NISM Series XV study plan
NISM Series XV · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 8 hours per week
Research Analyst Certification Examination content domain (not enumerated in source)
Map the NISM Series XV syllabus into a personal topic checklist covering research analyst roles, applicable SEBI regulations, and ethical obligations
Define key terms such as research report, public appearance, conflict of interest, and material non-public information in your own words
Outline the regulatory framework governing research analysts, including registration requirements, eligibility, and conduct standards
Draft a one-page glossary you can revise weekly
Your checkpoint
A completed syllabus-to-checklist map with every topic rated by confidence (high/medium/low)
Research Analyst Certification Examination content domain (not enumerated in source)
Explain the SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations provisions on registration, qualification, and certification requirements
Summarize limitations on trading by research analysts and their associates
Describe record-keeping, reporting, and compliance obligations for research analysts
Solve 40 practice questions on regulatory and ethical topics and log every incorrect answer with the reason
Your checkpoint
A 2-page summary sheet of registration and compliance obligations plus an error log of at least 40 attempted questions
Research Analyst Certification Examination content domain (not enumerated in source)
Distinguish the types of research reports and the disclosures each requires
Explain rules on public appearances, media interactions, and social media conduct for analysts
Analyze conflict-of-interest scenarios and determine the required disclosure or abstention
Write short model answers to 5 scenario-based ethics questions
Your checkpoint
A conflict-of-interest decision flowchart plus 5 written scenario answers
Research Analyst Certification Examination content domain (not enumerated in source)
Describe the fundamentals of the securities market: primary and secondary markets, participants, and instruments
Explain the role of stock exchanges, depositories, clearing corporations, and intermediaries
Summarize the basics of equity and debt instruments, derivatives, and mutual funds as covered in the syllabus
Complete a 60-question mixed mock test and review every wrong answer
Your checkpoint
A scored 60-question mock test with a written review of every incorrect and guessed answer
Research Analyst Certification Examination content domain (not enumerated in source)
Explain the principles of fundamental analysis: economic, industry, and company analysis
Apply key valuation approaches such as discounted cash flow, relative valuation, and dividend models to worked examples
Describe the basics of technical analysis and how it differs from fundamental analysis
Compute simple financial ratios from sample financial statements
Your checkpoint
A worked valuation exercise with at least 3 methods applied and a ratio-analysis worksheet
Research Analyst Certification Examination content domain (not enumerated in source)
Explain risk and return concepts: types of risk, measurement of risk, and the risk-return trade-off
Describe portfolio theory basics, diversification, and asset allocation principles
Summarize the basics of derivatives and their use in hedging and speculation
Solve 50 practice questions across analysis and risk topics, tracking accuracy by subtopic
Your checkpoint
A subtopic accuracy report from 50 questions showing at least 3 weak areas to target
Research Analyst Certification Examination content domain (not enumerated in source)
Review the legal and ethical framework, focusing on insider trading, market manipulation, and prohibited practices
Explain the analyst's obligations around client communication, fairness, and independence
Revisit every topic rated low confidence in week 1 and close the gaps
Take a full-length timed mock exam under test conditions
Your checkpoint
A full-length timed mock exam score plus a prioritized list of remaining weak topics
Research Analyst Certification Examination content domain (not enumerated in source)
Revise all summary sheets, glossaries, and error logs from prior weeks
Retake a second full-length mock exam and compare scores to week 7
Practice rapid recall of key regulations, definitions, and formulas
Finalize exam-day logistics, timing strategy, and question-attempt plan
Your checkpoint
Second full-length mock exam score with a final one-page revision sheet covering all high-yield topics
Milestones
Week 4: Score at least 60% on the 60-question mixed mock test and show an error log with reasons for every wrong answer
Week 6: Achieve at least 65% accuracy on analysis and risk subtopics and have closed all week-1 low-confidence topics
Week 8: Score at least 70% on the final full-length mock exam, with improvement over the week-7 attempt