NISM Series VII: Securities Operations and Risk Management – Complete Guide 2025


Sat Nov 8, 2025

🌟 Introduction Behind every trade executed on the stock market lies a complex network of operations, compliance checks, settlements, and risk management processes. Without them, markets would descend into chaos. That’s where the NISM Series VII: Securities Operations and Risk Management (SORM) certification comes in. This exam ensures that professionals working in back-office, middle-office, and risk departments of trading and clearing firms understand how to process, settle, and monitor trades effectively — while staying fully compliant with SEBI regulations. Whether you’re planning a career in stockbroking, depository operations, or financial compliance, NISM SORM is your essential qualification. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know — eligibility, syllabus, registration steps, job opportunities, and preparation strategies — plus how CrackCertify.in helps you ace it on your first attempt.


📘 About the Certification The NISM Series VII: Securities Operations and Risk Management Certification Examination is conducted by the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), an educational body established by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India). Objective of the Exam This certification aims to ensure that employees working in the operations, clearing, settlement, and risk management areas of the Indian securities market have the necessary knowledge to:
  • Handle trade life cycles efficiently.
  • Manage settlement processes through clearing corporations.
  • Identify and mitigate operational and market risks.
  • Adhere to regulatory frameworks and compliance norms.
It is mandatory for employees of stockbrokers, depository participants, and clearing members involved in back-office and compliance operations.

👩‍🎓 Who Should Take This Exam The NISM SORM certification is suitable for:
  • Back-office and operations executives in brokerage firms.
  • Risk management professionals working with trading members and clearing corporations.
  • Compliance officers ensuring adherence to SEBI and exchange rules.
  • Students of finance and commerce aiming to enter capital market operations.
  • New entrants to broking firms who want to understand post-trade processes.
In short, anyone involved in trade processing, settlement, or operational risk management will benefit from this certification.

📜 Eligibility Criteria The NISM Series VII exam has no specific eligibility criteria in terms of age or qualification. However, candidates who generally perform well usually have:
  • A bachelor’s degree (preferably in finance, economics, or commerce).
  • A basic understanding of trading and settlement systems.
There is no restriction on attempts, and you can take the exam as many times as needed until you pass.

🧩 Exam Pattern and Structure
Particulars Details
Exam Name NISM Series VII: Securities Operations and Risk Management
Conducted By National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM)
Mode of Exam Online (at NISM-authorized test centers)
Total Questions 100 Multiple Choice Questions
Total Marks 100
Passing Marks 60% (i.e., 60 marks)
Negative Marking 25% deduction for every wrong answer
Duration 2 hours
Exam Fee ₹1,500 (approx., subject to change)
Certificate Validity 3 years
The questions are practical and situational, testing your understanding of trade flow, risk management practices, clearing processes, and SEBI guidelines.

📚 Syllabus Breakdown (2025 Updated) The syllabus focuses on operational processes, regulatory framework, and risk management in Indian securities markets. Module 1 – Introduction to the Indian Securities Market
  • Market participants and infrastructure institutions (SEBI, NSE, BSE, NSDL, CDSL, Clearing Corporations)
  • Role of intermediaries
  • Types of financial instruments
Module 2 – Trading and Settlement Process
  • Order flow, trade confirmation, and matching
  • Clearing and settlement cycles (T+1 system)
  • Margining system and collateral management
Module 3 – Risk Management Framework
  • Types of risks: market, credit, operational, and systemic
  • Value-at-Risk (VaR) margin
  • Exposure limits and default handling
Module 4 – Surveillance and Compliance
  • SEBI regulations on risk management
  • Monitoring unusual trading activity
  • Internal controls and KYC norms
Module 5 – Depository and Clearing Operations
  • Role of depositories (NSDL/CDSL)
  • Clearing member obligations
  • Corporate actions and reconciliation
Module 6 – Investor Grievance Redressal and Arbitration
  • Grievance resolution process
  • Role of SCORES platform
  • Arbitration and dispute settlement mechanisms
This structured syllabus ensures that certified professionals can handle all aspects of trade lifecycle management and risk oversight.

🧾 How to Register for the NISM SORM Exam Follow these steps to register easily:
  1. Visit the NISM Certification Portal.
  2. Create an account by entering your personal and contact details.
  3. Log in and select NISM Series VII: Securities Operations and Risk Management from the list.
  4. Choose your exam center and preferred date.
  5. Pay the ₹1,500 exam fee online via card or UPI.
  6. Download your hall ticket and bring valid ID proof on exam day.
Your e-certificate will be available for download upon passing the exam.

💼 Career Opportunities After NISM SORM Certification Once you clear the exam, you can explore a variety of roles in the securities market ecosystem. Popular Roles
  • Operations Executive – Handle trade processing, reconciliations, and settlements.
  • Risk Management Executive – Monitor margins, exposures, and compliance limits.
  • Compliance Analyst – Ensure adherence to SEBI and exchange norms.
  • Back-Office Manager – Oversee clearing, accounting, and client reporting.
  • Clearing & Settlement Associate – Coordinate with clearing corporations for trade settlements.
Expected Salary Range
  • Freshers: ₹3 – ₹4.5 LPA
  • Mid-level professionals: ₹6 – ₹10 LPA
  • Experienced compliance/risk managers: ₹12 – ₹20 LPA
With experience, SORM-certified professionals can advance to senior roles in brokerage compliance, risk control, and operations management.

⚖️ Why NISM SORM is Important for SEBI Registration The Securities Operations and Risk Management certification is mandatory under SEBI guidelines for employees of:
  • Trading Members
  • Clearing Members
  • Depository Participants
It ensures that professionals handling back-office or risk functions possess essential knowledge about:
  • Risk containment systems
  • Clearing and settlement operations
  • Regulatory compliance
This certification helps SEBI maintain operational transparency and reduce systemic risk in capital markets.

🧠 Preparation Tips for NISM SORM Exam 1. Start with the NISM Workbook Read the official NISM workbook thoroughly — it’s your primary study material. 2. Practice with Mock Tests Taking chapter-wise and full-length mock tests on CrackCertify.in is crucial to improving your speed and accuracy. 3. Focus on Process Understanding Understand how trades flow from order placement to settlement. Many questions test your grasp of trade lifecycle concepts. 4. Learn Risk Calculation Concepts Study VaR margins, exposure limits, and default-handling procedures. 5. Revise Regulatory Sections Go through SEBI and exchange risk management circulars — they form 15–20% of the paper.

🚀 How CrackCertify.in Helps You Prepare At CrackCertify.in, we’ve simplified your journey to passing NISM exams. Our platform is tailored for students and professionals aiming to clear NISM Series VII with confidence. Here’s what you get: ✅ Chapter-wise Quizzes – Reinforce every topic one step at a time.
Full-Length Mock Tests – Simulate the actual NISM exam interface.
Detailed Explanations – Learn not just the right answer, but why it’s right.
Instant Performance Analytics – Identify and fix weak areas instantly.
Free Revision Packs – Perfect for last-minute preparation.
Regular Exam Updates – Stay informed about syllabus or pattern changes. 👉 Start your NISM SORM Mock Test today on CrackCertify.in and take the first confident step toward clearing the exam.

❓ FAQs on NISM Series VII: Securities Operations and Risk Management 1. What is the passing mark for the NISM SORM exam?
You need 60% marks (60 out of 100) to pass. 2. Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. 3. How long is the certificate valid?
The certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of passing. 4. How do I renew my certificate?
Attend the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program before expiry. 5. Is the exam difficult?
It’s of moderate difficulty. With focused preparation and mock practice, most candidates clear it easily. 6. Can beginners take the exam?
Yes. It’s open to all — even students without prior work experience. 7. How soon can I retake the exam if I fail?
You can retake it after 15 days from your previous attempt.

🏁 Conclusion The NISM Series VII: Securities Operations and Risk Management Certification is one of the most important credentials for anyone working in the back-office, compliance, or risk management domain of the Indian securities market. It not only fulfills SEBI’s regulatory requirements but also strengthens your professional foundation in trade lifecycle management and operational control. With structured preparation, mock practice, and the right guidance, passing this exam is completely achievable. So, if you’re serious about building a career in market operations, start preparing today with CrackCertify.in’s mock tests and study materials — designed to help you clear NISM Series VII in your very first attempt. ✨ Get exam-ready with CrackCertify’s NISM Mock Tests and boost your chances of clearing the exam in the first attempt!