Skip to content
Equities

A line-by-line guide to your contract note

Brokerage, STT, exchange charges, GST, stamp duty and SEBI fees: what each line is and why the total matters.

By MoniAcademy editorial team · Published 13 Nov 2026 · Reviewed 13 Nov 2026 · 5 min read

A contract note is the legal record of your trades for the day. It lists the trades and every charge. Learn to read one before you trust a trading method.

The lines you will see

  • Brokerage: what your broker charges for executing the order
  • STT (Securities Transaction Tax): a government tax charged on certain trades
  • Exchange transaction charges: paid to the exchange
  • GST: charged on brokerage and on some of the charges
  • Stamp duty and SEBI turnover fees: small, but they add up

Why it matters

Charges depend on your segment, your broker and how often you trade. Use the cost calculator on this site with your own broker's numbers, which are on its charges page and in your contract note. The calculator's default rates are editable assumptions, not a rate card.

Educational content only. It is not investment advice or a recommendation, and trading carries a high risk of loss. Figures are illustrative.

Go deeper: Stock Market Foundations

View course

← All articles