The National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange is set to launch two equity and two agriculture indices on October 22. While this marks the exchange's expansion into a multi-asset platform, the rollout of equity derivatives is delayed until mid-2027 to meet SEBI's liquidity requirements. The move is backed by prominent investors, including Radhakishan Damani, Zerodha, and Groww, as the exchange modernizes its operations.
The National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) is set to launch four new indices on October 22, covering both equity markets and agricultural commodities. This update is a key part of the exchange's plan to transform into a multi-asset platform, moving beyond its traditional role as a commodity-focused trading venue. The upcoming indices include two options targeting large-cap equity and financial services sectors.
Alongside the equity indices, the exchange is bringing back tracking instruments for guar and spices, which were removed from the board in February 2022. By reintroducing these products, the exchange hopes to attract renewed interest from traders in the agricultural sector, which has historically been one of its core strengths.
While the index launches are proceeding, the exchange has confirmed a delay for its entry into equity derivatives, with a target now set for mid-2027. This decision follows regulatory mandates from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The regulator requires a minimum six-month gap between the start of cash equity trading and the introduction of derivative products. This rule is intended to ensure that the underlying cash market develops sufficient liquidity—meaning there is a consistent number of buyers and sellers—before more complex derivative trading is allowed.
This transition into a multi-asset marketplace is supported by a group of high-profile investors who joined the exchange throughout 2025. The investor list includes well-known names such as Radhakishan Damani, Madhu Kela, and Ramesh Damani. Additionally, retail investment platforms like Zerodha and Groww are part of the exchange's backing, signaling institutional confidence in the platform's long-term strategy. To support the technical requirements of this expansion, the exchange has formed a partnership with Tata Consultancy Services.
For market participants, the next important updates to follow will be the initial performance of these new indices and the exchange's progress on its operational roadmap as it builds toward the launch of its derivative products in 2027.