Aarav was 23, working his first real job at an IT company near Putalisadak. His salary was decent. His spending was controlled. Every month he saved NRS 10,000 to 15,000 but it sat in a savings account earning 5% interest. His colleague Priya, two years older, had invested in IPOs for the past three years. She mentioned casually that her Shree Ram Sugar Mills shares had doubled. She had put in NRS 10,000 during the IPO.
Aarav wanted to start. But every time he Googled "Nepal share market suru kasari garnu," he found articles full of terms he did not understand. BOID. CRN. CDSC. DP. MeroShare. TMS. He felt like he needed a finance degree just to open an account.
He does not. And neither do you.
The entire process from zero to an active NEPSE investor takes less than one week and costs under NRS 400 total. This guide walks through every step in the exact order you need to complete them, without assuming you know anything about the stock market already.
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The 4 things you need before you can invest in NEPSE
1. Demat Account + BOID: Your digital share locker. Opens at a DP (bank or broker). Cost: Rs. 100-200. Time: 1-3 working days.
2. CRN Number: Links your bank to your Demat. Obtained from your bank's C-ASBA department. Cost: free to Rs. 5. Time: same day.
3. MeroShare Account: Online portal to apply for IPOs and check your portfolio. Opens at meroshare.cdsc.com.np. Cost: Rs. 50. Time: 1-2 working days.
4. TMS Account (for secondary market): Online trading platform for buying and selling shares on NEPSE. Opens through a licensed broker. Cost: free. Needed only if you want to buy/sell existing shares beyond IPOs.
2. CRN Number: Links your bank to your Demat. Obtained from your bank's C-ASBA department. Cost: free to Rs. 5. Time: same day.
3. MeroShare Account: Online portal to apply for IPOs and check your portfolio. Opens at meroshare.cdsc.com.np. Cost: Rs. 50. Time: 1-2 working days.
4. TMS Account (for secondary market): Online trading platform for buying and selling shares on NEPSE. Opens through a licensed broker. Cost: free. Needed only if you want to buy/sell existing shares beyond IPOs.
284
Companies listed on NEPSE as of 2026. Market cap: NRS 4,435 billion
NRS 300
Approximate total first-year cost to open Demat + MeroShare (Rs. 100-200 + Rs. 50 + Rs. 50)
2
Maximum Demat accounts allowed per person under CDSC rules
16
Digits in your BOID number. Your permanent identity in Nepal's capital market.
What Is a Demat Account and Why Do You Need It?
Demat account matlab ke ho? Simple answer: it is your digital share locker.
In the old days, when a company issued shares, investors received physical paper certificates. You had to keep them safe at home, like property documents. If the certificate was lost, stolen, or damaged, your share ownership could not be proved easily.
Nepal modernized this system through CDSC (Central Depository System and Clearing Limited). Now, all shares are digital. When you win an IPO or buy shares through a broker, they go directly into your Demat account as electronic records. No paper. No risk of physical loss.
Your Demat account has a unique 16-digit number called a BOID (Beneficial Owner Identification). This BOID is your permanent identity in Nepal's capital market.
BOID format example
16 digits total
1301
230001234567
The three pillars: Demat, MeroShare, and TMS
Demat account: The locker where your shares are stored. Managed by CDSC through your DP.
MeroShare (meroshare.cdsc.com.np): The online portal where you view your share portfolio, apply for IPOs, see your transaction history, and receive dividend reports. Think of it as your share account's online banking interface.
TMS (Trading Management System): The platform where you actually buy and sell shares on the secondary market (NEPSE floor). Accessed through a licensed stockbroker. If you only want to apply for IPOs, TMS is not immediately required.
MeroShare (meroshare.cdsc.com.np): The online portal where you view your share portfolio, apply for IPOs, see your transaction history, and receive dividend reports. Think of it as your share account's online banking interface.
TMS (Trading Management System): The platform where you actually buy and sell shares on the secondary market (NEPSE floor). Accessed through a licensed stockbroker. If you only want to apply for IPOs, TMS is not immediately required.
Step 1: Choose a Depository Participant (DP)
You cannot open a Demat account directly with CDSC. You must go through a DP (Depository Participant), which is an institution licensed by CDSC to provide Demat services.
DP choose garnu cha? Three types of DPs operate in Nepal:
| DP Type | Examples | Best For | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Banks | Nabil Bank, NIC Asia, Global IME, Himalayan Bank, Siddhartha Bank, Nepal SBI, Sanima Bank | Most beginners, especially those with existing accounts | Easiest C-ASBA linking if you already bank there. Online account opening available at many branches. Wide branch network. |
| Merchant Banks / Capital Companies | Siddhartha Capital, NMB Capital, Sanima Capital, Prabhu Capital | Investors who want dedicated share market support | Specialized in capital market services. Often faster Demat processing and more dedicated customer support for share-related queries. |
| Licensed Stock Brokers | Various brokers with DP licenses (check full list at cdsc.com.np) | Active traders who want Demat and TMS access in one place | Convenient if you plan to actively trade on NEPSE. One institution handles both Demat and secondary market trading. |
Best recommendation for beginners in 2026
Open your Demat account at the same bank where you have your savings account. This makes C-ASBA registration (the link between your bank and Demat) much faster and simpler. Many banks now offer online Demat account opening through their mobile banking apps or websites. You might not need to visit a branch at all.
Full DP list: Visit cdsc.com.np and look for "Depository Participants" to see the complete, current list of all licensed DPs in Nepal. The list shows all banks, merchant banks, and brokers that are authorized to open Demat accounts.
Step 2: Documents Required to Open a Demat Account
Documents prepare garnu cha. This is the simplest part. You need only four things.
| Document | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship Certificate (Nagarikta) | Clear photocopy of both front and back. Original required to show. | The name, date of birth, and address on your Demat form must exactly match the citizenship. Any mismatch causes rejection or problems later. |
| Passport-size photographs | 2 copies, recent, white background preferred | Used for KYC (Know Your Customer) record. Some DPs now accept digital photos uploaded online. |
| Bank account details | Your bank name, branch, and account number | The bank account must be in your own name, matching the citizenship. Joint accounts are generally not accepted for Demat linking. |
| PAN Card (optional but recommended) | PAN card copy if available | Not mandatory to open the Demat account, but required for tax reporting when you earn dividends or capital gains from shares. Get your PAN from IRD before you start investing seriously. |
Name mismatch: the number one reason for Demat problems
If your name appears differently on your citizenship, your bank account, and the Demat form, you will face problems when applying for IPOs. Your IPO application may be rejected or your allotted shares may not be credited properly. Use your full legal name exactly as it appears on your citizenship certificate everywhere. If your bank account uses a nickname or different spelling, update it at the bank before applying for Demat.
Step 3: How to Open Your Demat Account
Phase 1 of 4
Two pathways exist in 2026: online (fully digital through your bank's app or website) and in-person (visiting the DP's branch). Many Nepal banks now support online Demat opening, making this the faster option.
Online Method (Available at Most Major Banks)
1
Log into your bank's mobile app or internet banking
Open your bank's app. Look for "Demat Account," "Share Market," or "Capital Market Services" in the menu. If your bank's app does not show this, check their official website or call the branch. Most major Nepal banks added this feature between 2023 and 2025.
2
Fill the online Demat application form
Complete the form with your personal details. Use your exact legal name from your citizenship certificate. Enter your bank account number, address, date of birth (in AD), contact number, and email address. Upload a photo of your citizenship (front and back) and your passport photo when prompted.
3
Add a nominee
You are required to name a nominee for your Demat account. This person inherits your share holdings if something happens to you. Most people name a parent, spouse, or sibling. Provide the nominee's name, citizenship number, relationship, and date of birth. Do not skip this step. It protects your investment for your family.
4
Pay the Demat account opening fee
Most banks charge NRS 100 to 200 for Demat account opening. Some run free promotional periods. The fee is typically paid through the same bank's payment system or deducted from your account. Annual renewal is NRS 100 per year.
5
Wait for approval and receive your BOID
Processing takes 1 to 3 working days. The bank's DP department verifies your documents and registers your account with CDSC. Once approved, you receive your 16-digit BOID number by SMS, email, or through the bank's app. Write this number down and store it safely. It is your permanent capital market identity.
In-Person Method (Branch Visit)
Visit
Go to the DP section of your bank
Take all documents listed above. Ask the counter for the "Demat Account Opening Form" (sometimes called DP form or Beneficial Owner form). Fill it at the branch with staff assistance. Submit documents, pay the fee at the counter, and receive a receipt with your application reference number.
Demat opening time: 10 to 15 minutes at the counter. The most common reason for delay is missing documents. Have both sides of citizenship scanned or photocopied before going. Also bring your original citizenship to show the staff. Original is returned to you after verification.
Step 4: Get Your CRN (C-ASBA Registration Number)
Phase 2 of 4
BOID milyo, great. Tara CRN pani chahinchha. The CRN (Client Registration Number) is what links your bank account to your Demat account. Without a CRN, you cannot apply for IPOs through MeroShare. This is the step many beginners miss and then cannot apply for IPOs when the time comes.
What is CRN and C-ASBA?
C-ASBA stands for Centralized Application Supported by Blocked Amount. When you apply for an IPO, your bank does not immediately send the money. Instead, it "blocks" the applied amount in your account while the IPO allotment process happens. If you get allotted shares, the blocked amount is deducted. If you do not, the block is released and you have your full money back. CRN is the unique number that creates this connection between your bank account and your Demat account. It is issued by your bank's C-ASBA department.
1
Visit your bank's C-ASBA department
If you opened your Demat at the same bank where you have savings, go to the same branch. Tell them you need your CRN for C-ASBA registration. If you opened Demat at a different institution (like a merchant bank), you can still get CRN from any bank where you have a savings account. Your CRN links that specific bank account to your BOID.
2
Fill the C-ASBA registration form
A short form requiring your BOID number, your bank account number, your name, and contact number. The bank staff usually fills this in under 5 minutes. Some banks now allow CRN registration through internet banking or their app without needing a branch visit.
3
Receive your CRN
The bank gives you a CRN (also called Client ID or Registration Number depending on the bank). It is typically an alphanumeric code. Save it. You will enter this CRN on MeroShare to link your bank for IPO applications. Some banks also send the CRN by SMS to your registered mobile number.
| Bank | CRN Available Online? | C-ASBA Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Nabil Bank | Yes (internet banking) | Rs. 5 per IPO application |
| NIC Asia Bank | Yes | Rs. 5 per IPO application |
| Global IME Bank | Yes | Rs. 5 per IPO application |
| Himalayan Bank | Yes | Rs. 5 per IPO application |
| All major Class A banks | Most: yes via app or branch | Rs. 5 maximum per application (NRB cap) |
Step 5: Register on MeroShare (meroshare.cdsc.com.np)
Phase 3 of 4
BOID milyo, CRN milyo. Now MeroShare activate garnu cha. MeroShare is the official CDSC portal where you manage your share investments online. Without MeroShare, you cannot apply for IPOs or check your portfolio digitally.
Official URL only: meroshare.cdsc.com.np
The only legitimate MeroShare login page is at meroshare.cdsc.com.np. Never log in through any third-party link, Google ad, or link sent via SMS or Facebook. Phishing sites mimicking MeroShare are a real threat. Bookmark the official URL directly and always check the HTTPS lock icon and the exact URL before entering your password. CDSC will never ask for your password via phone, email, or SMS.
1
Go to meroshare.cdsc.com.np and click Register
On the MeroShare homepage, look for the "Register" or "Sign Up" button. This takes you to the new user registration form. If your bank already enrolled you during Demat opening (some do this automatically), you may have received login credentials directly. Check your email and SMS first.
2
Select your DP from the dropdown
The registration form asks you to select your Depository Participant. Find your bank or broker's name in the dropdown. This tells MeroShare which institution holds your Demat account. If your DP is not in the list, they may not have MeroShare integration yet. Contact your DP to confirm.
3
Enter your BOID, email, and contact details
Fill your 16-digit BOID number exactly as issued. Enter your email address. This email becomes your MeroShare username. Enter your name as per the Demat account. The details must exactly match your Demat records. Any mismatch will cause the registration to fail.
4
Pay the MeroShare registration fee
MeroShare registration costs NRS 50. Annual renewal is NRS 50. Some banks include this in a combo package with Demat opening. If paying separately, the fee is paid through the bank's payment gateway on the registration page or at the DP counter.
5
Receive login credentials and change your password
After registration is processed (1-2 working days), you receive your MeroShare login details by email or SMS. Log in at meroshare.cdsc.com.np. You will be prompted to change the default password immediately. Create a strong password using uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Do not share this password with anyone.
6
Add your bank account on MeroShare (My Bank)
After logging in, go to "My Bank" or "Add Bank" section. Enter your bank name, account number, and your CRN. This links your MeroShare account to your bank for IPO applications. Verify that the CRN and account number are correct. This is what gets checked when you apply for an IPO.
Step 6: Applying for Your First IPO
Phase 4 of 4
Sab account khulyo, CRN linked, MeroShare active. Now IPO apply garnu kasari? Here is the exact process when a new IPO is open for application.
1
Find open IPOs on MeroShare
Log into MeroShare. Go to "My ASBA" from the top menu. You will see a list of currently open IPOs and FPOs. Each entry shows the company name, issue price per share, minimum application amount, and application closing date.
2
Click Apply on your chosen IPO
Tap "Apply" on the IPO you want. Select the bank account you linked via CRN. Choose the number of units (kitta) you want to apply for. For most IPOs, the minimum is 10 kitta. The total application amount is units × issue price. Enter your CRN when prompted.
3
Confirm the application
Review the application details: company, units applied, total amount, your BOID, and bank. Confirm. Your bank will block the applied amount in your account. You will receive a confirmation message. The money stays blocked until the allotment date.
4
Check IPO result
After the IPO application closes, results are published on MeroShare under "My ASBA" or the issuer's website. If you are allotted shares, the applied amount is deducted and shares appear in your Demat account. If not allotted, the blocked amount is released to your bank balance automatically within T+2 days.
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NEPSE for Beginners: Complete Share Buying Guide
After your Demat is open, read this to understand how to buy and sell shares on NEPSE, read the NEPSE index, understand bonus shares, dividends, and the TMS trading platform.
Complete Cost Breakdown: Demat Account in Nepal 2026
| Item | First Year Cost | Annual Renewal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demat account opening | Rs. 100 to 200 | Rs. 100 | Some DPs offer free opening during promotions. Annual renewal keeps your account active. |
| MeroShare registration | Rs. 50 | Rs. 50 | Often bundled with Demat opening at many banks as a Rs. 150 combo package. |
| CRN registration | Free | Free | No cost for CRN itself. C-ASBA charge of Rs. 5 per IPO application applies separately. |
| C-ASBA / IPO application fee | Rs. 5 per application | Rs. 5 per application | NRB has capped maximum ASBA charge at Rs. 5 per application for all banks. |
| TMS account (broker, for secondary market) | Free | Free | No account opening fee. Brokerage commission (0.36% to 0.60%) applies per trade. |
| Total first year (Demat + MeroShare) | Rs. 250 to 300 | Rs. 150 | One of the lowest barriers to entry for any financial investment platform in South Asia. |
Common Mistakes That Beginners Make: Avoid These
Nepal ma demat account kholdakai galti gareko manchhe haru le paila gaye. These are the specific errors that cause the most problems.
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Name mismatch across documents | IPO applications rejected; shares not credited; account verification fails | Use your exact full legal name from citizenship on every form. Update your bank account name if it differs before starting. |
| Sharing BOID publicly on social media or forums | Identity theft risk. BOID is your financial identity in Nepal's capital market. | Never post your BOID number publicly. Do not enter it on third-party websites that claim to check IPO results. |
| Forgetting to renew Demat and MeroShare annually | Account becomes inactive. Cannot apply for IPOs. Renewal process causes delay. | Set a phone reminder for the renewal date (usually 1 year from opening). Annual renewal: Rs. 100 (Demat) + Rs. 50 (MeroShare). |
| Not linking the right bank CRN on MeroShare | IPO application goes through but amount cannot be blocked; application fails | Use the CRN from the same bank account you enter in the MeroShare bank linking section. CRN and bank account must be from the same bank. |
| Trying to open a third Demat account | CDSC allows maximum 2 Demat accounts per person. Third application is automatically rejected. | Know your existing BOID numbers before applying. If you lost your BOID, contact your DP to recover it. Do not apply again. |
| Not completing e-DIS authorization after selling shares | Share sale transaction fails to settle. Your broker cannot transfer the shares to buyer. | After selling shares through a broker, you must authorize the transfer on MeroShare under e-DIS (Electronic Delivery Instruction Slip) within T+2 days. |
| Using a fake or phishing MeroShare link | Account credentials stolen. Share portfolio at risk. | Always type meroshare.cdsc.com.np directly in the browser. Bookmark it. Never use Google search to find MeroShare if you can avoid clicking ads. |
For NRN (Non-Resident Nepalis): Can You Open a Demat Account from Abroad?
Bidesh bata Nepal ma invest garne manka cha? Yes, NRNs (Non-Resident Nepalis) can open a Demat account and invest in NEPSE from abroad, but with some additional requirements.
NRN Demat account requirements (2026)
Additional documents needed: NRN ID card (from Non-Resident Nepali Association) or passport, foreign bank statement or proof of foreign income, and Nepali citizenship certificate or proof of Nepali origin.
Bank account requirement: NRNs need a Foreign Currency Account or NRNA-compliant Nepali bank account to link for C-ASBA. Standard savings accounts may have foreign exchange restrictions.
DP selection: Choose a DP that explicitly handles NRN accounts. Nabil Bank, Standard Chartered Nepal, and some merchant banks have dedicated NRN services.
Power of Attorney: If visiting Nepal is not possible, a trusted Nepal-based representative with Power of Attorney can complete the in-person steps on your behalf.
Bank account requirement: NRNs need a Foreign Currency Account or NRNA-compliant Nepali bank account to link for C-ASBA. Standard savings accounts may have foreign exchange restrictions.
DP selection: Choose a DP that explicitly handles NRN accounts. Nabil Bank, Standard Chartered Nepal, and some merchant banks have dedicated NRN services.
Power of Attorney: If visiting Nepal is not possible, a trusted Nepal-based representative with Power of Attorney can complete the in-person steps on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Demat account kholdakai MeroShare account pani kholna parcha? +
Not simultaneously, but yes, you need both to invest in IPOs. Many banks open both in one combined process. If your bank offers a "Demat + MeroShare combo" for Rs. 150 (Rs. 100 + Rs. 50), take it. This saves you the separate step of registering on MeroShare later. If not, open Demat first, get your BOID, and then register on MeroShare separately within a few days.
BOID number gayo bhane ke garnu? +
Your BOID is recoverable. Contact your DP (the bank or institution where you opened the Demat account) with your citizenship certificate and registered phone number. They can retrieve your BOID from CDSC's system. You can also log into your bank's internet banking: some banks show your BOID number in the capital market or share services section. Do not apply for a new Demat to get a new BOID, as this may exceed the 2-account limit.
MeroShare ma login bhayena, password birsyo, ke garnu? +
On the MeroShare login page, click "Forgot Password." Enter your registered email address. A password reset link will be sent to your email. If you have also lost access to the email, contact your DP. They can raise a request with CDSC to reset your credentials after identity verification. This takes 1-3 working days. This is why using a permanent, personal email address (not a company or school email) is important when registering MeroShare.
IPO apply garda paise bank ma deducted vayena, apply successful bhayo? +
When you apply for an IPO through MeroShare, your bank "blocks" the amount, meaning it reserves it but does not actually deduct it from your account. You will see the blocked amount in your bank statement as "Lien" or "Blocked Balance." Your available balance decreases by the blocked amount, but your actual balance stays the same until allotment. If allotted, the amount is formally deducted. If not allotted, the block is released automatically.
Ek person le kati vota Demat account khol na milcha? +
Maximum 2 Demat accounts per person under CDSC rules. You can open accounts at two different DPs if you want, but not more. Most investors find one account sufficient. Having two accounts does not allow you to apply for the same IPO twice. CDSC tracks IPO applications by citizenship number and BOID, so duplicate applications are rejected regardless of how many accounts you have.
NEPSE ma invest garnu safe cha? +
Share markets carry inherent risk. The value of shares can go up or down. NEPSE has experienced significant corrections as well as bull runs. For beginners, IPO applications are generally considered lower risk than secondary market buying because you apply at the issue price and shares are allotted at that fixed price. The shares then begin trading on the secondary market where prices fluctuate. Invest only money you can afford to have locked up for a period. Do not take loans to invest in shares. Never invest based on tips from social media groups.
From Zero to Your First Share: The Timeline
Here is how long each step realistically takes once you start the process:
Realistic timeline from zero to NEPSE investor
Day 1: Choose DP, gather documents, fill Demat application (online or at branch). 30 to 60 minutes.
Day 1 to 3: DP processes your Demat application. You receive your BOID.
Day 2 to 3: Visit bank C-ASBA section or use internet banking to get CRN. 15 minutes.
Day 3 to 4: Register on MeroShare at meroshare.cdsc.com.np. Add your bank via CRN. 20 minutes online.
Day 4 to 5: MeroShare account activated. Log in, change password, verify portfolio section.
Day 5 onwards: Ready to apply for IPOs when the next one opens on My ASBA.
Day 1 to 3: DP processes your Demat application. You receive your BOID.
Day 2 to 3: Visit bank C-ASBA section or use internet banking to get CRN. 15 minutes.
Day 3 to 4: Register on MeroShare at meroshare.cdsc.com.np. Add your bank via CRN. 20 minutes online.
Day 4 to 5: MeroShare account activated. Log in, change password, verify portfolio section.
Day 5 onwards: Ready to apply for IPOs when the next one opens on My ASBA.
Aarav completed this process in 4 days. His BOID arrived on Day 2. He got his CRN the same day he picked up his BOID by calling his bank's helpline. MeroShare was active by Day 4. The next Monday, a new hydropower company's IPO opened on MeroShare. He applied for 10 kitta at Rs. 100 per share: total Rs. 1,000 blocked. He was allotted. His first shares appeared in his Demat account four days later.
He had no finance degree. He just had the right guide and the right steps in the right order.
Demat Account Opening Checklist Nepal 2026
☐ Choose a DP (preferably the bank where you have savings)
☐ Prepare: citizenship copy (both sides), 2 passport photos, bank account details
☐ Fill Demat application form (online or at branch)
☐ Add a nominee to your Demat account
☐ Pay Demat opening fee (Rs. 100-200)
☐ Receive BOID number (1-3 working days). Write it down.
☐ Get CRN from bank C-ASBA department
☐ Register on meroshare.cdsc.com.np (not any other URL)
☐ Pay MeroShare fee (Rs. 50)
☐ Receive MeroShare login and change password
☐ Add bank account via CRN on MeroShare
☐ Check My ASBA for open IPOs
☐ Set annual renewal reminder (Rs. 100 Demat + Rs. 50 MeroShare)
☐ Prepare: citizenship copy (both sides), 2 passport photos, bank account details
☐ Fill Demat application form (online or at branch)
☐ Add a nominee to your Demat account
☐ Pay Demat opening fee (Rs. 100-200)
☐ Receive BOID number (1-3 working days). Write it down.
☐ Get CRN from bank C-ASBA department
☐ Register on meroshare.cdsc.com.np (not any other URL)
☐ Pay MeroShare fee (Rs. 50)
☐ Receive MeroShare login and change password
☐ Add bank account via CRN on MeroShare
☐ Check My ASBA for open IPOs
☐ Set annual renewal reminder (Rs. 100 Demat + Rs. 50 MeroShare)
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes based on CDSC Nepal's publicly available Demat account procedures and verified 2026 data from licensed financial institutions. Share market investments carry risk. Past performance of the NEPSE index does not guarantee future returns. Merokalam is not a licensed investment advisor and this guide is not investment advice. For personal investment planning, consult a SEBON-licensed investment advisor. Official CDSC information at cdsc.com.np.