How to apply for an IPO in Nepal — a complete walkthrough

Applying for an IPO (Initial Public Offering) is how most Nepali investors buy their very first shares. The entire process is now online and takes only a few minutes — once your accounts are ready. This guide walks you through every step, from opening the right accounts to checking your allotment.

What you need before you can apply

• A bank account with a C-ASBA member bank
• A demat account — we can open one for you as your Depository Participant (DP)
• A MeroShare login, issued by CDSC
• Your CRN (C-ASBA Registration Number) from your bank

Step 1 — Open a bank account

Any commercial bank that is a C-ASBA member works. IPO applications in Nepal use ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount): when you apply, the bank simply blocks the application amount in your own account. The money never leaves your account unless shares are actually allotted to you.

Step 2 — Open a demat account and get MeroShare

A demat account holds your shares electronically under CDSC. As a licensed Depository Participant we can open your demat account and register you for MeroShare together in one visit — bring your citizenship certificate, a passport-size photo and your bank details (the forms are also on our Downloads page). Your MeroShare username and password arrive by email once the account is active.

Step 3 — Register for C-ASBA and note your CRN

Ask your bank to register you for C-ASBA (Centralised ASBA). The bank issues you a CRN — a registration number that links your bank account to the IPO system. You enter it once in MeroShare and reuse it for every application afterwards.

Step 4 — Apply through MeroShare

1. Log in to MeroShare and open My ASBA.
2. Select the open issue under Apply for Issue.
3. Enter the number of units (kitta) — the minimum application is 10 units, which at the usual Rs 100 face value means Rs 1,000.
4. Choose your bank, enter your CRN, tick the declaration and confirm with your transaction PIN.

Your bank blocks the amount immediately and you will see the application under Application Report.

What are your chances of allotment?

Popular IPOs are heavily oversubscribed, so allotment happens by lottery. Regulation aims to give as many applicants as possible the minimum 10 units, which is why applying for more kitta usually does not improve your odds in an oversubscribed issue. Each family member can apply from their own demat and bank account — but never submit more than one application per person, as duplicates are disqualified.

How to check your allotment

After the allotment date, check Application Report in MeroShare or the result portals run by CDSC and the issue manager. If you are not allotted, the blocked amount is released back into your bank account automatically within a few days.

After the allotment

Allotted shares are credited directly to your demat account before the company lists on NEPSE. Once trading opens you can sell them through a licensed broker like us — brokerage commission and the capital gains tax (7.5% for individuals holding under a year, 5% over a year) are summarised on our fees page.

Quick tips

• Keep your MeroShare password and transaction PIN safe — you need both to apply.
• Apply early in the window; last-day server rushes are real.
• Renew your demat and MeroShare accounts annually so they stay active.

Need help getting started? Contact our team or browse the free videos in our education hub.