For investors, knowing the ISIN codes of their invested securities can be highly beneficial. It helps in correctly identifying assets along with tracking, clearing and settlement. 

Such a practice is especially useful in times of cross-border trading. This is because shares of a company can be traded on various exchanges under different ticker symbols. Under such circumstances, it can be confusing for individuals to trace the price movements of their target stocks. 

So, if you are planning to invest in assets that trade across multiple exchanges, keep reading this blog. You will learn the meaning of ISIN codes, along with the steps to search them for various asset classes.  

What is an ISIN code?

International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) codes are 12-digit alphanumeric identifiers which are assigned to all types of securities. In each country, there is a National Numbering Agency (NNA) which issues and maintains ISIN allotments to securities based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines. 

By using ISIN codes, you can identify securities traded on 100+ exchanges in over 200 countries. 

How to get ISIN code of mutual funds?

To get ISIN codes of mutual funds in India, follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Navigate to the official website of Association of Mutual Funds India (AMFI). 

Step 2: In the lower right corner of the screen, click on ‘Latest NAV’. 

Step 3: Choose the mutual fund name, select between the options of open-ended scheme or close-ended scheme, and click on ‘Get NAV’. 

As the screen loads, you will see the ISIN code of your selected scheme.

How to get ISIN code of shares?

You can get ISIN codes for shares from three sources in India. They are as follows:

National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL)

Mentioned below are the steps you can follow to get ISIN codes from NSDL:

Step 1: Visit the official website of NSDL. 

Step 2: Scroll down to the ‘Advanced Search’ section and then click on ‘Company Search’.

Step 3: When the screen loads, select ‘Detailed Search’. 

Step 4: After this, enter the company name and click on ‘Search’. 

The screen will display the entity’s ISIN code along with other information. 

National Stock Exchange (NSE)

To get the ISIN codes of your target assets on NSE, follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Visit the official website of NSE. 

Step 2: Navigate to ‘Corporates’ section and click on ‘Securities Information’. 

Step 3: Download the Excel sheet for the type of security you have invested in. 

Step 4: Open it and search the ISIN with the company’s name. 

Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)

To search ISIN codes on BSE, follow the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1: Go to the official website of BSE.

Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Corporates’ section and then, once redirected, click on ‘Securities Information’. 

Step 3: Enter the name of the security to find its ISIN code.  

ISIN code list

Here is an ISIN code list of the most commonly searched shares in India:

Final Word

International Securities Identification Number codes are a globally recognised standard when it comes to identifying securities. Moreover, assets which are traded on regulated exchanges or shares offered in an IPO usually have an ISIN code. So, the next time you buy any new securities, do remember to look up their ISIN. By using the steps mentioned above, you will be done searching the ISIN within a matter of minutes.