From 3 August 2026, NSE will extend the Futures & Options (F&O) market closing time by ten minutes, shifting it from 3:30 PM to 3:40 PM. This change comes as the cash segment introduces a new Closing Auction Session between 3:15 PM and 3:35 PM. The auction will help determine the day’s final closing price more accurately.
By keeping the F&O market open until 3:40 PM, traders get extra time to hedge or adjust their positions against the final cash close. This move eliminates the blind gap that often occurred at the bell, giving participants more clarity and control over their end‑of‑day strategies.
It is important to note that the pre‑open and opening times remain unchanged. The close price VWAP window will now run from 3:10 PM to 3:40 PM, ensuring smoother price discovery. Trade modification facilities will continue to be available until 4:15 PM, as before.
This adjustment is designed to improve transparency, reduce volatility, and align cash and derivatives trading more effectively. Market participants should plan their end‑of‑day exits accordingly, keeping in mind the extended F&O session. The change is expected to benefit both institutional and retail traders by offering better risk management opportunities and more reliable closing prices.
