If you want to buy or sell shares in India, you need both a Demat account (to store shares electronically) and a Trading account (to place buy/sell orders). Almost every broker in India — Zerodha, Groww, Angel One, ICICI direct, Upstox — offers a 2-in-1 account or even a 3-in-1 account if linked with banks.
In this guide, we cover documents required, how much time it takes, and the cost involved in opening a Demat & Trading account in 2025.
Documents Required for Demat & Trading A/c Opening
You’ll need the following:
- PAN Card (mandatory) – for identity & tax linkage.
- Aadhaar Card – for e-KYC & address proof.
- Bank Proof – cancelled cheque/passbook copy.
- Passport Photo – recent, for account profile.
- Income Proof (for F&O trading only) – salary slip, ITR, or bank statement.
Most brokers use eKYC with Aadhaar OTP, so the process is completely online.
Time Taken to Open a Demat Account
- Online Brokers (Zerodha, Groww, Upstox, Angel One):
- eKYC via Aadhaar + PAN → same-day activation (within 24 hrs).
- Full-Service Brokers (ICICIdirect, HDFC Securities):
- Linked with bank accounts; may take 1–2 working days.
- Offline Applications (paper forms):
- Usually 3–5 working days.
Pro Tip: Go for online Aadhaar-based KYC to get started instantly.
Costs Involved
| Broker | A/c Opening Charges | AMC (Yearly) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zerodha | ₹200 | ₹300 | Discount broker, fastest account setup |
| Groww | Free | Zero | Popular with beginners, mutual fund focus |
| Angel One | Free | ₹240 | Strong research support |
| ICICIdirect | ₹700–₹950 | ₹700 | 3-in-1 account (savings + demat + trading) |
Step-by-Step Process (Online)
- Go to broker’s website/app (Zerodha, Groww, Angel One).
- Enter mobile, email, and PAN details.
- Complete Aadhaar eKYC (OTP verification).
- Upload bank proof + signature.
- For F&O → upload income proof.
- E-sign the form using Aadhaar eSign.
- Get login credentials; start trading.
Time taken: 15–20 minutes online, account active within 24 hrs.
Key Things to Note
- Always use your own PAN & Aadhaar (family accounts not allowed).
- Check AMC (Annual Maintenance Charges) — some brokers like Groww = Zero, others charge ₹200–₹700.
- If you want seamless fund transfer, choose a 3-in-1 account with banks (ICICI, HDFC, Kotak).
- For cost savings, discount brokers like Zerodha/Angel One are better.
Opening a Demat & Trading account in India is now quick, paperless, and often free. With Aadhaar-based eKYC, you can start trading in less than 24 hours.
For beginners, Groww offers zero AMC and simplicity. For active traders, Zerodha & Angel One give advanced tools. And for those who want everything linked to their bank, ICICIdirect & HDFC Securities provide 3-in-1 accounts.
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