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Share Market Timings in India

Many investors are keen to begin trading in the stock market but are often unaware of the exact timings. Just like understanding stock prices and financial ratios, knowing when the market opens and closes is equally important. This is especially true for intraday and F&O traders who need precise timing to make quick decisions and manage risk effectively. Being familiar with share market hours helps in planning trades better and avoiding missed opportunities. It also ensures that investors do not attempt transactions outside market hours, which can lead to delays or unexecuted trades.

Stock exchanges facilitate transactions in financial assets like equities, bonds, commodities, etc. Market participants can buy or sell shares in these Exchanges. These transactions in stock exchanges lead to price discovery as demand and supply drive the price. Additionally, it also provides liquidity to the market.

Numerous investors participate daily in the share market. The activities involve hedging, arbitrage, speculation, and investment. Like any market, share markets are open for a certain period during the day. In this article, we will examine the share market, currency market, and forex trading time in India.

What are Indian Stock Market Timings?

In India, stock market trading happens only during specific hours on weekdays. The regular trading session for equity markets begins at 9:15 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. (IST). These timings are applicable to both retail and institutional investors trading through registered brokerage platforms. The two main stock exchanges in India—Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE)—follow the same trading hours. Outside of these hours, orders cannot be placed or executed. Understanding this schedule is essential for effective participation, especially for those involved in time-sensitive trades like intraday or derivatives transactions.

Time Divisions in the Indian Stock Market

Stock market activity in India is divided into multiple sessions throughout the day. Each session plays a specific role in processing trades efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of the three main time divisions in Indian stock market trading:

Pre-Opening Session

The pre-opening session helps the market absorb overnight news and determine a fair opening price.

●       9:00 AM – 9:08 AM
This is the order entry period. You can place, modify, or cancel buy and sell orders for stocks. These orders are collected and used to set the opening price.

●       9:08 AM – 9:12 AM
Orders collected in the first phase are matched based on demand and supply. This phase helps determine the price at which trades will begin when the market opens.

●       9:12 AM – 9:15 AM
This is a buffer period between the pre-opening and normal trading session. No new orders can be placed or changed during this window.

Normal Trading Session (9:15 AM – 3:30 PM)

This is the main trading window where buyers and sellers actively place orders. Trades happen using a bilateral order matching system, where buy and sell orders are matched if the price is the same. During this time, you can buy and sell stocks freely using your broker’s platform. It is also the session where most trading volume takes place.

Post-Closing Session (3:30 PM – 4:00 PM)

After regular trading ends, two short segments follow.

●       3:30 PM – 3:40 PM
The closing price of stocks is calculated. It is based on the weighted average price of trades done between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM. This closing price is used for index values like Nifty 50 and Sensex.

●       3:40 PM – 4:00 PM
Investors can place After-Market Orders (AMOs) for the next trading day. These orders are recorded and may be processed when the market opens. If needed, traders can cancel these orders the next morning during the 9:00 AM – 9:08 AM window.

Stock Market Closing Time in India Can Be Divided Into Two Sessions 

The Indian stock market doesn’t shut down immediately at 3:30 p.m. Trading activity continues in a structured way during the closing session, which is split into two parts. These post-closing sessions help determine final prices and allow the placing of orders for the next day.

3:30 p.m. – 3:40 p.m.

In this phase, the closing price of securities is calculated. The price is based on a weighted average of all trades that occurred between 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. This calculated price is used to determine the closing values of indices like Nifty, Sensex, and other sectoral indices such as S&P Auto or FMCG.

3.40 p.m. – 4 p.m. 

This session is reserved for placing After-Market Orders (AMOs). Traders can submit buy or sell orders for the following trading day. These orders are executed at the defined closing price, provided there is enough liquidity on the opposite side. If the next day’s opening price is higher than the previous day’s closing price, potential capital gains may be realised. If not, the order can be cancelled the next morning during the 9:00 a.m. – 9:08 a.m. window.

The complete market schedule is as follows:

Session

Timing

Description

Pre-opening Session

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

Order collection and price determination before market opens

Normal Trading Session

9:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Main trading period with continuous order matching

Closing Price Calculation

3:30 p.m. – 3:40 p.m.

Weighted average is used to determine final stock prices

After-Market Orders

3:40 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Traders place orders for the next day’s trade at the fixed closing price

Conclusion 

If you're planning to trade or invest in the stock market, knowing the timings is just as important as tracking prices or reading financial reports. The Indian share market follows a clear schedule split into different sessions—from pre-opening to post-closing. Each session plays a role, whether it’s collecting orders, matching trades, or letting you plan for the next day. By understanding when the market opens, closes, and allows order placements, you’ll be better prepared to make timely decisions. So, before you start trading, make sure you're clear on the clock—it can really help you stay ahead.

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Disclaimer :

The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.

Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

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