Cryptocurrency and blockchain basics
A cryptocurrency is a digital asset recorded on a blockchain: a shared ledger maintained by many computers, where each new block of transactions is linked to the previous one. Bitcoin (BTC) was the first; thousands of other coins and tokens followed.
Coins
Native assets of their own blockchain, such as Bitcoin on the Bitcoin network or Ether on Ethereum.
Tokens
Assets created on top of an existing blockchain. Many have very small markets and are easy to manipulate.
Stablecoins
Tokens designed to track a currency such as the US dollar. “Stable” describes the aim, not a guarantee.
Crypto assets are not issued or backed by the Reserve Bank of India or the Government of India. Their prices depend only on what other buyers are willing to pay, which is why they can rise or fall by large percentages in a single day.
Spot trading vs leveraged crypto products
Spot
You buy the actual coin with your own money. If the price falls, your holding loses value, but you cannot lose more than you invested.
Futures and perpetual contracts
You trade a contract with leverage. A small price move against you can wipe out your margin through liquidation. Many beginners lose their full capital this way.
Our teaching focuses on understanding the market, reading charts and controlling risk. We strongly advise beginners to understand spot markets thoroughly before even reading about leverage.
Crypto charts, orders and volatility
Pairs such as BTCUSD or BTC/USDT show the price of Bitcoin in US dollars or a dollar stablecoin. The same chart skills used for stocks apply here: candlestick patterns, support and resistance, trends, market structure and multi-timeframe analysis. Two differences matter:
- 24/7 market: there is no closing bell, so large moves can happen while you sleep. Stop-loss planning is essential.
- Liquidity varies: large coins trade heavily, but small tokens can have thin order books, wide spreads and sudden spikes.
Basic order types
- Market order: buys or sells immediately at the best available price, which can slip in fast markets.
- Limit order: executes only at your price or better.
- Stop order: triggers an exit when price reaches a pre-decided level.
Exchange accounts, wallets and private keys
Custodial (exchange) wallet
The exchange holds the keys for you. Convenient, but you depend on the exchange’s security and solvency.
Self-custody wallet
You hold the private key or seed phrase. Nobody can freeze your funds, but if you lose the phrase or someone steals it, the funds are gone for good.
- Never share your seed phrase, private key or OTP with anyone
- Turn on two-factor authentication on every exchange account
- Type exchange addresses yourself; do not follow links in messages
- Install apps only from official app stores
- Check a wallet address carefully before every transfer
- Start with small amounts while you learn
Common crypto scams and beginner mistakes
- Guaranteed-return schemes: anyone promising fixed daily or monthly crypto returns is a red flag.
- Telegram and WhatsApp “signal” groups: often used for pump-and-dump schemes in small tokens.
- Fake exchanges and apps: look genuine, show profits on screen, and block withdrawals.
- Phishing: fake support agents or websites that ask for your login, OTP or seed phrase.
- Beginner mistakes: using leverage too early, putting all capital in one coin, trading without a stop-loss, and chasing a coin after a big rally.
Crypto tax and rules in India
Summary prepared in October 2026 from published government notifications and the income-tax provisions in force. Tax law can change, including under the new Income-tax Act; confirm with the Income Tax Department or a chartered accountant.
- Income from transferring virtual digital assets (VDAs), which includes crypto, is taxed at a flat 30% plus applicable surcharge and cess. Only the cost of acquisition can be deducted.
- Losses from VDAs cannot be set off against other income or carried forward.
- 1% TDS applies on transfers of VDAs above the prescribed thresholds.
- VDA service providers such as crypto exchanges are covered by India’s anti-money-laundering law and must register with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND). Check an exchange’s registration status before using it.
PSMIT does not recommend any coin, token, exchange or wallet, and nothing on this page is tax or legal advice.
What you learn in our global-markets module
Crypto is taught as part of the “Forex, Crypto & US Markets” module in Month 2 of the Complete Trader Program. Topics below are from our published syllabus.
- Crypto basics, exchanges and safety
- Global market timings and news
- Risk management across markets
- Forex: currency pairs and how they move
- US stocks and global indices
Who should consider it
Beginners who are curious about crypto but want to learn safely before investing, and traders who want to apply chart analysis to BTCUSD and other crypto charts with proper risk control.
How the classes work
- Online and offline batches, morning (10 am тАУ 12 pm) or evening (8 pm тАУ 10 pm).
- Teaching in Marathi, Hindi and English, with daily doubt solving and class recordings.
- Part of the 2-Month Complete Trader Program (тВ╣13,999, or 6-month no-cost EMI on eligible cards). For a separate global-markets course fee, please call or WhatsApp us.
Your mentors are Abhijit Sir and Priyanka Ma’am. Learn more about them on our course guide.
Crypto course: frequently asked questions
Is the crypto course suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, as part of the Complete Trader Program, which starts with market basics and chart reading. The crypto lessons focus on how the market works, safety and risk management before any trading decisions.
Will you tell me which coin to buy?
No. We do not give coin recommendations, tips or signals. We teach you how to analyse charts and manage risk so you can make your own informed decisions.
Is crypto trading taught in Marathi?
Yes. Classes are taught in Marathi, Hindi and English.
How is crypto taxed in India?
As of October 2026, gains from virtual digital assets are taxed at a flat 30% plus surcharge and cess, losses cannot be set off against other income, and 1% TDS applies on transfers above the prescribed limits. Tax rules can change, so confirm with the Income Tax Department or a chartered accountant.
Is crypto trading risky?
Yes, very. Crypto prices are highly volatile, the market runs 24/7, leveraged products can wipe out your capital, and scams are common. Only use money you can afford to lose.
More questions are answered on our FAQ page.
Official resources
- Income Tax DepartmentCurrent tax rules and return filing for virtual digital assets.
- Financial Intelligence Unit тАУ India (FIU-IND)Anti-money-laundering rules for VDA service providers.
- Reserve Bank of IndiaPublic cautions and statements on virtual currencies.
- National Cyber Crime Reporting PortalReport online financial fraud (helpline 1930).
Learn crypto with safety first
Online & offline batches ┬╖ Marathi, Hindi & English
Crypto assets are highly volatile and largely unregulated, and you can lose your entire investment. This page is for education only and is not investment, legal or tax advice.