Stock market is a market where trading of company stocks, other securities and derivatives takes place. Stock exchanges are corporations or mutual organizations, which are specialized in trading stocks and securities. All sorts of company stocks are enrolled in the stock exchanges, operating in a particular country. Some of the stock markets in India are listed below: -

• Bangalore Stock Exchange
• Mumbai (Bombay) Stock Exchange
• Calcutta Stock Exchange
• Delhi Stock Exchange
• Madras Stock Exchange
• National Stock Exchange

Mumbai (Bombay) stock exchange is India’s first stock exchange. It was founded in 1875 with total number of listed stocks being more than 6,000. In India there are total 22 stock exchanges operating across the country. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is situated in Mumbai The small and medium sized companies can list their stocks in Over The Counter Exchange of India (OTCEI).

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates the functioning of capital market and protects the interests of the investors. It is situated in Mumbai. Some functions of SEBI are as follows: -

• Regulation of working in stock exchanges and other securities markets.
• Registration and regulation of the operation of collective investment plans, including mutual funds.
• Inhibition of fallacious and unfair business practices in the securities markets.
• Controlling accomplishment of shares and takeover of companies .

Foreign Investors In Indian Stock Markets

Except few restricted industries, in all other industries in India, foreign companies are now allowed to have a majority share. For some particular industries, they are even permitted to have the full share.

Now Foreign Institutional Investors (FII) can operate in the Indian stock market after getting registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Reserve Bank of India, subject to the conditions imposed by SEBI. Even foreign brokers are now permitted to guide the FIIs to operate in Indian stock market, once they get registered with SEBI.

The contact details of some stock exchanges in India are given below: -

MUMBAI (BOMBAY) STOCK EXCHANGE
Phiroze Jeejeebhoy Tower,
5th Floor, Dalal Street,
Bombay 400 023
Tel.: 91-22-265-5861, 2265-5581
Fax 91-22-265-8121/

BANGALORE STOCK EXCHANGE
Stock Exchange Towers,
No 51 1st Cross,
J C Road,
Bangalore 560027.
Tel: (91-80) 2995233 / 5225

NATIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE
Mahindra Towers "A" Wing, 1st Floor,
Worli, Mumbai.
Tel: 022-4960525, 4932555.
Fax: 022-4935631