NISM Series XII (SMF) study plan

Map the entire Series XII syllabus into a one-page topic tree covering market structure, primary and secondary markets, and participant roles

Define and differentiate equity, debt, hybrid, and derivative instruments with one worked example each

Trace the end-to-end lifecycle of an IPO from DRHP filing through listing and post-listing obligations

Build a personal glossary of at least 40 regulatory and market terms with precise definitions

Explain the roles and obligations of stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and depositories in the Indian market

Compare trading, clearing, settlement, and risk-management stages and identify where each participant sits

Describe T+1 settlement mechanics, pay-in and pay-out, and the consequences of a failed delivery

Calculate simple margin requirements for a sample trade given a stated margin percentage

Outline the mandate and powers of SEBI and distinguish its functions from those of RBI and IRDAI

Summarize the key investor-protection mechanisms: grievance redressal, SCORES, and investor education funds

List the main intermediaries (brokers, DP, merchant bankers, portfolio managers) and their registration categories

Match each intermediary to its core regulatory obligation in a comparison table

Distinguish the mutual fund, PMS, AIF, and collective investment vehicles by structure, minimum ticket, and investor eligibility

Compute NAV, expense ratio impact, and exit load on a worked example

Explain the difference between direct and regular plans and the effect on long-term returns

Describe the roles of AMC, trustee, sponsor, and custodian in a mutual fund

Explain index construction, free-float market capitalization, and rebalancing effects on an index

Differentiate fundamental and technical analysis and state when each is appropriate

Compute key ratios (P/E, P/B, dividend yield, current ratio, debt-equity) from a supplied set of figures

Interpret the purpose and limitations of credit ratings and research reports

Describe the risk-return relationship, diversification, and the difference between systematic and unsystematic risk

Explain asset allocation, portfolio rebalancing, and the role of a risk profile questionnaire

Identify common behavioral biases that affect investor decisions and their practical mitigations

Compute expected return and standard deviation for a two-asset portfolio given weights and inputs

Summarize KYC, PMLA, and AML obligations applicable to market intermediaries

Explain insider trading prohibitions, UPSI, and the disclosure duties of listed companies

Describe code of conduct requirements for intermediaries and the consequences of non-compliance

Recite the key investor-protection and dispute-resolution routes available to a retail client

Revisit every logged error from weeks 1-7 and resolve each to a confident explanation

Take two full-length timed mock tests under exam conditions and record scores

Review the top ten weakest topics and re-read the corresponding syllabus sections

Prepare a final one-page cheat sheet of formulas, definitions, and regulatory thresholds