How to Open a Demat Account Online in India – Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Published 2026-10-15 · Aadarna Stock Broking Pvt. Ltd.
A demat account holds your shares, ETFs and bonds in electronic form. A trading account lets you buy and sell them on NSE and BSE. Most people open both together, and the whole process is now online.
Documents you need
- PAN card, which is mandatory for every investor in India
- Aadhaar linked to your mobile number, for OTP-based e-KYC
- Bank proof: a cancelled cheque or a recent bank statement
- Signature on white paper (you upload a photo of it)
- Income proof (only if you want to trade in Futures & Options or commodities): bank statement, ITR or salary slip
Step-by-step process
- Start the application at aadarna.com/open-account. You will be taken to Angel One's official sign-up page.
- Verify your mobile number and email with OTP.
- Complete e-KYC using PAN and Aadhaar (via DigiLocker or Aadhaar OTP).
- Add bank details and upload your signature.
- In-person verification (IPV): a short selfie or video check, if prompted.
- e-Sign the account opening form using Aadhaar OTP.
Angel One verifies the application and shares your client ID once it is approved.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Name mismatch between PAN, Aadhaar and bank account. Fix it before applying.
- Aadhaar not linked to mobile, which blocks OTP-based e-KYC.
- Blurry uploads. Use good light for your signature and documents.
- Skipping the nominee. Add a nominee during account opening; it makes things easier for your family later.
Frequently asked questions
Is KYC needed again if I already have a mutual fund account? KYC is a one-time exercise. If your KYC is already registered with a KRA, the process is faster.
Where do I send money for trading? Only to Angel One Ltd.'s designated bank accounts, through the Angel One app or website. Never pay cash or transfer money to any individual or Authorised Person.
Can I open an account if I live outside Visakhapatnam? Yes. The process is fully online and available anywhere in India.
Need help with any step? Chat with us on WhatsApp.
Sources
- SEBI investor website – KYC and opening trading and demat accounts
- SEBI investor website – securities market investing
- CDSL – depository website
Risk disclosures on derivatives
- 9 out of 10 individual traders in equity Futures and Options Segment, incurred net losses.
- On an average, loss makers registered net trading loss close to ₹50,000.
- Over and above the net trading losses incurred, loss makers expended an additional 28% of net trading losses as transaction costs.
- Those making net trading profits, incurred between 15% to 50% of such profits as transaction cost.
Source: SEBI study dated January 25, 2023 on "Analysis of Profit and Loss of Individual Traders dealing in equity Futures and Options (F&O) Segment", wherein Aggregate Level findings are based on annual Profit/Loss incurred by individual traders in equity F&O during FY 2021-22.