How to Read a Demat Account Statement

Every investor who holds securities in digital form through a demat account receives periodic statements from their depository participant (DP). These statements provide crucial insights into your current holdings, past transactions, and the status of your securities. Learning how to read a demat account statement ensures that you remain informed about your portfolio, detect errors early, and maintain compliance with regulatory norms.

A demat account statement is a detailed document issued by your DP that lists all the transactions and current holdings in your demat account. Whether you are registered with the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) or Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL), you will receive regular updates on your securities.

Demat account holders typically receive two main types of statements from their depository participant. Each serves a different purpose and helps investors stay informed about their investments and trading activities:

Transaction Statement

A transaction statement captures all movements—both inflows and outflows—within your demat account over a defined period. It works similarly to a bank statement but for your securities. The statement provides detailed information such as:

• Date of Transaction: The exact date when the buy or sell order was executed.
  

• Type of Transaction: Indicates whether the activity was a purchase, sale, transfer, pledge, or any other change in the holding status.
  

• Security Name and ISIN: Identifies the specific stock or security and its unique International Securities Identification Number.
  

• Quantity: Number of shares or units transacted.
  

• DP ID and Client ID: Unique identifiers of the account holder with the depository participant.
  

• Remarks/Status: Describes the status of the transaction (e.g., settled, pending).
  

This statement is especially useful for tracking portfolio activity and validating transactions made through your trading account. It can be generated on a monthly basis or even more frequently, depending on the depository's schedule or investor's request.

Holding Statement

The holding statement acts as a status report of your securities at a specific point in time. Unlike the transaction statement, which captures activity, the holding statement provides a snapshot of what you currently own. Key components include:

• List of Securities Held: Including equity shares, bonds, mutual funds, and other dematerialised instruments.
  

• Quantity Available: Total number of units or shares held as of the statement date.
  

• Free vs. Locked-in Holdings: Specifies if the securities are freely tradable or under lock-in (e.g., due to IPO allotment conditions or ESOPs).
  

• Market Value: An indicative value of your holdings based on the prevailing market rates.
  

• ISIN and Security Description: Assures clarity on each listed asset.
  

Holding statements help investors assess the overall composition of their investment portfolio and understand their asset allocation at a glance.

Frequency and Access

These statements can be accessed:

• Monthly or Quarterly: As per SEBI-mandated reporting timelines or depending on transaction activity.
  

• On-Demand: Through the depository’s portal or your stockbroker’s platform at any time.
  

Reviewing both these statements regularly ensures that you are aware of all activity in your demat account and your current investment position. It also helps in reconciling records, identifying errors, and maintaining control over your financial assets.

Understanding the fields within your statement is crucial:

• ISIN: A unique 12-digit code for each security
  

• Security Name: The name of the company whose shares are held
  

• Quantity Held: Number of shares owned
  

• Transaction Date: When the transaction occurred
  

• Type (Credit/Debit): Indicates if the shares were bought (credited) or sold (debited)
  

• DP ID & Client ID: Identifiers for the depository participant and the client
  

• Folio Number: Reference number for tracking specific shareholdings
  

Sample Table for Illustration

This table helps visualise how your transaction entries may appear.

You can access your demat statement through either NSDL or CDSL, depending on your DP:

Via NSDL

• Visit https://eservices.nsdl.com/
  

• Register using your DP ID, Client ID, PAN and other KYC details
  

• Log in and navigate to "Transaction/Holding Statement"
  

• Select the date range and download your report
  

Via CDSL

• Go to https://www.cdslindia.com/
  

• Register for ‘Easi’ services with your BO ID and PAN
  

• After authentication, view and download your statement
  

NSDL demat statements usually list ISINs, security names, quantity balances, and transaction descriptions. Each entry is labelled with a debit/credit mark and includes narration for easier understanding. Review this format regularly to track your portfolio’s movements.

CDSL statements follow a structured format with columns for transaction dates, ISINs, security names, and transaction types. The CDSL system also highlights free balance, locked-in shares, and pledged holdings.

Here's a list of commonly used abbreviations:

• BO ID: Beneficiary Owner ID
  

• ISIN: International Securities Identification Number
  

• Pledge: Shares pledged as collateral
  

• Free Balance: Shares that are not locked-in or pledged
  

• DP: Depository Participant

Regular review helps:

• Detect any unauthorised transactions
  

• Track dividend payouts or bonuses
  

• Monitor share pledges or releases
  

• Reconcile tax-related documents
  

If you notice any discrepancy:

• Contact your DP immediately
  

• Provide your Client ID, DP ID, and a copy of the erroneous statement
  

• Keep written records of communication
  

• Escalate the matter to NSDL or CDSL if unresolved
  

A Consolidated Account Statement (CAS) presents a combined summary of your mutual fund investments and demat account holdings that are linked to your PAN.

• Issued monthly if there are transactions; else quarterly
  

• Shows holdings across all DPs and AMCs
  

• Available through email or physical delivery
  

Access via:

• NSDL https://www.nsdl.co.in/
  

• CDSL https://www.cdslindia.com/
  

This table outlines key differences:

Understanding these differences helps choose the most convenient access method.

• Match ISINs with your actual holdings
  

• Check that credit and debit entries are correctly recorded
  

• Ensure your personal details are accurate
  

• Save and back up copies of each statement
  

Being able to understand your demat account statement equips you with essential financial awareness. It supports transparency, helps detect errors, and keeps you informed about the dynamics of your investment portfolio.

This content is for informational purposes only and the same should not be construed as investment advice. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited shall not be liable or responsible for any investment decision that you may take based on this content.

• NSDL — IDeAS Portal: View and download transaction and holding statements
  https://eservices.nsdl.com
  

• NSDL — NSDL CAS: Consolidated Account Statement for all your securities
  https://nsdl.co.in/nsdlcas/
  

• CDSL — Easi/Easiest User Guide (PDF): How to access demat account statement
  https://www.cdslindia.com/downloads/Investors/FAQs/12.Demat%20CDSL%20Way%20-%20XII%20-%20Easi%20for%20BOs%20-%20January-2022.pdf
  

• SBI Securities — How to download NSDL demat statement
  https://www.sbisecurities.in/blog/demat-account-holding-statement-download-guide