GMP, briefly — the questions people actually ask
What is GMP in an IPO?
GMP (grey market premium) is the unofficial price at which an IPO's shares change hands before listing. An IPO priced at ₹100 with a GMP of ₹25 is expected by the grey market to list around ₹125. It is an informal street market — no exchange, no regulator.
How accurate is GMP?
Across 270 IPOs where we recorded both the GMP at listing time and the actual listing price, a positive GMP called the listing direction correctly 79.6% of the time — but the exact number is rough, and the grey market systematically promises a little more than it delivers. The full calibration table is on the GMP Engine page.
What are the Kostak rate and subject-to-sauda?
The Kostak rate is a flat price for selling your entire IPO application before allotment. Subject-to-sauda is the same deal, but it only stands if you actually receive an allotment. Both are informal handshake deals with counterparty risk and no recourse.
Why do SME IPO GMPs look too good to be true?
SME issues have tiny floats, so a handful of coordinated grey-market trades can print a spectacular premium no real buyer stands behind. The tell is a big GMP sitting on weak subscription numbers — that combination is flagged with a ⚠️ on this page.
Should I apply for an IPO based on its GMP?
GMP is one input, not a verdict. Use the direction, distrust the magnitude, check what IPOs with a similar premium actually did on listing, and weigh subscription data — especially for SME issues. Nothing on this site is investment advice.
Grey-market numbers are unofficial street quotes, aggregated across sources — signal, not gospel. Not investment advice.