Considering investing in an IPO and got lost on terms such as QIB, HNI, and DRHP? You are not in the minority. To the new investors and the wondering parents intending to build a fortune on behalf of their child to use in the future, the concept of IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) may appear complicated. However, here is how we should make it clear and simple.
What is IPO Subscription? Who Gets the Shares?
Once a firm issues IPO, the shares are subscribed into various categories such as:
1. Retail Investors: You and me, normal investors applying for up to 2 lakhs of shares.
2. HNI (High Net-Worth Individuals): Investors making applications of above 2 lakhs.
3. QIB (Qualified Institutional Buyers): Large investors such as mutual funds, banks, or insurance firms.
There is a quota in each of the categories. As an example, a firm can provide 35 percent to retail, 50 percent to QIBs, and 15 percent to HNIs.
DRHP and RHP Explained for Everyday Investors
There are two crucial documents that companies file before their IPO is launched:
1. DRHP (Draft Red Herring Prospectus): The preliminary information of the company, plans, risks, and size of IPO. It assists investors in knowing the business model.
2. RHP (Red Herring Prospectus): The last one with final numbers and offer price.
As a beginner, you can never miss reading these documents when you are serious about applying to an IPO.
How IPO Lot Size Calculation Works
IPO shares are not bought one at a time. You apply in “lots.”
1. IPO Lot Size = Number of shares x Price per share
For example, if 1 lot = 50 shares at ₹100 per share, the lot costs ₹5,000.
2. Investors can apply for 1 to 14 lots usually (within the ₹2 lakh limit).
IPO Registrar List in India: Who Manages the Process?
The IPO registrar keeps track of who applied, how many shares were allotted, and when refunds or allotments are processed. Some common registrars in India include:
1. Link Intime India Pvt Ltd
2. KFin Technologies Ltd
3. Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd
4. MAS Services Ltd
You can find the registrar’s name in the RHP of any IPO.
How to Check IPO Status (Zerodha, Upstox, AngelOne)
After applying, here’s how to check allotment:
1. Zerodha: Log into Console > Portfolio > IPO > Check status
2. Upstox: Go to IPO section in the app > “My Applications.”
3. AngelOne: Use the IPO section in the app or website > Track Application
You can also visit the IPO registrar’s website and enter your PAN or application number.
IPO Oversubscription Meaning
In case the shares available are less than the applications, the IPO is oversubscribed.
In our case, an offer of 1 crore shares when there are 3 crore required means it is 3x oversubscribed.
Retail allotment is then carried out using a lottery system. Allotment is, however, not automatic even when you are eligible.
SME vs Mainboard IPO: Key Differences for Smart Investors
Feature SME IPO Mainboard IPO
1. Type of Company – Small and medium enterprises, large and well-established companies
2. Min Investment– Greater (1 lot may be 1-2 Lakh), smaller (can be less than 15,000)
3. Listed On- NSE Emerge /BSE SME NSE /BSE
4. Risk Level– Companies that tend to be higher, steadier, and more well-established
Mainboard IPOs are safe to go into as a first step, especially when you are investing as a family.
Final Thoughts: Simple Starts for Smart Growth
It does not need to be complex when investing in an IPO. Regardless of whether you are saving to educate your child, have a long-term aim, or simply learning how to become a Counting Whiz, you or your family can learn a lot of money-saving habits by starting with small IPOs.
Considering investing in an IPO and got lost on terms such as QIB, HNI, and DRHP? You are not in the minority. To the new investors and the wondering parents intending to build a fortune on behalf of their child to use in the future, the concept of IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) may appear complicated. However, here is how we should make it clear and simple.
What is IPO Subscription? Who Gets the Shares?
Once a firm issues IPO, the shares are subscribed into various categories such as:
1. Retail Investors: You and me, normal investors applying for up to 2 lakhs of shares.
2. HNI (High Net-Worth Individuals): Investors making applications of above 2 lakhs.
3. QIB (Qualified Institutional Buyers): Large investors such as mutual funds, banks, or insurance firms.
There is a quota in each of the categories. As an example, a firm can provide 35 percent to retail, 50 percent to QIBs, and 15 percent to HNIs.
DRHP and RHP Explained for Everyday Investors
There are two crucial documents that companies file before their IPO is launched:
1. DRHP (Draft Red Herring Prospectus): The preliminary information of the company, plans, risks, and size of IPO. It assists investors in knowing the business model.
2. RHP (Red Herring Prospectus): The last one with final numbers and offer price.
As a beginner, you can never miss reading these documents when you are serious about applying to an IPO.
How IPO Lot Size Calculation Works
IPO shares are not bought one at a time. You apply in “lots.”
1. IPO Lot Size = Number of shares x Price per share
For example, if 1 lot = 50 shares at ₹100 per share, the lot costs ₹5,000.
2. Investors can apply for 1 to 14 lots usually (within the ₹2 lakh limit).
IPO Registrar List in India: Who Manages the Process?
The IPO registrar keeps track of who applied, how many shares were allotted, and when refunds or allotments are processed. Some common registrars in India include:
1. Link Intime India Pvt Ltd
2. KFin Technologies Ltd
3. Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd
4. MAS Services Ltd
You can find the registrar’s name in the RHP of any IPO.
How to Check IPO Status (Zerodha, Upstox, AngelOne)
After applying, here’s how to check allotment:
1. Zerodha: Log into Console > Portfolio > IPO > Check status
2. Upstox: Go to IPO section in the app > “My Applications.”
3. AngelOne: Use the IPO section in the app or website > Track Application
You can also visit the IPO registrar’s website and enter your PAN or application number.
IPO Oversubscription Meaning
In case the shares available are less than the applications, the IPO is oversubscribed.
In our case, an offer of 1 crore shares when there are 3 crore required means it is 3x oversubscribed.
Retail allotment is then carried out using a lottery system. Allotment is, however, not automatic even when you are eligible.
SME vs Mainboard IPO: Key Differences for Smart Investors
Feature SME IPO Mainboard IPO
1. Type of Company – Small and medium enterprises, large and well-established companies
2. Min Investment– Greater (1 lot may be 1-2 Lakh), smaller (can be less than 15,000)
3. Listed On- NSE Emerge /BSE SME NSE /BSE
4. Risk Level– Companies that tend to be higher, steadier, and more well-established
Mainboard IPOs are safe to go into as a first step, especially when you are investing as a family.
Final Thoughts: Simple Starts for Smart Growth
It does not need to be complex when investing in an IPO. Regardless of whether you are saving to educate your child, have a long-term aim, or simply learning how to become a Counting Whiz, you or your family can learn a lot of money-saving habits by starting with small IPOs.

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