1. The accounts, explained simply
Nepal’s share market uses a few linked accounts. This is the part beginners find confusing:
- Demat account — opened at a Depository Participant (DP) (a bank or capital company under CDSC). It holds your shares electronically and gives you a 16-digit BOID. Required for everything.
- Mero Share — CDSC’s online portal (
meroshare.cdsc.com.np) where you apply for IPOs/FPOs/rights/mutual funds, see your portfolio and transfer shares. - C-ASBA / CRN — a number you get from your bank that links your bank account to your Demat, so the bank can block funds for an IPO (ASBA = Application Supported by Blocked Amount). No CRN, no IPO application.
- Trading / TMS account — a separate account with a licensed NEPSE broker, needed only to buy and sell shares on the secondary market. Not needed just to apply for IPOs.
2. Documents you need
Your preparation
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Only these tick marks are saved on this device. Tools Pasal never asks for or stores your citizenship, BOID, bank or Mero Share details.
3. Fees to expect
| Fee | Typical amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Demat opening | Free – Rs 200 | One-time |
| Demat annual maintenance | Rs 100 – 200 | Yearly |
| Mero Share registration | ~Rs 50 | One-time |
| Mero Share renewal | ~Rs 50 | Yearly |
| Broker commission (buy/sell) | ~0.36 – 0.40% (tiered) | Per trade |
| SEBON fee | ~0.015% | Per trade |
| DP charge (on selling) | ~Rs 25 per scrip | Per sell |
| Capital gains tax | 5% (held > 1 yr) / 7.5% (≤ 1 yr) for individuals | On profit |
Charges vary by DP/broker and change over time — confirm the current figures with your provider. Use our NEPSE Share Calculator to work out commission, tax and break-even on a trade.
4. How to apply for an IPO (My ASBA)
- Make sure you have a Demat (BOID), a Mero Share login and a CRN.
- Log in to Mero Share during the issue’s open dates.
- Go to My ASBA → Apply for Issue and pick the open IPO/FPO/right.
- Select your bank/CRN, enter the number of units (usually a minimum of 10), and review.
- Confirm with your transaction PIN. The amount is blocked in your account, not transferred.
- On the result date, if allotted, the amount is debited and shares are credited to your Demat; if not, the block is released.
5. Common mistakes to avoid
- Thinking a Demat account alone lets you trade — you also need a broker (TMS) account to buy/sell.
- Forgetting the CRN — you can’t apply for an IPO without it.
- Bank account name not exactly matching your Demat name.
- Letting the Demat/Mero Share renewal lapse (small yearly fee).
- Sharing your Mero Share password or transaction PIN — keep them private.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Demat, Mero Share, C-ASBA and a trading account?
Demat holds your shares electronically and gives you a 16-digit BOID. Mero Share is the CDSC online portal where you apply for IPOs and manage your Demat. C-ASBA (your CRN, from your bank) links your bank account so funds can be blocked for IPOs. A trading/TMS account (from a licensed broker) is a separate account you need only to buy and sell on the NEPSE secondary market.
What documents do I need to open a Demat account?
Your citizenship certificate (both sides, original + copy), 2 passport-size photos, your bank account details, possibly a PAN/tax number, plus signature and thumbprints. Minors need a guardianship certificate; Non-Resident Nepalis need an NRN certificate.
How much does it cost?
Demat opening is often free or up to ~Rs 200, with an annual maintenance fee of about Rs 100–200. Mero Share has a small registration fee (~Rs 50) and ~Rs 50 yearly renewal. When you trade on the secondary market you also pay broker commission (~0.36–0.40% tiered), a SEBON fee (~0.015%), a DP charge (~Rs 25 per scrip on selling), and capital gains tax. Confirm exact charges with your DP/bank.
Do I need all of these just to apply for an IPO?
For IPOs you need three things: a Demat account (BOID), a Mero Share login, and a C-ASBA number (CRN). You do NOT need a broker trading account for IPOs — that's only for buying/selling listed shares.
How long does it take?
Demat opening typically takes about 1–3 working days after document verification. Mero Share registration is same-day online, and once your CRN is set you can apply for IPOs immediately. A broker trading account is opened separately.
How do I check my IPO result?
Use the official CDSC IPO result page, or our IPO Result tool. If allotted, the blocked amount is debited and the shares are credited to your Demat; if not, the block is released.