Zerodha Varsity: free stock market and money lessons, no signup
Zerodha says its Varsity lessons on markets, mutual funds and personal finance are free to everyone, with no signup, paywall or ads. The optional certificate test costs Rs 250 plus GST.
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What it is
Zerodha Varsity is a large set of free lessons on the stock market, investing, mutual funds, taxes and personal finance, written in plain language. Zerodha says Varsity is "an extensive and in-depth collection of stock market and financial lessons created by Karthik Rangappa at Zerodha" and "one of the largest financial education resources on the web". It is not an AI tool. We included it as a free learning resource.
Who is behind it: Zerodha is a stockbroker. Zerodha's own privacy policy says it is a trading member of NSE and BSE registered with SEBI. Varsity's home page invites you to "invest in everything" with a Zerodha account. Varsity says it does not require one, and the lessons are teaching material, not advice. Trading and investing carry risk.
Is it free?
Yes. The Varsity home page says it is "free and openly accessible to everyone", with "No signup, no pay-wall, no ads". Zerodha's blog post on the Varsity Certified test says Varsity "has been free and open from day one" and that Zerodha does not ask for emails, collect leads or upsell other products on the portal.
What you can do with it
- Read the modules: the home page says they cover "everything from savings and taxation to option strategies and technical analysis". You can read online with no login.
- Watch videos: the home page has videos. A Zerodha post from 2023 says it started publishing Varsity videos in Hindi as well. We did not check how many.
- Use the app: Zerodha's support page says there is a Varsity mobile app for Android and iOS.
- Take the Varsity Certified test (optional, paid): a proctored online test of 100 multiple-choice questions in 100 minutes. The certificate needs a score above 65%. Zerodha says the test fee is Rs 250 plus 18% GST "to cover the cost of organising the test". It suggests 2 to 4 weeks of preparation. The reading itself stays free.
What to watch out for
- It is by a broker. The material is teaching, but the company also earns from trading. Read it as education, not a recommendation to buy or sell anything.
- Zerodha says no job comes from the test. Its FAQ says Zerodha does not offer a job solely based on the result.
- Some lessons are older. Reader comments dated 16 October 2026 on the home page refer to examples from 2016, so check the date and current rules for tax and market details.
- Understand the risks before trading. Derivatives and options can lose money quickly.
Privacy and data
- The Varsity home page says "No signup" and Zerodha's blog says it does not ask for emails on the portal.
- Zerodha's privacy policy says you can use or browse its website without registering.
- We did not find a separate privacy page for Varsity. The Zerodha policy covers its websites and apps. We read only its opening, so check it before you sign up for the test or any Zerodha product.
- Reader comments on Varsity pages show a name and a profile picture from Gravatar. Do not put personal details in comments.
India
- Varsity is made for the Indian market (NSE, BSE, SEBI, mutual funds, Indian tax). It is free to read from India. The Rs 250 test fee is quoted by Zerodha in rupees.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zerodha Varsity free?
Yes. Zerodha says it is free and open to everyone, with no signup, paywall or ads.
Do I need a Zerodha account?
Not to read Varsity, per Zerodha.
Does the certificate cost money?
Yes. The optional Varsity Certified test costs Rs 250 plus 18% GST, per Zerodha.
Sources: Zerodha Varsity, Varsity Certified, Z-Connect: Introducing Varsity Certified, Varsity app (Zerodha Support), Zerodha Varsity in 2023, Privacy policy. Checked 16 October 2026.
No Zerodha logo is used in this article. Independent guide, not affiliated. This is not investment advice.