By Manoj Jain · 2026-10-14
A good course teaches you to make decisions on your own. A bad one sells you hope. These questions help you tell the difference in one conversation.
1. Who exactly will teach me?
Ask for the trainer's name, how many years they have actually analysed markets, and any recognised credential such as CMT or NISM certifications. A brand name on the board is not a trainer.
2. Do you give tips or buy/sell calls?
If the answer is yes, be careful. Education and advice are different things. An institute that sells tips is selling dependence, not skill.
3. How much time goes to risk management?
SEBI's 2024 study found that about 9 out of 10 individual F&O traders lost money. Position sizing, stop-losses and a trading journal should be a full module, not one slide at the end.
4. Will I practise on live charts?
Theory is easy to memorise and easy to forget. Ask how many classes include live NSE/BSE examples and hands-on chart work.
5. Which track fits me?
A college student, a homemaker building family savings and a full-time trader need different courses. Ask whether the institute has separate tracks or one syllabus for everyone.
6. Can I attend a demo class first?
A free demo shows you the teaching style, the language and the pace. If an institute will not let you sit in one class, ask why.
7. What exactly is included in the fees?
Ask about notes, recordings, doubt sessions, revision classes and the certificate. Get the batch dates and duration in writing.
A quick checklist
- Named trainer with real market experience
- No tips, no "guaranteed profit" promises
- Risk management taught as a full module
- Live chart practice
- Separate tracks for different learners
- Free demo class before admission
- Clear fees and written batch details