Let’s be honest: winning an IPO allotment in India often feels like trying to win a lucky draw at a crowded mall. When a good company like a major tech giant or a famous food chain goes public, millions of people apply for the same few shares. Because the demand is so high, a computerized lottery decides the winners, and many investors end up with a Not Allotted message.

While there is no secret code to guarantee your shares, there are several smart and legal strategies you can use to significantly improve your odds. In 2026, with the new T+3 cycle and updated SEBI rules, the way you apply matters more than ever. If you’ve been unlucky in the past, these tips will help you play the game like a pro.

7 Smart Ways to Boost Your IPO Allotment Odds

1. The Multiple Accounts Strategy (Most Effective)

If you apply for 10 lots from one account, SEBI’s lottery system still treats you as one entry. To increase your chances, apply for 1 lot each from the accounts of your family members (parents, spouse, siblings).

Why: 5 different applications from 5 different PAN cards mean 5 chances in the lottery instead of just one.

2. Always Bid at the Cut-off Price

Many beginners try to save a few rupees by bidding at the lower end of the price band. If the final price is even ₹1 higher than your bid, your application is rejected immediately.

Why: Choosing Cut-off Price ensures your application stays valid regardless of the final price decided by the company.

3. Stick to 1 Lot for Retail Applications

In an oversubscribed IPO, SEBI’s goal is to give shares to the maximum number of people. Even if you apply for ₹2 Lakhs (13-14 lots), you will likely only get 1 lot if the lottery picks you.

Why: Save your extra cash. Instead of putting ₹2 Lakhs in one account, spread it across 10-12 different family accounts to maximize luck.

4. Avoid Last-Minute Rushes

While you can apply until the last hour of Day 3, it is risky. High traffic can cause UPI mandate delays or bank server issues.

Why: Try to apply on Day 2 or the morning of Day 3. This gives you enough time to fix any UPI mandate errors if they occur.

5. Ensure PAN & Bank Account Match

This is a common reason for rejection. The PAN card registered with your Demat account must match the PAN of the bank account/UPI ID used for payment.

Why: If you use your father’s UPI ID for an application in your name, the system will flag and reject it.

6. Verify Your UPI Mandate

Many people think they have applied once they click Submit on their broker app. But the application is only valid once you approve the mandate on your UPI app (GPay, PhonePe, etc.).

Why: Always check your UPI app Mandates section to confirm the amount is blocked.

7. Check the Category Wisely (For Large Investors)

If you have more than ₹2 Lakhs, you can apply in the Small NII (sNII) category. Sometimes, the retail portion is 100x subscribed while the NII portion is only 20x.

Why: Check the Live Subscription data on Day 3. If the NII odds look better, it might be worth applying for slightly more than ₹2 Lakhs to jump into that category.

Summary: The Winner's Checklist

Step

What to do?

Importance

Bidding

Always select Cut-off Price.

Very High

Account

Use Family Members' accounts (Unique PANs).

Maximum

Quantity

Apply for Minimum Lot in each account.

High

Payment

Approve UPI Mandate immediately.

Mandatory

PAN Match

Demat PAN = Bank PAN.

Mandatory

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does applying on Day 1 give me an advantage over Day 3?

No. The computerized lottery treats all valid applications equally, whether they came in the first minute or the last.

Can I use the same UPI ID for multiple family members?

No. Most banks and SEBI rules require the bank account holder to be the same as the Demat account holder. Using one UPI ID for multiple PANs will likely lead to rejection.

If I apply for ₹2 Lakhs, do I get more shares?

Only if the IPO is under-subscribed. If it is over-subscribed (which most good IPOs are), you will get a maximum of 1 lot, and the rest of your money will be unblocked.

What is the Minor Account benefit?

Applying through a minor child’s Demat account is a perfectly legal way to add another chance to your family’s lottery pool.

How do I know if the IPO is Oversubscribed?

You can check the Live Subscription data on the NSE or BSE websites, or on your broker's app, which is updated every few hours during the IPO.

Does the broker I use (Motilal Oswal vs. others) affect my luck?

No. The allotment is handled by the Registrar (like Link Intime or KFintech), not your broker. Your broker only facilitates the application.

Should I avoid IPOs with low GMP?

Low GMP (Grey Market Premium) usually means low demand, which actually increases your chance of allotment, but the risk of the price falling after listing is also higher.

Can I apply from two different brokers using the same PAN?

No. SEBI identifies you by your PAN. If you apply twice using the same PAN, both applications will be rejected as Duplicate.

What is Shareholder Quota?

If you already own shares of a Parent Company (e.g., owning Tata Motors shares when Tata Tech IPO comes), you can apply in the Shareholder Category, which often has much better allotment odds.

What if my money is blocked but I didn't get a confirmation?

Check your application status on the broker app or the registrar's website. If the money is blocked, your application is usually active.

/content/mofsl-website-adobe/fragments/pf-disclaimer