As the new financial year kicks off, the Indian equity market is bracing for a significant supply-side event. According to data compiled by IPO Central for the month of April, six major companies are set to see their mandatory anchor investor lock-in periods expire. This will collectively release over 13 crore shares into the free-float category, which is equal to a total anchor investment value of ~INR 1,680 crore to be released.

For the uninitiated, the “lock-in” period is a regulatory cooling-off phase during which anchor investors are prohibited from selling their shares post-IPO. When these windows close, it often leads to increased volatility as the market absorbs the potential selling pressure.

90-Day Lock-in Expiry IPOs in April 2026

The most significant movement is expected in the latter half of the month as the 90-day lock-in periods for January’s marquee IPOs come to an end.

Shadowfax and Amagi Media Labs are the primary names to watch. On April 27, Shadowfax will see nearly 3.45 crore shares become eligible for trade. Given that their anchor round was valued at a INR 856.02 crore, the market will be keenly watching if these institutional players choose to book profits or hold for the long term.

Similarly, Amagi Media Labs will see its 90-day window expire on April 20, freeing up 1.11 crore shares. Earlier in the month, BCCL will set the tone on 13 April, with a massive volume of 5.93 crore shares entering the tradable pool.

30-Day Lock-in Expiry IPOs in April 2026

While the 90-day expiries represent institutional longevity, the 30-day expiries for March IPOs will test immediate market sentiment and the appetite of short-term anchor investors.

• Sedemac Mechatronics (April 6): Kicking off the month, Sedemac will see 12.05 lakh shares become free to trade. The anchor investment was INR 325.89 crore.
• GSP Crop (April 16): Mid-month, GSP Crop will release 18.75 lakh shares into the market, following an anchor round of INR 120 crore.
• Central Mine Planning (April 21): A significant volume of 1.36 crore shares will be unlocked, originating from an anchor round worth INR 469.74 crore.
• The April 27 “Super Monday” Trio: In addition to the Shadowfax expiry, three more companies will see their 30-day windows close on this day:
  • Powerica: 46,69,620 shares (Anchor round: INR 329.40 Cr)
  • Sai Parenterals: 15,64,243 shares (Anchor round: INR 122.64 Cr)
  • Aeroplane Basmati: 14,15,190 shares (Anchor round: INR 60 Cr)

IPO Lock-In Expiry in April 2026: Dashboard

Notably, 27 April 2026 is the ‘Super Monday’ as four IPOs lock-in expiries end on this date. Releasing a massive share supply.

Final Words

Historically, a lock-in expiry doesn’t always result in a price crash. If a company has delivered a strong quarterly performance since its listing, anchor investors often prefer to stay put. However, for stocks trading significantly above their issue price, the “exit door” can get crowded. Investors should monitor the daily volumes on these specific dates. High volume with stable prices indicates strong “absorption” by new buyers—a bullish sign. Conversely, sharp drops on low volume could signal a lack of institutional support.

Rajat Bhati has a strong technical background and 5 years of experience in the stock market. He focuses on equity research, technical analysis, IPO valuations, and risk management, helping investors make clearer, data-backed decisions. Today, he works full-time to educate people about the opportunities in IPO market.