How to Apply for an IPO in Nepal (Meroshare ASBA)

Applying for an IPO (Initial Public Offering) in Nepal is done entirely online through Meroshare using the ASBA system. This guide walks you through exactly what you need and every step of the application.

What you need before you can apply

• A DEMAT account (issued by CDSC through a broker or bank DP) — this gives you your 16-digit BOID where allotted shares are deposited.
• A Meroshare account, linked to that DEMAT, with your login username, password and a 4-digit transaction PIN.
• A bank account with C-ASBA enabled and your CRN (Customer Reference Number) from that bank. ASBA blocks the application amount in this account.
• Enough balance in the bank account to cover the application (units × Rs. 100 for most ordinary IPOs).

Understanding ASBA

ASBA stands for Applications Supported by Blocked Amount. When you apply, your bank blocks (freezes) the application money in your account — it is not debited. If you are allotted shares, only the allotted amount is taken; the rest is unblocked. If you are not allotted, the full amount is released. You never hand money to anyone up front.

Step-by-step: applying through Meroshare

1. Log in to Meroshare — choose your DP (Depository Participant), then enter your username and password.
2. Open My ASBA → Apply for Issue. You'll see a list of currently open issues (IPOs, FPOs, right shares).
3. Find the company whose IPO is open and click Apply.
4. Enter the number of units (kitta) you want. For ordinary shares the minimum is usually 10 units and the price is typically Rs. 100 per unit, so 10 units = Rs. 1,000.
5. Select the bank you'll apply from, choose your CRN, and confirm the account.
6. Enter your transaction PIN and submit.
7. You'll get a confirmation. The application amount is now blocked in your bank account.

How many units should you apply for?

Popular IPOs in Nepal are heavily oversubscribed and allotted by lottery, with the regulator aiming to give the minimum lot to as many applicants as possible. In practice this means:

• Applying for more than the minimum usually does not improve your odds of getting allotted — you'll typically receive only the minimum lot even if you applied for more.
• For most retail applicants, applying for the minimum 10 units is the sensible choice.
• You can apply only once per BOID for a given issue — duplicate applications are rejected.

After you apply

• The issue stays open for a set number of days, then closes.
• A few days after closing, allotment is finalised and results are published.
• Check your result on NepseIQ's IPO checker by BOID, or in Meroshare under My ASBA → Report.
• If allotted, shares are credited to your DEMAT and become tradable once the company lists on NEPSE.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying after the deadline — issues close at a fixed date/time; late applications aren't accepted.
• Insufficient bank balance — if the amount can't be blocked, the application fails.
• Wrong CRN or bank — make sure the CRN matches the bank account you intend to block from.
• Applying twice for the same issue — one application per BOID; the second is void.

In short: DEMAT + Meroshare + a C-ASBA bank account is all you need. Apply for the minimum lot, submit before the deadline, and remember the money is only blocked — you keep it unless you're allotted.

When results are out, check every family member's BOID at once with the free NepseIQ IPO checker.