F&O segment activation is a separate approval step with your broker, distinct from basic equity trading access, required before you can trade Futures and Options. It typically involves acknowledging specific risk disclosures and, in some cases, providing income proof.
Why It’s Separate
This deliberate friction point exists so traders make an informed, active choice before accessing a segment with meaningfully different risk characteristics than plain equity investing.
Related Reading
See the full account-setup process in How Futures Trading Works in India: Lot Size, Margin, Expiry.