Hi
Im working on installing API's to retrieve stock data from NSE into spreadsheets. I've tried several but not working because they are all foreign API's for their stocks. Is there any API which works in India, free to use and easy to install and run?
Reg
You're on the right track — many APIs out there (like Yahoo Finance, Alpha Vantage, IEX Cloud) mainly serve US/global markets, and retrieving NSE (India) stock data is tricky due to restrictions.
But yes, there are a few India-based APIs (some free, some limited) that can help you pull NSE stock data into spreadsheets.
While NSE doesn't officially offer a public API, developers use web-scraping or unofficial endpoints.
Example Endpoint:
❗ You'll need to set custom headers (like user-agent) and use it via Python, Apps Script, etc.
🔧 How to Use:
Write a Google Apps Script (for Google Sheets) or Python scriptt
Include headers to mimic a browser request
⛔ Limitations:
Can break anytime (not officially supported)
Rate-limited
NSE blocks bots aggressively
These are broker-backed APIs — need account & token.
| Platform | Access Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zerodha Kite Connect | Paid | ₹2000/month for access, very powerful |
| Upstox API | Free/Paid | Good documentation |
| Groww API | Beta/invite-based | Use with Groww account |
✅ Includes live prices, historical data, orders, etc.
⚠ Requires you to be a customer and go through API token setup.
Some developers have hosted NSE stock APIs on RapidAPI.
Example:
NSE Stock API – returns quotes, option chains, etc.
Needs API key (free tier usually available)
While they don't offer real-time data:
Screener.in allows export to Excel
Great for financials, P&L, balance sheet, ratios
Use it for analysis, not price tracking.
=GOOGLEFINANCE("NSE:INFY") used to work, but now inconsistent for Indian stocks.
You can try:
MoneyControl Scraper
Yahoo Finance (via Apps Script) — also limited for Indian stocks
If you want free + spreadsheet integration, try this:
Go to Google Sheets > Extensions > Apps Script
Paste this code:
Save it, then use:
in your sheet.
⚠ You may need to run it manually first to authorize the scriptt.
| API Type | Source | Free? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unofficial NSE | nseindia.com |
✅ | Basic live prices |
| Broker APIs | Zerodha, Upstox | ❌ | Live trading + data |
| Screener / ValueResearch | Screener.in | ✅ | Financials & ratios |
| RapidAPI | Community APIs | ✅ (limited) | Options & quotes |
| GoogleFinance | Google Sheets | ❌ (Inconsistent) | Hit or miss for NSE |
CAclubindia
