The truth: no strict minimum exists. Beginners start with ₹10, ₹500, or ₹10 lakhs—whatever surplus remains after covering expenses. The question isn’t “how much is required” but “how much safely invested without compromising stability”.
Real Starting Amounts (November 2025)
TCS trades at ₹3,700+ per share, requiring ₹37,000 for 10 shares. ITC costs ₹390—meaning 10 shares need ₹3,900. Cheap stocks run ₹10-₹50, enabling ₹500 investments.
Account opening costs ₹0-₹300 with brokers like Zerodha, Angel One, Upstox. SEBI permits fractional buying through most platforms.
The SIP Route Works
Monthly ₹500-₹1,000 SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) enable consistent investing. Over 25 years at 12% returns, ₹500 monthly compounds to ₹57+ lakhs.
Nifty 50 SIPs worth ₹10,000 monthly generated ₹80+ lakh corpus within 15 years (April 2025 data).
The Realistic Framework
First: Build an emergency fund covering 6 months expenses before stock investing.
Second: Calculate monthly surplus after rent, utilities, food, obligations.
Third: Split surplus into thirds, investing across 3 months (the “X/3 Strategy” averages volatility).
Capital Requirements by Strategy
Intraday Trading: ₹25,000 minimum (SEBI rule).
Swing Trading: No minimum—trade ₹5,000 holdings.
Long-term Investing: Start ₹1,000-₹5,000.
Mutual Fund SIP: ₹500 monthly.
The Psychological Factor
Starting small cushions emotional damage during crashes. ₹1 lakh triggers panic-selling. ₹5,000 initial investment allows surviving downturns through discipline.
November 2024-March 2025 saw Nifty crash 8%—many panic-sold, locking losses. Smaller positions enable holding through recoveries.
The Reality That Works
Consistency beats capital amount. ₹500 monthly over 25 years outpaces ₹2 lakh one-time investors abandoning after 3 crashes.
Stock market courses in Delhi teach starting frameworks and psychological discipline—separating “planners” from actual investors.
