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A market maker is an individual or a registered entity (usually a broker or trading member of a stock exchange) registered with SEBI in consultation with the Stock Exchange. These financial intermediaries provide liquidity in a stock market by continuously offering to buy (bid) and sell (ask) specific securities during market hours. 

Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) is a fast-track method for listed companies in India to raise capital from Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) without public marketing or SEBI pre-issue approval. Introduced by SEBI in 2006, QIP allows issuance of equity or convertible securities under flexible, cost-effective regulations. With no lock-in for QIBs and simplified documentation, it offers quicker execution than IPOs or FPOs. Eligibility, pricing, and allotment norms are governed by SEBI ICDR guidelines.

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is India’s leading electronic stock exchange, offering a secure platform for trading equities, derivatives, and debt instruments. It operates two key listing platforms: the Mainboard for large companies and NSE EMERGE for SMEs. NSE has introduced various products and services including mutual funds, derivatives, and a Social Stock Exchange. With transparent systems, automated operations, and multiple indices like Nifty 50, NSE plays a crucial role in India’s capital market ecosystem.

In June 2025, 48 companies filed DRHPs across SME and Mainboard platforms, with 24 IPOs successfully listed. Of these, 32 were SME filings (23 with BSE SME, 9 with NSE Emerge) and 26 on the Mainboard. IPOPlatform.com continues to assist companies as knowledge partners, offering expert support, real-time insights, and due diligence guidance to help businesses and investors navigate the growing IPO landscape with confidence.

Applying for an IPO involves multiple steps, from choosing the right category to ensuring bank and demat details align with your PAN. With methods like UPI, ASBA, and online trading platforms, the process is increasingly user-friendly. Still, attention to timelines, category-specific rules, and correct documentation is critical. Whether through NSE, BSE, or your broker, following the guidelines helps avoid rejections and increases your chances of successful allotment in the IPO. A well-informed investor is better positioned to benefit from the opportunity.

REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and InvITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) are SEBI-regulated investment vehicles that allow retail investors to invest in large-scale assets without owning them physically. While REITs invest in income-generating real estate like offices and malls, InvITs focus on infrastructure assets such as highways and power plants. Both distribute regular income to investors and are traded on NSE and BSE, offering portfolio diversification, liquidity, and professional management—making them attractive for long-term, stable income seekers.

An IPO-bound company must comply with SEBI regulations and listing norms of NSE Emerge or BSE SME. A key part of this process is setting the IPO price band, which determines the share bidding range and final issue price. This band is based on both qualitative (e.g., business model, management) and quantitative (e.g., EPS, P/E ratio) factors. It is decided by the company and merchant banker, regulated by SEBI, and disclosed before the issue opens.

The confidential IPO pre-filing route, introduced by SEBI in November 2022, allows companies to privately submit draft offer documents for regulatory review before making them public. This strategic approach protects sensitive business data, provides flexibility in IPO timing, and enables companies to refine disclosures based on SEBI’s feedback. Adopted by major firms like boAt, Tata Capital, and PhysicsWallah, this process aligns with global practices, offering a more controlled and confidential pathway to mainboard IPO listing.

Unlisted and Pre-IPO shares offer investors a unique opportunity to acquire stakes in high-growth companies before they go public on NSE Emerge or BSE SME. These shares, traded via private placements, OTC markets, and investment platforms, often come at discounted valuations with high return potential. However, they involve liquidity, valuation, and regulatory risks. Investors should conduct thorough due diligence on financials, market position, and growth prospects before investing, ensuring informed decisions and strategic portfolio diversification.

Investing in IPOs offers exciting opportunities but demands thorough analysis. Key considerations include a company’s fundamentals, industry positioning, valuation metrics, management expertise, and utilization of IPO proceeds. Retail investors should avoid market hype and rely on structured methodologies for informed decisions. Understanding risks, regulatory norms, and long-term growth potential is essential. Comprehensive research ensures better outcomes, helping investors align their strategies with the IPO’s true potential for success.

An Initial Public Offering (IPO) involves significant costs, including merchant banking fees, legal and regulatory expenses, audit charges, marketing, and underwriting costs. These expenses vary based on factors like IPO size, platform (SME or Mainboard), and market conditions. Effective planning, understanding fixed and variable costs, and coordination with intermediaries like underwriters, RTAs, and depositories are essential for a smooth IPO process, ensuring regulatory compliance and successful capital raising for business growth.