The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) is set to introduce a pre-open session for index and stock futures in the equity derivatives segment starting December 8, 2025. This marks a significant step in aligning India’s derivative markets with global best practices while offering investors a smoother price discovery mechanism.

The move follows a directive from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued in May, extending pre-open sessions to derivatives. Rival exchange BSE Ltd. will also implement this change simultaneously.

Key Highlights

• Launch Date: December 8, 2025
• Testing Window: Begins October 4, 2025, in a test environment on NSE; BSE to start from October 6, 2025
• Mock Sessions: NSE to conduct multiple mock sessions for system readiness before going live
• Coverage: Initially limited to current-month futures contracts. In the last five trading days before expiry, next-month futures will also be included to facilitate smooth rollover activity 
• Existing System: Both NSE and BSE already conduct pre-open sessions in the cash equity segment (9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.)

This is now being extended to equity derivatives for enhanced market efficiency

Why This Matters

• Better Price Discovery: Pre-open sessions in derivatives will allow market participants to gauge sentiment and set efficient opening prices.
• Reduced Volatility: Helps in smoothing out sharp movements at the opening bell.
• Improved Rollover Management: Especially useful in the last week before expiry to transition positions seamlessly.
• Global Alignment: Brings Indian markets closer to practices followed in advanced financial markets worldwide.

The introduction of pre-open sessions in equity derivatives is a landmark reform that will enhance transparency, reduce volatility, and streamline rollovers. With NSE and BSE going live on December 8, 2025, market participants have a clear window to prepare and adapt to this new framework.