How To Increase IPO Allotment Chances

We hear scenarios regarding companies going public, massive listing gains, stories of lucky investors doubling their money overnight - it’s sounds exciting stuff!

But here’s the catch: getting an IPO allotment isn't as easy as clicking a button.
Sometimes, despite applying for multiple IPOs with high hopes, you end up with zero shares.

So naturally, the question pops up:
"How can I actually increase my chances of getting an IPO allotment?"

We will walk you through the process in step by step manner

How IPO Allotment Actually Works

Before trying to beat the system, you need to understand the system.
When you apply for an IPO under the retail investor category (i.e., applications up to ₹2 lakh), shares are allotted through a lottery system if the IPO is oversubscribed.

• Everyone’s name is put into a hat.
• Names are pulled randomly until all the available shares are allotted.

There are also a few smart moves through which you can increase the chances of IPO allotment :-

Practical Ways To Increase Your IPO Allotment Chances

1. Apply Through Multiple Demat Accounts

One of the smartest, most commonly used tricks is this:
Use multiple applications from different Demat accounts linked to different PAN numbers.

That means:

• Your Demat account
• Your spouse’s account
• Your parents’ accounts
• Even your adult children’s accounts if they have one

Each account linked to a unique PAN card can apply separately.
The more applications you submit, the higher your probability of hitting the allotment lottery.

Important: Don't submit multiple applications from the same PAN. That will get all your applications rejected.

2. Always Apply for a Single Lot (in Highly Subscribed IPOs)

Here’s a subtle thing most people miss:
When an IPO is massively oversubscribed (like 20x, 50x, or even 100x), applying for a large number of lots doesn't increase your chances.

Instead, apply for just one lot (the minimum number of shares you can apply for).
SEBI rules ensure fair distribution among small investors.
So, whether you apply for 1 lot or 10, in case of oversubscription, you get the same one entry into the lottery system.

In crazy popular IPOs, smart investors play small but wide — applying for 1 lot each from multiple accounts.

3. Ensure Your UPI Mandate is Approved on Time

If you're applying through UPI (most people do now), make sure you approve the UPI payment request immediately after applying.
If you delay or forget, your application becomes invalid.

Pro Tip:

• Apply early during the IPO window (don't wait till the last hour).
• Double-check your UPI ID.
• Approve the mandate the same day.

Every year, thousands of applications get rejected simply because investors forgot to approve the payment!

4. Keep Your Bank Balance Ready

Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people mess this up.
Make sure you have enough money in your linked bank account to block for the IPO application.

If the amount isn’t there when the mandate hits your account, your application will fail.

It’s like ordering food online and not having money in your wallet when the delivery guy shows up.

5. Choose a Reliable Broker and Platform

In today’s world of online investing, not all brokers are created equal.
Sometimes, technical glitches on IPO closing days mess up applications.

Stick with brokers and trading apps that have a strong track record during IPO periods.
If your broker’s platform is glitchy or slow, it’s better to shift before the next big IPO.

6. Consider Applying from Lesser-Known Banks

Here’s a ninja tip:
Applications routed through big, popular banks sometimes face server load issues during peak IPOs.
If you have accounts in smaller or mid-sized banks (like IDFC First, RBL Bank, etc.), your UPI and ASBA applications might process faster and smoother.

Less traffic = Less chances of technical rejection.

7. Understand Investor Categories

If you're applying with big money (above ₹2 lakh), you technically move out of the retail category into HNI (High Networth Individual) category.

The allotment rules are different there:

• Instead of lottery, you get proportionate allotment based on the amount you applied.

If you’re serious about IPO investing at a larger scale, understanding this transition can help you plan smarter.

8. Stay Updated With RTA (Registrar) Announcements

Each IPO has a designated Registrar (like Link Intime or KFin Technologies) who manages the allotment process.

Once you apply, stay alert for official communications:

• SMS alerts
• Email updates
• Allotment status checking portals

By staying informed, you can act quickly if any corrections or confirmations are needed from your side.

Bonus: Things That DON'T Actually Increase Chances

• Applying for maximum lots in retail category (doesn’t help in oversubscription)
• Timing your application to the first or last hour (lottery is random, not time-based)
• Choosing a specific broker just for "lucky" allotments (superstition!)

Stick to logical moves, not myths.

Final Thoughts :-

We can't completely control IPO allotments. There's always a luck factor involved.

But smart investors don’t just depend on luck — they optimize their chances as per below :

• Applying through multiple Demat accounts
• Approving UPI mandates properly
• Staying on top of paperwork
• Using good platforms
• Playing the system intelligently

You stack the odds slightly more in your favor.

And remember — sometimes not getting an allotment can actually be a blessing in disguise.
Not every IPO performs well after listing.
Be happy when you win. Be at peace when you don't.

Because in the stock market, it’s not about winning every round — it’s about staying in the game long enough to win big over time.

Happy investing and good luck with your next IPO! 🚀