NISM Launches Two Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience Certification Courses for GIFT IFSC

~NISM launches Basic and Advanced Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience certification courses for GIFT IFSC, with examinations starting under programmes scheduled for November and December 2026.
Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Oct 15 (VNI): The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) has launched two certification courses on Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience for the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City International Financial Services Centre (GIFT IFSC), with the aim of strengthening cyber security capabilities, raising awareness of cyber risks and enhancing resilience across the financial services ecosystem.
The two programmes, 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 Sashi Krishnan, Director, NISM, and K. Rajaraman, Chairperson, International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). Dr. Praveen Trivedi, Executive Director, IFSCA, and the course design teams were also present on the occasion.
The Basic certification is intended for IFSCA officers, employees of regulated entities (REs) operating in the IFSC ecosystem and individuals outside regulated entities seeking to improve their understanding of cyber security and cyber resilience. The programme covers 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 participants to emerging cyber security challenges associated with 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 under relevant IFSCA circulars. Building on existing cyber security knowledge, the programme focuses on strengthening governance and risk management, assessing preparedness for cyber incidents, enhancing resilience, applying cyber security principles across key domains and interpreting regulatory requirements applicable to entities operating in GIFT IFSC. Relevant case studies and scenarios are also incorporated to help participants apply cyber security and cyber resilience concepts in practical situations.
Commenting on the launch, Sashi Krishnan, Director, NISM, said that cyber security and resilience had become critical to the stability and credibility of financial markets as financial services grew increasingly digital and interconnected. He described the certification programmes as an important step towards building a stronger knowledge and capability framework across the GIFT IFSC ecosystem. While the Basic programme would establish foundational awareness, the Advanced programme would strengthen the capabilities of key function holders responsible for managing cyber risks. NISM aims to contribute to a more skilled, prepared and resilient financial services ecosystem through these initiatives.
The Basic certification examination will comprise 50 questions carrying one mark each, to be completed within 60 minutes. Candidates must secure a minimum score of 50% to pass, with no negative marking. The examination fee is Rs 1,180, inclusive of taxes, and the certification will remain valid for two years. The Basic certification course will be launched with effect from November 18, 2026.
The Advanced certification examination will comprise 80 multiple-choice questions and three case-based questions, with a total examination duration of two hours. Candidates must secure a minimum score of 60% to pass. Negative marking equivalent to 25% of the marks assigned to a question will apply. The examination fee is Rs 2,950, inclusive of taxes, and the certification will remain valid for three years. The Advanced certification course will be launched with effect from December 30, 2026.
Candidates enrolling for either examination will receive the relevant workbook and study material free of cost. Soft copies of the study material will also be available for download through the NISM website. VNI NEWS, NISM, GIFT IFSC, Cyber Security Certification, Cyber Resilience, IFSCA, Sashi Krishnan, K. Rajaraman, Financial Services, Cyber Risk Management, NISM Certification Courses, NISM Cyber Security Certification, Cyber Resilience Courses GIFT IFSC, NISM Basic Certification, NISM Advanced Certification, IFSCA Cyber Security Training, VNINews, VNINews.com