A detailed thread on
"How much capital do you need to start intra-day trading?"

This will answer all your queries on the above topic and will also explain when is the right time to make this decision.

Before deciding the capital, the utmost important factor is the level of skill that you have developed.

You need to check yourself with the following questions.

1. Have I gained enough knowledge of trace independently?

2. Can I handle volatility with such high leverage.

3. I won't get stuck in any kind of open position?

4. I know what to do when my position enters a loss?

5. I won't have to rely on others' recommendations?

If your answer to all the above question is Yes, that means you've gained enough knowledge to start trading.

Once you have this level of knowledge, you can start trading and deciding the amount of capital.

Once you're sure you have gained enough knowledge, think of an amount you can LOSE COMPLETELY and won't have much problem.

It could be any amount (differs from to person) and start trading cash markets.

Starting with trading the cash market gives following advantages.

1. No Leverage so lower chances of loss.

2. Makes you familiar with the system(The website, the broker,real time chart) and sudden movements/volatility with lesser risk.

3. Gets your started with getting used to the stress of the live market.

IF in spot trading, you can earn enough profit, around 50% (personal opinion) in 2/3 months, with high level of winning trades, 70%+, only then move to intra-day trading.

Once you have done the above, you should be ready to start trading intra-day.

For intra-day, Start with the lowest capital which can buy you one lot of fututre (If trading futures)
Eg. One lot of Nifty futures currently trades at 140K. This can vary from time to time.
If you start with trading options, try keeping the capital in the vicinity of 80K-100K.

The purpose of low investment is to get used to intra-day markets.
Start by trading the minimum lot possible. This will further make you used to the future markets. Keeping the capital low will get you used to the differences between the cash and the derivatives market.

IF after a month of trading, you're profitable and have somewhat doubled your capital (Doubling your capital is easier with small investment) then you can decide to add more capital as per availability of funds.

Eg. Of initial fund was 100K, add another 50K to see if you can handle it. This way, over time if you turn out to be successful and profitable, you can add 50% of your current capital over a regular interval, till you have made enough capital from trading itself.

Conclusion.
1.Make sure you have enough skills before starting to trade intra-day.

2. If you have enough knowledge, start spot trading with capital you're ready to lose for learning.

3. If Point 2 is successful, start with intra-day with capital of around 80K-1.4L to buy the minimum lot possible to get used to intra-day.

4. Add capital slowly at regular intervals if you are successful on intra-day over regular intervals.