Data has become the backbone of decision-making in today’s world, and financial markets are no exception. The CPDS Basic program by the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) is designed to help participants take their first step into the world of data science with a strong foundation in analytical thinking, financial applications, and practical tools.
This program blends the essentials of statistics, coding, and financial knowledge with real-world problem-solving, enabling participants to confidently work with data, generate insights, and build job-ready skills.
In this program, you will:
By the end of CPDS Basic, you’ll be ready to analyze datasets, draw insights, and build foundational models that support financial decision-making.
The performance of participants is assessed on continuous evaluation. Evaluation is through quizzes, submissions, projects, etc., as may be indicated by the faculty members. At the end of the Basic Level of the programme, participants will be awarded with Grades and certificate of completion.
The programme will take place in Online Mode. The class timings would be as follows:
Day | Timings | Teaching Hours | Break Time |
---|---|---|---|
Tuesday | 07:00 pm to 09:15 pm | 2 hours | 15 mins |
Thursday | 07:00 pm to 09:15 pm | 2 hours | 15 mins |
Saturday | 06:00 pm to 09:15 pm | 3 hours | 15 mins |
Sunday | 10:00 am to 01:15 pm | 3 hours | 15 mins |
OR
Candidates willing to apply should first register themselves on https://apply.nism.ac.in/cpds
Step 1: New Registration: Upon successful registration, a User-ID and Password will be sent to registered email ID and mobile number of the candidate.
Step 2: Application process: Candidates are required to log-in and complete the application process by paying application fee. After making the payment of application fee of Rs. 500/- the candidates may submit their application.
*Application fee is exclusive of Payment Gateway charges & Processing fee as applicable.
The consolidated programme fee for Certificate Program in Data Science (Basic) is Rs. 61,000 /- (Rupees Sixty One Thousand Only).
The break-up of the fees is as follows:
Particulars | Fee* |
---|---|
Tuition fee | 50,000 |
GST @ 18% | 9,000 |
Alumni fund | 2,000 |
Total Fee | 61,000 |
Due Date | Within 7 calendar days from the issue of Offer Letter |
*Above Fee is inclusive of 2 days lodging and Boarding charges at NISM Patalganga Campus. All expenses incurred towards travelling will be borne by the individual participant. Attending two days training at Patalganga campus is mandatory for all participants.
Entire fee including the application fee is non-refundable in any circumstances.
Start Date of Application | April 04, 2025 |
Last date of application | July 15, 2025 |
Date of Entrance Test (Online mode) | July 26, 2025 |
Declaration of Merit List | August 02, 2025 |
Commencement of Program | August 26, 2025 |
The Management reserves the right to change, amend programme structure and fees as when it deems fit.
Q1. What is special about this Certificate Programme in Data Science (Securities Markets)
Programme?
Data has become an integral part of decision-making in the modern age. In order to effectively
leverage the power of data, professionals need to have expertise in various data processing techniques
and tools. The Certificate Programme in Data Science (Securities Markets) is a one-of-a- kind program
that equips students with the necessary skills to apply data analytics in the financial markets. Whether
it’s for product engineering, investment decisions, research, advisory, or any other area, our program
provides a comprehensive understanding of how to use data to make informed decisions.
Our data science program is designed for individuals who have a passion for data analytics and a drive
to implement it in the financial markets. The program offers a unique opportunity to study in an
environment that is both deeply academic and inspiringly professional, yet refreshingly friendly. With
a focus on practical applications and real-world scenarios, students gain hands-on experience using
the latest tools and techniques to analyse financial data. Whether you are looking to advance your
career or start a new one, our program will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to
succeed in the exciting field of data science in financial markets.
Q2. What is the structure of the Programme?
Certificate Programme in Data Science (Securities Markets) is online live course divided into two parts,
foundation (Level 1) and advance (Level 2).
Basic – Six-months duration and live online classes will be on weekdays evenings (7:00 pm to 9:15 pm)
as well as on weekends [Saturdays (6 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.) and Sundays (10 a.m. to 5 p.m)].
Advance – Eight-months duration and live online classes will be on weekdays evening (7:00 pm to 9:15
pm) as well as on weekends [Saturdays (6 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.) and Sundays (10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.)].
Q3. Can I do only one level?
Yes, you can enrol for any one or both level of the program subject to the eligibility of admission.
Q4. What will I learn in this Programme?
The Programme offers a robust mix of financial markets and application of technology, which would
help to improve quality of decision making in financial markets. The topics covered in the programme
include Introduction ofsecurities markets, Econometrics & Time Series Analysis, Data Mining, Machine
Learning, Algorithmic Trading, Big Data Processing & Visualization, Financial Analytics and much more.
The Programme combines academic elegance and business relevance to facilitate the participants to
learn modalities of variousfinancial products, followed by analytical techniques and weavesthem with
applications for data-based decision making. For detailed curriculum, click here
Q5. Doesthis Programme provide any practical exposure?
The Programme provides exposure to Data Science and Analytics tools where the participants get
hand-on experience on R, Tableau, Power BI, Google Analytics and Python etc. The lectures and handson sessions will be delivered by eminent faculty and industry experts who provide the necessary
practical exposure.
Q6. Where will this Programme lead to?
This program could lead to the following job profiles, which involves the fusion of data science
techniques and financial analytics:
• Credit Research and Ratings
• Investment Evaluation and Portfolio Management
• Risk Modelling
• Claim Processing
• Fraud Detection
• Analysing Financial Statements
• Equity Research
Q7. What are the eligibility criteria for this Programme?
To apply for this programme, the minimum educational requirement is:
Basic Level- 12th standard with minimum 50% marks(Maths as a subject) from any recognized board.
Advance Level- Graduation in any stream from a recognized University/Institute OR Candidates who
have successfully completed any program in the area of Data Science of a minimum six months
duration with minimum 50% marks.
Q8. I am a working professional. Will I be able to pursue this Programme?
Yes. The classes for the programme are scheduled on two weekdays evening and weekends – on
Tuesday and Thursday evening (7:00 pm to 9:15 pm) as well as on weekends [Saturdays (6 p.m. to 9:15
p.m.) and Sundays (10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.)].
The Academic Calendar has been designed suitably keeping in mind the requirements of working
professionals.
Q9. I do not have prior understanding on financial markets. Will this Programme suit me?
The curriculum has been appropriately structured to provide a basic understanding of financial
markets, institutions and products. This will create a level playing field amongst participants from
diverse backgrounds. The programme will feature subjects on Financial Economics, Financial Products
and Institutions, Financial Derivatives, etc. to give a fundamental understanding in these areas, over
and above data science related subjects.
Q10. Is there any upper age limit for this Programme?
No, there is no upper age limit to pursue this program.
Q11. What is the selection criteria?
The selection of candidates will be based on a screening test.
Upon successful completion ofthe basic level,students will be eligible to directly enroll in the advanced
level. Students who opt to directly enroll in the advanced level (without completing the basic level) will
need to undergo a separate screening test.
The screening test will cover the following syllabus:
The screening test will be conducted online and will last for 60 minutes, with 30 questions. There will
be no negative marking.
Q12. What is the fee for this Programme?
Basic Level 1 –
The consolidated programme fee for Post Graduate Program in Data Science Basic Level-1 is Rs.
61,000/- (Rupees Sixty-One Thousand only). The break-up of the fees is as follows:
Tuition fee 50,000
GST @18% 9000
Alumni fund 2000
Total 61,000
Due Date within 7 calendar days from the issue of Offer Letter
Advance Level 2 –
The consolidated programme fee for Post Graduate Program in Data Science Advance Level-2 is Rs.
99,500/- (Rupees ninty-nine thousand five hundred only). The break-up of the fees is as follows:
Tuition fee 82,627
GST @18% 14873
Alumni fund 2000
Total 99,500
Due Date within 7 calendar days from the issue of Offer Letter
Q13. How can I apply for the Programme?
Candidates willing to apply should first register themselves on https://apply.nism.ac.in/cpds
Step 1: New Registration: Upon successful registration, a User-ID and Password will be sent to
registered email ID and mobile number of the candidate.
Step 2: Application process: Thereafter, candidates are required to log-in and complete the application
process by paying application fee. After making the payment of application fee of Rs. 500/- the
candidates may submit their application.
*Above charges are exclusive of Payment Gateway charges & Procession fee as applicable.
Q14. What is the application fee? Where can I pay it?
The application fee is Rs. 500/-. The fee can be paid in https://apply.nism.ac.in/cpds-advancedapplication-form https://apply.nism.ac.in/cpds-advanced-application-formupon completion of the
application form, using Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking. The entire application process, including
payment of application fee, is online.
Q15. What is the last date to apply?
The last date to apply is 15th July 2025 for CPDS Basic Course. The application form and the payment
of the application fee – both have to be completed before this date. Click here to
https://apply.nism.ac.in/cpds- advanced-application-form
Q16. When will the Programme commence?
The Programme will commence on 23rd August 2025
Q17. Is distance learning available for this Programme?
Distance learning is not available for this program. It is online instructor led program.
Q18. The Sample Questions for the screening test is as follows:
1. Which of the following is an irrational number?
A) 1.5
B) √5
C) 5/2
D) 2.75
2. What is the smallest prime number?
A) 0
B) 1
C) 2
D) 3
3. A man buys an article for ₹250 and sells it for ₹300. What is his profit percentage?
A) 10%
B) 15%
C) 20%
D) 25%
4. Find the simple interest on ₹5000 at 5% per annum for 3 years.
A) ₹750
B) ₹650
C) ₹800
D) ₹700
5. In how many years will ₹6000 amount to ₹7200 at 10% simple interest per annum?
A) 2 years
B) 3 years
C) 4 years
D) 5 years
6. If ₹10,000 is invested at an annual interest rate of 10% compounded annually for 2 years, what is
the compound interest?
A) ₹2,000
B) ₹2,100
C) ₹2,200
D) ₹2,100.50
7. If the interest is compounded half-yearly, then the effective rate is:
A) Less than the nominal rate
B) Equal to the nominal rate
C) More than the nominal rate
D) Cannot be determined
8. What is the arithmetic mean of the numbers 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25?
A) 10
B) 15
C) 20
D) 25
9. Which of the following measures of central tendency is not affected by extreme values
(outliers)?
A) Mean
B) Mode
C) Median
D) Average
10. If the average of five numbers is 12, what is the total of the numbers?
A) 60
B) 50
C) 70
D) 80
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