NISM Series XXI-A: Portfolio Management Services (Distributors) Certification — Free Online Mock Test

NISM Series XXI-A: Portfolio Management Services (Distributors) Certification · ~100 MCQ in 2h, pass 60%. PMS structure & types, regulatory framework, risk-return, taxation, performance reporting and distributor responsibilities. · Official language: English & Hindi.

Advanced India Finance & Professional 50 questions 120 min 50 distinct variants
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NISM Series XXI-A exam at a glance

50
Questions
120
Minutes total
1
Section
50
Variants

NISM Series XXI-A key facts & eligibility

NISM Series XXI-A at a glance — verified exam facts
Conducting bodyNational Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), an educational initiative of SEBI
Official websitenism.ac.in ↗
ModeThe NISM Series XXI-A: Portfolio Management Services (Distributors) Certification Examination — mandatory for associated persons engaged by a portfolio manager to distribute portfolio management services, under the SEBI notification of September 2021.
FrequencyOffered year-round as a computer-based test at NISM test centres across India.
Scoring & markingUnder the revised structure the exam has 83 questions (80 multiple-choice questions of 1 mark plus 3 case-based questions) for 100 marks in 2 hours, with 25% negative marking on each wrong answer. The passing score is 60%.
Score validityThe certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of the examination.
LanguageEnglish.

Who is eligible for NISM Series XXI-A?

Taken by associated persons who sell, market or distribute portfolio management services on behalf of a portfolio manager.

Last verified July 2026 against NISM — PMS Distributors. Always confirm current details on the official website before you register.

NISM Series XXI-A section breakdown

The NISM Series XXI-A mock test on Wrexa Edge replicates the real exam's section structure — same names, same question count per section, same time limits. No inter-section breaks — the timer runs continuously.

NISM Series XXI-A scoring & marking scheme

+1
Per correct answer
0
Per wrong answer
0
Per blank / skipped
100–1000
Scaled score range

Strategy: NISM Series XXI-A has no negative marking. Attempt every question — blank answers cost you potential marks but cannot pull your score down.

Scale: NISM Series XXI-A (pass 700/1000).

How NISM Series XXI-A is conducted

NISM Series XXI-A time strategy

With 50 questions in 120 minutes, you have about 144 seconds per question on average. Successful candidates aim for the following pacing on each section:

Wrexa Edge's analytics show your actual time-per-question after every mock so you can spot which sections you're losing time on.

NISM Series XXI-A topics covered

Across the 50 Wrexa Edge variants of NISM Series XXI-A, the following topics appear most often (sample distribution from one variant):

NISM Series XXI-A (50 Q)

NISM Series XXI-A difficulty calibration

Advanced tier. Advanced-level: high-stakes exam with rigorous content depth. Expect 4-8 months of structured prep.

NISM Series XXI-A: Portfolio Management Services (Distributors) Certification · ~100 MCQ in 2h, pass 60%. PMS structure & types, regulatory framework, risk-return, taxation, performance reporting and distributor responsibilities. · Official language: English & Hindi.

Verified content — Wrexa Edge's NISM Series XXI-A bank has been deeply curated with real exam-aligned content (estimated 100% syllabus coverage).

How Wrexa Edge prepares you for NISM Series XXI-A

Expert take: what NISM Series XXI-A really tests

The NISM Series XXI-A: Portfolio Management Services (Distributors) Certification Examination, from NISM (SEBI’s educational body), is mandatory for those distributing portfolio management services, under a 2021 SEBI notification. Under the revised structure it has 83 questions (80 multiple-choice plus 3 case-based) for 100 marks in 2 hours, with 25% negative marking and a passing score of 60%. The certificate is valid for 3 years.

Preparation tips

  • Study the PMS framework, disclosures and fee structures.
  • Practise the case-based questions.
  • Watch the 25% negative marking.

⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid

  • Preparing from the old 100-MCQ structure — it is now 83 questions with case-based items.
  • Guessing carelessly under the 25% negative marking.

NISM Series XXI-A study plan

A phase-by-phase roadmap from your first concept to test-ready. Stretch or compress each phase to fit the time you have before your attempt.

1 PMS fundamentals Weeks 1-3
  • Portfolio management basics
  • Types of PMS
  • SEBI PMS framework
2 Distribution & compliance Weeks 4-6
  • Client onboarding and disclosures
  • Fees and performance reporting
  • Regulatory obligations
3 Case-based practice Weeks 7-8
  • Case-based questions
  • Pass 60%
  • 25% negative marking

Where NISM Series XXI-A can take you

A strong NISM Series XXI-A result opens up these careers and higher-study paths:

Best books & official prep for NISM Series XXI-A

Official practice: Study the official NISM Series XXI-A workbook on portfolio management services, practising the case-based questions; the passing score is 60% with 25% negative marking.

Previous-year papers: NISM publishes the workbook and sample questions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the NISM Series XXI-A exam pattern?
NISM Series XXI-A: Portfolio Management Services (Distributors) Certification contains 50 questions across 1 section: NISM Series XXI-A (50 Q). Total duration is 120 minutes (about 144 seconds per question).
Does NISM Series XXI-A have negative marking?
No — NISM Series XXI-A has no negative marking. Each correct answer is worth 1 mark, so attempt every question.
How is NISM Series XXI-A scored?
Scaled score range: 100 to 1000. NISM Series XXI-A (pass 700/1000).
How can I practise NISM Series XXI-A online for free?
Wrexa Edge gives you 10 free full-length NISM Series XXI-A mock tests — with instant scoring, detailed explanations and analytics — plus 40 more with Pro. Start practising in under a minute, no card required.
What is the difficulty level of NISM Series XXI-A?
NISM Series XXI-A is rated Advanced difficulty on Wrexa Edge. Advanced-level: high-stakes exam with rigorous content depth. Expect 4-8 months of structured prep. NISM Series XXI-A: Portfolio Management Services (Distributors) Certification · ~100 MCQ in 2h, pass 60%. PMS structure & types, regulatory framework, risk-return, taxation, performance reporting and distributor responsibilities. · Official language: English & Hindi.
How long is the NISM Series XXI-A exam?
NISM Series XXI-A runs for 120 minutes total. On Wrexa Edge the timer is enforced exactly as on the real exam — including no inter-section breaks.
What topics are covered in NISM Series XXI-A?
NISM Series XXI-A is split into: NISM Series XXI-A (50 Q). Each section is timed and weighted separately. NISM Series XXI-A: Portfolio Management Services (Distributors) Certification · ~100 MCQ in 2h, pass 60%. PMS structure & types, regulatory framework, risk-return, taxation, performance reporting and distributor responsibilities. · Official language: English & Hindi.
What tools or aids are allowed during NISM Series XXI-A?
No special tools are required. Note: real exam is proctored — Wrexa Edge mirrors this with a webcam-based proctoring flow you can enable.
Is the NISM Series XXI-A test adaptive?
No — NISM Series XXI-A is a fixed-form (linear) test. Every candidate sees the same number of questions per section.
How many NISM Series XXI-A mock tests does Wrexa Edge offer?
Wrexa Edge generates 50 distinct NISM Series XXI-A variants — each with different question content, not just shuffled options — the first 10 free for everyone and 40 more with Pro. That's 2500 unique practice questions in the real test-day interface.
Is there a free NISM Series XXI-A test series 2026?
Yes. The Wrexa Edge NISM Series XXI-A test series for 2026 gives you 10 free full-length mock tests (50 in total) plus subject-wise and topic-wise tests — instant scoring and detailed analysis, no card required.
Are NISM Series XXI-A previous year question–style papers included?
Every NISM Series XXI-A mock is modelled on the official exam pattern and the style of previous years' papers — the same 50-question structure, sections and marking — so your practice mirrors the real paper you'll sit.
Which is the best free NISM Series XXI-A mock test online?
Wrexa Edge's NISM Series XXI-A mock test replicates the real exam interface, timing and marking scheme, with instant score, section-wise analysis and 50 fresh variants — a strong free choice for 2026 preparation.
Can I take the NISM Series XXI-A mock test on mobile?
Yes. NISM Series XXI-A mock tests run in any browser on mobile, tablet or desktop — no app or download needed. Start on your phone and your progress and analytics sync when you sign in.
What is the NISM Series XXI-A syllabus?
The NISM Series XXI-A syllabus maps to its 1 section: NISM Series XXI-A (50 Q). Wrexa Edge's mock tests cover the complete syllabus topic by topic — see the topics-covered breakdown above — so you practise every area at real exam difficulty.
What is the eligibility for NISM Series XXI-A?
Eligibility for NISM Series XXI-A — age, qualification and number of attempts — is set by the official conducting body and can change each cycle, so always confirm the current official notification before applying. Wrexa Edge focuses on realistic NISM Series XXI-A practice: 10 free full-length mocks in the exact exam pattern, ready whenever you are.
When is the NISM Series XXI-A exam and how should I prepare?
Official NISM Series XXI-A exam dates are announced by the conducting body for each cycle — check the latest notification for the current schedule. To be ready, follow a phased study plan and take full-length timed mocks; Wrexa Edge gives you 10 free NISM Series XXI-A mocks with instant scoring so you can track your readiness week by week.

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