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When Does NEPSE Open? Trading Hours, Holidays, and Rules Explained

Every stock exchange runs on rules—and NEPSE is no different. This blog explains NEPSE’s trading hours, market holidays, and settlement process, giving investors a complete guide to how trading actually works in Nepal.

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Nepalytix
When Does NEPSE Open? Trading Hours, Holidays, and Rules Explained

Introduction: Why Rules Matter in NEPSE

New investors often focus only on buying and selling stocks, but understanding the trading framework is just as important.

👉 Knowing NEPSE’s trading hours, holidays, and settlement rules helps you avoid costly mistakes.

1. NEPSE Trading Hours

  • Pre-Open Session (11:00 – 11:15 AM)

    • Orders placed but not executed immediately.

    • Market opening price is determined.

  • Regular Trading Session (11:15 AM – 3:00 PM)

    • Continuous trading of stocks.

  • Post-Close Session

    • Market closes, no trades allowed.

2. NEPSE Holidays

  • NEPSE follows government-declared public holidays.

  • Closed on Saturdays (weekend in Nepal).

  • Major holidays: Dashain, Tihar, New Year, and public festivals.

  • Year-end (Ashad 31) settlement deadlines may affect last trading days.

3. NEPSE Settlement Rules

  • T+2 Settlement Cycle – Trades are settled 2 business days after transaction.

    • Example: Buy on Sunday → Settlement on Tuesday.

  • Clearing & Settlement handled by CDS & Clearing Limited (CDSC).

  • Shares delivered to Demat, cash settled through banks.

4. Why Settlement Matters for Investors

  • IPO Allotment to Trading – Shares appear in Demat only after settlement.

  • Selling New IPOs – Allowed only after settlement cycle completes.

  • Dividend & Rights Eligibility – Based on settlement (book closure dates).

5. Common Investor Mistakes in Nepal

❌ Forgetting settlement cycle → trying to sell shares before T+2.
❌ Buying on last trading day before holidays without considering settlement delays.
❌ Not checking book closure date, losing dividend eligibility.

6. Smart Investor Checklist

  • Track trading hours before placing orders.

  • Watch NEPSE holiday calendar to plan exits/entries.

  • Understand T+2 settlement for IPOs and secondary market trades.

  • Keep enough liquidity in bank account to avoid settlement failure.

Conclusion: Rules Are as Important as Trades

NEPSE may seem simple, but behind every trade lies a system of hours, holidays, and settlement rules.

👉 For investors:

  • Respect trading hours.

  • Track holiday schedules.

  • Understand settlement to avoid mistakes.

Final Word: Knowing the rules of the game is the first step to winning in Nepal’s stock market.