Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (2024)

  • Home
  • Corporate Legal Advice
  • Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading

In Corporate Law

I am a govt PSU employee. Can I invest in stocks?'can I do intraday Future & option trading?

Connect with top Corporate lawyers for your specific issueConnect with a Lawyer

Answers (3)


There is no absolute ban on investing in stocks however speculative trading (may include derivative trading) is not allowed. Also, it depends on the rules and regulations of the Organization.
As per CCS (Central Civil Services) conduct rules 1964, investments in shares, debentures and mutual funds can be made by the Government servant. However "frequent buying and selling" of these are considered as "speculation" and is banned. Also for transactions above certain value, the government officers have to inform prescribed authorities.

Here is the excerpt of the rules:

(32) Transactions in sale and purchase of shares and debentures etc.
The provisions of sub-rule (4) of Rule 18 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 provides that the Government or the prescribed authority may, at any time, by general or special order, require a Government servant to furnish within a period specified in the order, a full and complete statement of such movable or immovable property held or acquired by him or on his behalf or by any member of his family as may be specified in the order. Such statement shall, if so required by the Government or by prescribed authority, include the details of the means by which or the source from which, such property was acquired.
2. Sub-rule (1) of Rule 16 also provides that no Government servant shall speculate in any stock, share or other investment. It has also been explained that frequent purchase or sale or both, of shares, securities or other investments shall be deemed to be speculation within the meaning of this sub-rule.
3. It has been brought to the notice of the Government that a number of employees are investing in shares, securities and debentures etc. frequently. With a view to enable the administrative authorities to keep a watch over such transactions, it has been decided that an intimation may be sent in the enclosed proforma to the prescribed authority in the following cases :-
(i) Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ Officers – If the total transaction in shares, securities, debentures or mutual funds scheme etc. exceeds Rs. 50,000/- during the calendar year.
(ii) Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ Officers – If the total transactions in shares, securities, debentures or mutual funds scheme etc. exceeds Rs. 25,000/- during the calendar year.
4. It is clarified that since shares, securities, debentures etc. are treated as movable property for the purpose of Rule 18 (3) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 if an individual transaction exceeds the amount prescribed in Rule 18 (3), the intimation to the prescribed authority would still be necessary. The intimation prescribed in para 3 will be in addition to this, where cumulative transaction(s) i.e. sale, purchase or both in shares, securities, debentures or mutual funds etc. in a year exceed the limits indicated in para 3.

Advocate Krati Joshi

Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (2)Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (3)Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (4)Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (5) 4.0 | 2+ user ratingsCan a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (6)Greater Kailash - 1,Delhi

VIEW PROFILE

Googling your legal issue online?The internet is not a lawyer and neither are you.Talk to a real lawyer about your legal issue.

Please consult lawyer with your applicable service rules governing conduct of the PSU employees.

As far as my knowledge goes, government employees cannot do intraday trading. However, you can surely invests in stocks, MFs, ULIPs, etc.

Advocate Rishi Raj Sharma

Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (9)Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (10)Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (11)Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (12) 4.3| 5+ user ratings Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (13)South Extension-II, Delhi

VIEW PROFILE

Popular Corporate Lawyers


Advocate Sunil Kumar Bakshi

Sector-16, Faridabad

36 years Experience

Advocate Rajesh Rai

Sector-19, Dwarka, Delhi

23 years Experience

Advocate H Gouri Shankar

Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

27 years Experience

Advocate Bala Janaki

330 Thambuchetty Street, Chennai

38 years Experience

See More Corporate Lawyers

There is no absolute ban on investing in stocks however speculative trading (may include derivative trading) is not allowed. As per CCS (Central Civil Services) conduct rules 1964, investments in shares, debentures and mutual funds can be made by the Government servant. However "frequent buying and selling" of these are considered as "speculation" and is banned. Also for transactions above certain value, the government officers have to inform prescribed authorities.

Here is the excerpt of the rules:

(32) Transactions in sale and purchase of shares and debentures etc.
The provisions of sub-rule (4) of Rule 18 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 provides that the Government or the prescribed authority may, at any time, by general or special order, require a Government servant to furnish within a period specified in the order, a full and complete statement of such movable or immovable property held or acquired by him or on his behalf or by any member of his family as may be specified in the order. Such statement shall, if so required by the Government or by prescribed authority, include the details of the means by which or the source from which, such property was acquired.
2. Sub-rule (1) of Rule 16 also provides that no Government servant shall speculate in any stock, share or other investment. It has also been explained that frequent purchase or sale or both, of shares, securities or other investments shall be deemed to be speculation within the meaning of this sub-rule.
3. It has been brought to the notice of the Government that a number of employees are investing in shares, securities and debentures etc. frequently. With a view to enable the administrative authorities to keep a watch over such transactions, it has been decided that an intimation may be sent in the enclosed proforma to the prescribed authority in the following cases :-
(i) Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ Officers – If the total transaction in shares, securities, debentures or mutual funds scheme etc. exceeds Rs. 50,000/- during the calendar year.
(ii) Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ Officers – If the total transactions in shares, securities, debentures or mutual funds scheme etc. exceeds Rs. 25,000/- during the calendar year.
4. It is clarified that since shares, securities, debentures etc. are treated as movable property for the purpose of Rule 18 (3) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 if an individual transaction exceeds the amount prescribed in Rule 18 (3), the intimation to the prescribed authority would still be necessary. The intimation prescribed in para 3 will be in addition to this, where cumulative transaction(s) i.e. sale, purchase or both in shares, securities, debentures or mutual funds etc. in a year exceed the limits indicated in para 3.

Advocate Rajat Goel

Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (19)Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (20)Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (21)Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (22) 4.0| 5+ user ratings Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (23)Shakarpur, Delhi

VIEW PROFILE


Report abuse?

Disclaimer: The above query and its response is NOT a legal opinion in any way whatsoever as this is based on the information shared by the person posting the query at lawrato.com and has been responded by one of the Corporate Lawyers at lawrato.com to address the specific facts and details. You may post your specific query based on your facts and details to get a response from one of the Lawyers at lawrato.com or contact a Lawyer of your choice to address your query in detail.

Connect with top Corporate lawyers for your specific issueConnect with a Lawyer

Comments by Users


No Comments! Be the first one to comment.

Related Questions


  • Non payment of royalties by publisher for an author contract
  • Resigned manager not giving relieving letter what to do
  • Can we forfeit incentives if company is making loss
  • Company has sent us the call to action on its letterhead (no refno. it
  • Directors offered stake in the company in return of loan is this valid
  • Division of assets if a partner wants to take the company

"lawrato.com has handpicked some of the best Legal Experts in the country to help you get practical Legal Advice & help."

All Answers by LawRato

Related Articles


  • Winding Up of Company
  • Procedure of Issue of Shares
  • Is Binary Trading Legal in India
  • Freelancing Job with Full Time Employment
  • Partnership Firm Registration in India
  • Winding up of Company under Companies Act
  • What is Force Majeure
Googling your legal issue online?The internet is not a lawyer and neither are you.Talk to a real lawyer about your legal issue.
Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE (2024)

FAQs

Can a govt employee do intraday future and option trading - FREE LEGAL ADVICE? ›

As per the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 for Central Government Servants, public servants are prohibited from speculative activity, including futures and options trading.

Can we do intraday in futures and options? ›

You can trade nifty or stock options on an intraday basis. In this, a trader is required to open a position at the beginning of the day and close it before the market day ends. The procedure you need to follow to carry out intraday trade is similar to the process for trading in options.

How to do intraday trading in futures and options? ›

2. Intraday options trading matrix:
  1. Intraday options trading matrix: Market Trend. ...
  2. Step 1: Identify potential stock/index for day-trading. ...
  3. Step 2: Choose the right options. ...
  4. Step 3: Determine entry and exit points. ...
  5. Step 4: Place the trade. ...
  6. Step 5: Monitor the trade. ...
  7. Step 6: Exit the trade.
Mar 2, 2023

Can federal employees hold stock? ›

In Congress, where so much of its routine business is either conducted or broadcast publicly, privacy can be a tougher test to prove in a case of potential insider trading. As the rules currently stand, however, there is no restriction that singlehandedly applies to all of government and bans stockholding.

Who can trade in stock market? ›

An investor cannot directly buy or sell shares on a stock exchange. Registered members of a stock exchange are called stock brokers. They trade on an investor's behalf. They are either an independent service provider, or employed at a brokerage firm.

Who can do future and options trading? ›

Futures and options trading requires an understanding of the nuances of the stock market and a commitment to track the market. There is also a strong element of speculation. Hence, it is most often used by hedgers or speculators. Hedgers: Their main motivation is to insulate against future price volatility.

Can anybody do intraday trading? ›

You must do your background work thoroughly well before you venture into intraday trading as this is a short-term trading strategy. It requires traders to step into the markets quickly and make rapid exits at the end of the same trading day.

Why income proof is required for F&O? ›

Futures and options are the leveraged derivative product and not an appropriate avenue for someone of limited resources/limited investment and low-risk tolerance hence; exchanges guide brokers to ensure that one has sufficient income or financial conditions, to be able to trade on high-risk products like F&O.

Which strategy is best for intraday or options trading? ›

Because of the many external factors that affect share prices, intraday traders must respond quickly in order to make profits. The length of time that people keep their shares depends on the market's momentum. This strategy is also the best option strategy for intraday.

How much margin required for intraday option trading? ›

HOW MUCH MARGIN IS REQUIRED FOR INTRADAY? As per the SEBI-mandated guidelines, if you intend to perform intraday trading on margin, you'll have to maintain an initial margin equivalent to 50% of your total investment amount. Also, you'll have to keep and maintain 40% of the market value as the maintenance margin.

What are federal employees prohibited from doing? ›

May not engage in political activity while on duty, in the workplace, wearing a uniform or official insignia, or in a government vehicle. For example: o May not wear, display, or distribute partisan materials or items. o May not perform campaign-related chores. o May not make political contributions.

What can you not do as a federal employee? ›

Employees shall not engage in outside employment or activities, including seeking or negotiating for employment, that conflict with official Government duties and responsibilities. Employees shall disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption to appropriate authorities.

What can federal employees invest in? ›

Core Funds
  • Government Securities Investment Fund (G Fund)
  • Fixed-Income Investment Index Fund (F Fund)
  • Common Stock Index Investment Fund (C Fund)
  • Small-Capitalization Stock Index Fund (S Fund)
  • International Stock Index Investment Fund (I Fund)

How many stock trades are you allowed? ›

You're generally limited to no more than three day trades in a five-trading-day period, unless you have at least $25,000 of equity in your account at the end of the previous day.

How do you legally trade stocks? ›

Usually you need to open an account with a broker to buy and sell stocks online. Some publicly traded companies, however, do offer a direct stock purchase plan (DSPP), where you can buy shares directly. Instead of using a broker, the company's transfer agent manages the transaction.

How can I learn to trade for free? ›

Take trading classes online free from IFMC which is India's biggest stock market institute in India to offer paid and free stock market courses. Comprising 4 courses, the specialization covers technical analysis, fundamental analysis, intraday trading, and application of trading strategies.

How risky is future and options trading? ›

Futures, in and of themselves, are not any riskier than other types of investments, such as owning equities, bonds, or currencies. That is because futures prices depend on the prices of those underlying assets, whether it is futures on stocks, bonds, or currencies. Moreover, futures tend to be highly liquid.

Who is eligible to trade options? ›

To trade options you must have a minimum of two years trading experience with that product. Your Net Worth cannot be less than your Liquid Net Worth. To qualify for a Portfolio Margin account, your Net worth and Liquid Net Worth must each be greater than 100,000 USD.

What is the limit for futures and options? ›

The combined futures and options position limit shall be 20% of the applicable Market Wide Position Limit (MWPL).

Is intraday trading legal in US? ›

In the United States, Regulation T permits an initial maximum leverage of 2:1, but many brokers will permit 4:1 intraday leverage as long as the leverage is reduced to 2:1 or less by the end of the trading day. In other countries margin rates of 30:1 or higher are available.

What is the maximum limit for intraday trading? ›

There is no limit on the amount you choose to use for intraday trading. However, there are restrictions on margin trading that limit the amount of risk exposure a trader can take on in a day.

How risky is intraday? ›

Is Intraday Trading Very Risky. As intraday trading involves the purchase and sale of stocks in the stock market within a single day, it is considered risky for some traders. This is so for beginners and experienced traders and investors alike.

Do I need income proof for options trading? ›

Anyone of the below documents will suffice as income proof: Bank statement for the last 6 months with an average balance of more than ₹10,000. (Statement must be in the name of the Zerodha account holder.) The latest salary slip with gross monthly income exceeding ₹15,000.

How much tax do you pay on options trading? ›

If you are carrying on F&O trading, you should get your accounts audited if the turnover exceeds Rs 10 crore (the digital transactions are 95% or more). You can opt for a presumptive taxation scheme when turnover does not exceed Rs 2 crores and declare your taxable income at 6% of the total F&O turnover.

What are the audit requirement for future and option trading? ›

When is tax audit mandatory for F&O trading? Tax audit is not mandatory if trading turnover doesn't exceed 1 crore. Tax audit u/s 44AB will be applicable if turnover exceeds 1 crore and the net profit from such transactions is less than 6% of the turnover. Tax Audit u/s 44AB is mandatory if turnover exceeds Rs.

What is the most profitable day trading strategy? ›

Scalping is one of the most popular strategies. It involves selling almost immediately after a trade becomes profitable. The price target is whatever figure means that you'll make money on the trade. Fading involves shorting stocks after rapid moves upward.

What is the most successful options trading strategy? ›

A Bull Call Spread is made by purchasing one call option and concurrently selling another call option with a lower cost and a higher strike price, both of which have the same expiration date. Furthermore, this is considered the best option selling strategy.

What is the best time for intraday option trading? ›

In India, some experts consider the best time frame for intraday trading to be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM and from 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM.

Who gives highest intraday margin? ›

Highest Intraday Margin Brokers in India:
Stock BrokerBrokerageExposure
ZerodhaRs 20/Executed OrderUpto 20 times
UpstoxRs 20/Executed OrderUpto 20 times
TradejiniRs 20/Executed OrderUpto 20 times
Karvy Online0.03%Upto 20 times
6 more rows
May 4, 2023

Which broker gives highest margin for intraday option selling? ›

Astha trade provides one of the highest margin in the stock broking industry, especially in crude oil. In the equity intraday segment, the company provides a margin of up to 40 times & the highest option of selling margin in India.

Is intraday margin free? ›

As per the new rule, intraday trading investors have to maintain 100% of the margin required in their accounts. If you are interested in buying shares of XYZ company worth ₹2 lakhs, you need to maintain a margin of ₹40,000, provided the margin requirement for those shares is 20%.

What is the No Fear Act for federal employees? ›

The No FEAR Act increases the accountability of federal departments and agencies for acts of discrimination or reprisal against employees. The No FEAR Act requires that federal agencies be accountable for violations of anti-discrimination and whistleblower protection laws.

What does the Antideficiency Act prohibit federal employees from doing? ›

The Antideficiency Act prohibits federal employees from. making or authorizing an expenditure from, or creating or authorizing an obligation under, any appropriation or fund in excess of the amount available in the appropriation or fund unless authorized by law.

What is unbecoming of a federal employee? ›

“Conduct Unbecoming” is an umbrella term designed to encompass a wide range of behaviors that do not fall into any other agency charge. Unlike more specific charges, such as “Failure to Follow Instructions” or “Misuse of a Government Vehicle,” there are no specific elements for conduct unbecoming charges.

Can you have a side hustle as a federal employee? ›

There are limits on how you can make money outside of your salary as a federal employee, but many feds do find ways to supplement their income. If you know the rules and are up front with your supervisor and agency you should be in the clear.

Why is it so hard to fire government employees? ›

Federal employees are guaranteed levels of due process that other employees are not, which makes it more difficult to get fired as a federal employee. Even if your employer decides to fire you, you can appeal the removal action or otherwise fight the decision.

What is considered misconduct for federal employee? ›

Leave Abuse. Misuse of government Credit Card. Misuse of government property. Misappropriation of Federal Property or Theft.

Can I retire after 5 years of federal service? ›

To be vested (eligible to receive your retirement benefits from the Basic Benefit plan if you leave Federal service before retiring), you must have at least 5 years of creditable civilian service. Survivor and disability benefits are available after 18 months of civilian service.

Do federal employees get a good retirement? ›

The IRS calls FERS, which took effect in 1987, “one of the best retirement systems in the world.” The system provides three kinds of retirement benefits: Social Security. Employees and the agencies where they work each contribute an amount equal to 7.65% of an employee's salary to Social Security.

Can a current federal employee negotiate salary? ›

It's a common misconception that you can't negotiate salary after an agency makes an offer. Indeed, you can.

How many times can I buy and sell options in a day? ›

As a retail investor, you can't buy and sell the same stock more than four times within a five-business-day period. Anyone who exceeds this violates the pattern day trader rule, which is reserved for individuals who are classified by their brokers are day traders and can be restricted from conducting any trades.

Does option trading count as day trading? ›

What is a “day trade”? FINRA rules define a day trade as: The purchasing and selling or the selling and purchasing of the same security on the same day in a margin account. This definition encompasses any security, including options.

Why do you need $25,000 to day trade? ›

One of the most common requirements for trading the stock market as a day trader is the $25,000 rule. You need a minimum of $25,000 equity to day trade a margin account because the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) mandates it. The regulatory body calls it the 'Pattern Day Trading Rule'.

Are government officials allowed to buy stocks? ›

TL;DR. Members of Congress can own and trade stocks, but there are limitations. The STOCK (Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge) Act requires lawmakers to report trades and prohibits using non-public information for private profit.

What is considered illegal trading? ›

Illegal insider trading refers generally to buying or selling a security, in breach of a fiduciary duty or other relationship of trust and confidence, on the basis of material, nonpublic information about the security.

What is the best day of the week to buy stocks? ›

Best Day of the Week to Sell Stocks

If Monday may be the best day of the week to buy stocks, then Friday may be the best day to sell stock—before prices dip on Monday.

What is the easiest trade to learn? ›

Welding is one of the occupations that are easy to learn in the skilled trades. You can learn how to weld within less than six months of practical exposure. Suppose you enjoy something that pays strong and has proper hours. Welding is a job you can drop your teeth into while also getting prospects for advancement.

What is the easiest trading to learn? ›

Which type of trading is best for beginners? Beginners should consider starting off with swing trading, which means holding an investment for more than one day and less than a couple of months. It's less time-consuming and stressful than day trading. Stocks are particularly good for beginners to test the waters.

Is Free Trade completely free? ›

Governments with free-trade policies or agreements in place do not necessarily abandon all control of imports and exports or eliminate all protectionist policies. In modern international trade, few free trade agreements (FTAs) result in completely free trade.

Can we do short selling in futures and options? ›

The answer is you can still short sell the stock even without having delivery of the stock. But the key question is when to short sell a stock. There are 2 options in front of you. You can either do short selling in spot market or you can do short selling in futures market.

Is intraday trading and future and options same? ›

Futures & Options or F&O

Futures is the "F" in F&O where it's quite similar to intraday, but then you aren't forced to buy a company's stock at full price.

What is the time for intraday futures and options? ›

9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

What is the time for intraday in F&O? ›

An intraday trade has to opened and closed on the same day. In the rolling settlement, if it is not closed on the same day, then it goes to compulsory delivery. Hence the timing for intraday trading is from 9.15 am to 3.30 pm on a daily basis in the Indian markets.

Can I sell and buy options on same day? ›

Yes, you can buy and sell options on the very same day.

Who is allowed to short sell? ›

Generally speaking, investors cannot short a stock unless they can borrow the necessary shares, or prove that they can obtain the shares within the clearing time of the short sale (the day of the trade plus two business days).

Which is more profitable intraday or option trading? ›

Difference Between Intraday and Positional Trading - FAQs

If you have a limited capital budget, intraday trading is a better option than positional trading, which will cost you more money. Another thing to think about is how much risk you could take. Intraday trading is a high-risk investment.

Which is more safe intraday or options? ›

Higher risk: Intraday option selling involves higher risk than other options trading strategies, as traders must accurately predict market movements within a short time frame. Complexity: Intraday option selling can be complex, requiring traders to understand options trading and market conditions.

Which chart is best for intraday trading? ›

Tick charts are one of the best reference sources for intraday trading. When the trading activity is high, the bar is formed every minute. In a high volume period, a tick chart offers deep insights in contrast to any other chart.

Can I sell first and buy later in intraday? ›

Intraday traders are OK in the Indian market, either it can be bought and sold or sell and buy. But if you sell and don't give delivery, it becomes short selling in delivery. This system means that if shares are purchased the client must pay the full amount and take delivery in Demat account.

What is the best time of day to trade options? ›

The stock market has three trading sessions running from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. The market is most stable at noon, making this the best time for beginner investors to buy shares. If you are investing for the long-term, there is no point trying to time the market.

How long do you have to wait in intraday trading? ›

One to two hours of the stock market being open is the best time frame for intraday trading. However, most stock market trading channels open from 9:15 am in India. So, why not start at 9:15? If you are a seasoned trader, trading within the first 15 minutes might not be as much of a risk.

Do options on futures trade 24 hours? ›

When is the Futures Market Active? While the typical options market is only open from 9:30 AM EST to 4:00 PM EST, the futures market runs 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday, and Sunday night at 6:00 PM EST.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Gregorio Kreiger

Last Updated:

Views: 6416

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gregorio Kreiger

Birthday: 1994-12-18

Address: 89212 Tracey Ramp, Sunside, MT 08453-0951

Phone: +9014805370218

Job: Customer Designer

Hobby: Mountain biking, Orienteering, Hiking, Sewing, Backpacking, Mushroom hunting, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.