FAQs Post Graduate Programme-Financial Markets (1 year - Full Time & Weekend) Q1. I want to know about 1 year, full time, PGP-Financial Markets Programmes. National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM), Faridabad an autonomous body promoted by Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India and National Stock Exchange (NSE), India s largest stock exchange, have jointly launched 1 year Post Graduate Programme in Financial Markets on full time (PGP-FM) and weekend (PGEP-FM) formats for the academic year 2012-13. Q2. Why should I join 1 year, full time, PGP-FM? PGP-FM is a full time, residential programme held at the picturesque state of the art campus of NIFM, Faridabad. The PGP-FM is designed jointly by experts from NIFM and NSE to fulfill the skill gaps in the financial markets industry. The international exposure to financial centres and stock exchange is an essential part of the programme. The emphasis is on experiential learning through seminars, presentations, workshops, industry visits etc. Candidates can practice on web based software to develop financial markets skills any time, any where in addition to training on advanced financial market softwares like NSE-TAME, Capitaline, MetaStock etc. The internship and projects provide real life experience so that the candidates are market ready on completion of the programme. Q3. Is visit to an international stock exchange compulsory for all the candidates? Yes, it is compulsory for all candidates, to develop their global competencies. Q4. Why should I join 1 year, executive weekend, PGEP-FM? PGEP-FM is a weekend, programme designed specifically for working executives, who want to enhance their career without leaving the present job and without compromising on the quality of classroom based learning. The classes are held on weekends on Saturday and Sunday at the centrally located NSE office in Delhi and the state of the art campus of NIFM, Faridabad. The PGEP-FM is designed jointly by experts from NIFM and NSE to fulfill the skill gaps in the financial markets industry. The international exposure to financial centres and stock exchange is an essential part of the programme. The emphasis is on experiential learning through seminars, presentations, workshops, industry visits etc. Candidates can practice on a web based software to develop financial markets skills any time, any where in addition to training on advanced financial market softwares like NSE-TAME, Capitaline, MetaStock etc.
Q5. How can I acquire practical trading skills without putting my own money at risk? The post graduate programme in financial markets lays lot of emphasis on skill development. Generally the employers are reluctant in taking fresh candidates as they do not posses live trading skills. A specialized market simulation software, to simulate the live market conditions has been developed by NSE. This is a web based software called NLT (NSE Learn to Trade). Candidates can learn investment and trading skills in a simulated environment, without investing actual money, using NLT anytime and from anywhere as per their convenience. Q6. What career opportunities are available on completion of PGP-FM / PGEP-FM? As per a research conducted by Mc Kinsey & Co. for Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, Govt. of Gujarat, the financial sector will create 1,00,00,000 plus jobs by 2020. PGP-FM / PGEP-FM prepares you for multiple career options in financial markets comprising of capital market, mutual funds, derivative, currency and commodity markets, financial services etc. One can go for lucrative career opportunities in investment banking, treasury, research & analytics, wealth management, stock broking, surveillance, compliance, risk management, asset management, financial journalism etc. Q7. Does NIFM or NSE assist in placements? NSE and NIFM are well established and highly reputed organizations with strong brands. NIFM is an institution established by Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India. NSE has a vast network spread across India in more than 3000+cities. All the entities in the financial markets industry need competent professionals. The dedicated team from NIFM and NSE looking after placements will act as a close link between successful pass outs and organizations needing professionals. Thus, whereas NIFM & NSE both provide placement assistance to successful candidates they do not guarantee any placement. Q8. What is the teaching methodology? The teaching methodology is practical, hands-on and real-time, rather than merely theoretical. The class room lectures are supplemented by regular business presentations, seminars, workshops etc. The market skills are developed through market simulation software NLT, projects and assignments, participation in business channels and internship etc. Candidates are encouraged to make presentations, participate in case studies and group discussions and role plays. In order to provide global exposure, visit to international financial centres and stock exchange is an essential part of the programme. Q9. What is the status of PGP-Financial Markets? The field of financial markets is an emerging academic discipline in India. The 1 year full time PGP-FM as well as 1 year weekend PGEP-FM, are designed and developed by experts from National Stock Exchange and National Institute of Financial Management, a society established by Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India. The certificate for the 1 year Post Graduate Programme both, full time and weekend format, is awarded jointly by National Institute of Financial Management and National Stock
Exchange. It is clarified that PGP-FM and PGEP-FM are neither a degree nor a diploma and are not recognized either by AICTE or UGC. Q10. What are the total number of seats available for the programme? PGEP-FM / PGP-FM have a maximum intake capacity of 60 each. Q11. I am in the final year of graduation. Can I apply? Yes, you may apply for Provisional Admission. Since this is a Post Graduate Programme, admission will be confirmed only on submission of proof of passing graduation on or before December 2012. Q12. Is hostel stay compulsory? Yes, being a full time residential programme the hostel stay is compulsory for all candidates of full time PGP-FM. Similarly for the weekend batch, hostel stay is compulsory during campus immersion at NIFM Faridabad for 1 week. Thereafter, they can continue with their job and attend classes on weekends on Saturday and Sunday. Q13. Is there any age limit? There is no age limit for the programme, but it is desirable that the candidate is below 50 years of age. Q14. I do not have any work experience. Am I eligible? Yes, you are eligible to apply for full time PGP-FM without work experience. However, for weekend PGEP-FM, at least two years of work experience is compulsory. The work experience or entrepreneurial experience may be in any field. Preference will, however, be given to experienced candidates from the financial sector. Q15. What is the selection procedure for full time PGP-FM? NIFM-NSE Online Objective Type Test will be held on 30 th June and1 st July 2012.The testis not mandatory for those who have already taken CAT, MAT or XAT. The online test will consist of Verbal Ability (30%), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (30%), Quantitative Aptitude (30%), General Knowledge of Financial Markets (10%). The online objective type test will be of 2 hours duration with negative marking of0.25 per mark for each question answered wrongly. The final selection for PGP-FM will be based on academic profile (20%), CAT/MAT/XAT Score or NIFM-NSE Online Test Score (50%) and Personal Interview (30%). Personal interviews / video interviews will be held during 5 th to 8 th July 2012 for the full time PGP-FM programme. Q16. What is the selection procedure for weekend PGEP-FM? The final selection for PGEP-FM will be based on the scrutiny of applications and Personal Interviews. Additional points shall be awarded for work experience in excess of 5 years. Personal interviews / video interviews will be held during 16 th to 24 th June 2012 for the weekend PGEP-FM programme.
Q17. I am an outstation candidate. Can I appear for video interview? The personal interview of shortlisted candidates will be held at NSE office in New Delhi. In order to save travel time and cost of outstation candidates, NIFM-NSE also conducts interviews through video conference using Skype. As an outstation candidate you have the choice to come for personal interview or opt for video interview. If you are opting for video interview, we recommend you can open a Skype account (if you don t have). Q18. Will classes take place at NSE Delhi or NIFM Faridabad for the weekend PGEP-FM? The weekend PGEP-FM will begin with 1 week of immersion programmeat the campus of NIFM, Faridabad. Thereafter, the classes will be held on Saturday and Sunday at the centrally located office of NSE, Delhi or NIFM, Faridabad depending upon the paper. The schedule for location of classes will be announced well in advance. Q19. What are the differences between full time PGP-FM and weekend PGEP-FM? Both PGP-FM and PGEP-FM are of 1 year s duration. Whereas, PGP-FM is a full time, residential programme with classes from Monday to Friday, PGEP-FM is for working executives, with classes on weekends basis on Saturday and Sunday. SN Particulars PGP-FM PGEP-FM 1 Duration 1 year, full time Monday to Friday 1 year, weekend Saturday & Sunday 2 Classes & Location Residential programme with compulsory hostel stay, classes at NIFM, Faridabad Weekend programme starting with campus immersion of 1 week, classes at NSE, Delhi and NIFM, Faridabad 3 International Yes to International Stock Yes to International Stock Visit Exchange & Financial Centres Exchange & Financial Centres 4 Internship 2 Months No 5 Papers 24 20 6 Eligibility Graduate with 50% marks Graduate with 50% marks & work experience of 2 years 7 Selection Criteria 8 Last date to apply 9 Batch Starts from Open Candidates 1. Academic Profile (20%) 2. NIFM-NSE Online Test or CAT, MAT, XAT Score (50%) 3. Personal Interview (30%) 1. Candidates Profile 2. Interview 25 th June 2012 11 th June 2012 30 th July 2012 15 th July 2012 Q20. Does NIFM-NSE facilitate internships for candidates during the course of the programme? NIFM-NSE facilitates 2 months internship only for 1 year, full time PGP-FM candidates.
Q21. What will be the venues for the NIFM-NSE Online entrance test? NIFM-NSE online entrance test will be held at the following 12 cities: 1. Ahmedabad 2. Bangalore 3. Chandigarh 4. Chennai 5. Delhi 6. Hyderabad 7. Indore 8. Jaipur 9. Jammu 10.Kolkata 11.Lucknow 12.Mumbai. The names and roll numbers of candidates shortlisted for personal interview based on CAT/MAT/XAT score or NIFM-NSE Online Test score will be posted on the website on 3 rd July and intimation will also be sent by email. Q22. If selected, which documents do I need to submit and when? At the time of registration, you are required to submit acopy of following documents and bring originals for verification. Copy of 10 th, 12 th and Graduation mark sheets Copy of your Character certificates/birth certificates Copy of your CAT/XAT and MAT score card. Q23. What is the investment needed for the full time PGP-FM? Rs.3,95,000/- for Indian participants and US $7,900/- for participants from SAARC and developing countries (payable in lump sum only, no installments). Payment Options: 1. Lump sum payment- On registration Rs.20,000/- and balance of Rs.3,75,000/- on or before 20 th July 2012. 2. Installments Scheme 1 - On registration Rs. 20,000/- and balance in 2 installments of Rs. 1,95,000/- each, 15 days before start of 1 st and 3 rd quadmester. 3. Installments Scheme 2 - On registration Rs.20,000/- and balance in 4 installments of Rs.1,01,000/- each, 15 days before start of every quadmester. Q24. What does the investment include for full time PGP-FM? The investment for the programme is inclusive of international visit, hostel stay at NIFM, Faridabad, cost of study material, examination & certification, skill development training through NSE learn to trade software, tea/coffee during the programme. The investment does not include domestic travel to visit other cities such as Mumbai etc., and food expenses for hostel stay at NIFM, Faridabad. The costs, if any, not specifically mentioned are not included in the investment for the programme. Q25. What is the investment needed for the weekend PGEP-FM? The investment for the programme is Rs.2,30,000/-. The payment options are
1. Lump sum payment - On registrationrs.10,000/- andbalance of Rs.2,20,000/- on or before 30 th June 2012. 2. Installments Scheme 1 -On registration Rs. 10,000/- and balance in 2 installments ofrs. 1,15,000/- each, 15 days before start of 1 st and 3 rd quadmester. 3. Installments Scheme 2 Onregistration Rs.10,000/- and balance in 4 installments of Rs.60,000/- each, 15 days before start of every quadmester. Q26. What does the investment include for weekend PGEP-FM? Investment includes cost of international visit (air fare & lodging charges). It also includes cost of study material, examination & certification, working lunch and tea during week end classes. Lodging and boarding facility is not included in the investment and the participant would be charged separately as per the prevailing norms of NIFM. The costs, if any, not specifically mentioned are not included in the investment for the programme. Q27. I want to apply for the full time PGP-FM. How should I proceed? Candidates having valid CAT/MAT/XAT score The candidates who have valid CAT/MAT/XAT score are not required to appear for NIFM-NSE Online Test. They can send application in the prescribed form which can be downloaded from the NSE/NIFM website. The completed application along with resume, proof of educational qualifications, work experience (if any), copy of your CAT/MAT/XAT score card and a Demand Draft of Rs.900/- drawn in favour of National Institute of Financial Management; payable at New Delhi or Faridabad, be sent to National Stock Exchange of India Ltd., 4 th Floor, Jeevan Vihar Building, Parliament Street, New Delhi 110001. The envelop should be superscribed by Application for PGP-FM. Alternatively, one can submit the application by paying Rs.900/- in cash at National Stock Exchange of India Ltd.; New Delhi. Candidates who need to appear for NIFM-NSE Online Test The candidates who do not have valid CAT/MAT/XAT score are required to appear for NIFM- NSE Online Test on 30 th June or 1 st July 2012. For this they are required to register on the NSE s website as per the steps given below: 1. Login to www.nseindia.com and go to Education menu. 2. Click on Register for NIFM-NSE Online Test. 3. You will begin the process as New User and thereafter follow all the steps as required for registration as an NCFM candidate and set your user id and password. 4. You will receive NCFM IDvia SMS, email, and also on the website. 5. You can now login with your user id and password. You can pay the fees of Rs.900/-, book your seatfor the NIFM-NSE online test in any of the 12 cities subject to availability of seats on first come first served basis. 6. An online hall ticket for the NIFM-NSE Online Test will be generated for which you should take the printout.
7. You need to carry this hall ticket along with id proof for appearing in the test. Q28. I want to apply for the weekend PGEP-FM. How should I proceed? Please send application in the prescribed form which can be downloaded from the NSE/NIFM website. The completed application along with resume, proof of educational qualification, work experience and a Demand Draft of Rs.900/- drawn in favour of National Institute of Financial Management; payable at New Delhi or Faridabad, be sent to National Stock Exchange of India Ltd., 4 th Floor, Jeevan Vihar Building, Parliament Street, New Delhi 110001. The envelop should be superscribed by Application for PGEP-FM. Alternatively, one can submit the application by paying Rs.900/- in cash at National Stock Exchange of India Ltd.; New Delhi. ***