NISM launches two certification courses on Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience for GIFT IFSC
Bilkul Bazaar
Gandhinagar | 15 Oct 2026
The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) has launched two certification courses on Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience in the GIFT IFSC, aimed at strengthening cyber security capabilities, enhancing awareness of cyber risks, and building greater resilience across the International Financial Services Centre ecosystem.
The two courses, NISM-IFSCA-02A: Certification Course on Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience in the GIFT IFSC (Basic) and NISM-IFSCA-02B: Certification Course on Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience in the GIFT IFSC (Advanced), were launched by Shri Sashi Krishnan, Director, NISM, and Shri K. Rajaraman, Chairperson, International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), in the presence of Dr. Praveen Trivedi, Executive Director, IFSCA, and the course design teams.
The Basic certification is intended for IFSCA officers and employees of regulated entities (REs) operating in the IFSC ecosystem, as well as individuals outside REs seeking to enhance their understanding of cyber security and cyber resilience. The programme covers foundational aspects of cyber security, including the evolving cyber threat landscape, governance and risk management, security architecture, asset and access management, third-party risk, application and data security, vulnerability management, cyber hygiene, incident response and recovery. It also introduces candidates to emerging cyber security challenges, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.
The Advanced certification is designed for key function holders, including Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Principal Officers, Designated Officers and Compliance Officers of Regulated Entities, as defined by relevant IFSCA circulars. The programme builds on existing cyber security knowledge and focuses on strengthening governance and risk management approaches, evaluating cyber incident preparedness and resilience, applying cyber security principles across key domains, and interpreting regulatory requirements applicable to entities operating in the GIFT IFSC. It also incorporates relevant case studies and scenarios to facilitate the practical application of cyber security and cyber resilience concepts.
Commenting on the launch, 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. While the Basic programme will build foundational awareness, the Advanced programme will strengthen the capabilities of key function holders responsible for managing cyber risks. Through these programmes, NISM aims to contribute to a more skilled, prepared and resilient financial services ecosystem.”
The Basic examination comprises 50 questions of one mark each, to be completed in 60 minutes, with a passing score of 50% and no negative marking. The examination fee is Rs 1,180, inclusive of taxes, and the certification is valid for two years. The Basic certification course will be launched with effect from November 18, 2026.
The Advanced examination comprises 80 multiple-choice questions and three case-based questions, to be completed in two hours, with a passing score of 60%. Negative marking of 25% of the marks assigned to a question will apply. The examination fee is Rs 2,950, inclusive of taxes, and the certification is valid for three years. The Advanced certification course will be launched with effect from December 30, 2026.
Candidates enrolling for the examinations will receive the relevant workbook/study material free of cost, with soft copies also available for download through the NISM website.
Candidates can register for the examinations through the NISM Certification Portal at https://cert.nism.ac.in/.