Last updated: 30 October 2026 · By Mahak Jain
Quick answer: There is no single "AMFI certificate". When people say AMFI certificate, they mean two things you get one after the other. First, pass the NISM Series V-A (Mutual Fund Distributors) exam: ₹1,500, 100 questions, 50% to pass, no negative marking. Second, apply online on AMFI's portal for your ARN (AMFI Registration Number): ₹3,000 + 18% GST (₹3,540). AMFI issues the ARN within 3 business days of a complete application and emails you the ARN card, which is the "AMFI certificate" that lets you sell mutual funds. Total cost: about ₹5,040. Time: about 2 to 3 weeks after you pass the exam. Your ARN stays valid as long as your NISM certificate: 3 years from the exam date.
हिंदी में: AMFI सर्टिफिकेट पाने के लिए पहले NISM Series V-A परीक्षा पास करें (₹1,500), फिर AMFI की वेबसाइट पर ARN के लिए ऑनलाइन आवेदन करें (₹3,540)। कुल खर्च लगभग ₹5,040 है और यह 3 साल तक मान्य रहता है।
| Key fact | AMFI certificate (NISM V-A + ARN) |
|---|---|
| What it really is | NISM Series V-A certificate + ARN card from AMFI |
| Step 1 | Pass NISM Series V-A at a NISM test centre (English or Hindi) |
| Step 2 | Apply for ARN online on the AMFI portal (run by CAMS) |
| Who issues it | NISM issues the exam certificate; AMFI issues the ARN |
| Eligibility | 18+ for ARN, valid NISM V-A certificate, PAN and Aadhaar. No minimum education |
| Exam fee | ₹1,500 (payment gateway charges extra) |
| ARN fee (individual) | ₹3,000 + 18% GST = ₹3,540 |
| Total cost | About ₹5,040 |
| When you can apply for ARN | 8 business days after passing NISM V-A |
| ARN issued in | Maximum 3 business days after a complete application |
| Validity | NISM certificate: 3 years from exam date. ARN: same date as your NISM certificate |
| Renewal cost | ARN ₹1,500 + GST (₹1,770), plus NISM re-exam or CPE |
What is AMFI certificate?
AMFI certificate: the common name for the NISM Series V-A pass certificate and the ARN card that AMFI issues to a registered mutual fund distributor. You need both to sell mutual funds in India.
AMFI (Association of Mutual Funds in India) does not conduct the exam. The exam is conducted by NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets), an institute set up by SEBI. Many people still call it the "AMFI exam" because AMFI ran the distributor test before NISM took over.
So the path has two parts. NISM tests you. AMFI registers you. Your ARN, in the format ARN-123456, goes on every investment you place for a client, so the AMC (mutual fund company) knows whom to pay the commission. New to the industry? Read what is AMFI first.
- ✓ NISM V-A certificate alone: proves you passed the exam. You still can't sell or earn commission.
- ✓ ARN card: proves AMFI has registered you. This is what AMCs and platforms ask for. Individual ARN holders also get an EUIN automatically, at no extra cost.
- ✓ EUIN on its own: for people who sell under an employer's ARN, like bank staff. See EUIN registration.
Who can get AMFI certificate? Eligibility and qualification
Almost anyone. You don't need a finance or commerce degree.
- ✓ Age: at least 18 years to get an ARN. NISM sets no age limit for the exam.
- ✓ Education: no minimum. NISM opens the exam to distributors, students, professionals and "any other individuals". See becoming an MFD without a finance degree.
- ✓ Valid NISM Series V-A certificate on the day you apply for the ARN.
- ✓ PAN and Aadhaar. Both are mandatory for the online ARN application. Your Aadhaar is checked with UIDAI, so keep the mobile number on it active.
- ✓ A bank account in your own name, because your bank proof must show your name.
Working a full-time job? You can still do it. Many distributors start part-time. Read can you become an MFD part-time.
How to get AMFI certificate: step by step
Part 1: Pass the NISM Series V-A exam
- Register on the NISM certification portal. Add your PAN to your profile: NISM issues the pass certificate only to candidates who have given their PAN.
- Enrol for NISM Series V-A and pay ₹1,500 plus payment gateway charges. The enrolment is valid for 180 days.
- Book a test centre, date and slot. The exam is in English or Hindi. You can reschedule once, at least 4 days before the exam. Full booking steps: NISM exam registration.
- Prepare. 100 questions, 2 hours, 50 marks to pass, no negative marking. Most people study for 2 to 4 weeks. Use the NISM 5A exam guide, sample questions and the free NISM 5A mock test.
- Take the exam. Reach the centre 30 minutes early with your admit card, one original photo ID and your own silent calculator. NISM generally issues the certificate as a PDF within 10 to 15 working days.
Part 2: Apply for your ARN with AMFI
- Wait 8 business days after passing. AMFI-CAMS accepts the ARN application only after that.
- Open the AMFI portal run by CAMS (also linked from amfiindia.com → Distributor Corner).
- Click "Register on AMFI", choose application type ARN and category Individual.
- Enter your details, including PAN and Aadhaar. Your Aadhaar is authenticated online, so there is no separate in-person biometric check any more.
- Upload your documents (list below).
- Pay ₹3,540 by UPI, debit or credit card, or net banking.
- Get your ARN within a maximum of 3 business days. A soft copy of the ARN card is sent to your registered email.
More on ARN screens, firm categories and common queries: ARN registration guide.
AMFI certificate fees in 2026
| Cost item | Amount | When you pay |
|---|---|---|
| NISM Series V-A exam | ₹1,500 + gateway charges | Once, at enrolment |
| ARN registration (individual, incl. 18% GST) | ₹3,540 | Once, when you apply |
| Total to start | About ₹5,040 | Year 1 |
| ARN renewal (incl. GST) | ₹1,770 | Every 3 years |
| NISM re-exam or CPE | As per NISM | Every 3 years |
AMFI's current fee for a new individual ARN is ₹3,000 + GST, applicable from 1 October 2024. Pages quoting ₹1,500 for a new individual ARN are out of date. Firms pay more: ₹20,000 + GST for a partnership firm and ₹40,000 + GST for a private limited company or LLP. A proprietorship firm pays the same as an individual.
Documents required for AMFI certificate
For the ARN, AMFI-CAMS asks individuals to upload five documents, each up to 5 MB:
| Document | Tip |
|---|---|
| Latest colour photo | Recent, plain background |
| Copy of PAN | Name must match your other documents |
| Your signature | Clear scan on white paper |
| Address proof | Aadhaar copy preferred |
| Bank proof | Latest 3-month bank statement or cancelled cheque that shows your name |
You don't upload the NISM certificate. Your result reaches the AMFI-CAMS system directly, which is why you wait 8 business days. For the exam itself, carry your admit card and one original photo ID: PAN, Aadhaar, driving licence or passport.
How long does it take to get AMFI certificate?
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Study for NISM V-A | Usually 2 to 4 weeks |
| NISM pass certificate (PDF) | Generally 10 to 15 working days after the exam |
| Pass to ARN application allowed | 8 business days |
| Fill form, upload, pay | Same day |
| ARN issued | Maximum 3 business days |
| Exam pass to ARN in hand | About 2 to 3 weeks |
Most delays come from a name mismatch (initials on PAN, full name elsewhere), a blurry scan or bank proof without your name. Fix these before you apply.
How to download AMFI certificate (ARN card) and NISM certificate
NISM V-A certificate:
- Log in to the NISM certification portal with your registered email and password.
- Download the certificate PDF. NISM issues soft copies only, no printed certificate.
- Not there after 15 working days? Check that your PAN is on your NISM profile.
ARN card (AMFI certificate):
- Check your registered email. CAMS sends a soft copy of the ARN card once the ARN is generated.
- Or log in to the AMFI portal with the login you made while applying.
- Save a PDF copy. AMCs and platforms ask for it during empanelment.
To check whether any distributor is registered, use "Locate a Mutual Fund Distributor" on AMFI's Distributor Corner.
Can I give the AMFI exam online from home?
No. NISM discontinued remote-proctored exams from 1 January 2023. NISM Series V-A is now taken only at a NISM test centre.
What you can do online: register, enrol, pay, book or reschedule your slot, and download your certificate.
AMFI certificate validity and renewal
- ✓ NISM V-A: valid 3 years from the exam date. Renew in the last 12 months before expiry by passing the exam again or attending NISM's one-day (about six hours) CPE programme.
- ✓ ARN: for individuals, valid until the same date as your NISM certificate. Renew it online, up to 6 months before expiry, for ₹1,770. You can renew the ARN only after renewing your NISM certificate.
- ✓ Renew on time: if you renew before expiry, your validity continues without a break. If you renew after expiry, the ARN is renewed only from the date you apply.
CAMS emails a reminder 6 months before your ARN expires. Full process: ARN renewal guide.
NISM certificate vs ARN vs EUIN: which one do you need?
| NISM V-A | ARN | EUIN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Exam pass certificate | Distributor registration | Employee ID under a firm's ARN |
| Issued by | NISM | AMFI | AMFI |
| Fee | ₹1,500 | ₹3,540 (individual) | ₹1,770 (employee) |
| Who needs it | Everyone | Independent distributors | Bank RMs, staff of distribution firms |
| Commission paid to you? | No | Yes | No, paid to the employer's ARN |
Working for yourself?
NISM V-A + ARN
You own your clients and the commission.
Working at a bank or firm?
NISM V-A + EUIN
Your employer holds the ARN.
Plan to sell SIFs too? You need NISM Series V-D instead. Compare in which NISM certification an MFD needs.
What to do after you get AMFI certificate
An ARN alone doesn't let you start selling. AMFI says you must be empanelled with an AMC before doing its business. Transactions under the ARN of a distributor who isn't empanelled are processed in the Direct Plan, so you earn nothing on them.
- Get empanelled with AMCs, one by one or through a platform that handles it for you. See MFD empanelment.
- Pick a transaction platform to place client orders and SIPs. Compare BSE StAR MF vs NSE NMF II vs MFU.
- Find your first clients among family, friends and colleagues. See how to get mutual fund clients and how MFD commission works.
Got your AMFI certificate? Start earning from day one
Dhan Saarthi (Khazana Fintech Pvt. Ltd., AMFI ARN-325085): keep 90% of the trail on your clients, one onboarding instead of 40+ AMC empanelments, no upfront or seat fees.
Book a Demo with Dhan SaarthiSources
- NISM: Series V-A Mutual Fund Distributors certification examination
- NISM: FAQs, Mutual Fund Distributors
- NISM: Candidate instructions
- NISM: CPE for Mutual Fund Distributors
- AMFI: ARN and EUIN registration and renewal fees, from 1 October 2024
- AMFI-CAMS: ARN and EUIN registration FAQ
- AMFI: Distributor Corner (How to apply for AMFI registration; Renewal of NISM certificate and ARN/EUIN)
Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully. Distribution services are offered through Khazana Fintech Pvt. Ltd. (AMFI ARN – 325085). Fees and rules are as of October 2026.
