Share Market Time in India 

Posted by : sachet | Mon Mar 31 2025

Share Market Time in India 

Understanding of the share market time in India is critical for institutions and individuals dealing in trading or investment in the financial markets. The Indian stock exchanges, that is, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), function based on clearly specified trading hours governed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

This article presents a complete guide to the stock market open time, share market close time, and the designated timings for equity cash, equity futures, and equity options segments. This knowledge is vital to achieve efficient execution of trades, understand price actions, and invest wisely.’

Share Market Time Overview

Share market functions in India happen on weekdays (Monday to Friday), and business is not carried out on holidays or weekends. A trading day is segmented into the following important sessions:

  • Pre-opening Session
  • Regular Trading Session
  • Post-closing Session

These sessions largely relate to the equity cash and equity derivatives categories. Let’s discuss each of these sessions.

Pre-Opening Session: 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM IST

Pre-opening session is held to find the opening price of the securities for the normal trading session. This phase adds to market stability by minimizing volatility at market opening.

Detailed Breakdown

Sub-phaseTime (IST)Description
Order Entry Period9:00 AM – 9:08 AMTraders are permitted to enter, change, or cancel orders.
Order Matching & Confirmation9:08 AM – 9:12 AMOrders are matched, and opening price is found utilizing equilibrium price.
Buffer Period9:12 AM – 9:15 AMSystem checks and roll over to the normal market session.

Note: The pre-opening session holds for equities but not futures and options.

Also Read: Stock Market Investment: Know About Charges, Taxes, and Fees

Regular Trading Session (Share Market Open Time to Share Market Close Time)

It is the main window for the trading of equities, equity futures, and equity options.

Equity Segment (Cash Market)

SessionTiming (IST)Description
Share Market Open Time9:15 AMActual trading for all listed equity instruments commences.
Share Market Close Time3:30 PMTrading closes for the equity segment.

During this time, orders are constantly matched price-time priority with the anonymous order-driven system. This session is very liquid and allows trading in shares, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), REITs, InvITs, and Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs).

The share market open time is 9:15 AM IST, and the share market close time is 3:30 PM IST.

Equity Derivatives: Futures and Options

The equity derivatives market includes Index Futures, Stock Futures, Index Options, and Stock Options. The futures and options timings are aligned with the equity cash market to provide consistency.

Equity Futures Timings

SegmentShare Market Open TimeShare Market Close Time
Index Futures9:15 AM IST3:30 PM IST
Stock Futures9:15 AM IST3:30 PM IST

Equity Options Timings

SegmentShare Market Open TimeShare Market Close Time
Index Futures9:15 AM IST3:30 PM IST
Stock Futures9:15 AM IST3:30 PM IST

Both trading in equity futures and options close at 3:30 PM IST. After-market trading for these products is not available. The stock market open time and the stock market close time for both futures as well as options, are is 9:15 AM and 3:30 PM, respectively.

Post-Closing Session: 3:40 PM to 4:00 PM IST

Once the normal session closes at 3:30 PM, there is a short post-closing session in which investors can place an order at the closing security price

Major Phases

Sub-sessionShare Market Time (IST)Description
Closing Price Calculation3:30 PM – 3:40 PMVWAP-based closing prices are computed for securities.
Post-Closing Order Session3:40 PM – 4:00 PMTraders can place orders at the closing price; orders get executed if matched.

This session is accessible solely to participants of the equity cash market and is not extended to derivatives (options and futures).

Also Read: What Is Demat Account: Meaning, Types, and Benefits

Summary of Share Market Timings (All Segments)

Equity Segment (Cash Market)

SessionShare Market Time (IST)
Pre-Opening Session9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Regular Trading Session9:15 AM – 3:30 PM
Post-Closing Session3:40 PM – 4:00 PM

Equity Futures and Options

InstrumentShare Market Open TimeShare Market Close Time
Stock Futures9:15 AM IST3:30 PM IST
Index Futures9:15 AM IST3:30 PM IST
Stock Options9:15 AM IST3:30 PM IST
Index Options9:15 AM IST3:30 PM IST

Differences Between Share Market Time of Various Segments

The timing structure appears uniform across equity cash and derivatives, but their operational characteristics differs.

AspectEquity CashFuturesOptions
Pre-Open SessionYesNoNo
Intraday AllowedYesYesYes
Market-to-Market (MTM)DailyDailyPremium Only
Risk ProfileModerateHighVery High

Knowing the time-based behavior of each segment can help traders manage risk and strategy execution.

Significance of Share Market Time Understanding

  • Effective Trade Execution: Traders are able to execute orders immediately with knowledge of the precise share market open time and share market close time.
  • Avoid Liquidity Traps: Buying or selling during quiet periods (the post-close session) can mean bad fills.
  • Timely Placement of Orders: The pre-open session provides the early bird option to place orders and have preference at market opening.
  • Segment-Specific Planning: Futures and options traders must close positions prior to 3:30 PM because there are no extended hours after this share market time.

Use of Market Timings in Strategy Building

Algorithmic systems and professional traders employ time-based models like:

Opening Range Breakout (ORB): Applies data from 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM.

  • Mid-Day Reversals: Target price changes between 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM.
  • Closing Range Analysis: Considers action between 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM.

Proper knowledge of share market close time and stock market open time enables the traders to implement these strategies efficiently.

Conclusion

The Indian share market functions in a well-organized time schedule that regulates the equities, futures, and options trading. The share market time starts with the pre-opening period at 9:00 AM IST, followed by the normal session between 9:15 AM IST and 3:30 PM IST, and finally ends with a post-closing period up to 4:00 PM IST (for equities).

For investors and traders, knowing these timings is essential to maximizing performance, managing risks, and conforming with exchange rules. Trading in cash markets, futures, or options, efficient management of share market time is just as important as managing capital.

Read Our Articles on the Best Stocks

Best Gold Stocks India

Green Energy Penny Stocks

Best Cement Stocks To Invest in India

What is Earnings Per Share EPS? 

Top Multibagger Penny Stocks For 2025 |  Potential Picks

Fundamentally Strong Stocks on NSE in 2025

Debt-Free Penny Stocks in India 2025

Best Realty Stocks In India 2025

Debt Free Penny Stocks Below 1 Rupee

FAQs on Share Market Time

1. What is share market time in India?

Ans. Share market time in India is between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM IST, and it is spread across several sessions. The pre-opening session is at 9:00 AM, normal trading starts at 9:15 AM, and the market closes at 3:30 PM. There is a short post-closing session until 4:00 PM.

2. What is the share market open time?

Ans. The standard share market open time in India is 9:15 AM IST. This is when trading officially begins on both the NSE and BSE exchanges for equities, futures, and options.

3. What is the share market close time?

The close time of the share market in India is 3:30 PM IST for equities, futures, and options. Following this, there is a post-closing session only for the cash segment until 4:00 PM IST.

4. What is the share market open time for futures and options?

The share market open time for equity options and futures is 9:15 AM IST, and share market close time is 3:30 PM IST, which is same as the equity cash market.

5. Is there any trade before 9:15 AM in the share market?

Ans. Yes, pre-opening session is held from 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM IST, and during this time orders are placed, changed, or canceled but no trades are executed; it is done for price discovery.

6. Can I trade in equity options after 3:30 PM?

Ans. No, equity options can be traded only during normal market hours, i.e., between 9:15 AM and 3:30 PM IST. Orders are not permitted to be submitted or amended thereafter.

7. What is the objective of the post-closing session?

Ans. The post-closing session (from 3:40 PM to 4:00 PM IST) enables investors to submit buy/sell orders at the closing price. Such orders will be executed only if matching counter-orders are available at the same price level.

9. Does the share market time change during special events or volatility?

Ans. Usually, share market timings are constant. But in extreme situations like exceptional trading sessions, budget days, or technical disturbances, the exchange can change timings temporarily, pre-notifying the market participants. 

icon

100% Safe & Secure Platform.

Univest encrypts all data and transactions to ensure a completely secure experience for our members.

Copyright

2025 Univest. All rights reserved. | Designed with ❤️ in India
About Univest
About: Univest is a cutting-edge stock market platform designed to help traders and investors maximize their returns with expert-driven advisory services and seamless trading execution. Whether you're a seasoned trader or just starting, Univest simplifies your investment journey with actionable trade recommendations, AI-powered portfolio insights, and a fully integrated brokerage experience. With Univest, you gain access to proven stock market advisory, offering expert trade ideas for stocks, futures, options, and commodities. Our one-click trade execution feature eliminates slippage, ensuring instant execution through our advisory-first brokerage. Smart portfolio management allows you to identify underperforming stocks, optimize your investments, and receive real-time alerts. Additionally, Univest provides seamless investment opportunities beyond stocks, including mutual funds, bonds, fixed deposits, and insurance (coming soon). Join over 40 lakh active investors who trust Univest to make informed and profitable trading decisions. Start investing smarter today! 🚀  
Attention Investors : To ensure a smooth trading experience and prevent unauthorized transactions, investors must update their mobile number and email ID with their stockbroker or depository participant. As per regulatory requirements, investors are required to pay a stipulated amount as an upfront margin for trading in the Cash/FO segment. We encourage all investors to regularly check their securities in the Consolidated Account Statement (CAS) issued by depository to verify their holdings.Always verify alerts and transaction details received directly from the exchange or NSDL before proceeding with any trades. Please do not make payments through unverified email links, WhatsApp, or SMS. Always trade through a registered stockbroker and verify all details before making financial decisions.
 
Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Please read all related documents carefully before investing. Brokerage will not exceed the SEBI prescribed limit. For more disclaimer /disclosure, visit https://univest.in/stock-broker or Univest App.We collect and use your contact information for legitimate business purposes, including providing updates on our products and services. We do not sell or rent your contact information to third parties. By submitting your details, you authorize us to contact you via Call/SMS, even if you are registered under DND. This authorization remains valid for 12 months.For grievances, please contact us at hello@unibrokers.in .
 
Univest Stock Broking Disclosures
Univest Stock Broking Private Limited - SEBI Reg. No. INZ000317437 (Stock Broker), NSE TM Code: 90392, BSE TM Code: 6866, MCX TM Code: 57290 and ICCL- Self Clearing Member Code: 6866, SEBI Reg. No. IN-DP-779-2024 (Participant), NSDL DP ID: IN304748.
 Risk Disclosures on Derivatives
1. 9 out of 10 individual traders in equity Futures and Options Segment, incurred net losses.
2. On an average, loss makers registered net trading loss close to ₹ 50,000
3. Over and above the net trading losses incurred, loss makers expended an additional 28% of net trading losses as transaction costs.
4. Those making net trading profits, incurred between 15% to 50% of such profits as transaction cost.
Attention Investors: As per NSE circular dated July 6, 2022: https://nsearchives.nseindia.com/content/circulars/INSP52900.pdf, BSE circular dated July 6, 2022: https://www.bseindia.com/markets/MarketInfo/DispNewNoticesCirculars.aspx?page=20220706-55, MCX circular dated July 11, 2022: https://www.mcxindia.com/docs/default-source/circulars/english/2022/july/circular-418-2022.pdf?sfvrsn=9401991_0, investors are cautioned to abstain them from dealing in any schemes of unauthorised collective investments/portfolio management, indicative/ guaranteed/fixed returns / payments etc. 
Investors are further cautioned to avoid practices like:
a. Sharing 
i) trading credentials – login id and passwords including OTPs.
ii) trading strategies,
iii) position details.
b. Trading in leveraged products /derivatives like Options without proper understanding, which could lead to losses.
c. Writing/ selling options or trading in option strategies based on tips, without basic knowledge and understanding of the product and its risks.
d. Dealing in unsolicited tips through platforms like Whatsapp, Telegram, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, SMS, calls, etc.
e. Trading / Trading in “Options” based on recommendations from unauthorised / unregistered investment advisors and influencers.
 Kindly read the Advisory Guidelines For Investors as prescribed by the Exchange with reference to their circular dated 27th August, 2021 regarding investor awareness and safeguarding client’s assets: https://nsearchives.nseindia.com/content/circulars/INSP49434.pdf
Kindly, read the advisory as prescribed by the Exchange with reference to their circular: NSE/ISC/51035 dated January 14, 2022 regarding Updation of mandatory KYC fields by March 31, 2022: https://www.nseindia.com/resources/exchange-communication-circulars# 
Attention Investors: Prevent unauthorised transactions in your Demat account by updating your mobile number with your depository participant. Receive alerts on your registered mobile number for debit and other important transactions in your Demat account directly from NSDL on the same day. Prevent unauthorised transactions in your Trading account by updating your mobile numbers/email addresses with your stock brokers. Receive information on your transactions directly from the Exchange on your mobile/email at the end of the day. Issued in the interest of investors. KYC is a one-time exercise while dealing in securities markets - once KYC is done through a SEBI-registered intermediary (Broker, DP), you need not undergo the same process again when you approach another intermediary. As a business, we don’t give stock tips and have not authorised anyone to trade on behalf of others. If you find anyone claiming to be part of Univest Stock Broking Private Limited and offering such services, please send us an email at hello@unibrokers.in
No need to issue cheques by investors while subscribing to IPO. Just write the bank account number and sign in the application form to authorise your bank to make payment in case of allotment. No worries for refund as the money remains in investor’s account.
Update your email ID and mobile number with your stockbroker/depository participant and receive an OTP directly from the depository on your registered email ID and/or mobile number. Check your securities/mutual funds/bonds in the Consolidated Account Statement (CAS) issued by NSDL every month.
Attention Investors: SEBI has established an Online Dispute Resolution Portal (ODR Portal) for resolving disputes in the Indian Securities Market. This circular streamlines the existing dispute resolution mechanism, offering online conciliation and arbitration, benefiting investors and listed companies https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/jul-2023/online-resolution-of-disputes-in-the- indian-securities-market_74794.html. ODR portal for Investors - https://smartodr.in/login.
Procedure to file a complaint on SEBI SCORES: Register on SCORES portal. Mandatory details for filing complaints on SCORES: Name, PAN, Address, Mobile Number, E-mail ID. Benefits: Effective Communication, Speedy redressal of the grievances.