Chapter 1: Introduction to Scalping Strategies

Over the past few years, intraday trading has exploded in popularity, with the number of traders in Indian markets increasing by an incredible 300%. Most traders are drawn to major indices like Nifty and Bank Nifty because of their high liquidity and volatility. These features make them perfect for scalping, where traders aim to easily make quick entries and exits.

But here’s the catch: around 70% of intraday traders have lost during this time. That’s because scalping isn’t as easy as it sounds. It demands strong risk management, a solid strategy, and, most importantly, the right mindset.

To help you overcome these challenges, we’ve gathered some of the best and most profitable strategies from seasoned traders with over 20 years of market experience. But before we dive into these strategies, let’s look at what scalping is and why it attracts so many traders so we’re all on the same page.

What’s the buzz around scalping?

As traders, many of us are drawn to scalping because it fits the mindset of wanting quick results. Making profits multiple times in a single day is exciting, and scalping gives us plenty of chances to do just that. Indices like Nifty 50 and Bank Nifty make it even better with their high liquidity and volatility, allowing us to enter and exit trades easily.

But let’s be honest—scalping isn’t as simple as it sounds. It takes severe discipline since we’re trading in very short timeframes. Most of us who scalp trade in the Futures and Options (F&O) segment, where the risks are higher. Without good risk management, losses can pile up faster than we expect.

That’s why succeeding in scalping is not just about finding opportunities it’s about having the right mindset, solid strategies, and a plan to manage risks effectively.

Should you scalp?

Here’s a table to help weigh the pros and cons of scalping in the Indian markets. By the end, one should clearly know whether scalping is the right approach for them.

Why We Might Choose Scalping

Why Scalping Might Not Be for Us

Scalping allows us to book profits multiple times daily, which can be exciting if we enjoy fast-paced trading.

Constant monitoring of charts and quick decision-making can be mentally exhausting for us.

Indices like Nifty 50 and Bank Nifty offer high liquidity, making it easy for us to enter and exit trades quickly.

Small mistakes can lead to significant losses if we don’t have proper risk management.

High volatility provides more trading opportunities, perfect for those who thrive on action.

Trading in low timeframes requires strict discipline, which isn’t always easy for everyone to maintain.

With leverage in the Futures and Options (F&O) segment, we can trade with a smaller capital base.

Leverage can amplify losses as much as profits, leading to financial stress if trades go wrong.

Scalping helps us sharpen our technical analysis and decision-making skills.

We must master technical analysis, strategies, and quick execution to succeed.

We can trade during market hours without holding positions overnight, reducing risks.

If we struggle with quick decisions or don’t have time to monitor trades, scalping can feel overwhelming.

Scalping checklist

If it’s still unsure whether scalping is suitable, start by answering these simple questions. Take a moment to think about each one carefully and write down honest answers:

  1. Do you have time to monitor trades actively during the day?
  2. Can you stay disciplined and follow strict risk management?
  3. Do you understand technical analysis and charts?
  4. Are you okay with high-stress and fast decisions?

If the answer to all of these questions is yes, scalping only makes sense for you. In this module, we’ll explore five proven scalping strategies developed by trading experts, leveraging technical concepts and indicators for effective results.

Let’s get started!