Benchmark indices corrected sharply for the second consecutive session in line with global weakness on Thursday, ahead of a crucial OPEC meeting decision due later in the day. In intraday trade, the Sensex fell more than 600 points and the Nifty broke 10,600 levels.

Traders also remained cautious ahead of five states elections exit poll due on Friday evening and results on December 11.

The weakness might continue in coming sessions considering the spate of weak domestic data due (economic, tax collections, auto sales, NBFC liquidity crisis etc), experts said, adding the state elections results will be closely watched.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was down 572.28 points or 1.59 percent at 35,312.13 and the 50-share NSE Nifty fell 181.70 points or 1.69 percent to 10,601.20.