Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) remained operational on Saturday, April 11, 2026, for a special trading session conducted as a mock trading exercise, despite weekends typically being non-trading days.
The mock trading session is a simulated trading process in which market participants execute trades without the use of real funds. Such sessions are conducted to test the technical infrastructure of exchanges, brokers, and trading platforms. The primary objective is to ensure that no technical disruptions occur during live market operations. The exercise also enables new traders to familiarize themselves with market functioning without financial exposure.
The session held on April 11, 2026 covered multiple segments, including equity, electronic gold receipts (EGR), currency derivatives, and commodity derivatives. Across these segments, exchanges tested system functionality, risk management frameworks, and order processing mechanisms.
Both NSE and BSE had issued circulars on April 10, 2026, detailing the mock trading session. According to the circulars, the session was specifically conducted to evaluate trading and risk management systems. BSE stated in its notice that the exercise included technical testing in commodity derivatives and other segments, and encouraged members to participate to validate trading software and applications.
NSE, in its circular, provided specific information regarding the Unique Client Code (UCC) system. The exchange stated that the UCC system would not be available in the live environment from 10:00 AM until midnight on April 11, and any changes made during this period would not be considered valid for the next trading day.
During the session, exchanges advised trading members and brokers to utilize the opportunity for system testing, including validation of risk reduction mode, handling of trading interruptions, testing of order management systems, and functionality of API-based trading platforms.
The session is particularly relevant for brokers using third-party platforms or proprietary systems. Mock trading sessions are conducted in phases across segments, typically including pre-open, open, and closing stages, to replicate real market conditions.
