Monday, January 5, 2026

IPO Explained: Complete Guide to Mainboard IPO and SME IPO

In recent years, IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) have become one of the most discussed investment opportunities among retail investors. Some investors participate in IPOs for quick listing gains, while others look at IPOs as long-term wealth creation opportunities.

Before investing, it is very important to understand how IPOs work, their types, benefits, and risks.

In this article, you will learn:

  • What is an IPO?
  • Why companies launch IPOs
  • Types of IPOs – Mainboard IPO and SME IPO
  • How to invest in an IPO
  • Important IPO-related terms
  • Benefits and risks of IPO investing

 


What is an IPO (Initial Public Offering)?

An IPO (Initial Public Offering) is the process through which a private company offers its shares to the public for the first time and gets listed on a stock exchange such as NSE or BSE. After the IPO, the company becomes a publicly listed company.

Example: If a company issues 10 lakh shares at ₹100 per share to the public, this offering is known as an IPO.

 

Why Do Companies Launch IPOs?

Companies bring IPOs for several reasons:

  1. To raise capital – for expansion, new projects, or working capital
  2. Debt reduction – to repay existing loans
  3. Brand visibility and credibility – listed companies gain more trust
  4. Exit opportunity for early investors and promoters
  5. Liquidity for shares

 

Types of IPOs

IPOs in India are broadly classified into two categories:

 

1️ Mainboard IPO

Mainboard IPOs are offered by relatively large companies and are listed on the main platforms of NSE and BSE.

Key Features of Mainboard IPOs:

  • Large and established companies
  • Issue size generally above ₹100 crore
  • Strict SEBI regulations
  • High investor participation
  • Better liquidity after listing
  • Suitable for long-term investors

Minimum Investment: Usually around ₹14,000–₹15,000 (one lot)

 

2️ SME IPO (Small and Medium Enterprises IPO)

SME IPOs are designed for small and medium-sized companies and are listed on BSE SME or NSE Emerge platforms.

Key Features of SME IPOs:

  • Smaller companies with high growth potential
  • Lower issue size (generally ₹5–50 crore)
  • Larger lot size compared to Mainboard IPOs
  • Higher risk but potential for higher returns
  • Lower liquidity after listing

Minimum Investment: Generally ranges from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh, depending on the issue

 

Difference Between Mainboard IPO and SME IPO

Basis

Mainboard IPO

SME IPO

Company Size

Large

Small / Medium

Issue Size

Large

Small

Risk Level

Lower

Higher

Liquidity

High

Low

Minimum Investment

Low

High

Investor Type

Retail & Institutional

Mostly HNI / Experienced

 

How to Invest in an IPO?

To apply for an IPO, you need:

  1. Demat Account
  2. Trading Account
  3. Bank Account with ASBA facility

Ways to Apply for IPO:

  • Online broker platforms like Zerodha, Groww, Angel One
  • Net banking through ASBA

 

Important IPO Terminology

  • Price Band: The minimum and maximum price at which you can bid
  • Lot Size: Minimum number of shares you must apply for
  • Issue Size: Total amount the company wants to raise
  • GMP (Grey Market Premium): Unofficial premium in the grey market
  • Listing Gain: Profit earned on the listing day
  • Oversubscription: Demand exceeding the number of shares offered

 

What to Check Before Investing in an IPO?

Before applying, investors should analyze:

  1. Company business model
  2. Revenue and profit growth
  3. Debt and financial stability
  4. Promoter holding and background
  5. Industry outlook
  6. IPO valuation compared to peers

 

Benefits of Investing in IPOs

  • Opportunity for listing gains
  • Early investment in growing companies
  • Potential for long-term wealth creation
  • Portfolio diversification

 

Risks of Investing in IPOs

  • Possibility of listing losses
  • Overvaluation risk
  • Low liquidity in SME IPOs
  • Dependence on market sentiment

 

Conclusion

IPOs can be an excellent investment opportunity if chosen carefully. Mainboard IPOs are generally suitable for beginners and conservative investors, while SME IPOs are more appropriate for experienced investors who can handle higher risk.

#SMEIPO #MainboardIPO #IPOGMP #ListingGains #IPO #IPOIndia #InitialPublicOffering #StockMarketIndia #EquityInvesting


πŸ‘‰ Dhan Shiksha Investment Principle:

“Invest in IPOs with proper research, not just for hype or quick gains.”

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 ✍️ Author: Dhan Shiksha

 

⚠️ Disclaimer

The content on Dhan Shiksha is for educational purposes only. We are not SEBI-registered advisors and do not offer financial recommendations. Please consult a certified financial advisor before making investment decisions. We do not accept responsibility for any financial losses resulting from reliance on this information.

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