Education / Odisha to Introduce Free Mutual Fund Certification in Colleges, Universities

Bhubaneswar, Jul 29: The Odisha government has decided to introduce a free certificate programme on mutual funds for students in commerce, management and related disciplines across state-run colleges and universities, aiming to strengthen financial literacy and enhance employability in the BFSI sector, officials said on Wednesday.

According to a notification issued by the Higher Education Department, the 30-hour programme will be offered to students enrolled in BCom, BBA, Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS), BA in Economics and Commerce, MBA and MCom courses. The initiative will also prepare students for the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) Series V-A Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination, a nationally recognised credential.

Officials said the programme will provide industry-oriented knowledge of financial markets, mutual funds and investment products, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional requirements. The Higher Education Department is set to sign an MoU with the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSEIL), while Talent Skillsversity will act as the implementation partner.

Students will undergo structured training covering securities, investment planning and financial instruments, alongside preparation for the NISM certification. The course is expected to equip graduates and postgraduates with practical skills, enabling them to enter the financial services industry with an industry-recognised qualification.

Also Read: Anti-Paper Leak Bill Passed by Lok Sabha Amid Heated Debate

Sources said nearly 97 colleges and several universities have been directed to implement the programme. Regional Directors of Higher Education in Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Balasore, Sambalpur and Jeypore have been tasked with facilitating its rollout.

Officials emphasised that beyond improving financial literacy, the initiative will significantly boost employability by ensuring students graduate with a professional certification aligned to industry standards. The programme reflects Odisha’s push to integrate skill development with higher education, preparing students for opportunities in banking, financial services and insurance.