Introductory Context
"This topic covers Upstox Pro's specific options trading features, interface layout, order types, and options-specific workflows. Traders who choose Upstox as their primary broker or maintain it as a secondary broker account need this working knowledge to execute the curriculum's approach on the Upstox platform. "
Upstox Pro Interface Layout
Upstox Pro's web interface organises into: the Watchlist (left sidebar) for monitoring instruments, the Market Overview panel for broad market context (indices, top movers, VIX), the Chart panel (central, resizable) for technical analysis, and the Order placement panel (accessible from any watchlist item). The navigation bar at the top provides access to: Portfolio (positions and holdings), Orders (order history and GTT orders), Funds (available margin and fund status), and Reports (trade history, P&L reports).
The interface aesthetic is more modern than Kite's, with a darker default theme and more visual information density. Some traders find the visual density helpful (more data visible without scrolling); others find it initially overwhelming. Personalise the interface through Settings: adjust the theme (light/dark), customise which columns appear in the positions and order tabs, and set up default order preferences (default order type, default validity). Setting the default order type to Limit (as covered in Topic 10.9) eliminates one verification step in every order placement.
Upstox Brokerage Structure
Upstox charges Rs 20 flat brokerage per executed F&O order, equivalent to Zerodha. Total statutory charges (STT, NSE charges, SEBI fees, GST, stamp duty) are the same as all Indian brokers -- these are government and exchange mandated and do not vary by broker. Upstox offers zero brokerage for equity delivery trades. For options traders, the brokerage comparison between Upstox and Zerodha is essentially equal at Rs 20 per order.
Accessing the Option Chain on Upstox Pro
On Upstox Pro, the option chain is accessible through: (1) Searching for 'NIFTY' in the search bar, selecting the index, and clicking 'Option Chain' in the instrument detail. (2) Directly from the Market Overview panel under 'Derivatives' and selecting 'Option Chain.' The option chain displays strikes in a similar format to Kite: CE data on the left, PE data on the right, with OI, Change in OI, Volume, IV, LTP, Bid/Ask, and Greeks for each strike and expiry combination.
The Upstox option chain has a notable feature: a visual OI bar chart overlay that displays the OI distribution across strikes graphically, making the identification of highest-OI strikes (support and resistance levels from Topic 7.23) more visually immediate than reading raw numbers. The Max Pain level is displayed at the top of the option chain screen with a direct indicator -- this eliminates the need for a separate Sensibull check for Max Pain on the Upstox platform.
Placing Options Orders on Upstox Pro
From the option chain, clicking the Buy or Sell button on any strike opens the order form. The Upstox Pro order form fields: Scrip (the selected option contract), Qty (in units -- same requirement as Kite: enter units not lots), Type (Limit, Market, SL, SL-M), Product (D for delivery/overnight = NRML equivalent; I for intraday = MIS equivalent), Price (limit price), and Trigger Price (for SL and SL-M order types). Select D (delivery) for overnight positions. Select Limit order type. Enter the correct lot size in units (75 per Nifty lot, 35 per Bank Nifty lot).
Upstox Uses 'D' and 'I' Not 'NRML' and 'MIS' -- Know the Difference
Upstox's product type labels are different from Zerodha's but mean the same things. Zerodha 'NRML' = Upstox 'D' (Delivery/overnight). Zerodha 'MIS' = Upstox 'I' (Intraday). Traders who switch between platforms must remember these equivalent labels to avoid the MIS/I error -- accidentally entering an overnight-intended position with the intraday product type, which results in an auto square-off at session end. Upstox typically auto squares off intraday (I product) positions at approximately 3:15 PM.
GTT Orders on Upstox Pro
Upstox supports Good Till Triggered (GTT) orders for F&O positions. Access GTT order placement from: Orders tab → GTT → New GTT Order. Or from the Positions tab, click the three-dot menu on any position and select 'Create GTT.' The GTT form requires: Trigger Type (LTP trigger or OCO), Trigger Price (your stop level), Order Type (Limit or Market), and Quantity (full position units for a complete stop). Upstox GTT orders are available for both equity and F&O segments.
One important difference from Kite's GTT: Upstox GTT orders for options trigger a Limit order (not a Market order) at the trigger level, which requires a limit price to be specified in addition to the trigger price. Set the limit price slightly below the trigger price for sell GTTs (e.g., trigger at Rs 45, limit at Rs 40) to ensure the order fills even if the LTP gaps below the trigger -- the Limit order will fill at the best available price above the limit price floor of Rs 40. Setting the limit too far below the trigger increases slippage risk; setting it too close to the trigger risks the order not filling if the price gaps through.
Upstox's One-Click Strategy Execution
Upstox Pro has integrated a basic multi-leg strategy execution feature that allows placing both legs of a debit spread or credit spread simultaneously as a single order sequence. Under 'Strategy' in the order form, select 'Spread' and enter both legs (long option + short option) with their respective prices. The system places both orders sequentially and shows the net debit or net credit. This feature reduces the risk of leg-by-leg entry errors for spread strategies -- particularly the risk of filling one leg but not the other in a rapidly moving market.
Upstox Advanced Charts Integration
Upstox Pro's charting tool is powered by TradingView and provides the full suite of TradingView indicators, drawing tools, and multi-timeframe capability directly within the Upstox interface. This is a significant advantage over Kite's charting tool (which is built on a separate, less feature-rich charting library): Upstox chart users can access the complete Module 07 indicator set (RSI 14, MACD 12/26/9, Bollinger Bands 20/2, EMA 20/50/200, ATR 14, Pivot Points Standard) without needing a separate TradingView subscription or tab.
The integrated TradingView chart in Upstox Pro automatically syncs the selected instrument from the watchlist. When you click on a Nifty options contract or the Nifty index in the Upstox watchlist, the chart automatically loads that instrument. Saved chart templates and indicator presets from the Upstox-integrated TradingView carry over between sessions (stored in your Upstox account, not the TradingView account separately). This eliminates the manual setup step required when using standalone TradingView separate from the broker platform.