How to file a complaint on SEBI SCORES against a broker in 2026

You must raise a dispute with your stock broker before you go to SCORES. If the broker rejects your claim or ignores you, you can file a free grievance on the SEBI SCORES 2.0 portal. Here is the process, the documents you need, and how long it takes.

By Qrates research desk · 2026-11-01

You cannot go to the regulator first when you have a dispute with your stock broker. You must first take the issue to the broker and give it a chance to reply (SCORES). If that fails, you can escalate the issue for free on the SEBI SCORES 2.0 portal (SEBI memo, 2023). Before you file, you can look up your broker in the Qrates stock broking apps directory. You may also want to check if a stock broker is SEBI registered to ensure the entity is legitimate.

Quick answer: How to file a complaint on SEBI SCORES against a broker

SEBI says investors are mandated to take up the grievance with the concerned entity before lodging a complaint on SCORES. If the broker rejects your claim or ignores you, go to the SEBI SCORES 2.0 portal. You will log in, choose the complaint category and your broker, describe the grievance, and attach your proof. The entire process is online, and SEBI says it is free of cost for the investor. If you are choosing another platform, you can compare stock broking and trading apps.

What you need before you start

Gather your documents before you open the portal. The system will ask for specific details to verify your identity and your claim.

Proof of prior complaint: An email copy or a support ticket number showing you tried to resolve it with the broker first.
SEBI registration number: The broker's registration number helps you pick the right entity. It typically starts with INZ, as you can check on SEBI's list of registered intermediaries.
PAN card details: SCORES uses your PAN to verify your identity. It can fetch your KYC details from the KYC Registration Agency after an OTP check, or you can fill the form yourself. You also need your name, address, email, mobile number and date of birth (SCORES FAQ).
Supporting evidence: Ledger statements, bank statements, or screenshots of unauthorized trades. SCORES accepts jpg, jpeg and pdf files, among others, up to 10 files and 20 MB in total. Allegations without supporting documents are not considered.

Step-by-step process to register and file on SCORES 2.0

1. Register on the SCORES 2.0 portal

Go to the official SEBI Complaints Redress System website at scores.sebi.gov.in, or use the SCORES app. Click "Sign in/Sign up", then "Register" at "Don't have an account?". Enter your PAN and verify your details with a one-time password. Then set your user ID and password.

2. Log in and select the complaint category

Log in with your new credentials and the OTP. Click on "Lodge a complaint". Choose the category and sub-category that fit your issue. You can pick up to 5 sub-categories.

3. Enter broker details and upload evidence

Select your broker as the entity. Type a clear, factual description of the trading account dispute or the hidden charges. Upload your evidence files, including the proof that you complained to the broker first.

4. Submit and note your registration number

Click submit to finalize the grievance. You get a complaint registration number. Save this number to track your case later.

How long it takes and what it costs

Filing a complaint on the SEBI SCORES portal is free of cost for the investor (SEBI memo, 2023). The timelines below come from the SCORES FAQ.

Broker: SCORES sends the complaint to your broker and to the relevant designated body. The broker has 21 calendar days to resolve it and upload an Action Taken Report (ATR).
First review: If you are not satisfied, ask for a review within 15 calendar days of the ATR. If the broker misses the 21 days, the complaint moves to review automatically. The designated body then has 10 calendar days.
Second review: If you are still not satisfied, ask within 15 calendar days. SEBI then takes up the second review.

You can do a SEBI complaint status check at any time. Just log into the portal and open the Investor Dashboard. You also get email and SMS updates. For help, call SEBI's toll-free numbers, 1800 266 7575 or 1800 22 7575, from 9 am to 6 pm.

If it does not work: The SMART ODR route

SCORES helps you get a reply, but it does not decide disputes between you and the broker (SCORES FAQ 29). For that, you can use the SMART ODR portal, consumer courts or other civil remedies. If you start ODR while your SCORES complaint is pending, SEBI treats the SCORES complaint as disposed of. You also cannot use SCORES for a matter already concluded in ODR.

ODR stands for Online Dispute Resolution. It runs in stages: pre-conciliation, then conciliation with a neutral person, then arbitration if conciliation fails. SEBI's investor site says pre-conciliation is free and the arbitrator's decision is binding on both parties. Arbitration fees depend on the claim value and are paid by both sides. If you suspect your issue involves broader financial misconduct, you might also need to report cyber fraud on 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in if funds were siphoned illegally.

FAQs

Can I complain to SEBI without complaining to the broker first?

No, you must raise the issue with the broker first. SEBI says investors are mandated to do this before lodging a complaint on SCORES. Keep proof that you complained, such as an email or ticket number.

What is the time limit to file a complaint on SEBI SCORES?

You should file within one year of the date the issue occurred. SEBI may reject a complaint filed later (SCORES FAQ).

Broker paise nahi de raha complaint kahan kare?

If your broker is not releasing your funds, complain to the broker first. If they do not fix it, file a grievance on the SEBI SCORES portal. If that fails, you can use the SMART ODR platform, which can end in arbitration.

What happens after filing a complaint on SCORES?

The complaint goes to your broker and to the relevant designated body. The broker has 21 calendar days to resolve it and upload a report. The designated body monitors this. If you are not satisfied, you can ask for a review.

The short version

You must complain to your stock broker first and wait for a rejection or no reply.
Filing a grievance on the SEBI SCORES 2.0 portal is completely free and done online.
You need your PAN and KYC details, your broker's name or registration number, and proof of the dispute.
The broker has 21 calendar days. A first review by the designated body takes up to 10 calendar days after that.
You can use the SMART ODR portal, where arbitration is binding on both parties. Starting ODR closes a pending SCORES complaint.

You can look up any broker at the Qrates stock broking apps directory.