List of Stock Exchanges in India

With its robust regulatory framework and growing investor confidence, India’s capital market offers exciting prospects for domestic and international investors. These exchanges are essential platforms for trading securities, and their presence contributes to the overall liquidity and efficiency of the market.

In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of some of India’s recognised stock exchanges and the role and significance an exchange holds in the economy.

What is a Stock Exchange?

A stock exchange is a marketplace where individuals and institutions engage in the buying and selling of securities, such as stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, ETFs etc. It serves as a hub of opportunity, facilitating the transactions that drive the global economy and empowering investors to make better decisions. Stock exchanges operate on the principles of supply and demand, with price fluctuations depending on the market conditions. Stock exchanges are subject to strict regulations aimed at safeguarding investors and ensuring the integrity of the market.

List of Top 7 Stock Exchanges in India

An overview of stock exchanges in India is given below:

1. BSE Ltd.

BSE is a stock exchange located in Mumbai, India. It is the oldest stock exchange in Asia and the tenth oldest in the world, established in 1875. It is one of India’s leading exchange groups and is known as the ‘Dalal Street’, often regarded as the Wall Street of India. The story starts under a banyan tree near Mumbai Town Hall, where a handful of stockbrokers would gather to trade cotton in the 1850s. Premchand Roychand, a cotton merchant, is credited with formalising these informal gatherings by establishing the ‘Native Share and Stock Brokers Association in 1875. This is the official founding year of the BSE. The trading venue relocated multiple times within Mumbai before eventually establishing its permanent residence on Dalal Street, owing to the proliferation of brokers. The Indian government officially recognised it as the country’s first stock exchange in 1957, granting it official trading rights. Since then, BSE has continuously evolved to keep pace with the times.

2. National Stock Exchange of India Ltd.

The NSE is one of the two leading stock exchanges in India. It was established in 1992 and is located in Mumbai. It is known for its electronic trading platform and is considered the largest stock exchange in India in terms of daily trading volume. It lists a wide range of financial instruments, including equities, derivatives, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and more. Also, NSE was the first exchange in India to implement electronic or screen-based trading, starting its operations in 1994. NSE has ensured the reliability and performance of its systems through a culture of innovation and substantial investment in technology. NSE has led the way in technological advancements in the Indian capital market by introducing innovative trading systems and products.

3. Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India Ltd.

The Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSEI) was founded in 2008. It is based in Mumbai and aims to provide a platform for trading a variety of securities, including equities, derivatives and debt instruments. The MSEI is approved by the SEBI under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, also designated the MSE as a ‘recognised stock exchange’ in 2012. The Metropolitan Stock Exchange has two subsidiaries.

• Metropolitan Clearing Corporation of India Limited (MCCIL) – MSEI owns 86.94% of MCCIL, which deals in various asset classes on the MSEI. MCCIL also has an agreement with ICEX to provide clearing and settlement services for trades in ICEX’s commodities and derivatives segments.
• MCX SX KYC Registration Agency Limited (MRAL) – Maintains a comprehensive database for exchange participants and other relevant individuals following the guidelines outlined by the KYC regulations.  

4. Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd.

With headquarters in Bombay, MCX offers trading in various commodities such as metals, energy, agriculture, and bullion. Its robust trading platform and extensive network make it a preferred choice for investors and traders alike. Established in 2003, it has become a prominent platform for trading various commodities. Some commodities traded on MCX include gold, silver, crude oil, natural gas, etc. With its advanced trading technology and robust risk management systems. Over the years, the MCX has achieved significant growth, drawing in a large number of participants, including traders, brokers, and institutional investors.

5. National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Ltd

NCDEX was established in 2003 and is regulated by the SEBI. It offers futures trading in agricultural commodities, metals and energy products. The main objective of NCDEX is to function as a highly efficient platform for price discovery and risk management. This commitment has been consistently proven over the last two decades. NCDEX prices are widely recognised as benchmarks in both domestic and international commodities markets. NCDEX and its subsidiaries offer a complete market infrastructure that includes Clearing & Settlement services, Repository services and an e-auction Platform. The exchange is dedicated to uplifting and developing farmers and the agricultural sector.

6. Indian Commodity Exchange Limited

ICEX is a new commodity exchange in India that was established in 2017. Its goal is to offer a competitive and transparent platform for trading a wide range of commodities. It is regulated by the SEBI. Prominent shareholders of the company include MMTC Ltd. Central Warehousing Corporation, Indian Potash Limited, KRIBHCO, Punjab National Bank, IDFC Bank Ltd., Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation, Reliance Exchangenext Limited, Bajaj Holdings & Investment Limited, Gujarat State Agricultural Marketing Board, NAFED, and Indiabulls Housing Finance Limited. The exchange mission is to become the most preferred platform for price discovery and hedging.

7. Calcutta Stock Exchange Ltd.

The Calcutta Stock Exchange Limited (CSE) is not only one of the oldest stock exchanges in India but also a true pioneer, having been established in 1908. It has played an important role in India’s financial landscape for many years, but its prominence declined in recent decades, and it was finally shut down. The NSE terminated its trading agreement with the CSE on July 18, 2023. However, on November 17, 2023, a division bench lifted the stay. The CSE was instructed to close all open transactions by November 28, 2024. In the late 20^th century, the CSE faced growing competition from other stock exchanges like BSE and NSE. The CSE’s market share and trading volume declined as a consequence of this competition. Today, it mainly serves the eastern region of India, with a focus on Kolkata and its surrounding areas.

Role and Importance of Stock Exchange

A stock exchange performs the following functions:

• Primary Market Function – Stock exchanges enable companies to raise capital by issuing shares to the public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The capital raised can be used for further business expansion and general corporate purposes.
• Price Discovery – The stock market allows people to buy and sell stocks, making it easy for investors to turn their investments into cash. This helps ensure that securities are priced fairly based on market conditions. Buyers and sellers interact to determine the price of a company that reflects its perceived value.
• Economic Indicator – The stock market’s performance often acts as a key indicator of the overall economic health, and this is impossible without an efficient stock exchange. A rising market shows confidence and growth, while a falling market may showcase economic uncertainty. 
• Corporate Governance – Publicly traded companies must follow strict disclosure requirements, which enhances corporate governance and accountability.
• Promotion of Savings and Investments – The stock exchange helps people save and invest by offering a way to earn money from their investments.

Conclusion

The stock exchanges in India have played a pivotal role in the country’s economic growth and development. From the historic Bombay Stock Exchange to the more recent National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange, these exchanges have provided a platform for capital formation, price discovery, and efficient trading. As the Indian economy expands, it is anticipated that the stock exchanges will assume an increasingly substantial role in the upcoming years. Their ability to facilitate investment, promote transparency, and support economic growth will be imperative for India’s ongoing prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)