2.15What is Sensex?
1What is it?
The Sensex (S&P BSE Sensex) is BSE’s main index of 30 large, well-established companies.
2Why does it exist?
Launched in 1986 with base value 100 (base year 1978–79), it is India’s oldest index and the number news channels often quote first.
3Stock market example
Sensex members overlap heavily with the Nifty 50 (Reliance, HDFC Bank, Infosys, TCS and others).
4Quick revision
- Sensex = 30 large BSE companies.
- India’s oldest index.
- Moves very similarly to the Nifty 50.
5Knowledge check
Q1. How many stocks are in the Sensex?Show answer
30.
Q2. Which exchange runs the Sensex?Show answer
BSE.
Q3. Do the Nifty and Sensex usually move in the same direction?Show answer
Yes, because they hold mostly the same big companies.
See it live on MojoStox