New Delhi, Jan. 20 -- 2026 could be another big year for initial public offerings (IPOs) with more than 100 companies already receiving approval to raise about Rs.1.4 trillion (around $15.5 billion), according to Prime Database.

Millions of retail investors typically flock to IPOs in the hope of earning quick profits by 'flipping' these shares after listing, but seasoned participants urge restraint, often shaped by hard-earned experience.

"You have to not only learn from your mistakes, but also from the mistakes of others," said Gopal Sharma, a 50-year-old French-speaking tourist guide in Delhi, who has been investing in IPOs since 2008. "In my experience, one should not invest in seven out of 10 IPOs," said Sharma.

He believes that la...