NISM Series IX: Merchant Banking Certification

Sun Nov 9, 2025


NISM Series IX: Merchant Banking – Complete Guide 2025 

🌟 Introduction In the Indian financial markets, merchant banking plays a key role in capital formation, corporate financing, IPO management, mergers & acquisitions, due diligence, and advisory services. To ensure that professionals working in these areas possess the required regulatory knowledge and ethical standards, SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has mandated specific certifications β€” one of the most important being the NISM Series IX: Merchant Banking Certification. This certification is conducted by NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets), a public trust established by SEBI to enhance financial market education and professional competency. Whether you are a finance graduate, MBA student, stock market beginner, or someone planning to work in investment banking or capital market advisory, this certification gives you a strong professional foundation and credibility in the industry. To help aspirants clear this exam confidently, CrackCertify.in offers:

  • Online Mock Tests (Full-length & Topic-wise)
  • Chapter-wise Study Notes (Easy to Learn)
  • Practice Questions with Detailed Solutions
  • Real Exam Simulation & Performance Tracking

πŸ“˜ About the NISM Series IX: Merchant Banking Certification The NISM Series IX: Merchant Banking Certification focuses on the regulatory framework, compliance norms, due diligence requirements, and operational processes involved in merchant banking activities. Who Should Take This Certification? This exam is ideal for:
  • Merchant Banking professionals
  • Investment Banking Analysts & Associates
  • IPO / FPO / Rights Issue management professionals
  • Compliance officers of financial institutions
  • Employees of stock broking, advisory, and investment firms
  • MBA finance & commerce students planning to enter investment banking
Benefits of the Certification
  • βœ… Enhances credibility while working in corporate finance or IPO management
  • βœ… Mandatory certification for professionals in merchant banking operations
  • βœ… Strengthens resume for investment banking and capital market roles
  • βœ… Helps in clearing interviews in top financial companies
  • βœ… Improves understanding of due diligence, pricing, underwriting & regulatory norms

πŸ“Š Exam Highlights (Quick Facts)
ParticularsDetails
Exam NameNISM Series IX: Merchant Banking Certification Examination
Conducted ByNISM (National Institute of Securities Markets) under SEBI
Mode of ExamOnline (at NISM-authorized test centres)
Total Questions100 MCQs
Maximum Marks100
Passing Marks60% (60 marks)
Negative Marking25% deduction per wrong answer
Exam Duration2 Hours
Exam Feeβ‚Ή1,500 (subject to revision)
Certificate Validity3 Years

πŸŽ“ Eligibility Criteria There is no minimum educational qualification required to take the exam. Anyone can apply, including:
  • Students (BBA, B.Com, MBA, CFA aspirants)
  • Working Professionals in finance
  • Traders, Advisors, Analysts
  • Beginners planning a career in investment banking
There is no age limit and you can attempt the exam multiple times.
πŸ“š Syllabus & Topics Covered (2025 Updated) The syllabus focuses on merchant banking operations, compliance, IPO handling, and due diligence. Module-Wise Topics
  1. Introduction to Merchant Banking
    • Meaning, role & functions
    • Difference between commercial & investment banking
  2. Public Issue Management (IPO & FPO)
    • Drafting Offer Documents (DRHP, RHP)
    • Pricing mechanisms (Fixed price vs Book building)
    • Role of Lead Managers
  3. Regulatory Framework
    • SEBI Regulations & Guidelines
    • Eligibility norms for issuers
    • Due diligence responsibilities
  4. Underwriting & Syndication
    • Types of underwriting commitments
    • Risk evaluation & underwriting agreements
  5. Mergers, Acquisitions & Corporate Restructuring
    • Valuation methods
    • Takeover regulations
    • Due diligence steps
  6. Private Placement & Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP)
  7. Compliance & Code of Conduct
    • Investor protection measures
    • Obligations of merchant bankers
How CrackCertify Helps You Cover the Syllabus CrackCertify offers:
  • Topic-wise quizzes for every chapter
  • Simplified notes to understand SEBI regulations easily
  • Full-length mock tests to practice real exam pattern

🧩 Exam Pattern
  • Total Questions: 100 MCQs
  • Marking: +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong answers
  • Passing Requirement: Score at least 60 marks
  • Time: 120 minutes
Time Management Tips
SectionDifficultyStrategy
Regulatory frameworkModerateRevise repeatedly β€” many direct questions
Offer documents & IPO processHigh weightageUnderstand practical steps, not just definitions
Due diligence & underwritingModeratePractice problem-based questions
CrackCertify mock tests help you practice in real exam timing to improve accuracy & speed.
πŸ“ Registration Process (Step-by-Step)
  1. Visit: https://certifications.nism.ac.in
  2. Click Register / Create New Account
  3. Verify email & login to your dashboard
  4. Select NISM Series IX: Merchant Banking
  5. Choose Exam Centre & Exam Date
  6. Pay the fee β‚Ή1,500 online
  7. Download hall ticket
  8. Appear for exam at selected centre

🎯 CrackCertify Course Offerings CrackCertify provides everything needed to crack the exam efficiently:
FeatureIncluded
Online Video Lecturesβœ… Yes
Topic-wise Study Notes (PDF)βœ… Yes
Full-Length Mock Testsβœ… Yes
Real Exam Interface Simulationβœ… Yes
Progress & Performance Trackingβœ… Yes
Lifetime Accessβœ… Yes
Why Students Prefer CrackCertify?
  • Easy-to-understand notes
  • Exam-focused practice
  • Detailed solutions for every question
  • Affordable pricing

πŸ’° Fees Structure
ItemPrice
Official NISM Exam Feeβ‚Ή1,500
CrackCertify Full Course + Mock TestsStarts from β‚Ή299 (Offer Valid Today)

πŸ’Ό Career & Job Prospects After completing this certification, you can work in:
  • Merchant Banking Firms
  • Investment Banks
  • Stock Broking Firms
  • Financial Advisory Companies
  • Asset Management Companies
  • Corporate Finance Departments
Job Roles You Can Apply For
  • Merchant Banking Executive
  • Investment Banking Associate
  • IPO Coordinator
  • Due Diligence Analyst
  • Research & Valuation Analyst
  • Capital Market Compliance Manager
Expected Salary Range
Experience LevelSalary Range
Beginner (0–2 yrs)β‚Ή3–6 LPA
Intermediate (2–5 yrs)β‚Ή6–12 LPA
Senior Level (>5 yrs)β‚Ή12–25 LPA+

🧠 Preparation Tips
  • Start with the NISM workbook
  • Make chapter-wise notes
  • Solve at least 5–10 mock tests before the exam
  • Revise SEBI regulations carefully β€” many questions are direct
CrackCertify mock tests help simulate real-time exam pressure, improving confidence and accuracy.
❓ FAQs 1. What is the passing score?
60% (60 out of 100). 2. Is there negative marking?
Yes, 25% negative marking for each incorrect answer. 3. How long is the certificate valid?
Valid for 3 years. 4. Can I retake the exam?
Yes, after 15 days. 5. Is this exam difficult?
Moderate difficulty β€” becomes easy with mock practice.

🏁 Conclusion The NISM Series IX: Merchant Banking Certification is a valuable qualification for anyone aiming to build a successful career in investment banking, IPO management, consulting, or financial advisory services. With the right preparation strategy and consistent practice, clearing this exam becomes much easier. πŸ‘‰ Start your NISM preparation today with CrackCertify’s comprehensive course and mock tests. Get instant access and boost your success rate!