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A stock exchange is a facility where stocks are traded. The stock exchanges do not own the stocks. In order to trade in a stock exchange, the enterprises must be listed in that particular stock exchange. The smaller, riskier and less liquid companies that are not listed on the stock exchanges are traded over the counter (OTC). There are 05 stock exchanges in India as of 2025.
The Indian Capital Markets are regulated and monitored by the Ministry of Finance, The Securities and Exchange Board of India(SEBI) and The Reserve Bank of India(RBI). The SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) is the regulatory authority established under the SEBI Act 1992. SEBI is the principal regulator for Stock Exchanges in India. SEBI’s functions include protecting investor interests, promoting and regulating the Indian securities markets. Stock Exchanges in India as an entity regulated by SEBI undergoes regular inspections by them to ensure compliance.
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Here is the List of Biggest Stock Exchanges in India
There are 9 stock exchanges in India that are functioning at present. They are under the scrutiny of SEBI. Let’s take a look at the table below.
A Complete List of Active Stock Exchanges in India
Name | Location |
Bombay Stock Exchange | Mumbai |
Calcutta Stock Exchange | Kolkata |
India International Exchange (India INX) | Gandhinagar |
Indian Commodity Exchange | Navi Mumbai |
Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India | Mumbai |
Multi Commodity Exchange of India | Mumbai |
National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange | Mumbai |
National Stock Exchange of India | Mumbai |
NSE IFSC | Gandhinagar |
Also Read: ITC Share: Understanding Its Financial Strengths and Fundamentals
Top 5 Major Stock Exchanges In India in 2025 And Beyond
1: What is a stock?
1. National Stock Exchange (NSE)
Attribute |
Details |
---|---|
Market Cap |
₹438.9 lakh crore (~$4.5 trillion) |
Established |
1992, Mumbai |
Major Index |
NIFTY 50 (tracks 50 top companies) |
Listed Companies |
2,671 (including 587 SMEs on NSE EMERGE) |
Daily Turnover |
₹1.5 lakh crore (estimated) |
CEO |
Ashishkumar Chauhan (as of 2025) |
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is the largest stock exchange in India. In terms of market capitalisation, it is also the eleventh-largest stock exchange in the world. You can trade in seven capital market categories at the NSE. They are equities, futures and options (F&O), mutual funds, debt market (both wholesale and retail), currency futures, and lending/borrowing of stocks.
Founded in November 1992, it is headquartered in Mumbai. However, the trading operation started in 1994 after SEBI recognised it as a stock exchange. It is also the first Indian stock exchange to provide its traders with fully computerised electronic trading facilities.
2. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
Attribute |
Details |
---|---|
Market Cap |
₹420 lakh crore (~$4.6 trillion) |
Established |
1875, Mumbai |
Major Index |
S&P BSE SENSEX (tracks 30 major firms) |
Listed Companies |
~5,500, per Forbes India |
Daily Turnover |
₹10,000 crore (estimated) |
CEO |
Sundararaman Ramamurthy (as of 2025) |
Founded in July 1875, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) is the first stock exchange in Asia, headquartered in Mumbai. However, the Government of India officially recognised it under the Securities Contracts Regulation Act as a stock exchange in August 1957. In 2012, it also joined the initiative of the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchange.
Currently, it is the fastest exchange in the world, as the median speed of trade of this exchange is 6 microseconds. The total number of stocks listed on the BSE is around 5,000. The most important index of this stock exchange is the Sensex. Other major indices are Bankex, BSE 100, BSE 200, Reality Index, and many more.
3. Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)
Attribute |
Details |
---|---|
Market Cap |
Not listed (commodity-focused) |
Established |
2003, Mumbai |
Major Index |
MCXCOMDEX (tracks commodities) |
Listed Companies |
None (commodity derivatives only) |
Daily Turnover |
₹1 lakh crore (estimated) |
Chairman |
Praveen DG |
MCX leads India’s commodity trading, offering futures and options in gold, silver, crude oil, and agri-products like cotton. As India’s largest commodity exchange, it serves 600 trading members, per isfm.co.in. In 2025, MCX supports hedging for businesses, with high trading volumes, per groww.in. Its listing on BSE and NSE enhances visibility. MCX is vital for engineers in energy sectors, and the Entri Stock market Course trains professionals for related roles like data analysts in commodity markets.
4.India International Exchange (India INX)
Attribute |
Details |
---|---|
Market Cap |
Not listed (niche international focus) |
Established |
January 2017, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, inaugurated by Narendra Modi |
Major Index |
India INX 50 (tracks top 50 stocks) |
Listed Companies |
Limited (focus on derivatives and bonds) |
Daily Turnover |
~$45 million (estimated, 2017 data) |
Leadership |
Arup Mukherjee (MD & CEO, India ICC) |
Trading Products |
Equity, currency, commodity derivatives, Masala/Euro/green bonds |
At GIFT IFSC, it is the first international exchange. Founded in January 2017, the India International Exchange (India INX) was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is regulated by the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), which works under the Indian Finance Ministry. The India INX exchange is located in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar.
Here, you can trade products of the financial market in this exchange for 22 hours. Most investors/traders trade currency/commodity derivatives, stock/index derivatives, and debt securities. You can also raise cash quickly and in a transparent way through the Global Securities Market platform, which was launched by the Indian INX exchange.
5. Metropolitan Stock Exchange (MSE)
Attribute |
Details |
---|---|
Market Cap |
Not listed (niche focus), per isfm.co.in |
Established |
2008, Mumbai |
Major Index |
SX40 (tracks 40 firms) |
Listed Companies |
Limited (focus on SMEs) |
Daily Turnover |
₹100 crore (estimated) |
Ownership |
Government-backed |
Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India Ltd. (MSE), the SEBI-recognized stock exchange, offers a highly advanced and transparent electronic trading platform. Here, you can trade in various markets, including capital markets, debt markets, F&O, and currency derivatives. MSE launched its flagship SX40 index on 9 February 2013. The actual trading of SX40 started on 11 February 2013.(source: SEBI)
Also Read: Share Market Today: Key Moves, Market Mood, Top Stocks
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Know moreFacts about Indian Stock Exchanges
- Facts about Indian Stock Exchanges
- Bombay Stock Exchange Limited(BSE) – Established in 1875, the BSE is Asia’s first stock exchange.
- The BSE is the world’s 10th largest stock exchange.
- The Bombay stock exchange was founded by Premchand Roychand.
- BSE established India International Exchange (India INX) in December 2016.
- India INX is the first international exchange of India.
- The National Stock Exchange India Limited(NSE) was founded in 1992 and started trading in 1994.
- The BSE had more than 5,000 listed firms, whereas the rival NSE had about 1,600.
- NSE is the first demutualized electronic exchange in the country.
- The NIFTY 50 is the NSE’s index. Nifty is owned and managed by India Index Services and Products (IISL).
- Sensex(BSE 30), is the market index consisting of companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
- The base year of Sensex is 1978-79 and the base value is 100.
- The base year of NIFTY is 1995 and the base value is set to 1000.
- NSE IFSC is a fully-owned subsidiary company of National Stock Exchange of India.
- If the Sensex or Nifty goes up, it means most of the stocks in India went up during that given period.
- The fall in the Sensex /NIFTY was analogous to the recession. Fall in Sensex means people were selling their shares and leading to an economic crisis in the country.
- The normal trading time for the equity market is between 9:15 am to 03:30 pm, and for commodity (MCX)market is between 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM, Monday to Friday.
- For trading in Indian stocks, one needs to have both Demat and trading account.
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Conclusion
India’s stock exchanges—NSE, BSE, MCX, NCDEX, and MSE—are pillars of a $5 trillion market in 2025. NSE leads with $4 trillion and global derivatives dominance, while BSE’s legacy shines with 5,500 listings. MCX and NCDEX drive commodity trading, and MSE serves niche needs. The Entri Stock Market Course empowers you with financial skills for roles in this thriving ecosystem. Join a free demo to kickstart your finance career and ride India’s wealth wave!
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Know moreFrequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest stock exchanges in India
The biggest stock exchanges in India 2025 include NSE ($5.13 trillion market cap), BSE ($5.1 trillion), MCX, NCDEX, and MSE, per WFE. NSE leads in derivatives, while BSE lists 5,500 companies, per Forbes India. India INX and NSE IFSC at GIFT City offer international trading. These exchanges drive India’s $10 trillion market.
Why is NSE the largest stock exchange in India?
NSE is India’s largest exchange in 2025, with a $5.13 trillion market cap and 2,671 listed companies. Its NEAT system ensures fast, transparent trading, and NIFTY 50 tracks top firms. NSE leads globally in derivatives volumes, per FIA, with 11 crore investors. It supports retail growth, making it a financial powerhouse.
What makes BSE significant in 2025?
BSE, founded in 1875, is Asia’s oldest exchange and sixth globally, with a $5.1 trillion market cap, per Forbes India. Listing ~5,500 firms, its SENSEX tracks 30 giants like HDFC Bank, per testbook.com. BSE’s BOLT system and SME platform boost accessibility, per isfm.co.in. In 2025, BSE drives foreign investment, with a 3.74% SENSEX rise, solidifying its legacy.
How can I start trading on Indian stock exchanges?
To trade on NSE, BSE, or MCX, open a Demat and trading account via brokers like Zerodha, as direct trading isn’t allowed. In 2025, mobile apps like Groww hold 26% market share.
What are the trading hours for Indian stock exchanges?
NSE and BSE equity markets operate from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday, per jainam.in. MCX commodity trading runs from 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM. India INX offers 22-hour trading, per indiainx.com, catering to global investors. These hours ensure market accessibility, per groww.in, for 11 crore traders.
Why are stock exchanges important for India’s economy?
Stock exchanges like NSE and BSE drive India’s $10 trillion market, enabling capital formation and liquidity, per SEBI. They support 11 crore investors and 5,500 listed firms, per Forbes India. In 2025, NSE’s derivatives and BSE’s SENSEX fuel economic growth.
What is the difference between NIFTY 50 and SENSEX?
NIFTY 50, NSE’s index, tracks 50 top companies with a 1995 base year and 1000 base value. SENSEX, BSE’s index, monitors 30 firms with a 1978–79 base year and 100 base value. Both reflect market trends, but NIFTY covers broader sectors. In 2025, NIFTY drives 73% of passive AUM.
How do MCX and NCDEX contribute to India’s markets?
MCX, India’s largest commodity exchange, trades gold, silver, and oil, with ₹1 lakh crore turnover. NCDEX focuses on agri-commodities like soybean, with ₹5,000 crore turnover.