Intraday Trading Guide in India
Buy and sell stocks within the same session. Profit from short-term price movements with advanced tools, high leverage, and real-time insights from ATS.
What is Intraday?
How it Works
Timings
Benefits
Strategies
Indicators
vs Delivery
FAQ
What is Intraday Trading?
Intraday trading refers to buying and selling stocks within the same trading day. Traders open and close positions before the market closes, aiming to profit from short-term price movements instead of long-term investing.
In intraday trading, no delivery of shares takes place because all positions are squared off on the same day. At ATS, traders get advanced tools, fast execution, and real-time market insights to trade efficiently.
"Since August 3, 2026, stocks with F&O contracts stop continuous trading at 3:15 PM — not 3:30 PM. Square off well before then, and check your broker's current auto square-off cut-off, which has moved earlier."
Core Pillars
Same Day: Entry and exit within 6 hours
Leverage: Trade more with less capital
No Delivery: No shares stored in Demat
Volatility: Profit from price swings
Discipline: Strict entry and exit rules
How Intraday Trading Works
01
Stock Selection
Select a stock with strong liquidity and high volume.
02
Trend Analysis
Analyze price trends using technical charts and indicators.
03
Execute Order
Buy or sell shares during market hours using MIS orders.
04
Monitor Position
Track price fluctuations and set automated stop-loss limits.
05
Square Off
Exit before continuous trading ends — 3:15 PM for F&O stocks, 3:30 PM for the rest.
06
Review Trade
Evaluate performance and refine your strategy for tomorrow.
Intraday Trading Timings in India
| Session | Time Duration | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Open Market | 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Order entry and equilibrium price determination |
| Continuous Trading — F&O stocks | 9:15 AM – 3:15 PM | Ends 15 minutes earlier since CAS came into effect |
| Continuous Trading — other stocks | 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM | Unchanged by CAS |
| Closing Auction Session (CAS) | 3:15 PM – 3:35 PM | F&O stocks only — closing price set by auction, not last traded price |
| Post-Close Session | 3:50 PM – 4:00 PM | Orders at the official closing price |
Benefits of Intraday Trading
Harness market momentum to generate daily income without the risk of overnight price gaps.
No Overnight Risk
Sleep peacefully without worrying about global market news affecting your holdings.
Lower Capital Needs
Leverage allow you to trade larger quantities with just a fraction of the value.
Daily Profit Potential
Consistent traders can generate regular income from small price movements.
High Liquidity
Focus on stocks that can be bought or sold instantly at prevailing prices.
Skill Development
Rapid trade feedback helps in mastering technical analysis and psychology.
Intraday Trading Strategies
Momentum Trading
Ride stocks moving strongly in one direction with surge in volume.
Breakout Trading
Enter trades when price crosses key resistance or support levels.
Moving Average
Use 20 EMA and 50 EMA crossovers for solid trend confirmations.
Scalping Strategy
Execute rapid trades capturing minor price ticks within minutes.
Best Indicators
Mastering 2-3 indicators is better than confusing yourself with many.
Top Intraday Stocks
Reliance Industries
HDFC Bank
ICICI Bank
Tata Motors
Infosys
State Bank of India (SBI)
Liquidity is key. High-volume stocks ensure tighter bid-ask spreads and faster execution.
Intraday vs Delivery Trading
| Feature | Intraday Trading | Delivery Trading |
|---|---|---|
| Holding Period | Same Day (Square off) | Long Term (Days to Years) |
| Ownership | No (Digital Rights Only) | Yes (Shares in Demat) |
| Risk Level | High (Quick Decisions) | Moderate (Market Cycles) |
| Capital Requirement | Low (High Leverage) | Higher (Full Payment) |
| Profit Type | Short-term Income | Capital Gains & Dividends |
Start Trading with ATS
Unlock professional-grade trading tools and expert support to navigate the Indian markets with confidence.
✓
Fast trade execution (Pocket App)
✓
Advanced charting & real-time analytics
✓
Secure trading infrastructure
✓
Low brokerage transparent structure
✓
High leverage for active traders
6 Steps to Success
1
Open Trading Account
Quick digital onboarding with ATS
2
KYC Verification
Secure and instant ID validation
3
Add Trading Funds
Instantly via UPI or Net Banking
4
Select Liquid Stocks
Pick high-volume intraday counters
5
Place MIS Order
Enter with stop-loss protection
6
Monitor & Exit
Book profits before market close
Frequently Asked Questions
Buying and selling stocks within the same day before market closing.
Yes, with proper strategy, discipline, and risk management.
You can start with small capital depending on margin availability.
Yes. Charts and indicators are essential for intraday trading.
Broker automatically closes the position before market close.
Disclaimer: Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Intraday trading involves higher risk and volatility due to shorter timeframes. Always use stop-loss and manage your positions responsibly. ATS provides trading tools and analytics services for educational and execution purposes.