Introduction
Every year, thousands of Indian investors face issues with brokers, listed companies, mutual funds, and other SEBI-regulated entities — from unauthorized trades to dividend non-payment to demat transfer failures. Most don't know where to go.
The answer is SCORES — SEBI Complaint Redressal System, now upgraded to SCORES 2.0.
In April 2024, SEBI introduced SCORES 2.0, an upgraded version of its complaint platform. In May 2026, SEBI resolved 4,239 investor complaints while receiving 4,341 new complaints, resulting in 4,263 pending cases at month-end. Listed companies and registered intermediaries averaged 8 days for Action Taken Reports, with First Level Reviews resolved in 4 days.
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What Scores 2.0 Covers
You can file complaints against:
You CANNOT use SCORES for:
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How Scores 2.0 Works — Step By Step
Step 1: Register on scores.sebi.gov.in The platform is integrated with KYC Registration Agency database. Investor details are fetched instantly post validation of PAN and mobile OTP.
Step 2: Lodge the Complaint Fill the complaint form specifying the entity name, nature of grievance, and relevant transaction details. Upload supporting documents in PDF format (up to 2 MB).
Step 3: Auto-Escalation Mechanism As per the upgraded SCORES 2.0 framework, complaints are automatically directed to the concerned entities, which are mandated to respond with an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 21 days.
Step 4: First Level Review (if unsatisfied) If the investor is dissatisfied with the response, they may seek a First Level Review within 15 days of receiving the ATR.
Step 5: Second Level Review (if still unresolved) If the First Level Review doesn't satisfy, escalate to SEBI's Second Level Review within 15 days. SEBI directly examines the matter.
Step 6: ODR (Online Dispute Resolution) Complaints may also be closed if the investor opts for resolution through the ODR mechanism — a faster, binding arbitration alternative.
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Status Meanings — Decoded
Status What It Means Action Required
Submitted/Pending Assigned to entity; not yet responded Wait up to 21 days
ATR Received Entity has responded Review response; accept or seek First Level Review within 15 days
First Level Review Under designated body review Wait for outcome
Second Level Review SEBI directly reviewing Wait for SEBI decision
Closed (Satisfied) You accepted resolution No action needed
Redirected Wrong forum; directed elsewhere Follow SEBI's direction
Rejected/Invalid Complaint outside SEBI scope Resubmit to correct authority
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Tips For A Stronger Complaint
1. Try entity's internal grievance first — SCORES requires evidence that you first approached the entity's Compliance/Grievance Officer
2. Attach transaction proof — contract notes, account statements, correspondence, screenshots
3. Be specific — vague complaints are marked "Invalid"
4. File within 3 years — there is no explicit limitation period stated, but older complaints face evidentiary challenges
5. SEBI Helpline: 1800 22 7575 / 1800 266 7575 (toll-free)
6. Old SCORES (scores.gov.in) is closed — use scores.sebi.gov.in exclusively
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What To Do If Scores Doesn'T Resolve Your Complaint
If Second Level Review also fails:
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