All public issues with a value in excess of Rs 10 crore are compulsorily in the demat mode. So, if you choose to apply for such issues, you must have a demat account and mention your depository participant’s name and ID number and your client ID details in the bid/application form. In the case of fixed price issues, you are intimated through a Confirmatory Allotment Note (CAN) or a refund order, within 30 days of the closure of the issue.

In the case of book built issues, the registrar ensures that investors receive a CAN in case they have been allotted shares and the demat credit or a refund, as applicable, within 15 days of the closure of the issue. Then the stock is listed on the stock exchange within 7 days from the finalization of the issue.

You can also apply for shares in an IPO online, from the comforts of your home or office or anywhere else. For this, you must be registered with an online broking house, which offers the facility to apply for IPOs online. You must log on to the broking houses’ website page which lists the IPOs that are currently available and fill in the application form online. In the form, you will have to mention the number of shares that you wish to apply for and the bid price. The broking house will, in turn, fill in and sign the physical IPO application form (since you will have given them a power of attorney at the time of registration) and draw a cheque on your behalf (as you have to maintain a cash balance with your online broking house). The application will be submitted to the registrar along with a copy of the power of attorney that you have signed and your bank account/brokerage account will stand debited to the extent of the application amount, plus any additional fees, if applicable. Lastly, you will receive an email from the broking house regarding your application status.