How to Open a Demat Account in India: The Ultimate 2026 Guide
To invest in the Indian stock market or apply for the profitable Mainline and SME IPOs we track here at WatchIPO GMP, you must have a Demat and Trading Account. With the entire process now digital, you can open an account in under 15 minutes using just your Aadhaar and PAN card.
In this 2026 guide, we provide precise, step-by-step instructions for opening accounts on India's most popular platforms: Zerodha, Groww, Angel One, and Upstox.
π Documents Required Checklist (2026)
Before you begin, keep soft copies (photos/PDFs) of these documents ready on your phone or laptop. This list applies to all platforms:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| PAN Card | Mandatory Identity Proof |
| Aadhaar Card | Address Proof & e-Sign |
| Bank Proof | Cancelled Cheque, Passbook, or Bank Statement (with IFSC/MICR code) |
| Signature | Photo of your signature on white paper |
| Income Proof (Optional) | Salary Slip or 6-month Bank Statement (Only needed if you want to trade F&O) |
1. Zerodha (Kite)
Zerodha remains India's largest discount broker in 2026, favored by serious traders and long-term investors.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Sign Up: Visit the Zerodha website or download the 'Kite' app. Enter your mobile number and verify via OTP.
- PAN & DOB: Enter your PAN details and Date of Birth to fetch your KYC status from the central registry (KRA).
- Pay Fees: Pay the account opening fee (approx ₹200 for equity) via UPI or Net Banking.
- Aadhaar KYC: Complete the DigiLocker verification by entering your Aadhaar number and OTP.
- Bank Details: Enter your bank account number and IFSC code. This bank will be linked for all your fund transfers.
- IPV (In-Person Verification): A unique code will appear on your screen. Write it on a piece of paper and take a selfie video holding it.
- e-Sign: Click 'e-Sign', enter your Aadhaar again, and verify with the OTP from NSDL.
Activation Time: Usually 24-48 hours.
2. Groww
Groww is popular among beginners for its incredibly simple interface and free account opening.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Login: Download the Groww app or go to the website. Sign in using your Google (Gmail) account.
- PAN Verification: Enter your PAN number. Groww will display your name; confirm it.
- Personal Details: Enter basic info like Occupation, Income, and Parents' names.
- Bank Verification: Enter your IFSC code and Account number. Groww will deposit ₹1 to verify your account instantly.
- Photo & Video: Take a quick selfie and a short video reading a script provided on the screen.
- Signature: You can sign directly on the mobile screen using your finger (no paper needed).
- Aadhaar e-Sign: Finalize the process by entering your Aadhaar-linked OTP.
Activation Time: often activated within a few hours.
3. Angel One
Angel One (formerly Angel Broking) is a full-service broker offering free equity delivery trades.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Register: Enter your Name, Mobile Number, and City on the Angel One sign-up page.
- KYC Fetch: Enter PAN and DOB. Share your Aadhaar details via DigiLocker.
- Personal Info: Upload your PAN card image and Bank Statement (if required for F&O).
- Selfie Verification: Click the "Start Camera" button to record a short IPV video.
- E-Sign: You will be redirected to the NSDL page. Enter your Aadhaar number and the OTP received on your mobile.
4. Upstox
Backed by Ratan Tata, Upstox is a robust platform known for its 'Pro' trading features.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Mobile & Email: Sign up with your contact details and verify OTPs.
- PAN Entry: Enter PAN and Date of Birth. If you are already KRA compliant, many steps are skipped automatically.
- DigiLocker: Connect your DigiLocker account to share Aadhaar details securely.
- Bank Linking: Add your bank details. Upstox may credit ₹1 to verify the account.
- Signature & e-Sign: Upload a photo of your signature and complete the NSDL e-Sign process using Aadhaar OTP.
Conclusion: Which Account Should You Choose?
- For Long-Term Investors & IPOs: Zerodha is the industry leader with a clean interface.
- For Beginners: Groww offers the smoothest, paperless experience with zero account opening fees.
- For Traders: Angel One and Upstox provide advanced charts and margin facilities.
Once your account is active (usually within 24 hours), you can immediately start applying for the upcoming IPOs we list on this site.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes. Brokerage charges and processes may change. Please check the respective broker's official website for the latest terms.