India's primary market witnessed a record year in FY26, with companies raising Rs 1.8 lakh crore (USD 20 billion) through initial public offerings (IPOs), even as activity in the SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) segment showed moderation, according to a report by the National Stock Exchange.

India IPO fundraising hits record Rs 1.8 lakh crore in FY26, small company listing slows: NSE report

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 22 (ANI): India's primary market witnessed a record year in FY26, with companies raising Rs 1.8 lakh crore (USD 20 billion) through initial public offerings (IPOs), even as activity in the SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) segment showed moderation, according to a report by the National Stock Exchange.

The report stated that a total of 219 companies were listed during the fiscal year, marking the highest annual fund mobilisation on record.

NSE stated, "Record mainboard issuances in FY26, SME IPO activity moderates. During the last fiscal year, a total of 219 companies were listed on the exchange, collectively raising Rs 1.8 lakh crore".

Out of the total listings, the mainboard segment accounted for 108 IPOs, raising Rs 1.7 lakh crore--also the highest ever in terms of both number of issuances and capital raised. In contrast, 111 SME IPOs were listed on the Emerge platform, mobilising Rs 5,363 crore.

The SME segment, however, witnessed a slowdown compared to the previous fiscal year, with the number of issuances declining by 32 per cent and funds raised falling by 25 per cent.

Collectively, the newly listed companies contributed Rs 12.5 lakh crore to the market capitalisation as of the end of FY26, reflecting strong investor participation and market expansion.

The report also highlighted trends in further equity issuances by listed companies. Total equity fundraising through additional issuances stood at Rs 2.4 lakh crore in FY26, registering a 6 per cent year-on-year increase.

Among these, preferential allotments accounted for the largest share at 54 per cent, followed by qualified institutional placements (QIPs) at 28 per cent and rights issues at 18 per cent.

Within the mainboard segment, funds raised through preferential allotments more than doubled, rising 105 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1.3 lakh crore. Rights issues also saw a sharp increase, surging 172 per cent to around Rs 42,700 crore. However, QIP fundraising declined significantly by 47 per cent year-on-year to approximately Rs 67,600 crore.

Despite global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the IPO market remained resilient during the year. In March 2026 alone, nine mainboard IPOs raised Rs 8,056 crore, while six SME IPOs mobilised Rs 242 crore.

The total fund mobilisation of Rs 8,297 crore in March 2026 marked the highest IPO activity recorded for the month of March over the past six years, the report noted. (ANI)

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