Initiative to strengthen financial literacy among India’s youth

Mumbai, July 18-19, 2026 – The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), successfully launched the National Financial Literacy Quiz (NFLQ) 2026, with the first regional round being held at KC College (HSNC University), Mumbai. The two-day event brought together undergraduate and postgraduate students from across the Western Region from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, & Dadra & Nagar Haveli (UT), setting the stage for one of India’s largest initiatives to promote financial literacy among young learners.

The quiz received participation from more than 4 lakh students across the country in the college and online qualifying round. Based on their performance, leading teams have advanced to the regional rounds being held across the Eastern, Southern, Northern, Central, Western and North-Eastern regions of India.

Addressing the participants, Shri Sashi Krishnan, Director, National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), said, “Financial literacy is an essential life skill that enables young people to make informed financial decisions with confidence and responsibility. Through the National Financial Literacy Quiz, NISM aims to deepen awareness of financial markets, investor rights and sound financial practices in an engaging manner. The enthusiastic response from students reflects the growing interest among young Indians in building financial capability, and we remain committed to nurturing informed and responsible future investors.”

Shri Vikas S.S., General Manager, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), said, “An informed investor is the foundation of a resilient and trustworthy securities market. Initiatives such as the National Financial Literacy Quiz provide students with an early understanding of the principles of investing, market regulations, and investor protection. SEBI remains committed to promoting financial awareness and encouraging young minds to participate responsibly in India’s evolving financial ecosystem.”

To further promote financial awareness through creative digital storytelling, during the event NISM launched the nationwide NISM Reel Contest, inviting students, content creators, young professionals, and financial literacy enthusiasts to create engaging reels on topics such as responsible investing, investor-friendly regulations, fraud prevention and scam awareness, safe investing practices, and financial literacy.

Participants can submit original reels of 50 to 120 seconds in any language (English subtitles recommended), using creative formats such as role plays, storytelling, and skits to simplify financial concepts for a wider audience.

NFLQ 2026 is part of NISM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen financial literacy and investor awareness among students. Designed for undergraduate and postgraduate participants, the initiative encourages a deeper understanding of the securities market, financial products, investor rights and the role of market intermediaries, helping students build the knowledge and confidence required to make informed financial decisions. The quiz forms part of NISM’s flagship outreach programme being conducted from July to September 2026, with regional rounds being organised across Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Guwahati and Kolkata, before culminating in the National Finale in November 2026.

The Grand Finale will be held at NISM Campus, Patalganga, Rasayani, Maharashtra, where the top-performing teams from across the country will compete for national honors.

Prizes for Top three winners in each category of the regional rounds:

Undergraduate Category:

● 1st Prize – Rs. 40,000/- Department of Commerce, Kishinchand Chellaram College
● 2nd Prize – Rs. 30,000/- Department of Finance, Jai Hind College Empowered Autonomous
● 3rd Prize – Rs. 20,000/-Department of Technology, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Category:

● 1st Prize – Rs. 40,000/- 40,000/- Department of Finance, Lala Lajpatrai Institute of Management
● 2nd Prize – Rs. 30,000/- MBA, G.S. College of Commerce & Economics
● 3rd Prize – Rs. 20,000/- Department of Management, St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies

Additionally, the 12 UG colleges from the West Zone qualified to advance to the National Rounds. The list of selected institutions is as follows:

1. Department of Commerce, Kishinchand Chellaram College
2. Department of Finance, Jai Hind College Empowered Autonomous
3. Department of Technology, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology
4. Department of Business Administration, Maeer’s MIT Arts Commerce and College Alandi (D) Pune
5. BBA, WPU School of Business, Pune
6. Business Administration, B.R.C.M. College of Business Administration, Surat
7. Department of Management Studies, Atmiya University
8. Department of Financial Markets, K.P.B. Hinduja College of Commerce
9. Department of Law, Banasthali Vidyapith
10. Department of Commerce, Sonopant Dandekar Arts, V.S. Apte Commerce and M.H. Mehta Science College
11. Department of Computer Science, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan (Wild Card)
12. B. Tech Department, Sb Jain Institute of Technology, Management and Research, Nagpur (Wild Card)

Additionally, the 12 PG colleges from the West Zone qualified to advance to the National Rounds. The list of selected institutions is as follows:

1. Department of Finance, Lala Lajpatrai Institute of Management
2. MBA, G.S. College of Commerce & Economics
3. Department of Management, St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies
4. MBA, Parul Institute of Management and Research
5. MBA, MVP’S Karmaveer Adv.Baburao Ganpatrao Thakare College of Engineering
6. Commerce and Management, Tirpude Institute of Management Education Nagpur
7. Department of Management (IBS), ICFAI Business School
8. Department of Commerce, Kishinchand Chellaram College
9. MMS, Thakur Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai
10. Department of Management, Ashoka Business School, Pune
11. Department of Management, Sunshine Group of Institutions (Wild Card)
12. Department of Management Studies, SSVPS’S B. S. Deore College of Engineering (Wild Card)