India’s stock markets are typically closed on Saturdays and Sundays. However, trading-related activities are being conducted on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange as part of a mock trading session.
Special trading sessions are occasionally conducted on Saturdays under specific circumstances, including technical testing, disaster recovery preparedness, backup system verification, or other operational requirements. Such sessions are not regular market trading days and are conducted within a controlled and limited framework rather than through full-scale live market operations available to all investors.
Mock trading is a simulated trading session conducted without the use of real funds. The exercise is intended to test trading systems, evaluate new software and system updates, assess the robustness of broker and exchange infrastructure, examine risk management procedures, and provide training to market participants.
According to information issued by the stock exchanges, NSE stated in its circular that a mock trading session will be conducted on May 9, 2026, in the capital market segment. BSE also announced a mock trading session for the equity segment on the same date. The testing exercise covers major segments including equities, currency derivatives, commodity derivatives, and electronic gold receipts.
Mock trading sessions are designed to replicate real market conditions. During these sessions, buy and sell orders are placed, algorithmic trading systems are tested, new features and upgrades are evaluated, and trading members are provided an opportunity to understand and test system functionality. The process does not involve any actual financial exposure.
NSE and BSE conduct mock trading sessions across different segments through multiple time slots. The exact schedule for each session is issued separately by the exchanges through official circulars. These sessions generally include pre-open sessions, regular mock trading sessions, closing sessions, and system testing windows.
Investors and brokers are advised to refer only to the official websites of NSE and BSE for exchange notifications and operational updates related to mock trading sessions.
Trading-related activities are taking place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, because NSE and BSE are conducting a mock trading session for technical testing and system preparedness purposes.
