Demat Account Nomination Rules 2026: Up to 3 Nominees, Opt-Out and How to Update
- August 17, 2026
- Posted by: Kunal Singla
- Category: Market
SEBI updated demat account nomination rules 2026 in a May 2026 circular. Key changes: up to 3 nominees allowed, mandatory opt-out declaration if no nominee, online nomination facility via DP portals. SEBI RA INH000013776.
Quick Answer
Under the demat account nomination rules 2026 issued by SEBI in May 2026, account holders can now add up to three nominees with specific percentage allocations. If you choose not to nominate anyone, the updated demat account nomination rules 2026 require you to submit an explicit opt-out declaration. For joint accounts, the surviving holder is the first beneficiary and nomination applies to the residual portion. You can update your nomination online through your depository participant’s portal.
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What Changed Under the Demat Account Nomination Rules 2026
The demat account nomination rules 2026 represent a significant update to India’s investor protection framework. SEBI’s May 2026 circular expanded the earlier rules in three key ways: the number of nominees per demat account increased to three (from the earlier single-nominee framework), each nominee must be allocated a specific percentage of the holding, and investors who do not wish to nominate anyone must submit a formal opt-out declaration.
Before the demat account nomination rules 2026, many investors left their nomination blank without realising that this created complications for their families in case of their death. The new the updated nomination rules close this gap by requiring an explicit action either way, ensuring no account is left in an undefined state.
How Many Nominees Are Allowed Under the Demat Account Nomination Rules 2026?
The demat account nomination rules 2026 allow up to three nominees per account. Each nominee must be assigned a specific percentage of the holdings, and the total across all nominees must equal 100%. If only one nominee is named, they receive 100%.
Nominee details required under the demat account nomination rules 2026 include the full name, address, relationship to the account holder, date of birth (if the nominee is a minor) and the percentage allocation. When a nominee is a minor, a guardian must also be named.
| Detail required | Single nominee | Multiple nominees (up to 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of nominees | 1 | Up to 3 |
| Percentage allocation | 100% | Allocated individually, must total 100% |
| Minor nominee allowed? | Yes (guardian required) | Yes (guardian required for each minor nominee) |
| Opt-out declaration required? | No | No |
| No nomination opt-out | Yes, explicit declaration required | N/A — at least one nominee named |
Opt-Out Declaration Under the the updated nomination rules
One of the most significant additions to the demat account nomination rules 2026 is the mandatory opt-out process. Investors who choose not to nominate anyone must submit a signed declaration confirming that they are opting out of nomination. This declaration can be submitted online through the DP portal or offline via a physical form.
Without submitting the opt-out declaration, a demat account with no nominee may face access restrictions. The the updated nomination rules make this step mandatory to prevent ambiguity, particularly for investors who originally opened accounts before the new framework came into effect.
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How to Update Nomination Under the the updated nomination rules
To update or add a nominee under the the updated nomination rules, log in to your depository participant’s online portal (for example, CDSL Easi or your broker’s app). Navigate to the nomination section and submit the required details for each nominee. An OTP-based authentication is typically required.
If you are updating an existing nomination, the new nominee replaces the previous one from the date the update is processed. For offline updates, submit the completed nomination form (Form SH-13 or the DP’s prescribed form) to your DP’s branch along with self-attested KYC documents.
the updated nomination rules for Joint Accounts
The the updated nomination rules treat joint accounts differently. In a joint demat account, when one account holder passes away, the surviving holder automatically takes over the account. Nomination applies to the residual balance after the last surviving holder’s death.
Under the the updated nomination rules, joint account holders can still add up to three nominees. The nominee’s claim arises only after all joint holders have died. Joint account holders who have not yet updated their nomination under the new rules should do so through their DP portal to ensure compliance.
How Univest Handles Nomination Under the Updated Rules
Univest is a SEBI-registered platform (SEBI RA Reg. No. INH000013776) linked to CDSL. For nomination updates and opt-out declarations under the the updated nomination rules, Univest account holders should contact Univest support or log in to their CDSL Easi account to access the nomination facility.
For the most current process to update nomination at Univest, refer to the official help and support section at univest.in. The the updated nomination rules apply uniformly to all CDSL-linked accounts, and your DP or broker is the correct point of contact for any nomination update.
Conclusion
The the updated nomination rules mark a significant step toward better investor protection in India. Allowing up to three nominees with percentage allocation, requiring an explicit opt-out declaration and enabling online nomination updates together ensure that demat account holders can clearly specify how their securities should be handled after their death. Review your current nomination status immediately if you have not updated it under the the updated nomination rules.
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Disclaimer: Data and figures in this article are sourced from publicly available information including SEBI circulars and depository guidelines. These may not reflect the most current operational procedures of your specific depository participant. Please verify all process details with your DP or broker before initiating any account action. This content is for educational purposes only and is not investment advice by Univest (SEBI RA INH000013776).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the demat account nomination rules 2026 in India?
Ans. Understanding the demat account nomination rules 2026 is essential here. The the updated nomination rules, issued by SEBI in May 2026, allow up to three nominees per account with percentage allocation. If no nomination is made, account holders must submit an opt-out declaration. Online nomination is available through the DP portal. These the updated nomination rules apply to all SEBI-regulated demat accounts.
How many nominees can I add under the demat account nomination rules 2026?
Ans. Understanding the demat account nomination rules 2026 is essential here. Under the the updated nomination rules, you can add up to three nominees. Each nominee must be assigned a specific percentage of the holdings, and the total must equal 100%. If a nominee is a minor, a guardian must also be named under the the updated nomination rules.
What is the opt-out declaration in the demat account nomination rules 2026?
Ans. The opt-out declaration under the the updated nomination rules is a signed statement confirming that the account holder does not wish to nominate anyone. Without this declaration, an account without a nominee may face access issues. The opt-out can be submitted online or offline through your DP.
Do the updated nomination rules apply to joint accounts?
Ans. Yes. For joint accounts, the the updated nomination rules specify that nomination applies after the last surviving joint holder dies. The surviving holder takes over the account first. Joint account holders should still add nominees for the residual balance through their DP portal.
How do I update my nominee under the the updated nomination rules?
Ans. To update your nominee under the the updated nomination rules, log in to your DP’s online portal (such as CDSL Easi or your broker’s app), navigate to the nomination section and complete the OTP-authenticated update. For offline updates, submit the nomination form to your DP branch with self-attested KYC documents.
Where can I find the official the updated nomination rules?
Ans. The official the updated nomination rules are in the SEBI circular issued in May 2026 titled ‘Ease of Doing Investments: Modified Norms for Nomination in Demat Accounts and Mutual Fund Folios.’ This circular is available on sebi.gov.in. CDSL’s FAQs at cdslindia.com also reflect the updated the updated nomination rules.
