
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.
- 1. Prerequisites for Applying
- 2. Apply Using UPI (Recommended)
- 3. Apply via Kite Mobile App
- 4. Apply via Kite Web
- 5. Pre-Apply for IPO
- 6. ASBA Method (Net Banking)
- 7. How Multiple Bids Work
- 8. Modify or Cancel Application
- 9. Check Allotment Status
- 10. Common Rejection Reasons
- 11. Important Timings
- 12. Investor Categories
- 13. Zerodha Demat Details
- 14. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Prerequisites for Applying
Before you can apply for an IPO through Zerodha, ensure you have the following:
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:
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:
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:
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-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
Pre-Apply Availability
| Availability | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Time | One day before IPO opens |
| End Time | 10:00 AM on IPO opening day |
| Mandate Received | After 10:00 AM on opening day |
| SME IPOs | Pre-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
Offline ASBA Application
You can also submit a physical ASBA 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:
| Bid | Shares | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bid 1 | 10 | ₹102 | ₹1,020 |
| Bid 2 | 150 | ₹101 | ₹15,150 |
| Bid 3 | 50 | Cut-off (₹105) | ₹5,250 |
Amount Blocked: ₹15,150 (highest among all bids)
Which Bid Gets Allotment?
| If Issue Price is | Eligible Bid | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| ₹103 or higher | Bid 3 only | Only cut-off bid qualifies |
| ₹102 | Bid 3 | Larger quantity between qualifying bids |
| ₹100 or ₹101 | Bid 2 | Largest quantity among all qualifying bids |
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.
Steps to Modify on Kite App
Steps to Cancel on Kite App
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
Check on BSE
Registrar (RTA) Websites
You can also check allotment status on the IPO’s registrar website using your PAN:
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 Reason | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Mandate not accepted | Always accept the UPI mandate before 5 PM on closing day |
| Multiple applications with same PAN | Apply only once per IPO per investor category using each PAN |
| Incorrect/Invalid UPI ID | Double-check your UPI ID before submitting (especially HNI category) |
| UPI ID belongs to someone else | Use only your own UPI ID linked to your own bank account |
| Insufficient funds in bank account | Maintain enough balance to cover your highest bid amount |
| Bid price outside price band | Enter price within the specified issue price range |
| Quantity not a multiple of lot size | Apply in multiples of the lot size only |
| PAN mismatch with demat/bank account | Ensure 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/exchange | Apply early; don’t wait for the last day |
| KYC not verified | Complete KYC verification before applying |
| Mandate rejected by bank | Check with your bank if mandate keeps failing |
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:
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:
| Category | Application Limit | Method via Zerodha | Can Cancel? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Individual Investor (RII) | Up to ₹2,00,000 | UPI / ASBA | Yes |
| Non-Institutional Investor (NII/HNI) | Above ₹2,00,000 | ASBA only | No |
| Qualified Institutional Buyer (QIB) | No limit (Institutions) | Not applicable | No |
| Employee Quota | As per company offer | UPI / ASBA | Yes |
| Shareholder Quota | As per company offer | UPI / ASBA | Yes |
Who Can Apply Through Zerodha?
| Investor Type | UPI Method | ASBA 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:
Your 16-digit Demat ID can be found at: console.zerodha.com/account/demat
14. Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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