An ISIN (International Securities Identification Number) is a globally unique 12-character alphanumeric code that identifies a specific security. Indian ISINs start with "INE" or "IN0". Every unlisted company whose shares have been dematerialised has an ISIN registered with CDSL or NSDL.
Why it matters to you
The ISIN is your single most reliable identity check before buying unlisted shares. Company names can be similar or rebranded, but the ISIN is exact. Always confirm that the ISIN on the seller's invoice matches the ISIN that lands in your demat account — that is how you know you received the right security and not a look-alike entity.
Example: Two firms had near-identical names; checking the ISIN confirmed which one's shares actually arrived. See how to verify unlisted shares before buying.