drashti After nearly a decade of waiting, India’s largest stock exchange might finally be gearing up for its long-anticipated public debut. In a recent statement on May 22, SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey confirmed that the regulatory body is close to resolving the key issues holding up the NSE IPO, raising hopes that the listing may finally move forward “soon.”
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) filed its IPO prospectus way back in December 2016, but the road to listing has been anything but smooth. From governance concerns and technological compliance to litigation matters and issues surrounding the clearing corporation, a series of complex hurdles have kept the IPO on pause for over eight years. According to the latest updates, discussions between SEBI and NSE are now focused on ironing out these areas with a concrete and actionable roadmap.
The momentum has picked up particularly after NSE formally approached SEBI in March 2025, requesting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to resume its listing journey. This move was a clear signal that the exchange is ready to meet regulatory expectations and move ahead with a public issue. The ball is now in SEBI’s court—and judging by the Chairman’s comments, the final nod could be closer than ever.
The significance of NSE’s potential IPO cannot be overstated. With more than one lakh shareholders waiting in the wings, many of whom have invested in the unlisted market, the listing represents a major liquidity event. For early investors and institutional backers, the IPO would offer long-awaited exit opportunities and unlock significant valuation gains. NSE is one of the most actively traded unlisted stocks in India, and its transition to a publicly listed company could redefine the market landscape.
SEBI’s reassurances don’t just boost optimism for NSE’s listing—they also speak to broader regulatory reforms. By focusing on governance and technology compliance, the regulator is signaling its commitment to ensuring that marquee institutions like NSE are fully aligned with the highest standards before going public. It’s not just about letting the IPO happen—it’s about making sure it’s done right.
If and when NSE hits the public markets, it will likely be one of the most closely watched and valuable IPOs in recent Indian market history. Given its dominant position in equities trading and its crucial role in India’s financial infrastructure, the listing is expected to attract strong interest from domestic and global investors alike.
For now, investors can take heart in knowing that the long-stalled IPO has finally gained momentum. While there’s no official timeline yet, the message is clear: the wait for NSE’s IPO could soon be over—and when it does land, it’s going to make headlines.
