How to Apply for IPO in India

Applying for an IPO in India is simple and takes less than 5 minutes. There are two methods — UPI method (recommended for retail investors) and ASBA method through your bank.

Method 1 — UPI Method (Recommended)

The UPI method is the easiest and most popular way to apply for IPOs in India. You need a Demat account with any registered broker.

Step 1 — Open your broker app
Open your broker app such as Zerodha, Upstox, Angel One, Groww or any SEBI registered broker.

Step 2 — Find the IPO section
Look for “IPO” section in your broker app. You will see all currently open IPOs listed there.

Step 3 — Select the IPO
Click on the IPO you want to apply for. Read the details — price band, lot size, minimum investment.

Step 4 — Enter bid details
Select number of lots you want to apply for. Enter your bid price — always bid at the cut-off price (upper price band) to maximize allotment chances.

Step 5 — Enter your UPI ID
Enter your UPI ID (example: yourname@okicici or yourname@upi). Make sure you have sufficient balance in your linked bank account.

Step 6 — Approve UPI mandate
You will receive a notification on your UPI app (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm etc.). Open the app and approve the mandate within 30 minutes.

Step 7 — Application submitted
Once mandate is approved your IPO application is submitted successfully. The money is blocked (not deducted) until allotment.

Method 2 — ASBA Method (Through Bank)

ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount) is the traditional method through your bank.

Step 1 — Log in to your bank’s net banking
Step 2 — Go to Investment → IPO Application
Step 3 — Select the IPO and enter bid details
Step 4 — Submit — amount gets blocked in your account

Important Tips for Better Allotment Chances

Always bid at Cut-Off Price — This gives you the highest chance of allotment. Never bid below the upper price band.

Apply from Multiple Accounts — Apply from family members’ accounts (spouse, parents, children). Each PAN gets one application.

Apply on Day 1 — Apply on the first day of IPO opening for maximum safety. Last minute applications sometimes face technical issues.

One Application Per PAN — SEBI allows only one application per PAN number. Multiple applications from same PAN get rejected.

Sufficient Balance — Make sure your bank account has sufficient balance when you apply. The amount gets blocked until allotment.

What Happens After You Apply?

After IPO closes → Allotment happens in 6 days → If allotted, shares credited to Demat → If not allotted, blocked amount released → IPO lists on stock exchange on listing date.

Which Broker is Best for IPO Application?

All SEBI registered brokers allow IPO applications. Popular options include Zerodha, Upstox, Angel One, Groww, HDFC Securities and ICICI Direct. Compare brokers on our Broker Comparison page for detailed analysis.