations exam is a mandatory certification for professionals handling depository services in India. This guide covers the 2026 syllabus, exam pattern, weightage, and a practical study plan to help you clear the test on the first attempt.

Exam Overview

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	NISM Series 6 – Depository Operations
Conducting Body	National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM)
Mode	Online (Computer Based Test)
Duration	2 hours
Questions	100 multiple‑choice questions
Passing Marks	60 % (60 out of 100)
Negative Marking	0.25 marks for each wrong answer
Validity	3 years from date of passing

Detailed Syllabus (2026)

1. Introduction to Depositories

• Role and functions of a depository
• Difference between depository and custodian
• Legal framework: Depositories Act, 1996; SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations

2. Depository Participants (DPs)

• Eligibility, registration, and compliance requirements
• Types of DPs: Bank, Non‑bank, Stock‑broker, etc.
• DP‑Client agreement and service level standards

3. Account Opening & KYC

• Account types: Beneficial Owner (BO), Clearing Member, etc.
• KYC norms, PAN, Aadhaar, and FATCA compliance
• In‑person verification (IPV) and video KYC process

4. Dematerialisation & Rematerialisation

• Process flow for demat of physical securities
• Remat request handling and timelines
• Charges, stamp duty, and tax implications

5. Settlement & Corporate Actions

• Settlement cycles (T+1, T+2) and settlement types
• Handling of dividends, bonus, rights, splits, mergers
• Corporate action processing in the depository system

6. Pledging, Hypothecation & Lien

• Creation, invocation, and release of pledges
• Regulatory limits and reporting requirements
• Impact on voting rights and corporate actions

7. Transmission & Nomination

• Transmission of securities on death, insolvency, etc.
• Nomination facility and its legal effect
• Documentation and timelines

8. Investor Grievance Redressal

• Grievance redressal mechanism at DP and depository level
• SEBI SCORES portal usage
• Timelines for resolution and escalation

9. Technology & Systems

• Overview of NSDL/CDSL platforms
• Common file formats (CSV, XML) for bulk uploads
• Cybersecurity guidelines and data privacy

10. Regulatory Updates (2024‑2025)

• Recent SEBI circulars on demat charges, KYC, and investor protection
• Amendments to the Depositories Act and related regulations

Weightage Approximation

Topic	Approx. % of Questions
Introduction & Legal Framework	10 %
DP Registration & Compliance	12 %
Account Opening & KYC	15 %
Demat / Remat Process	13 %
Settlement & Corporate Actions	15 %
Pledge, Hypothecation, Lien	8 %
Transmission & Nomination	7 %
Grievance Redressal	5 %
Technology & Systems	8 %
Recent Regulatory Updates	7 %

8‑Week Study Plan

Week	Focus Area	Daily Time	Resources
1	Legal framework & DP registration	2 hrs	NISM workbook, SEBI (Depositories) Regulations
2	Account opening, KYC, IPV	2 hrs	NISM module, KYC Master Circular
3	Demat & Remat procedures	2 hrs	NSDL/CDSL process manuals
4	Settlement cycles & corporate actions	2 hrs	Settlement guidelines, corporate action FAQs
5	Pledge, hypothecation, lien	1.5 hrs	Relevant SEBI circulars
6	Transmission, nomination, grievance redressal	1.5 hrs	Investor protection guidelines
7	Technology platforms & cybersecurity	1 hr	NSDL/CDSL user guides, IT security circulars
8	Revision + Mock Tests	3 hrs	NISM mock test portal, previous year papers

Tip: Allocate the last 3 days of week 8 exclusively for full‑length timed mock tests. Review every wrong answer and note the underlying concept.

Actionable Preparation Tips

1. Create a one‑page cheat sheet for each topic – formulas, timelines, and key circular numbers.
2. Use the “Teach‑Back” method: explain a concept aloud as if teaching a peer; this reveals gaps instantly.
3. Schedule a weekly 30‑minute “Regulatory Scan” – read the latest SEBI circulars to stay current for the 2026 updates section.
4. Practice with the official NISM mock test interface – familiarity with the UI reduces exam‑day anxiety.
5. Join a study group or forum (e.g., NISM aspirants on Telegram) for doubt‑clearing and motivation.
6. Track your accuracy per topic in a spreadsheet; focus revision on sections where accuracy < 70 %.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for NISM Series 6?
You need at least 60 % (60 correct answers out of 100) to pass.

Is there negative marking in the exam?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.

How long is the certification valid?
The certificate remains valid for three years from the date of passing.

Can I take the exam in Hindi or other regional languages?
The exam is offered only in English.

What are the best books for preparation?
The official NISM Series 6 workbook, SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, and NSDL/CDSL operational manuals are sufficient.

How many attempts are allowed?
There is no limit on attempts; you can re‑appear after a 30‑day gap.

Ready to Ace the Exam?

Start practicing with full‑length mock tests today. Regular timed practice sharpens speed, builds confidence, and highlights weak areas before the real exam. Click the link below to access the latest NISM Series 6 mock test series and give your preparation the final push it needs.

[Practice NISM Series 6 Mock Tests Now]