Published Jun 29, 2026 4 Min Read

Introduction

Yes, equity mutual funds can invest in IPOs if the investment aligns with the scheme's objective and the fund manager's strategy. Instead of applying for an IPO yourself, you gain indirect IPO exposure by investing in a mutual fund that includes newly listed companies in its portfolio.

  • Equity mutual funds can participate in IPOs through the Qualified Institutional Buyer (QIB) category. 
  • Professional fund managers decide whether an IPO fits the scheme's investment objective. 
  • You can invest through SIP or lumpsum, with SIPs starting from Rs. 100 per month on the Bajaj Broking website. 
  • Investors can choose from 4,000+ mutual fund schemes across equity, debt, hybrid, ELSS and thematic categories. 
  • Always check the SEBI-mandated riskometer, which ranges from Low to Very High, before investing. 
  • Mutual fund returns are market-linked and are never guaranteed. 

Start your mutual fund investment journey on the Bajaj Broking website by completing your KYC, exploring over 4,000 mutual fund schemes, and investing through SIP or lumpsum.

Can mutual funds invest in IPOs?

Yes. Equity mutual funds can invest in IPOs if doing so matches the investment objective of the scheme. The decision is made by the professional fund manager managing the scheme on behalf of investors.

When you invest in a mutual fund, you do not apply for the IPO directly. Instead, you invest in the mutual fund scheme, and the fund manager decides whether to participate in eligible IPOs.

If the fund receives IPO shares, they become part of the scheme's portfolio. As an investor, you benefit indirectly through your mutual fund units.

When you invest in a mutual fund, units are allotted based on the applicable Net Asset Value (NAV). NAV is calculated once every trading day after the market closes.

How do mutual funds buy stocks through IPOs?

Mutual funds buy IPO shares through the institutional allocation available for eligible investors. Most equity mutual funds participate under the Qualified Institutional Buyer (QIB) category.

The fund manager studies the company's financial position, business model, industry outlook and valuation before deciding whether to invest.

The IPO investment process generally follows these steps:

StepWhat happens
IPO evaluationThe fund manager studies the company's financial and business details.
Investment decisionThe manager decides whether the IPO matches the scheme's objective.
IPO applicationThe mutual fund applies through the QIB category, where applicable.
Share allotmentShares are allotted according to IPO allocation rules.
Portfolio inclusionThe allotted shares become part of the mutual fund portfolio.
Ongoing monitoringThe fund manager reviews the investment after listing and may continue to hold or reduce exposure.

Unlike retail investors, mutual funds rely on professional research and investment analysis before participating in an IPO. However, IPO investments still involve market risk and may not always generate positive returns.

Which mutual funds invest in IPOs?

Not every mutual fund invests in IPOs. IPO participation is generally more common among equity-oriented mutual funds because they invest mainly in listed and newly listed companies.

Mutual fund typeCan invest in IPOs?Suitable for
Large-cap fundsYes, if permitted by the investment objectiveInvestors seeking exposure to established companies with occasional IPO participation
Flexi-cap fundsYesInvestors looking for flexibility across market capitalisations
Multi-cap fundsYesInvestors seeking diversified equity exposure
Mid-cap fundsYesInvestors comfortable with higher market risk
Small-cap fundsYesInvestors with a long investment horizon and high risk appetite
ELSS fundsMay invest, depending on the schemeInvestors seeking tax benefits under Section 80C and equity exposure
Hybrid fundsLimited, depending on equity allocationInvestors looking for a balance between equity and debt
Debt fundsGenerally noInvestors seeking fixed-income exposure rather than IPO investments

The decision to invest in an IPO depends on the fund manager and the scheme's investment mandate. Before investing, review the Scheme Information Document (SID), investment objective and the SEBI riskometer of the scheme.

Why should you invest in IPOs through mutual funds?

Investing in IPOs through mutual funds gives you indirect exposure to newly listed companies without applying for individual IPOs. Professional fund managers evaluate each IPO before investing, helping you benefit from their research and investment expertise.

Some advantages of investing in IPOs through mutual funds include:

BenefitWhy it matters
Professional fund managementExperienced fund managers analyse IPO opportunities before investing.
DiversificationYour investment is spread across multiple companies instead of depending on one IPO.
Indirect IPO exposureYou can benefit from IPO investments without submitting an individual IPO application.
Disciplined investingYou can invest regularly through an SIP or make a lumpsum investment.
Convenient accessOn the Bajaj Broking website, SIP investments start from Rs. 100 per month for eligible schemes.
Long-term portfolio buildingIPO investments become one part of a diversified mutual fund portfolio.

Instead of relying on a single IPO, you gain exposure through a professionally managed portfolio. However, the fund manager may or may not invest in every IPO, depending on whether it aligns with the scheme's investment objective.

What are the risks of investing in IPOs through mutual funds?

Although mutual funds provide professional management, investing in IPOs through them still involves risk. The value of newly listed companies can fluctuate significantly after listing, affecting the mutual fund's performance.

Always review the SEBI-mandated riskometer, which classifies schemes as Low, Low to Moderate, Moderate, Moderately High, High or Very High, before investing.

RiskWhat it means
Market riskIPO shares may decline after listing if market conditions weaken.
Listing volatilityNewly listed companies often experience larger price movements.
Business riskA company may not perform as expected after listing.
Valuation riskIPO shares may be priced higher than their long-term value.
Portfolio impactPoor IPO performance may affect the overall mutual fund, although diversification can reduce the impact.
No guaranteed returnsMutual fund returns are market-linked and depend on overall portfolio performance.

Professional fund management can help evaluate IPO opportunities, but it cannot eliminate market risk or guarantee returns.

What should you look for before choosing a mutual fund that invests in IPOs?

If you want IPO investment through mutual funds, choose a scheme based on your financial goals rather than IPO participation alone. IPO investments should be viewed as one part of the fund's overall investment strategy.

FactorWhat to evaluateWhy it matters
Investment objectiveCheck whether the scheme can invest in IPOs.Ensures the fund's strategy matches your expectations.
Fund categoryChoose between large-cap, flexi-cap, multi-cap or other equity funds.Different categories have different investment approaches.
Risk levelReview the SEBI riskometer.Helps you understand the scheme's risk profile.
Expense ratioCompare the annual expense ratio charged by the AMC.It affects the fund's overall returns and is deducted from the NAV.
Portfolio diversificationReview the fund's holdings across sectors and companies.Diversification reduces dependence on a single investment.
Investment horizonConsider how long you plan to remain invested.Equity mutual funds generally suit longer investment horizons.

On the Bajaj Broking website, you can compare 4,000+ mutual fund schemes across equity, debt, hybrid, ELSS and thematic categories. You can invest through SIP or lumpsum, complete your mandatory KYC online, and track your investments using the Dashboard, Portfolio, Orders and MF Profile.

Conclusion

Mutual funds buying stocks through IPOs can give you indirect exposure to newly listed companies without applying for individual IPOs yourself. Equity mutual funds may participate in IPOs when the investment fits the scheme's objective and the fund manager believes the company has long-term potential.

Before investing, understand that IPO exposure is only one part of a mutual fund's overall portfolio. You should review the scheme's investment objective, portfolio composition, expense ratio, and the SEBI-mandated riskometer before making your decision. Remember that IPO investments, like all equity investments, are subject to market fluctuations and returns are not guaranteed.

On the Bajaj Broking website, you can explore 4,000+ mutual fund schemes across equity, debt, hybrid, ELSS and thematic categories. After completing your mandatory KYC, you can invest through an SIP from Rs. 100 per month or make a lumpsum investment. You can also track your investments using the Dashboard, Portfolio, Orders and MF Profile.

Frequently asked questions

Should you invest in IPOs through mutual funds?

Investing in IPOs through mutual funds may be suitable if you want professional fund management and diversified exposure to equity markets. Instead of selecting IPOs yourself, experienced fund managers evaluate investment opportunities based on the scheme's objective. On the Bajaj Broking website, you can choose from thousands of mutual fund schemes that match different investment goals and risk profiles.


Can equity mutual funds invest in IPOs in India?

Yes. Equity mutual funds in India can invest in IPOs if doing so is permitted by the scheme's investment objective and the fund manager considers the IPO suitable. Mutual funds generally participate through the Qualified Institutional Buyer (QIB) category. However, not every equity mutual fund invests in every IPO.


What are the risks of investing in IPOs through mutual funds?

IPO investments through mutual funds carry market risk because the prices of newly listed companies can rise or fall after listing. The value of your mutual fund units may also fluctuate depending on the performance of the IPO investment and the rest of the portfolio. Before investing, always review the SEBI-mandated riskometer and ensure the scheme matches your risk tolerance.


How do mutual funds get IPO allotment when retail investors don't?

Mutual funds generally apply for IPO shares under the Qualified Institutional Buyer (QIB) category, which is separate from the retail investor category. This allows eligible mutual funds to participate in institutional allocations according to SEBI regulations. The Bajaj Broking website enables you to invest in mutual fund schemes that may participate in IPOs, depending on their investment objective.

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Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is an NBFC offering loans, deposits and third-party wealth management products.

The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute any financial advice. The content herein has been prepared by BFL on the basis of publicly available information, internal sources and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. However, BFL cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, assure its completeness, or warrant such information will not be changed.

This information should not be relied upon as the sole basis for any investment decisions. Hence, User is advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting independent financial experts, if any, and the investor shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited ("BFL") is registered with the Association of Mutual Funds in India ("AMFI") as a distributor of third party Mutual Funds (shortly referred as 'Mutual Funds) with ARN No. 90319

BFL does NOT:

(i) provide investment advisory services in any manner or form.

(ii) carry customized/personalized suitability assessment.

(iii) carry independent research or analysis, including on any Mutual Fund schemes or other investments; and provide any guarantee of return on investment.

In addition to displaying the Mutual fund products of Asset Management Companies, some general information is sourced from third parties, is also displayed on As-is basis, which should NOT be construed as any solicitation or attempt to effect transactions in securities or the rendering any investment advice. Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, including loss of principal amount and Investor should read all Scheme/Offer related documents carefully. The NAV of units issued under the Schemes of mutual funds can go up or down depending on the factors and forces affecting capital markets and may also be affected by changes in the general level of interest rates. The NAV of the units issued under the scheme may be affected, inter-alia by changes in the interest rates, trading volumes, settlement periods, transfer procedures and performance of individual securities forming part of the Mutual Fund. The NAV will inter-alia be exposed to Price/Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk. Past performance of any scheme of the Mutual fund do not indicate the future performance of the Schemes of the Mutual Fund. BFL shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or shortfall incurred by the investors. There may be other/better alternatives to the investment avenues displayed by BFL. Hence, the final investment decision shall at all times exclusively remain with the investor alone and BFL shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences thereof.

Investment by a person residing outside the territorial jurisdiction of India is not acceptable nor permitted.

Disclaimer on Risk-O-Meter:

Investors are advised before investing to evaluate a scheme not only on the basis of the Product labeling (including the Riskometer) but also on other quantitative and qualitative factors such as performance, portfolio, fund managers, asset manager, etc, and shall also consult their Professional advisors, if they are unsure about the suitability of the scheme before investing.


Disclosure
: Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL) is a distributor of Mutual Funds with ARN - 90319 and distributes mutual funds of Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Limited (BFSAMC). BFL receives commission towards distribution of mutual fund products. BFSAMC is a group company of BFL, carrying business on arm’s length basis without any conflict of interest and in accordance with the prevailing law / regulation.