When planning your stock market trading calendar for the year, one of the most overlooked yet crucial elements is the holiday schedule. Trading on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) is not conducted on all weekdays. Both exchanges follow a specific list of holidays every year, during which all market activities remain closed. For investors, traders, and institutions alike, being aware of these NSE holidays is essential for making timely decisions and avoiding missed opportunities.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the stock market holiday calendar for 2025, explain how NSE and BSE holidays impact market operations, and offer tips to plan your trades effectively.
Importance of tracking NSE holidays
The NSE holidays calendar affects every participant in the stock market, from long-term investors to high-frequency traders. On these designated days, equity, equity derivatives, SLB (Securities Lending and Borrowing), and currency markets remain closed. Failing to account for these non-trading days can result in delays in order execution, settlement mismatches, or missed chances to enter or exit positions.
Knowing the holiday list in advance allows you to:
Adjust your trading strategies accordingly
Manage liquidity and cash flows better
Time your entries and exits more efficiently
Avoid placing orders that may remain pending due to exchange closures
Moreover, for those involved in intraday or short-term trading, overlooking a market closure may lead to locked positions or unexpected risks, especially if a holiday follows a volatile trading session.
NSE and BSE – Coordinated holiday schedules
Both the NSE and BSE largely follow the same holiday calendar each year, subject to regional and national public holidays. This coordinated approach ensures that the functioning of financial markets remains streamlined. Although most holidays are common to both exchanges, minor variations may exist based on operational considerations or regional observances.
It is also worth noting that in addition to regular holidays, both exchanges observe shortened trading hours or remain shut on specific days for special events, such as Diwali Muhurat Trading.
NSE holidays 2025 – Tentative schedule
Below is a tentative list of NSE holidays for the year 2025. These holidays are based on the previous year’s trends and are subject to confirmation by official circulars from the exchanges.
Date
Day
Occasion
1 January
Wednesday
New Year’s Day
26 January
Sunday
Republic Day
5 March
Wednesday
Mahashivratri
29 March
Saturday
Holi
14 April
Monday
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti
18 April
Friday
Good Friday
1 May
Thursday
Maharashtra Day
15 August
Friday
Independence Day
2 October
Thursday
Gandhi Jayanti
23 October
Thursday
Diwali (Laxmi Pujan)
24 October
Friday
Diwali Balipratipada
25 December
Thursday
Christmas Day
Note: This list is indicative and should be verified on the official NSE website closer to the date.
Special trading sessions
In addition to regular NSE holidays, special trading sessions like Diwali Muhurat Trading are held once a year. This ceremonial trading event, usually held in the evening on Diwali day, marks the beginning of a new financial year as per Hindu traditions. It is largely symbolic and is attended by a wide section of the trading community.
For 2025, the Diwali Muhurat Trading session is likely to fall on 23 October, subject to confirmation by the exchanges. Trading during this session is usually of short duration, and brokers announce specific timings for pre-open and regular market phases.
How holidays affect trading and settlement
Stock exchange holidays not only impact order placement but also affect settlement cycles. The Indian stock market follows a T+1 settlement cycle for most equity transactions, which means if you buy a stock on Monday, the shares are credited to your Demat account by Tuesday. However, if a holiday falls on the next day, the settlement is deferred by a day.
This delay affects:
Fund availability
Share delivery
Margin calculations
Contract notes and accounting records
In such cases, traders must consider the extended settlement periods to manage cash flows and obligations more efficiently. Awareness of the NSE and BSE holiday schedule is thus critical to avoid operational issues and financial penalties.
Planning trades around holidays – Practical tips
To make the most of the stock market while navigating around holidays, consider the following strategies:
1. Check the calendar monthly
Keep the updated NSE holiday list handy at the beginning of each month to plan high-value trades or position exits.
2. Avoid placing trades just before long weekends
If you hold leveraged positions, holidays can lead to time decay or adverse market reactions, especially in options and derivatives.
3. Monitor international markets
Global events continue even when Indian markets are shut. Keep an eye on developments in major global indices like the Dow Jones, FTSE, or Hang Seng, which may impact domestic markets on reopening.
4. Adjust settlement plans
If you plan to use funds from a stock sale, ensure the settlement is not delayed by a holiday. Similarly, account for any margin requirement if settlement gets extended.
5. Prepare for volatility post-holiday
Markets often witness gaps or sharp movements after a break, driven by global news or investor sentiment. Consider placing stop-loss orders or hedging strategies before the holiday.
Additional segments affected by NSE holidays
Apart from equity markets, other segments such as commodities, currency, and interest rate derivatives also remain closed on national holidays. Commodity markets may follow a different schedule if international exchanges remain open for global trades. However, currency derivatives on NSE and BSE are generally synchronised with regular stock market holidays.
It is also important to note that mutual fund NAV declarations, banking transactions related to IPO applications, and trading in debt instruments are impacted by exchange holidays. Hence, investors must account for delays in execution, fund allocation, or redemption processing.
Conclusion
The stock market operates on a structured calendar, and planning your trades around NSE holidays can offer both strategic and operational advantages. Whether you are a day trader or a long-term investor, understanding when the NSE and BSE remain closed helps you avoid disruptions, align your strategies, and optimise execution.
Always refer to the latest circulars from the stock exchanges to confirm holiday dates, trading hours, and settlement changes. With an informed approach and a keen eye on the calendar, you can ensure that your trading activity remains smooth, timely, and in line with your financial goals.
