Calcutta Stock Exchange Reports ₹215.6 Crore Profit in FY26 as It Targets ₹1,000 Crore Turnover for Revival

The Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE) has reported a significant financial turnaround in FY2025–26, posting a net profit of ₹215.6 crore against a loss of ₹21.9 crore in the previous financial year. The development marks an improvement in the financial position of the century-old exchange, which is now looking to meet regulatory requirements and revive its market operations.

Despite its improved financial performance, the exchange continues to face a major challenge. Trading activity on its platform remains at zero, making the restoration of actual market operations its biggest priority.

Calcutta Stock Exchange Records Strong Financial Turnaround

According to the reported financial figures, CSE's net worth increased to ₹406.3 crore in FY26, strengthening its financial position.

However, the exchange's revenue from operations stood at only ₹5.19 crore, compared to total revenue of ₹270.9 crore. This highlights the extent to which its reported profitability was driven by non-operational income rather than regular exchange activities.

A major contributor to the turnaround was a ₹253 crore sub-lease of a three-acre land parcel. The transaction generated a one-time gain of approximately ₹249.3 crore, significantly contributing to the exchange's annual profit.

CSE Faces Challenge of Reviving Trading Operations

While the improved financial position provides a stronger foundation, restoring trading operations remains a more complex task for the Calcutta Stock Exchange.

The exchange has 1,507 listed companies and approximately 500 registered brokers. However, despite this existing network, trading volumes remain at zero.

To resume meaningful market operations, CSE needs to fulfil the regulatory requirements prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). These include maintaining a minimum net worth of ₹100 crore and achieving an average annual turnover of ₹1,000 crore.

Beyond meeting the financial criteria, the exchange will also need to establish and strengthen critical infrastructure, including modern trading systems, market surveillance mechanisms, cybersecurity frameworks and clearing facilities.

A Long Road Ahead for the Historic Calcutta Stock Exchange

The latest financial results represent an important development for one of India's oldest stock exchanges. The rise in net worth and return to profitability have improved CSE's financial standing, but they do not automatically translate into a revival of its trading platform.

The proposed revival will depend on its ability to meet SEBI's regulatory requirements, attract market participation and build the technological infrastructure needed to support modern stock market operations.

For Kolkata's financial ecosystem, the possibility of restoring the Calcutta Stock Exchange carries considerable significance. However, the real milestone will be the return of active trading rather than profitability driven largely by one-time asset transactions.

With a ₹1,000 crore annual turnover target ahead, CSE's next phase will be crucial in determining whether the historic institution can regain its relevance in India's evolving capital markets.