MSE's Special Session On Budget Day: Here's All You Need To Know

The Metropolitan Stock Exchange (MSE) has officially resumed operations after upgrading its trading engine and raising over Rs 1,200 crore in fresh funding. The country’s youngest stock exchange restarted live trading on January 27, marking a key step in its revival plan. The exchange is in focus because it will be conducting a special live trading session on February 1 to coincide with the presentation of the Union Budget 2026,

Founded in 2008, the MSE began its journey with the launch of its currency derivatives segment on October 7 that year. The exchange’s derivatives trading segment was known as the MCX-SX, the exchange was rebranded as MSE in 2015 and subsequently received regulatory recognition from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to operate across multiple segments, including currency derivatives, debt securities, equities and equity derivatives.

Trading Timings On February 1, 2026

In a circular issued to members, MSE said trading on Budget day will follow normal market timings, in line with other major exchanges. The pre-opening session will run from 9:00 AM to 9:08 AM, followed by regular trading from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM.

The special session will be applicable across segments, including equity derivatives, allowing investors to react immediately to Budget announcements. These timings are in line with those followed by other major stock exchanges.

MSE will not be the only exchange to stay open on February 1. NSE and BSE will also remain operational. Here are the market timings of all the three exchanges:

• MSE trading hours:

  • Pre-opening session: 9:00 AM to 9:08 AM

  • Normal trading: 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM

• NSE trading hours:

  • Pre-opening session: 9:00 AM to 9:08 AM

  • Normal trading: 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM

• BSE trading hours:

  • Pre-opening session: 9:00 AM to 9:08 AM

  • Normal trading: 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM

Clearing and Settlement Framework Unchanged

Clearing and settlement arrangements will remain unchanged, with all post-trade processes handled by its wholly owned subsidiary, the Metropolitan Clearing Corporation of India (MCCIL).

For MSE, the Budget trading session also marks its first major market event after relaunch, as it looks to regain relevance in an ecosystem dominated by NSE and BSE.

What It Means For Retail Investors

The special session will provide an additional avenue to respond to policy announcements as they will be announced. However, as the exchange has only recently resumed operations, trading activity remains limited compared with the NSE and the BSE.

Lower volumes could mean thinner liquidity and wider bid-ask spreads in certain contracts. Retail investors may therefore continue to find deeper liquidity and more efficient price discovery on the larger exchanges.

Over time, consistent participation could help improve liquidity and strengthen the exchange’s position as an alternative trading platform in India’s capital markets.