If you are new to stock trading in India, you may wonder what happens before and after the regular market hours. The pre-market and post-market sessions are special periods where certain types of stock activities can take place. These sessions are offered by both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

Understanding these sessions helps you plan your trades better and take advantage of market opportunities that happen outside regular hours.

What is the Pre-Market Session?

Timing: 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM (Monday to Friday)

This session happens before the regular trading day starts. It allows investors to place orders in advance. The stock exchanges then decide the opening prices based on these orders.

Pre-Market Breakdown:

• 9:00 AM – 9:08 AM: You can place, change, or cancel buy/sell orders.

• 9:08 AM – 9:12 AM: The exchange matches orders and sets the opening price.

• 9:12 AM – 9:15 AM: A short buffer time. No new orders are allowed.

Key Points:

• Helps avoid price shocks at market opening.

• Good for planning trades based on overnight news or global events.

• All orders are matched in bulk by the exchange.

What is the Post-Market Session?

Timing: 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM (Monday to Friday)

This session takes place after regular trading hours and allows you to place After Market Orders (AMO).

Post-Market Breakdown:

• 3:30 PM – 3:40 PM: Closing prices are calculated.

• 3:40 PM – 4:00 PM: You can place AMO for the next trading day.

Key Points:

• No live trading happens.

• Orders are sent to the exchange the next morning.

• Useful for busy people who cannot trade during regular hours.

Comparison Table: Pre-Market vs Post-Market Sessions

Example: How Pre-Market and Post-Market Sessions Work

Example of Pre-Market Session Use:

Ravi, an investor, reads the early morning news that a large IT company posted strong quarterly results after market hours yesterday. At 9:00 AM, during the pre-market session, Ravi places a buy order for the company’s stock. When the market opens at 9:15 AM, his order gets executed at the decided opening price, giving him an early advantage before the price moves further.

Example of Post-Market Session Use:

Priya is a working professional who doesn’t get time to trade during the day. At 3:50 PM, during the post-market session, she places an AMO (After Market Order) to buy a stock for the next day. Her order is queued and will be sent to the exchange at 9:00 AM the following day. This helps her plan her trades even after market hours.

Benefits of Pre- and Post-Market Sessions

• You can react to news or events that happen outside regular hours.

• More time flexibility to plan trades.

• Smooth opening and closing of market prices.

• Better control of your trading strategy.

Pre-market and post-market sessions may be short, but they are very useful for thoughtful planning and preparation. Whether you are a working professional, long-term investor, or part-time trader, using these sessions can help you place smarter trades.

For more expert help in understanding market timings, trading strategies, and stock research, connect with Motilal Oswal – your trusted partner in the world of Indian stock markets.

Also read: What are the trading hours for the Stock market? | What is after-hours trading? | Guide to overnight trading in the stock market?