By Lal Singh Buying NSE shares in India has become much simpler and more digital in 2026. You can do the majority of the steps online, whether you would like to invest in listed stocks following the IPO or you would like to discover the NSE unlisted shares before listing. Nevertheless, the process, risks, and platforms that would be used in investing must be clearly understood before investing.
What Are NSE Shares?
NSE shares are equity shares trading or potentially trading on the National Stock Exchange of India. These shares are of two kinds:
- Listed shares: These are shares of companies that are already listed on the NSE like Reliance or TCS.
- Unlisted or pre-IPO shares: Shares of the companies not yet listed, such as NSE India Ltd. itself.
Both alternatives appeal to investors, though they have varied purchase procedures.
How to Buy Listed NSE Shares in 2026
When a company is already listed in the NSE, you can purchase shares through a stockbroker without any difficulties.
Step 1: Choose a SEBI-Registered Broker
Choose one of the SEBI-registered brokers like Zerodha, Groww, or Upstox. These brokers offer access to the NSE-traded stocks via mobile applications and web services.
Step 2: Open a Demat and Trading Account
A Demat account is required to store shares and a trading account is required to buy or sell shares. Filled online KYC with:
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card
- Bank details
- Photograph and signature
The majority of brokers accept accounts in 24-48 hours.
Step 3: Fund Your Trading Account
Move the money in your bank account to your trading account either by UPI or net banking.
Step 4: Place Your Buy Order
Enter the name of the company or the stock exchange on the site of the broker. Select share stock, price and buy order. The shares are listed in your Demat account once the shares are executed.
How to Buy NSE Unlisted Shares in India
NSE unlisted shares attract the interest of many investors in terms of the IPO gains. Nevertheless, this is a more risky and complex process.
Option 1: Use Specialized Platforms
Such platforms as Precize and InCred Money assist investors in purchasing shares that are not listed, or pre-IPO. Such platforms relate the buyer to the existing shareholders like the employees or the initial investors.
Option 2: Buy Through Brokers or Intermediaries
Unlisted shares are traded using an over-the-counter (OTC) deal through some SEBI-registered intermediaries. Never invest with a broker without first checking his credibility.
Option 3: Buy from Existing Shareholders
It is also possible to purchase shares directly with promoters, early investors or employees with ESOPs. This approach typically includes mediation and some support of documentation by intermediaries.
Documentation and Transfer
You are required to undergo KYC, signature of transfer agreements, approvals, including No objection Certificate (NOC). Once this is done, the stocks are credited on your Demat account.
Key Risks of Buying Unlisted NSE Shares
The risks involved in investing in unlisted shares must be known.
- Poor liquidity: Buyers might not come easily.
- Valuation uncertainty: Not market discovery but price discovery through private deals.
- Minimal regulation: Unlisted companies abide by fewer regulations of disclosure.
- Long terms: Unpredictable IPO timeframes.
- IPO lock-in: SEBI has a six months lock-in following listing.
Due to these risks, investors are forced to invest only upon conducting due diligence.
How to Sell NSE Unlisted Shares
Making sales of unlisted shares takes time and preparation.
- Sell through the same OTC platforms or brokers.
- Make individual negotiations with interested buyers.
- IPO offloading on a required lock-in.
Unlike listed shares, you cannot immediately sell the unlisted shares.
Final Thoughts
The purchase of the NSE shares in India in 2026 provides convenience and opportunity. Listed stocks offer liquidity, transparency and convenience. Unlisted shares of the NSE have early entry and high growth potential yet with greater risk and lack of liquidity.
Before investing, investors need to examine their risk tolerance, check platforms and study fundamentals of companies. An informed and careful attitude can assist investors to make more sound decisions and prevent the making of expensive mistakes in the dynamic Indian stock market.