Reliance Jio has initiated discussions with banks and SEBI regarding its IPO. The company plans to sell approximately a 5% stake in Reliance Jio Infocomm. According to reports, the formal process could commence by the end of this month, with the IPO anticipated to launch in the first half of 2026.
Reliance Jio IPO: Reliance Industries has commenced discussions with banks and market regulator SEBI concerning the IPO of its telecom unit, Jio Infocomm Limited. The company is seeking approval to divest a 5% stake, aiming to raise approximately ₹52,200 crore, which could potentially become India's largest IPO. As per a Bloomberg report, the formal process is expected to begin by the end of October, with investment bankers possibly being appointed in November. The IPO is likely to launch in the first half of 2026.
Reliance Begins Preparations
According to a Bloomberg report, Reliance Industries Limited has engaged in initial discussions with several major banks for its unit, Reliance Jio Infocomm. The company may formally appoint investment bankers in November. Discussions are currently underway, and the IPO's size and launch date will be determined based on these deliberations.
According to sources, Reliance has also initiated discussions with market regulator SEBI to obtain permission for selling a 5 percent stake in Jio Infocomm. Should SEBI's approval be granted, this would represent the largest public offer in the history of the Indian stock market.
Plan to Raise ₹52,200 Crore
As per previous reports, Reliance Jio intends to raise approximately ₹52,200 crore, or about $6 billion, through its IPO. The company's objective is to list Jio independently, offering investors a direct opportunity to participate. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, had hinted at his recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) that Jio's IPO could be launched next year, specifically in the first half of 2026.
Should this plan succeed, Jio's IPO could become the largest issue in the country's history. It would be more than double the size of Hyundai Motor India's proposed ₹28,000 crore IPO.
Size to Change Due to SEBI Relaxation
According to current regulations, any company must maintain at least 25 percent public shareholding within three years of its listing. However, Reliance argues that the current market lacks sufficient liquidity to absorb an offer of such a large stake. Consequently, the company has sought SEBI's permission to sell a smaller stake to avoid exerting pressure on the market.
SEBI recently amended its regulations, offering relief to larger companies. They can now sell only a 2.5 percent stake in their IPOs, instead of the previous minimum of 5 percent. This alteration will directly benefit Reliance Jio.
Under the new framework, if Reliance opts to sell only a 2.5 percent stake, Jio's IPO size would reduce to approximately ₹30,000 crore. This means it would be nearly half of the previously estimated ₹52,200 crore.
Increased Investor Enthusiasm
Reliance Jio is India's largest telecom company, boasting over 450 million users. The company is actively working on the rapid expansion of its 5G services and strengthening its network reach across every part of the country. Consequently, there is tremendous excitement among investors regarding its IPO.
Experts believe that Reliance Jio's listing will generate significant activity in the Indian stock market. Investors will gain an opportunity to invest in a robust and rapidly expanding digital company. Furthermore, Reliance will also benefit from raising capital to further develop its digital businesses.
When Will Jio's IPO Launch?
According to reports, Jio's IPO could launch next year in the first half of 2026. However, the final date and precise size will be determined based on market conditions, SEBI's approval, and the advice of bankers. Currently, Reliance's team is focused on strategizing the IPO process.
If this IPO proves successful, it will establish a new record in India's capital market and solidify Jio's identity as an independent company.
