Fundamental Glossary / Indian Stock Market-Specific Fundamentals
ISIN
The International Securities Identification Number, a 12-character code for a specific security.
Formula
Indian ISINs start with IN and are issued by NSDL. Equity, each series of debentures, and each mutual fund plan has its own ISIN.
What it means
ISIN identifies the security, not just the company. A partly paid share, a rights entitlement, and the fully paid equity have different ISINs.
It is the clean key for joining price data, depository holdings, and corporate actions.
How to read it
When a company has more than one listed security, confirm you are modelling the equity ISIN and not a preference share or a debenture.
What to watch
After a merger the old ISIN is retired. A history file that ignores the change will drop or double the price series.
This note explains the term. It is not a research recommendation, a target price, or a comment on any security. Ratios and regulatory thresholds change; use the latest filing or circular for a live figure.