
Introduction
Once you apply for an IPO, the most important document you should check is the Basis of Allotment (BoA).
But what exactly is this? Why does it matter?
Many new investors don’t realise that Basis of Allotment explains how the company decides who gets how many shares — especially when an IPO is oversubscribed.
If you want to understand why you got full shares, partial allotment, or none at all, you must know how this process works.
This complete guide will explain:
✅ What is Basis of Allotment?
✅ How it’s prepared.
✅ What you should look for in it.
✅ Common allotment scenarios with examples.
✅ A sample BoA table.
✅ How to access it for any IPO.
What is Basis of Allotment?
In simple words, Basis of Allotment is the final distribution report for an IPO.
It shows:
- Total applications received.
- How many valid applications were accepted.
- How many shares each category got.
- Oversubscription ratio.
- Final status for retail, HNI, QIB categories.
It’s an official document released by the registrar (like Link Intime or KFintech) and approved by stock exchanges.
Why It’s Important
✅ It proves your allotment was fair and as per SEBI guidelines.
✅ It shows how lucky or unlucky you were in a highly oversubscribed IPO.
✅ It helps you plan for refunds or listing day.
How the Allotment Works
Here’s how it happens behind the scenes:
1️⃣ IPO closes — all bids collected.
2️⃣ Registrar validates applications (invalid PAN, wrong UPI, or insufficient funds get rejected).
3️⃣ SEBI rules ensure 35% of shares must go to retail investors.
4️⃣ When more people apply than available lots, shares are allotted through a computerised lottery.
5️⃣ Basis of Allotment is prepared and published.
Important: Types of Investors
The BoA divides investors into categories:
✅ Retail Investors: Small investors applying up to ₹2 lakh.
✅ HNI/NII: High Networth Individuals/Non-Institutional Investors.
✅ QIB: Qualified Institutional Buyers like mutual funds, banks.
Each group has a different reservation quota.
How Oversubscription Affects You
Oversubscription means demand exceeds supply. Example:
- Company offers 1 lakh shares.
- Receives applications for 10 lakh shares.
- So it’s oversubscribed 10 times.
Example: Basis of Allotment for a Popular IPO
Category | Shares Reserved | Shares Applied | Oversubscription |
QIB | 50,000 | 5,00,000 | 10x |
HNI | 30,000 | 7,50,000 | 25x |
Retail | 20,000 | 3,00,000 | 15x |
In this example, retail investors are 15 times oversubscribed, so the chance of getting even one lot is 1 in 15.
Allotment: Lot System
For retail investors, allotment happens in lots.
✅ Minimum 1 lot if selected in the draw.
✅ No partial shares — always in lots.
✅ If the IPO is undersubscribed, you may get full shares.
Important: Rounding Off
Sometimes, leftover shares are adjusted to ensure the total matches exactly.
✅ Small extra shares may be given to random applicants.
How to Read a Basis of Allotment Table
Here’s what a real BoA looks like (simplified):
No. of Shares Applied | No. of Applications | % of Total | Ratio of Allotment | No. of Successful Applicants |
1 lot (50 shares) | 10,000 | 50% | 1:15 | 667 |
2 lots (100 shares) | 5,000 | 25% | 1:15 | 333 |
3 lots (150 shares) | 5,000 | 25% | 1:15 | 333 |
Total | 20,000 | 100% | – | 1,333 |
How to Check BoA for Any IPO
✅ Go to the registrar’s website (Link Intime, KFintech, Bigshare).
✅ Find the IPO.
✅ Click “Basis of Allotment PDF”.
✅ Download and read it.
Some brokers also show the BoA in their IPO section.
Common Questions: Why Didn’t I Get Shares?
✅ Too much demand: Oversubscription lowers your chance.
✅ Wrong details: Invalid PAN or Demat means rejection.
✅ UPI delay: Mandate not approved on time.
Tips to Increase Chances
✅ Apply with cut-off price.
✅ Don’t bid partial price.
✅ Use multiple family PANs if possible (each needs unique Demat).
✅ Approve UPI mandate early.
Sample IPO Basis of Allotment: Real-Life Example
Let’s say Company ABC’s IPO received 20 lakh retail applications for 2 lakh shares.
Oversubscription: 10x
This means:
- 1 lot = 50 shares
- 40,000 lots available for retail
- 4 lakh applications vs 40,000 lots
- 1 in every 10 investors will get 1 lot
Basis of Allotment vs Allotment Status
👉 BoA: Big picture for all investors.
👉 Allotment Status: Your individual result.
Always check both!
Table: Where to Find BoA
Registrar | Popular IPOs Handled | Website Link |
Link Intime | Zomato, Paytm | linkintime.co.in |
KFintech | LIC, Nykaa | kfintech.com |
Bigshare | SME IPOs | bigshareonline.com |
Important Do’s & Don’ts
✅ Always read BoA to learn how fair the allotment was.
✅ Be patient — sometimes updates are delayed.
✅ Plan your listing day sell or hold strategy.
❌ Don’t panic if you don’t get allotment — that’s normal in hot IPOs.
Conclusion
The Basis of Allotment is your roadmap to understanding how IPO shares are distributed.
By reading this document, you become a smarter investor, know exactly how your chances were calculated, and stay informed for the next IPO opportunity.
✅ FAQs (10)
Q1: What is Basis of Allotment in IPO?
👉 It shows how shares are distributed among investors.
Q2: Where can I find BoA?
👉 Registrar’s website or your broker’s IPO page.
Q3: How does oversubscription affect allotment?
👉 Higher oversubscription means lower chances.
Q4: What is the ratio in BoA?
👉 It shows how many applicants get 1 lot.
Q5: What is lot size?
👉 Minimum number of shares you can apply for.
Q6: Can I get partial lots?
👉 No, always in full lots.
Q7: What happens if I don’t get shares?
👉 Money is refunded automatically.
Q8: What is a registrar?
👉 A SEBI-approved company that manages IPO applications.
Q9: What if BoA shows a mistake?
👉 Contact your broker or the registrar immediately.
Q10: Does SEBI monitor BoA?
👉 Yes, all allotment must follow SEBI rules.
By Popular Top Share Brokers

Motilal Oswal
30 days brokerage free trading
Free – Personal Trading Advisor

Zerodha
Free Eq Delivery & MF
Flat ₹20 Per Trade in F&O

AngelOne
Free Equity Delivery
Flat ₹20 Per Trade in F&O

Profit mart
Free Equity Delivery
Flat ₹20 Per Trade in F&O

ProStocks
Unlimited @ ₹899/month
Rs 0 Demat AMC

Upstox
FREE Account Opening
Flat ₹20 Per Trade

Paytm Money

Pay ₹0 brokerage for first 10 days
Flat ₹20 Per Trade

Fyers
Free Eq Delivery Trades
Flat ₹20 Per Trade in F&O