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CDSL vs NSDL — Complete Hindi Guide

What is the difference between CDSL and NSDL, which depository is better — complete Hindi guide.

Published by The Retail Trader · AUG 03, 2026 · Features

What is the difference between CDSL and NSDL, which depository is better — complete Hindi guide.

What is CDSL vs NSDL?

Both are depositories in India – just as a bank keeps money, a depository keeps shares. Demat account is in one of these.

Comparison

Keep these six points in mind:
• Full form — CDSL: Central Depository Services Ltd, NSDL: National Securities Depository Ltd
• Founded — CDSL: 1999, NSDL: 1996
• Promoted by — CDSL: BSE, NSDL: NSE, IDBI, UTI
• Market share — CDSL: ~65%, NSDL: ~35%
• Accounts — CDSL: 12+ crore, NSDL: 4+ crore
• Exchange link — CDSL: Primarily BSE, NSDL: Primarily NSE

Practical Difference

It doesn't matter to you. Shares in both are equally safe. Broker decides which depository to use.

Which Broker Uses What

Keep these seven points in mind:
• Zerodha — CDSL
• Groww — CDSL
• Angel One — CDSL
• Upstox — CDSL
• ICICI Direct — NSDL
• HDFC Securities — NSDL
• Kotak — NSDL

Most discount brokers → CDSL Most bank brokers → NSDL

Are Shares Safe?

Both are equally safe. SEBI regulated. Even if the broker closes down, your shares are safe – they are held directly with the depository.

Cheat Sheet

Keep these points in mind:
• 📌 CDSL vs NSDL
• 📊 India's 2 depositories
• 📊 CDSL: BSE promoted, 65% share
• 📊 NSDL: NSE promoted, 35% share
• PRACTICAL DIFFERENCE:
• 📊 Doesn't matter to you
• 📊 Broker decides
• 📊 Shares equally safe
• WHICH BROKER:
• 📊 Discount brokers (Zerodha, Groww) → CDSL
• 📊 Bank brokers (ICICI, HDFC) → NSDL
• SAFETY:
• 📊 Both SEBI regulated
• 📊 Broker closed → Shares safe (near depository)

What to Read Next?

Keep these points in mind:
• Demat Account Guide | Trading Account Guide | What is Share Market?

The Retail Trader — educational market analysis. Not investment advice.

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not a buy or sell recommendation, a claim of guaranteed returns, or advisory guidance. Exchanges, SEBI and RBI change rules, rates and procedures from time to time, so verify every figure with your broker or an official source.

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