The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) achieved another major milestone in February 2026, with the total unique trading accounts, or client codes (UCCs) crossing 25 crore (250 million). The special thing is that the most recent one crore accounts were added in just two months, which shows the rapid pace of market share gain. The last 50 million accounts, which is 20% of the total, have been added in the last 16 months alone.

As of January 31, 2026, the number of unique registered investors was 12.7 crore, which crossed the 12 crore mark on September 22, 2025. Because investors can maintain accounts with multiple brokers, the total number of trading accounts exceeds the count of unique registered investors.

Maharashtra leads in terms of investor participation, with 4.2 crore accounts, which is about 17% of the total. It is followed by Uttar Pradesh with 2.8 crore accounts (11.3% share), Gujarat with about 2.2 crore (8.7%), and West Bengal and Rajasthan with 1.4 crore accounts each (5.8% share). The top five states account for about 49% of the total investor accounts, while the top 10 states account for more than 73%.

The rapid growth in investor base has been driven by rapid digitization, fintech revolution, advent of low-cost trading platforms, growing middle class and rising investor confidence amid continued money growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji.

Over the five-year period ending February 11, 2026, the Nifty 50 and Nifty 500 delivered annualized returns of 11.3% and 13.7%, respectively, strengthening domestic exposure to equities as an asset class.

Till December 31, 2025, individual investors – direct participants and those investing through mutual funds ​- NSE-listed companies account for 18.6% of the market cap, up from 14.6% five years ago. This continued increase in ownership, combined with strong market performance, has led to a significant increase in wealth for Indian households.

Regulators, the Market Infrastructure Institution (MII), and the government have shown a similar commitment to raising investor awareness and advancing financial inclusion. NSE has strengthened its efforts in this area in the last few years.

The number of Investor Awareness Programs (IAPs) undertaken by NSE to more than double to 22,931 by 2025, with a target of approximately 12 lakh participants. NSE’s Investor Protection Fund (IPF) has increased by 18.5% year-on-year to Rs 2,791 crore by December 31, 2025.

Mr. Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer, NSE, said: “Crossing 25 crore trading accounts is a significant milestone in the evolution of India’s capital markets. The pace at which new accounts have been added reflects growing confidence among households and greater acceptance of equities as a long-term savings vehicle.