Open your free demat account

A Demat Account (Dematerialized Account) is used to hold shares and securities in electronic format instead of physical certificates. It's mandatory for trading in Indian stock markets.

DetailDescriptionDemat Account NumberA 16-digit unique ID (like a bank account number).DP IDDepository Participant ID (first 8 digits), assigned by NSDL/CDSL.Client IDUnique 8-digit ID assigned to you by the DP (combines with DP ID to form full Demat number).DepositoryEither NSDL (National Securities Depository Ltd.) or CDSL (Central Depository Services Ltd.).DP (Depository Participant)The broker/bank through which you open your Demat Account (e.g., Zerodha, ICICI Direct, Upstox).Name & PANMust match with your PAN card details.Linked Bank AccountFor credit/debit of money during buying/selling of shares.NomineeOptional, but recommended — in case of untimely death.ISINInternational Securities Identification Number — unique for each listed security in your account.

• Holding equity shares, bonds, mutual fund units, ETFs, Sovereign Gold Bonds.
• Facilitates buying/selling shares via trading platforms.
• Enables electronic settlement of trades.
• Reduces paperwork and risk of loss/theft of physical shares.

A Demat account alone doesn't allow trading. You also need a Trading Account (which is often opened alongside the Demat account).