A Basic Services Demat Account is a demat account designed for small investors. It provides the same depository services as a regular account, but with reduced or nil annual maintenance charges so that the cost of holding securities electronically does not outweigh the value of holding them.
SEBI sets three conditions. All three must hold at the same time:
You do not have to apply. If you meet the conditions, your depository participant is required to classify the account as a BSDA. It is still worth confirming your classification, because eligibility is assessed on the holdings you have at the time.
AMC on a BSDA is slab-based on the value of holdings, rather than a flat annual fee. The slabs work as follows:
| Value of holdings in the account | Annual Maintenance Charge |
|---|---|
| Up to the lower SEBI threshold | Nil — no AMC is charged |
| Between the lower and upper thresholds | A capped AMC, as prescribed by SEBI |
| Above the upper threshold | Account is treated as a regular demat account and standard AMC applies |
For the current rupee thresholds and the exact AMC applicable to your account, see the ATS schedule of charges, which is kept in step with the prevailing SEBI circular.
| BSDA | Regular demat account | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual maintenance charge | Nil or capped, by holding slab | Standard AMC |
| Depository services | Identical | Identical |
| Buying and selling | No restriction | No restriction |
| Electronic statements | Free | Free |
| Statement frequency | As prescribed for BSDA | Monthly where there are transactions |
| Eligibility | Individuals, single account as first holder | Anyone |
The important point: a BSDA is not a restricted account. You are not limited in what you can buy, sell or hold. The only difference is how you are charged.
Details about the Client Master Report — what it contains, when you need one, and how to download it — will be published here shortly.
In the meantime, request a copy from dp@adityatrading.com.
A Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA) is a demat account with reduced or nil annual maintenance charges, introduced by SEBI so that small investors are not deterred from holding securities in electronic form. It offers the same services as a regular demat account — only the charging structure differs.
You are eligible if you are an individual, you hold only one demat account across all depositories as the sole or first holder, and the value of securities held in that account stays within the SEBI-prescribed limit. If you hold a second demat account as first holder, you do not qualify.
Annual maintenance charges are slab-based on the value of holdings in the account. Below the lower threshold no AMC is charged; between the thresholds a capped AMC applies. Once holdings exceed the upper limit, the account is charged as a regular demat account.
No. If you meet the eligibility conditions, the depository participant is required to classify your account as a BSDA. You do not have to submit a separate application, though you should confirm your classification with your DP.
The account is reclassified as a regular demat account and standard annual maintenance charges apply from that point. Your holdings, ISINs and account number do not change — only the billing does.
Yes, provided you meet the eligibility conditions — most importantly that this is your only demat account as sole or first holder. Contact ATS support and we will review your account for reclassification.
Statement frequency differs from a regular account: BSDA holders receive statements at the intervals prescribed by the depositories rather than monthly. Electronic statements are provided at no cost.
Join over 1 Lakh+ clients. Fully online account opening, transparent charges.