How to apply for IPO through Zerodha

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about applying for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) through Zerodha. Whether you're a first-time investor or an experienced trader, this step-by-step walkthrough will help you navigate the IPO application process using UPI or ASBA methods. Zerodha offers free IPO applications with no brokerage charges. WebNotes.in

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about applying for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) through Zerodha. Whether you’re a first-time investor or an experienced trader, this step-by-step walkthrough will help you navigate the IPO application process using UPI or ASBA methods. Zerodha offers free IPO applications with no brokerage charges.

IPO Application Fee
₹0 (Free)
Application Window
10 AM – 4:30 PM
UPI Mandate Deadline
5:00 PM
Max Modifications
3 Times

1. Prerequisites for Applying

Before you can apply for an IPO through Zerodha, ensure you have the following:

Active Zerodha Trading & Demat Account
You need an active Zerodha account with completed KYC verification. Even dormant accounts can apply for IPOs, but you won’t be able to sell shares until you reactivate your account.
UPI ID Linked to Your Bank Account
Your UPI ID must be mapped to your own bank account. The bank account doesn’t need to be linked with Zerodha, but it must belong to you. Using someone else’s UPI ID will result in rejection.
Sufficient Bank Balance
Maintain enough funds in your bank account to cover your IPO bid amount. The funds get blocked (not debited) until allotment, and you continue to earn interest on blocked funds.
Supported UPI App
Use any NPCI-licensed UPI app such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, or your bank’s UPI app. The UPI app must support IPO mandates.
Important

Your application will be rejected if you apply for the same IPO multiple times using different demat accounts with the same PAN card. One PAN = One application per IPO (in each investor category).

2. Apply Using UPI (Recommended)

The UPI method is the most convenient way to apply for IPOs through Zerodha. It’s completely free, and you can use any supported UPI app. Here’s how the UPI-based IPO application works:

How UPI IPO Works
Submit application via Zerodha Kite
Receive mandate request on UPI app
Accept mandate to block funds
Funds remain in your account (earning interest)
If allotted: Amount debited, shares credited
If not allotted: Amount unblocked automatically
UPI Requirements
UPI ID must be in your name only
Bank account owner must match applicant
Accept mandate before 5 PM on closing day
Cannot use family member’s UPI ID
Cannot apply for more than ₹5 lakhs via UPI
Cannot use funds from trading account
Mandate Timing

Orders placed between 10 AM and 4:30 PM receive mandates the same day. Orders placed after 4:30 PM receive mandates the following day. Accept your UPI mandate before 5 PM on the IPO closing day.

3. Apply via Kite Mobile App

Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply for an IPO using the Zerodha Kite mobile app:

Open Kite App and Go to Bids
Launch the Zerodha Kite app on your mobile device and tap on Bids from the bottom navigation menu.
Select IPO
Tap on IPO to view the list of ongoing IPOs. Select the IPO you want to apply for from the list.
Tap on Apply
Tap on the Apply button for your chosen IPO. If it shows “Pre-apply”, the IPO hasn’t opened yet.
Select Investor Type
Choose your investor category: Individual (Retail) or Employee (if eligible for employee quota).
Enter UPI ID
Enter your UPI ID (e.g., yourname@upi or mobilenumber@bank). Ensure this UPI ID is mapped to your own bank account.
Enter Quantity and Price
Enter the number of shares (must be a multiple of lot size) and bid price (within the price band). Select Cut-off price if you want to bid at any price within the band.
Accept Undertaking and Submit
Tick the checkbox to confirm you’ve read the mandatory documents. Swipe the Submit button to place your bid.
Accept UPI Mandate
Open your UPI app (Google Pay, PhonePe, etc.) and accept the mandate request. This will block the bid amount in your bank account.
Application Submitted

Once you accept the mandate, your IPO application is complete. You’ll receive an SMS/email confirmation from the exchange at the end of the day.

4. Apply via Kite Web

If you prefer using a computer, follow these steps to apply for an IPO through the Kite web platform:

Login to Kite Web
Visit kite.zerodha.com and log in with your Zerodha credentials.
Navigate to IPO Section
Click on Bids in the left sidebar, then click on IPO to see available IPOs.
Click Apply
Find your desired IPO and click the Apply button.
Select Investor Type
Choose between Individual, Employee, or Shareholder category (if applicable).
Enter UPI ID
Type your UPI ID carefully. Double-check for typos as incorrect UPI IDs cannot be corrected for HNI applications.
Enter Bid Details
Enter quantity (must be a multiple of lot size) and price (within issue price range). You can place up to 3 different bids.
Submit Application
Review your details and click Submit to place your bid.
Accept Mandate on UPI App
Check your UPI app for the mandate request and accept it to complete your application.

5. Pre-Apply for IPO

Zerodha allows you to pre-apply for an IPO one day before the subscription window opens. Your pre-application is automatically sent to the exchange when the IPO opens.

Pre-Apply Benefits

Pre-applying ensures you don’t miss popular IPOs due to high traffic on opening day. Your allotment chances remain the same regardless of when you apply.

How to Pre-Apply

Check for Pre-Apply Option
Go to Bids → IPO in Kite. IPOs showing “Pre-apply” button are available for early application.
Submit Pre-Application
Enter your UPI ID, quantity, and price. Submit the pre-application just like a regular application.
Wait for Mandate
You’ll receive the UPI mandate after 10 AM on the IPO start date. Accept the mandate to complete your application.

Pre-Apply Availability

AvailabilityDetails
Start TimeOne day before IPO opens
End Time10:00 AM on IPO opening day
Mandate ReceivedAfter 10:00 AM on opening day
SME IPOsPre-apply is NOT available for SME IPOs

6. ASBA Method (Net Banking)

ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount) allows you to apply for IPOs directly through your bank’s net banking portal. This method is useful if you face issues with UPI or prefer using net banking.

Online ASBA Application

Login to Your Bank’s Net Banking
Access your bank’s internet banking portal. Your bank must be a Self-Certified Syndicate Bank (SCSB) to offer ASBA.
Navigate to IPO/ASBA Section
Find the IPO or ASBA section in your net banking menu. Different banks have different navigation paths.
Enter Demat Account Details
Enter your Zerodha demat account information (see Zerodha Demat Details section below).
Complete Bid Details
Enter quantity, price, and other required details. Submit the application.

Offline ASBA Application

You can also submit a physical ASBA form:

Download ASBA Form
Download the blank ASBA form from NSE or BSE website for the specific IPO.
Fill Required Details
Complete the form with your personal details, demat account information, bid quantity, and price.
Submit to Your Bank
Visit your bank branch (must be an SCSB) and submit the completed form.

7. How Multiple Bids Work

You can place up to 3 bids in a single IPO application. Each bid can have a different quantity and price within the price band. The amount blocked will be the highest among your three bids.

Example: Multiple Bid Scenario

Consider an IPO with price band ₹100 – ₹105:

BidSharesPriceAmount
Bid 110₹102₹1,020
Bid 2150₹101₹15,150
Bid 350Cut-off (₹105)₹5,250

Amount Blocked: ₹15,150 (highest among all bids)

Which Bid Gets Allotment?

If Issue Price isEligible BidReason
₹103 or higherBid 3 onlyOnly cut-off bid qualifies
₹102Bid 3Larger quantity between qualifying bids
₹100 or ₹101Bid 2Largest quantity among all qualifying bids
Pro Tip

For retail investors, applying at the cut-off price with maximum lot size gives you the best chance of allotment. You’ll be considered at whatever price the issue gets fixed.

8. Modify or Cancel Application

You can modify or cancel your IPO application while the subscription window is open. However, there are specific timing restrictions and rules to follow.

Modify Application
Available between 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Change quantity, price, or bid details
Maximum 3 modifications allowed
New mandate sent for increased amounts
Cannot modify pending applications
Cancel Application
Available between 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Funds get unblocked after cancellation
No cancellation charges
Do NOT accept mandate for cancelled bid
HNIs/NIIs cannot cancel applications

Steps to Modify on Kite App

Go to Applied IPOs
Open Kite → Bids → IPO → Applied
Select IPO and Tap Modify
Choose the IPO you want to modify and tap the Modify button.
Update Details
Change quantity, price, or other bid details as needed.
Accept New Mandate (if applicable)
If your new bid amount is higher, you’ll receive a new mandate. Accept it to complete the modification.

Steps to Cancel on Kite App

Go to Applied IPOs
Open Kite → Bids → IPO → Applied
Select IPO and Tap Cancel
Choose the IPO and tap the CANCEL button.
Confirm Cancellation
Confirm the cancellation. Your blocked amount will be released by your bank.
Important Warning

If you cancel your IPO application, make sure you DO NOT accept the mandate for the cancelled bid. Accepting a mandate for a cancelled bid may cause technical issues.

9. Check Allotment Status

Zerodha does not provide IPO allotment status directly on its platform. You can check your allotment status through NSE, BSE, or the Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA) websites.

Check on NSE

Visit NSE IPO Status Page
Go to the NSE website’s IPO bid status page.
Select IPO Symbol
Choose the IPO from the dropdown menu.
Enter Application Number
Enter your IPO application number (find this in Zerodha Console under Portfolio → IPO → Historical Bids).
Click Get Data
Your bid status and allotment details will be displayed.

Check on BSE

Visit BSE Application Status Page
Go to the BSE website’s application check page.
Enter Application Number or PAN
You can search using either your application number or PAN card number.
Click Search
View your application and allotment status.

Registrar (RTA) Websites

You can also check allotment status on the IPO’s registrar website using your PAN:

Finding Application Number in Zerodha

Log in to Zerodha Console → Portfolio tab → IPO → Look under Historical Bids section to find your IPO application number.

10. Common Rejection Reasons

IPO applications can get rejected for various reasons. Understanding these can help you avoid common mistakes:

Rejection ReasonHow to Avoid
Mandate not acceptedAlways accept the UPI mandate before 5 PM on closing day
Multiple applications with same PANApply only once per IPO per investor category using each PAN
Incorrect/Invalid UPI IDDouble-check your UPI ID before submitting (especially HNI category)
UPI ID belongs to someone elseUse only your own UPI ID linked to your own bank account
Insufficient funds in bank accountMaintain enough balance to cover your highest bid amount
Bid price outside price bandEnter price within the specified issue price range
Quantity not a multiple of lot sizeApply in multiples of the lot size only
PAN mismatch with demat/bank accountEnsure PAN is same across your demat and bank accounts
Name mismatch (Applicant vs Bank vs Demat)Name should match across all documents and accounts
Technical issues at bank/exchangeApply early; don’t wait for the last day
KYC not verifiedComplete KYC verification before applying
Mandate rejected by bankCheck with your bank if mandate keeps failing
HNI Applications Cannot Be Cancelled

If you’re applying under the HNI (Non-Institutional Investor) category, you cannot cancel your application after submission. This means if you enter a wrong UPI ID, the application cannot be corrected. Be extra careful with HNI applications.

11. Important Timings

Understanding the IPO application timelines is crucial for a successful application:

Pre-Apply Window Opens
1 day before IPO opens
Submit pre-application one day before the IPO subscription starts.
Pre-Apply Window Closes
10:00 AM on Issue Open Date
Pre-apply option closes; regular apply becomes available.
IPO Application Window
10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Trading Days)
Regular IPO applications can be placed during market hours.
HNI Application Deadline
4:00 PM on Last Day
HNI category applications close 30 minutes earlier on the last day.
UPI Mandate Deadline
5:00 PM on Issue Close Date
Accept your UPI mandate before this deadline.
Allotment Announcement
T+3 to T+4 Days
IPO allotment typically happens 3-4 days after issue closes.
Shares Credited / Refund
T+4 to T+5 Days
Allotted shares credited to demat; unblocked amount released for non-allottees.
Listing Day
T+6 Days (typically)
Shares start trading on the stock exchange.
Mandate Timing

Applications submitted between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM receive mandates the same day. Applications submitted after 4:30 PM receive mandates the next trading day. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to receive the mandate.

12. Investor Categories

IPOs are divided into different investor categories. Understanding which category you fall into helps maximize your allotment chances:

CategoryApplication LimitMethod via ZerodhaCan Cancel?
Retail Individual Investor (RII)Up to ₹2,00,000UPI / ASBAYes
Non-Institutional Investor (NII/HNI)Above ₹2,00,000ASBA onlyNo
Qualified Institutional Buyer (QIB)No limit (Institutions)Not applicableNo
Employee QuotaAs per company offerUPI / ASBAYes
Shareholder QuotaAs per company offerUPI / ASBAYes

Who Can Apply Through Zerodha?

Investor TypeUPI MethodASBA Method
Resident Individuals✓ Yes✓ Yes
NRIs✓ Yes (with NRE/NRO UPI)✓ Yes
HUFs✓ Yes✓ Yes
Minors✓ Yes✓ Yes
Companies / LLPs / Partnerships✗ No✓ Yes (via bank)
Trusts / Societies / AOP✗ No✓ Yes (via bank)

13. Zerodha Demat Details

When applying for IPOs through ASBA (net banking), you’ll need to enter your Zerodha demat account details:

Depository CDSL
DP Name Zerodha Broking Limited
DP ID 12081600 (First 8 digits of your Demat ID)
Client ID Last 8 digits of your 16-digit Demat ID
Where to Find Your Demat ID

Your 16-digit Demat ID can be found at: console.zerodha.com/account/demat

14. Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any charge for applying to IPO through Zerodha? +
No, Zerodha does not charge any brokerage or commission for IPO applications. However, when you sell the allotted shares, standard DP (Demat Debit) charges apply.
Can I apply for IPO using my trading account funds? +
No, funds in your Zerodha trading account cannot be used for IPO applications. As per SEBI regulations, only bank funds through UPI or ASBA methods are allowed for IPO applications.
What happens if I don’t get allotment? +
If you don’t receive any share allotment, the blocked amount in your bank account gets automatically unblocked. You continue to earn interest on the blocked amount throughout the process as the money never leaves your account.
Can I apply for the same IPO from multiple demat accounts? +
No. Applying for the same IPO multiple times using different demat accounts but the same PAN will result in all applications being rejected. One PAN = One application per IPO per investor category.
Does applying early improve my chances of allotment? +
No. Your chances of allotment remain the same regardless of when you apply during the subscription period. Whether you apply on the first day or last day, your application is treated equally in the allotment process.
Can I apply for SME IPOs through Zerodha? +
Yes, Zerodha supports SME IPO applications. However, pre-apply is not available for SME IPOs. Also note that the minimum application size for SME IPOs is typically 2 lots.
I didn’t receive the UPI mandate. What should I do? +
Mandate delivery depends on your bank and can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Check your UPI app notifications, spam/other folders in the app. If still not received, try applying again with a different UPI ID. Sometimes specific banks may have technical issues during high-demand IPOs.
Can I use family member’s bank account/UPI ID? +
No. The UPI ID and bank account must belong to the person applying for the IPO. Using someone else’s UPI ID or bank account will result in your application being rejected by the Registrar.
How long does it take for allotted shares to appear in my demat? +
Typically, shares are credited to your demat account 1-2 business days before the listing date. You’ll receive an SMS/email notification from CDSL once shares are credited. They should then appear in your Kite holdings.
What is cut-off price and should I use it? +
Cut-off price means you’re willing to pay any price within the issue price band. For retail investors, applying at cut-off price is generally recommended as it ensures your bid is valid at whatever price the issue gets fixed. The amount blocked will be at the upper band price.
Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice. IPO investments carry market risks. Please read all related documents carefully and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Information is based on Zerodha’s official documentation and may be subject to change.

Crafted with care by WebNotes.in

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