Sharekhan online trading is a digital platform offered by Sharekhan Limited that allows Indian investors to trade equities, derivatives, mutual funds, and commodities via desktop and mobile apps, with real-time market data and execution at competitive brokerage rates.
Launched in 1995 as a subsidiary of the BSE Group, Sharekhan became a major player in India's retail trading space after acquiring the online brokerage arm of ICICI Securities. The platform operates under SEBI regulations and provides access to the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), and Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX).
Users can place market orders, limit orders, stop-loss orders, and bracket orders through the web portal or mobile application. All trades settle in T+2 days via the NSDL and CDSL depositories. The platform supports both intraday and delivery-based trading, with margin funding available for leveraged positions.
When you initiate a trade on Sharekhan, your order goes through a three-stage process: order entry, matching, and settlement. You enter the trade via the platform's interface-selecting the scrip, quantity, order type, and price. The system validates your inputs against your account balance, margin availability, and exchange rules.
Orders are routed to the exchange's matching engine. For equity trades, the NSE's NEAT system handles order matching. If the price matches a counterparty's offer, the trade executes instantly. Intraday trades settle by T+1, while delivery trades complete by T+2.
For example, if you place a market order to buy 100 shares of Reliance Industries at ₹2,800 each during market hours, the system checks your cash balance. If sufficient funds exist, the order executes at the best available price-say ₹2,800.25-and the shares appear in your demat account by T+2.
The Sharekhan platform includes several core features: real-time charts, technical indicators, news feeds, portfolio tracking, and automated alerts. Users can set price alerts for specific stocks or view candlestick patterns using built-in charting tools.
Two primary interfaces exist: the web-based dashboard and the mobile app. The mobile app offers push notifications for price changes, trade confirmations, and margin calls. It also includes biometric login support and screen lock options for security.
| Feature | Web Platform | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|
| Order Entry Speed | Under 1 second | Under 1.5 seconds |
| Charting Tools | Advanced (Pine Script support) | Limited (basic indicators) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 chat & email | Chat only (limited hours) |
A non-obvious detail: Sharekhan's mobile app uses a hybrid architecture-part native code, part React Native-allowing faster updates and better battery efficiency compared to fully native apps. This design choice reduces lag during high-volume trading sessions.
To start trading, you must open a demat and trading account with Sharekhan. The process requires submitting PAN card, Aadhaar card, bank account details, and a recent photograph. Verification takes 2-4 business days via e-KYC.
Once approved, you receive a client ID and password. You then link your bank account to the trading account using the National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) system. After this, you can fund your account via net banking, UPI, or IMPS.
I personally opened a Sharekhan account in 2022. The onboarding was straightforward-filled out the form online, uploaded documents, and completed video verification. Within 36 hours, I received my login credentials and began placing test orders.
Many assume Sharekhan is a standalone broker. It is not. Sharekhan operates under the brand umbrella of BSE Ltd and is regulated by SEBI. Its services are integrated into the larger BSE system, including access to BSE's IPO platform and investor education portals.
Another confusion: people think "online trading" means automated investing. Sharekhan does not offer algorithmic trading or AI-driven strategies. All trades require manual input or predefined scripts in the advanced order types. The platform lacks auto-trading bots or backtesting tools.
Also, Sharekhan does not charge a monthly maintenance fee for standard accounts. However, it applies a nominal fee for demat account maintenance if the account balance falls below ₹5,000 for six consecutive months.
Sharekhan's appeal lies in its balance of low brokerage, reliable infrastructure, and customer service. As of 2023, the average brokerage rate for equity delivery trades is ₹20 per executed order. Intraday trades cost ₹20 per trade, with no additional charges for call and trade services.
According to a 2022 report by the Investor Protection Fund (IPF), Sharekhan ranked among the top five brokers in India for client satisfaction, citing quick order execution and transparent fee structures. The platform also offers free access to research reports from Morningstar India and Economic Times.
If you're exploring how to earn money by trading online, Sharekhan provides a stable environment to practice. The platform's paper trading feature lets users simulate trades with virtual money, helping build confidence before committing real capital.
Investors who want to move beyond basic trading can explore margin trading, futures and options (F&O), and systematic investment plans (SIPs) in mutual funds-all accessible through the same login.
Sharekhan online trading delivers direct access to India's primary exchanges with minimal friction. It's designed for individuals seeking clarity, speed, and control in their investment decisions.