How to Open Demat Account Online in India: Step-by-Step 2026 Guide
- June 22, 2026
- Posted by: Neeraj Pandey
- Category: Market
Open demat account online in under 10 minutes. PAN, Aadhaar, bank details needed. Zero opening charges on most SEBI-registered platforms. Activates in 24-48 hours.
To open demat account online in India, you need PAN, Aadhaar linked to your mobile for OTP, and a savings bank account. The process to the process is fully digital under SEBI’s e-KYC framework. No physical forms, no branch visits, and no document courier are required. Most SEBI-registered broker apps let you the process in under 10 minutes.
Univest (SEBI Broker INZ000317437) lets investors open demat account online for free with zero brokerage. After you the process on Univest, you also get access to SEBI-registered advisory picks (RA INH000013776) in the same app.
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What You Need to Open Demat Account Online
Four items are needed to open demat account online: PAN card (mandatory under SEBI rules for all demat accounts), Aadhaar card with OTP-linked mobile number, a savings bank account with IFSC code for settlement, and a smartphone with a working camera for video KYC. Some SEBI-registered brokers allow IPV (in-person verification) as an alternative to video KYC for investors who prefer that method.
Step-by-Step Process to Open Demat Account Online in 2026
| Step | Action | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download a SEBI-registered broker app (e.g. Univest) | 1 min |
| 2 | Enter mobile number and verify via OTP | 1 min |
| 3 | Enter PAN card number for identity linkage | 30 sec |
| 4 | Complete Aadhaar e-KYC via OTP on linked mobile | 1 min |
| 5 | Add bank account number and IFSC code | 1 min |
| 6 | Record a short video for identity confirmation (IPV) | 2-3 min |
| 7 | Wait for CDSL/NSDL to process and activate account | 24-48 hrs |
| 8 | Receive DP ID, UCC, and login credentials by SMS/email | Automatic |
Get Research Picks Alongside Your New Demat Account
After you open demat account online, pair it with SEBI RA INH000013776 advisory picks to know which stocks to buy.
- Discover stocks investors are actively accumulating
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Charges When You Open Demat Account Online
Many SEBI-registered brokers offer zero opening charges when you open demat account online. Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) may range from Rs 0 to Rs 300 per year from year 2. Statutory charges including STT, exchange transaction fees, and GST apply on all trades regardless of which platform you use to the process. These cannot be waived as they are government-mandated levies.
Use the Univest Screener to Find Stocks After You Open Demat Account Online
Conclusion
To open demat account online in India in 2026, choose a SEBI-registered broker, prepare PAN and Aadhaar, and complete digital KYC in under 10 minutes. Univest (INZ000317437) lets you the process for free with zero brokerage and integrated advisory (RA INH000013776). After you the process, add funds and subscribe to advisory research to make your first investment.
Download the Univest iOS App or Univest Android App to open demat account online and access SEBI-registered stock research today.
Disclaimer: Data and figures in this article are sourced from publicly available information. These may or may not be accurate. Please verify all data with the official NSE (nseindia.com) and BSE (bseindia.com) websites before making any investment decision. Investments in securities are subject to market risk. This content is for educational purposes only and is not investment advice by Univest (SEBI RA INH000013776).
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to open demat account online?
Ans. To the process you need: PAN card number, Aadhaar card with OTP-linked mobile, a bank account with IFSC, a valid email, and a smartphone camera for video KYC. No physical documents are required for online demat account opening.
Is it free to open demat account online?
Ans. Most SEBI-registered brokers offer zero account opening charges when you the process. AMC may apply from year 2. Statutory trading charges (STT, exchange fees, GST) apply to all trades regardless of opening charges.
How long does it take to the process?
Ans. The application to the process takes 5 to 10 minutes. After video KYC, CDSL or NSDL activates the account within 24 to 48 working hours. You receive your DP ID and trading credentials via SMS and email.
Which depository is linked when I the process?
Ans. When you the process, your demat account links to either CDSL or NSDL depending on your broker. Both are SEBI-regulated national depositories. Your securities are held in the depository in your name.
Can I the process without a branch visit?
Ans. Yes. SEBI’s e-KYC framework allows you to the process completely digitally via Aadhaar OTP and video KYC. No branch visit or physical form submission is required on SEBI-registered platforms.
Can I add advisory research after I the process?
Ans. Yes. After you the process on Univest, you can subscribe to SEBI-registered advisory plans (RA INH000013776) starting from the Rs 1 trial. The advisory and demat operate from the same Univest app.