NISM Introduces Two Cyber Security And Resilience Certifications: What Candidates Need To Know

The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) has introduced two certification courses on cyber security and cyber resilience for the GIFT International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). The courses have been named NISM-IFSCA-02A (Basic) and NISM-IFSCA-02B (Advanced). The Basic course is scheduled to start from November 18, 2026, while the Advanced course is scheduled to start on December 30, 2026.

What Is The Basic Course

The basic certification is open to IFSCA officers, employees of regulated entities operating in GIFT IFSC, and individuals outside these entities seeking knowledge of cyber security and cyber resilience.

The syllabus covers cyber threats, security architecture, governance and risk management, asset and access management, third-party risks, application and data security, vulnerability management, cyber hygiene and incident response and recovery. It also includes emerging challenges related to artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.

The examination will have 50 questions carrying one mark each, which has to be completed in 60 minutes. Candidates will need to score at least 50 per cent to pass. There is no negative marking. The fee is Rs 1,180 which includes taxes. The certification is valid for two years.

What Is The Advanced Course

According to NISM, the advanced certification is intended for key function holders at regulated entities, including chief information security officers (CISOs), principal officers, designated officers and compliance officers, as specified in relevant IFSCA circulars.

The syllabus covers cyber risk governance, incident preparedness and resilience, the application of cyber security principles and regulatory requirements for entities operating in GIFT IFSC. It also includes case studies and scenarios. Candidates will receive study material free of cost, with soft copies available for download from the NISM website. Registrations can be made through the NISM Certification Portal.

The examination will comprise 80 multiple-choice questions and three case-based questions, and have a duration of two hours. Candidates must score at least 60 per cent to pass. Negative marking of 25 per will apply. The fee is Rs 2,950, inclusive of taxes, and the certification will be valid for three years.

Sashi Krishnan, director, NISM, said, “As financial services become increasingly digital and interconnected, cyber security and resilience are critical to the stability and credibility of financial markets. These certification programmes are an important step towards building a stronger knowledge and capability framework across the GIFT IFSC ecosystem.” He added that the Basic programme would build foundational awareness, while the Advanced programme would strengthen the capabilities of key function holders responsible for managing cyber risks.