Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Sebi Introduces New Market Timings, Extends F&O Trading
Sebi, the regulator that watches India’s stock markets, has changed the times when stocks can be traded.
Now, the last part of the day has a special 20‑minute auction to set the closing price.
Futures and options trading will stay open a little longer, until 3:40 pm.
The opening part of the day also got a new schedule.
These changes are meant to make prices fairer and help investors who buy many shares at once.
The new rules also help the market work more like other big markets around the world.
Continuous trading in F&O‑eligible stocks ends at 3:15 pm, followed by a 20‑minute closing auction.
The closing auction runs from 3:20 to 3:35 pm, using a ±3% band around a VWAP reference price.
F&O trading hours are extended by 10 minutes, now closing at 3:40 pm instead of 3:30 pm.
Pre‑open order entry is now 9:00–9:07 am, with matching 9:07–9:15 am.
The changes aim to improve price discovery, reduce tracking errors, and align India’s market infrastructure with global standards.
- Who
- Securities and Exchange Board of India
- What
- Revised market timings and extended F&O trading hours
- When
- Effective from August 3, 2024
- Where
- Indian equity markets (NSE/BSE)
- Why
- To improve price discovery, trade execution, reduce tracking errors, and align with global standards
- Regulator
- Securities and Exchange Board of India
- Effective Date
- August 3, 2024
- F&O Trading End Time
- 3:40 pm
- Closing Auction Start
- 3:20 pm
- Pre‑Open Order Entry
- 9:00 am – 9:07 am