By SK Jabedul Haque | Published on Current Affair | Markets
Last year, smart investors made 0.8% returns in just 60 minutes. This year, Diwali falls on Monday, October 26, 2026. But here's what most beginners miss about the Muhurat Trading session that could cost them money...
Quick Answer: When is Muhurat Trading 2026?
Muhurat Trading 2026 is expected to take place on Monday, October 26, 2026 (Diwali Laxmi Puja evening). NSE and BSE will conduct a special 1-hour session between 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM IST. Exact timings will be confirmed in October 23, 2026. Historical data shows Sensex gave positive returns in 8 out of the last 10 sessions, averaging 0.6% gains per hour.
What Time is Muhurat Trading on Diwali 2026?
The exact timing follows a specific structure set by NSE and BSE. For 2026, expect this schedule:⏰ Expected Schedule (October 26, 2026):
- 5:45 PM - 6:00 PM: Block Deal Window (Institutional pre-orders)
- 6:00 PM - 6:08 PM: Pre-open session (Price discovery)
- 6:08 PM - 6:15 PM: Pre-open closure (No new orders)
- 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM: Normal Market Session (Main Trading)
- 7:15 PM - 7:25 PM: Closing price calculation
- 7:25 PM - 7:35 PM: Closing session
🔔 Important: Exact timings will be officially announced by NSE on October 23, 2026. We will update this page live on that date. Bookmark this page.
How to Buy Stocks in Muhurat Trading Session (Step-by-Step)
First-time traders often miss the technical differences. Follow these exact steps to avoid losses:Step 1: Fund Your Account Before 3:30 PM Same-day fund transfers stop at 3:30 PM. Add money by 2:00 PM to be safe.
Step 2: Login Early (5:30 PM) Broker apps crash due to heavy traffic between 6:00-6:15 PM. Login by 5:30 PM.
Step 3: Select "CNC" Product Type
- CNC = Cash and Carry (Delivery-based, recommended)
- MIS = Intraday (Avoid - high volatility risk)
Step 4: Use Limit Orders Only Never use market orders during Muhurat. The bid-ask spread is wide. Set your price limit.
Step 5: Verify Order Confirmation Check your holdings by 7:45 PM. If the order shows "OPEN" after 7:35 PM, it will be rejected.
Which Stocks to Buy in Muhurat Trading 2026?
Based on 10-year historical data, these sectors perform best during the one-hour session:Table
| Sector | Best Stocks for 2026 | Why These? | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| FMCG | ITC, HUL, Nestle India | Diwali consumption boost, bonus issues common | Low |
| Banking | HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank | Laxmi Puja sentiment, financial sector auspicious | Medium |
| Metals | Tata Steel, Hindalco | Dhanteras gold/silver buying correlation | High |
| Auto | Maruti, M&M | Festive season vehicle buying starts | Medium |
Beginner Tip: Start with ITC or HDFC Bank. These have high liquidity and lower volatility during short sessions.
Is Muhurat Trading Profitable for Beginners?
The short answer: Yes, but with realistic expectations.The Reality Check:
- Average return: 0.6% per hour (last 10 years)
- ₹10,000 investment = ₹60 average profit
- 80% probability of positive returns historically
Common Myths:
- ❌ "You can double your money" (False - it's just 1 hour)
- ❌ "Guaranteed profits" (False - 2023 saw -0.22% drop)
- ✅ "Good for starting investment journey" (True - psychological boost)
Verdict: If you are a beginner, invest small (₹5,000-₹10,000) for experience, not for big profits.
Muhurat Trading History Last 10 Years (Complete Data)
Understanding historical volatility helps you prepare better:Table
| Year | Day | Sensex Open | Sensex Close | Gain/Loss | Session Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Oct 30 | 27,900 | 27,930 | +0.11% | 1 hour 15 min |
| 2017 | Oct 19 | 32,500 | 32,575 | +0.23% | 1 hour |
| 2018 | Nov 7 | 34,900 | 35,100 | +0.57% | 1 hour |
| 2019 | Oct 27 | 39,200 | 39,350 | +0.38% | 1 hour |
| 2020 | Nov 14 | 43,600 | 43,800 | +0.46% | 1 hour |
| 2021 | Nov 4 | 59,000 | 59,290 | +0.49% | 1 hour |
| 2022 | Oct 24 | 59,300 | 59,820 | +0.88% | 1 hour |
| 2023 | Nov 12 | 65,900 | 65,750 | -0.22% | 1 hour |
| 2024 | Nov 1 | 72,400 | 72,700 | +0.41% | 1 hour |
| 2025 | Oct 21 | 78,200 | 78,825 | +0.80% | 1 hour |
Pattern Observed: When Diwali falls on Monday (like 2026), average returns are higher (+0.65%) compared to mid-week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Diwali Trading
Mistake 1: Using Market Orders The spread between buyer and seller prices can be 1-2% during Muhurat. Always use limit orders.
Mistake 2: Buying Without Research Don't buy random stocks because someone suggested them. Check fundamentals before October 26.
Mistake 3: Investing All Capital Never put your entire capital in one stock for one hour. Diversify across 2-3 stocks.
Mistake 4: Forgetting CNC Selection If you select MIS (Intraday) and forget to sell by 7:15 PM, the broker auto-sells at closing price (could be loss).
Mistake 5: Chasing Penny Stocks Low-priced stocks (₹5-₹10) show high volatility but low liquidity during Muhurat. Avoid them.
Can I Sell Shares During Muhurat Trading?
Yes, but with conditions:
✅ You CAN sell: If you have CNC holdings (shares in your demat account from previous T-2 days)
❌ You CANNOT sell:
- Shares bought on October 26 morning (T+1 settlement not complete)
- Intraday positions from morning session (must close by 3:30 PM)
Pro Tip: If you want to sell existing holdings, place the sell order at 6:16 PM (first minute) to get better prices before volatility increases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the exact date of Muhurat Trading 2026?
Muhurat Trading 2026 will happen on Monday, October 26, 2026. This is confirmed as it is Diwali Laxmi Puja day. The trading window will be open for exactly 60 minutes in the evening, likely between 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM IST.
Do I need a separate demat account for Muhurat Trading?
No, you do not need a separate account. Your existing demat and trading account with any SEBI-registered broker (Zerodha, Groww, Upstox, Angel One) works automatically for Muhurat Trading. No special registration required.
Which broker is best for Muhurat Trading beginners?
Zerodha Kite and Groww are best for beginners due to simple interfaces. However, during Muhurat Trading, servers get slow. Pro tip: Keep both apps installed as backup. Angel One and Upstox are good alternatives with better server capacity during peak loads.
Can I place AMO (After Market Order) for Muhurat session?
No, AMO does not work for Muhurat Trading sessions. You must place orders live between 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM. Pre-market orders placed before 3:30 PM will not carry over to the evening session. Set a phone reminder for 6:10 PM.
What happens if I don't sell on Muhurat day?
If you buy shares during Muhurat Trading (CNC order) and don't sell, they remain in your demat account like normal delivery trades. There is no penalty or forced selling (unlike intraday). You can sell them the next trading day (October 27) or hold long-term.
Is Muhurat Trading compulsory for all investors?
No, it is completely optional. Only about 15% of Indian retail investors actively trade during this session. You can skip it without any penalty or missed opportunity, as the normal market opens the next day with no price gap related to Muhurat.
How much money should I invest in Muhurat Trading 2026?
For beginners, start with ₹5,000 to ₹₹10,000. This amount is enough to understand the process without significant risk. Never invest more than 5% of your total portfolio in this one-hour speculative session. Focus on learning, not earning.