The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) has introduced a basic certification course in cyber security and cyber resilience for professionals working in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City’s International Financial Services Centre (GIFT IFSC), as India’s international financial hub seeks to strengthen its digital security capabilities.
The certification, titled NISM-IFSCA-02A, has been developed under a memorandum of understanding between NISM and the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). The initiative is also aligned with Clause 8.4 of IFSCA’s guidelines on training and awareness.
According to NISM’s October 7 announcement, the examination for the basic certification will be available from November 18, 2026. Study material is available for download through the institute’s website.
Who can take the certification?
The programme is intended for IFSCA officers, employees of regulated entities operating in the IFSC ecosystem and other individuals seeking to improve their understanding of cybersecurity and cyber resilience.
The course aims to establish a common baseline of knowledge about cyber risks, governance, risk management and regulatory requirements applicable to organisations operating in GIFT IFSC.
Its curriculum covers several critical areas, including asset management, access management, third-party risk management, physical security, application security, data security and vulnerability management. It also addresses cyber incident detection, response, recovery and the importance of building a strong security culture.
The programme includes an introduction to emerging technology-related challenges, including artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, which are becoming increasingly relevant to cybersecurity planning.
Exam format, fees and certification validity
The basic certification examination will comprise 50 questions, carrying one mark each. Candidates will have 60 minutes to complete the test, with a minimum passing score of 25 marks. There is no negative marking.
The examination fee is Rs 1,180, excluding any additional payment gateway charges. The certificate will remain valid for two years. Candidates must provide or update their Permanent Account Number (PAN) in their registration details to receive the passing certificate.
Why cybersecurity matters for GIFT IFSC
GIFT IFSC hosts financial services activities that depend on secure digital systems, reliable data infrastructure and uninterrupted operations. As financial institutions increasingly rely on interconnected platforms, cloud-based services and digital transactions, cyber incidents can pose risks beyond individual organisations.
Cybersecurity preparedness is therefore not limited to protecting data. It also involves maintaining business continuity, managing third-party vulnerabilities and ensuring that critical services can recover quickly after an incident.
The NISM certification seeks to strengthen awareness and risk management capabilities among professionals working in this environment. A common knowledge benchmark could help regulated entities build a stronger foundation for identifying threats and responding to cyber incidents.
For India, which is seeking to expand GIFT City as an international financial services destination, the development of specialised cybersecurity skills is an important part of building trust in its digital financial infrastructure.
The basic certification is the first of two programmes announced by NISM. The institute has also introduced an advanced certification, NISM-IFSCA-02B, aimed at senior cybersecurity and compliance function holders, including chief information security officers. The advanced examination is scheduled to become available from December 30, 2026.
Official source: NISM announcement on the basic cybersecurity certification
