a. Where can I get a form for applying/ bidding for the shares?

The form for applying/bidding of shares is available with all syndicate members, collection centers, the brokers to the issue and the bankers to the issue.

b. What is the amount of faith that I can lay on the contents of the documents? And whom should I approach if there are any lacunae?

The document is prepared by an independent specialized agency called Merchant Banker, which is registered with SEBI. They are required to do through due diligence while preparing an offer document. The draft offer document submitted to SEBI is put on website for public comments. In case, you have any information about the issuer or its directors or any other aspect of the issue, which in your view is not factually reflected, you may send your complaint to Lead Manager to the issue or to SEBI, Division of Issues and Listing.

c. Is it compulsory for me to have a Demat Account?

As per the requirement, all the public issues of size in excess of Rs.10 crore, are to made compulsorily in the demat more. Thus, if an investor chooses to apply for an issue that is being made in a compulsory demat mode, he has to have a demat account and has the responsibility to put the correct DP ID and Client ID details in the bid/application forms.

d. What is the procedure for getting a demat account?

The FAQs relating to demat have been covered in the Investor Education section of the SEBI website in a separate head. They are available on the URL http://investor.sebi.gov.in/faq/dematfaq.html.

e. What are the dos and don’ts for bidding / applying in the issue?

The investors are generally advised to study all the material facts pertaining to the issue including the risk factors before considering any investment. They are strongly warned against any ‘tips’ or relying on news obtained through unofficial means.

f. How many days is the issue open?

As per Clause 8.8.1, Subscription list for public issues shall be kept open for at least 3 working days and not more than 10 working days. In case of Book built issues, the minimum and maximum period for which bidding will be open is 3 – 7 working days extendable by 3 days in case of a revision in the price band. The public issue made by an infrastructure company, satisfying the requirements in Clause 2.4.1 (iii) of Chapter II may be kept open for a maximum period of 21 working days. As per clause 8.8.2., Rights issues shall be kept open for at least 30 days and not more than 60 days.

g. Can I change/revise my bid?

Yes. The investor can change or revise the quantity or price in the bid using the form for changing/revising the bid that is available along with the application form. However, the entire process of changing of revising the bids shall be completed within the date of closure of the issue.

h. What proof can bidder request from a trading member or a syndicate member for entering bids?

The syndicate member returns the counterfoil with the signature, date and stamp of the syndicate member. The investor can retain this as a sufficient proof that the bids have been taken into account.

i. Can I know the number of shares that would be allotted to me?

In case of fixed price issues, the investor is intimated about the CAN/Refund order within 30 days of the closure of the issue. In case of book built issues, the basis of allotment is finalized by the Book Running lead Managers within 2 weeks from the date of closure of the issue. The registrar then ensures that the demat credit or refund as applicable is completed within 15 days of the closure of the issue. The listing on the stock exchanges is done within 7 days from the finalization of the issue.

j. Is there anything like “online bidding”?

A company proposing to issue capital to public through the online system of the stock exchange for offer of securities can do so if it complies with the requirements under Chapter 11A of DIP Guidelines. The appointment of various intermediaries by the issuer includes a prerequisite that such members/registrars have the required facilities to accommodate such an online issue process. An investor may place his bids through the online terminals offered by some of the brokers.

j. Which are the reliable sources for me to get information about response to issues?

In the case of bookbuilt issues, the exchanges (BSE/NSE) display the data regarding the bids obtained (on a consolidated basis between both these exchanges). The data regarding the bids is also available categorywise. After the price has been determined on the basis of bidding, the statutory public advertisement containing, inter alia, the price as well as a table showing the number of securities and the amount payable by an investor, based on the price determined, is issued.

k. How do I know if I am allotted the shares? And by what timeframe will I get a refund if I am not allotted?

The investor is entitled to receive a Confirmatory Allotment Note (CAN) in case he has been allotted shares within 15 days from the date of closure of a book Built issue. The registrar has to ensure that the demat credit or refund as applicable is completed within 15 days of the closure of the book built issue.

The Lead Merchant Banker also publishes an advertisement giving details relating to oversubscription, basis of allotment, number, value and percentage of applications, number, value and percentage of successful allottees, date of completion of despatch of refund orders, date of despatch of certificates and date of filing of listing application is released within 10 days from the date of completion of the various activities at least in an English National Daily with wide circulation, one Hindi National Paper and a Regional language daily circulated at the place where registered office of the issuer company is situated.

l. How long will it take after the issue for the shares to get listed?

The listing on the stock exchanges is done within 7 days from the finalization of the issue. Ideally, it would be around 3 weeks after the closure of the book built issue. In case of fixed price issue, it would be around 37 days after closure of the issue.

m. How does one come to know about the issues on offer? And from where can I get copies of the draft offer document?

SEBI issues press releases every week regarding the draft offer documents received and observations issued during the period. The draft offer documents are put up on the website under Reports/Documents section. The final offer documents that are filed with SEBI/ROC are also put up for information under the same section.

Copies of the draft offer documents in hard copy form may be obtained from the office of SEBI, Mittal Court, ‘A’ wing, Ground Floor, 224, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400021 on a payment of Rs.100 or from SES, LMs etc.

The soft copies can be downloaded from the SEBI website under Reports/Documents section. Some LMs also make it available on their webisties for download. The final offer documents that are filed with SEBI/ROC can also be downloaded from the same section of the website.

Issue advertisements are issued by the Issuer companies in an English national Daily with wide circulation, one Hindi National newspaper and a regional language newspaper with wide circulation at the place where the registered office of the issuer is situated. The format for these advertisements is prescribed in the DIP Guidelines and the advertisement provides brief details such as Opening & Closing dates of the issue, the names of the promoters, contact particulars of Lead Managers, Registrar, Compliance Officer, availability of applications, etc.