What are pre-market and post-market sessions and orders in NSE and BSE?

Pre-Open Market Session:

The pre-open market session, exclusive to the equity segment, was introduced to minimize volatility and streamline the opening process of securities on both NSE and BSE. This brief period, occurring from 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM, plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the trading day.

During the initial 8 minutes (9:00 AM to 9:08 AM), the exchange collects, modifies, or cancels orders. Clients have the flexibility to place limit or market orders, and the order collection window may close between 9:07 AM and 9:08 AM. Following this, orders are matched, and trades are confirmed.

Example:

If you place a market order during this session, it will be executed at the prevailing market price once the order collection window closes.

Post-Closing Session:

The post-market or closing session, lasting from 3:40 PM to 4:00 PM, is dedicated to market orders in the equity segment. Specifically, clients can place buy or sell orders using the CNC product code at the market price.

Example Scenario:

For instance, if the closing price of Reliance at 3:30 PM is ₹800, and you place a market order to buy Reliance between 3:40 PM and 4:00 PM, the order will be executed at ₹800, aligning with the closing price.

The post-market session, while less active, provides insights into stock movements, visible through market depth from 3:40 PM to 4:00 PM.