If you want to buy and sell shares in the stock market, you cannot do it with physical paper certificates anymore. Everything happens digitally. To make this possible, you need a Demat Account.
Demat stands for Dematerialized. Just like a bank account holds your cash in digital form, a Demat Account holds your financial securities such as stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, bonds, and government securities in electronic form.
Which Broker Should You Choose? (Top Platforms Compared)
Choosing the right broker can save you thousands of rupees in fees and improve your overall investing experience. Here is a quick breakdown of India's most trusted stock brokers in 2026:
| Comparison Factor | 🟢 Groww | 🔵 Upstox | 🟠 Angel One | 🔴 Zerodha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Beginners & MF Investors | Pro Traders & Investors | Semi-Pro Traders & Investors | Hardcore Traders & Investors |
| Account Opening Fee | FREE | FREE | FREE | ₹200 (Online) |
| Annual Maintenance (AMC) | FREE (Lifetime) | ₹150 – ₹300/year | 1st Year FREE (Then ₹240 + GST/year) | ₹300 + GST/year |
| Equity Delivery Brokerage | 0.1% or Max ₹20 | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Intraday Brokerage | 0.03% or Max ₹20 | 0.05% or Max ₹20 | 0.03% or Max ₹20 | 0.03% or Max ₹20 |
| F&O (Futures & Options) | Flat ₹20 per trade | Flat ₹20 per trade | Flat ₹20 per trade | Flat ₹20 per trade |
| DP Charges (When Selling) | ₹13.5 + GST per day/scrip | ₹18.5 + GST per day/scrip | ₹20 + GST per day/scrip | ₹13.5 + GST per day/scrip |
| Trading Tips / Advisory | No | No | Yes (Free Tips) | No |
| Mutual Funds Setup | Free Direct MF | Free Direct MF | Free Direct MF | Free (Coin App) |
Documents Required (Keep These Ready)
Before starting, keep these digital copies ready on your phone or laptop to complete the process in under 10 minutes:
- PAN Card (Mandatory)
- Aadhaar Card (Must be linked to an active mobile number for OTP verification)
- Bank Account Details (Account Number and IFSC Code)
- Bank Proof (Cancelled cheque, passbook photo, or latest 6-month bank statement)
- Signature (A photo of your signature on a clean white sheet of paper)
- Income Proof (Optional): Required only if you plan to trade in Futures & Options (F&O).
Step-by-Step Online Process
Follow these simple steps to get your account ready for investing:
Step 1: Choose a Broker & Click the Sign-Up Link
- Pick a trusted broker such as Groww, Upstox, Angel One, or Zerodha.
Step 2: Mobile & Email Verification
- Enter your mobile number and email address.
- You will receive separate OTPs on both. Enter them to verify your identity.
Step 3: Enter PAN & Personal Details
- Enter your PAN Card Number and Date of Birth (DOB).
- The system will automatically fetch your name from the income tax database.
- Fill in basic details such as occupation, father's name, and marital status.
Step 4: Link Your Bank Account
- Enter your Bank Account Number and IFSC Code.
- The broker may deposit ₹1 into your account to verify ownership and account status.
Step 5: Complete In-Person Verification (IPV)
- Allow the app to access your smartphone or laptop camera.
- Take a clear selfie or record a short video to confirm your identity.
Step 6: Upload Documents & Digital Signature
- Upload clear photos of your PAN card, bank proof, and signature.
Step 7: Complete Aadhaar E-Sign (NSDL/CDSL)
- You will be redirected to the official NSDL or CDSL e-sign page.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Number.
- An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Enter the OTP to digitally sign your application.
What Happens After Submitting?
Once the e-sign process is completed successfully, the broker will verify your documents and application details.
- Activation Time: Most Demat accounts are activated within 12 to 24 hours.
- Account Credentials: Your Demat Account Number (BO ID) and login credentials will be sent to your registered email address.
Once your account is activated, you can add funds through UPI, net banking, or a debit card and start investing in stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and other securities.