ClearMains
GS3 · Economy7 Jul 2026 · The Hindu — Business

SEBI to reintroduce open market share buybacks from August 1

The new rules by the SEBI allows firms to carry out buybacks through regular trading mechanisms without a dedicated buyback window

Quick Revision

Prelims-testable facts

  • 01The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reintroduced open market share buybacks from August 1.
  • 02Firms can carry out buybacks through regular trading mechanisms without a dedicated buyback window.
  • 03SEBI allows firms to repurchase shares in the open market, subject to certain conditions and regulations.
  • 04The new rules aim to provide greater flexibility to companies for managing their share capital and improving corporate governance.
  • 05Buybacks are considered a means of returning surplus funds to shareholders and enhancing shareholder value.
  • 06SEBI has specified that buybacks must be done in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share Based Employee Compensation) Regulations, 2021.

Trap alerts

  • Most people think SEBI allows firms to carry out buybacks only through a dedicated buyback window, but actually SEBI has reintroduced open market share buybacks.
  • Most people think buybacks are only used for raising capital, but actually they can also be used to return surplus funds to shareholders.

Mains Practice Question

Discuss the implications of SEBI's decision to reintroduce open market share buybacks for listed companies.

250 words

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Prelims Practice MCQs

Single facteasy

SEBI will reintroduce open market share buybacks from which date?

  • A.August 1
  • B.September 15
  • C.October 31
  • D.November 30

SEBI's new rules allow firms to carry out buybacks through regular trading mechanisms without a dedicated buyback window, starting from August 1.

Single factmedium

What is the mechanism by which SEBI now allows companies to conduct share buybacks?

  • A.Regular trading sessions only
  • B.Dedicated buyback window
  • C.Online auctions
  • D.Fixed-price tenders

SEBI's new rules permit companies to conduct share buybacks through regular trading mechanisms, eliminating the need for a dedicated buyback window.

Single facthard

What is the specific provision that SEBI has reintroduced for listed companies?

  • A.Open market share buybacks through a dedicated window
  • B.Share repurchases with a fixed price tender
  • C.Open market share buybacks without a dedicated window
  • D.Stock splits for listed companies

SEBI has reintroduced open market share buybacks without a dedicated window, allowing firms to carry out buybacks through regular trading mechanisms.

Multiple statementsmedium

Consider the following statements regarding SEBI Buyback Rules: 1. SEBI has reintroduced open market share buybacks. 2. The new rules allow firms to carry out buybacks through regular trading mechanisms without a dedicated buyback window. 3. Firms can now conduct buybacks only during the first week of every month. How many of the above statements are correct?

  • A.Only one
  • B.Only two
  • C.All three
  • D.None

SEBI has indeed reintroduced open market share buybacks and allowed firms to carry out buybacks through regular trading mechanisms without a dedicated buyback window. However, there is no mention in the text that firms can conduct buybacks only during the first week of every month.

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