Bharti Airtel final dividend Rs 24: key dates 2026

Board recommends final dividend for equity shareholders

Bharti Airtel Limited said its board of directors has considered and recommended a final dividend of ₹24 per fully paid-up equity share of face value ₹5 each. The company also recommended a final dividend of ₹6 per partly paid-up equity share of face value ₹5 each, where the paid-up value is ₹1.25 per share and call money remains unpaid. Airtel said the dividend for partly paid-up shares is in proportion to the amount paid-up on each equity share. The update was shared through an exchange filing.

The announcement matters for shareholders tracking cash returns from large listed telecom operators, and it also clarifies how the payout will be treated for partly paid-up shares. For investors holding different classes of shares, the filing lays out the per-share amount and the conditions for receipt. It also sets expectations on timelines, subject to shareholder approval.

Shareholder approval and credit timeline linked to AGM

Airtel said the final dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM). If approved, the dividend will be credited within 30 days from the date of the AGM. The company did not provide the AGM date in the filing excerpt provided.

The company added that the record date for determining the members entitled to receive the dividend will be announced in due course. Until the record date is communicated, investors cannot map eligibility windows for buying or selling shares around the dividend entitlement.

How the dividend differs for fully paid vs partly paid shares

The filing specifies two dividend levels because Airtel has both fully paid-up equity shares and partly paid-up equity shares outstanding. For fully paid-up equity shares, the recommended final dividend is ₹24 per share. For partly paid-up equity shares with paid-up value of ₹1.25 per share and unpaid call money, the recommended final dividend is ₹6 per share.

Airtel’s filing notes that the dividend is proportionate to the amount paid-up on each equity share of face value ₹5 each. In practical terms, this disclosure clarifies that partly paid-up holders receive a lower dividend amount aligned to the paid-up capital on those shares.

First and final call on partly paid-up shares: record date and payment window

Separately, Airtel has outlined the timetable for the first and final call on its partly paid-up equity shares. The company announced February 6, 2026, as the record date to determine the holders of the partly paid-up equity shares who are liable to pay the call. The payment period for the call was scheduled from March 2, 2026 to March 16, 2026 (both days inclusive).

The call relates to 392,287,662 partly paid-up equity shares of face value ₹5 per share (paid-up value ₹1.25 per share). Airtel stated this is the first and final call and that no further calls will be made in respect of these partly paid-up equity shares.

Call amount: ₹401.25 per share, including premium

Airtel disclosed that the amount of the first and final call to be paid is ₹401.25 per share. The company specified that this comprises ₹3.75 towards face value and ₹397.50 towards premium. The call structure was reiterated in multiple parts of the disclosed notices and summaries.

The company also stated that shareholders identified on the record date will be liable to pay the call amount during the payment window. Airtel clarified that the call includes both the remaining face value and the premium component as per the rights issue terms.

Trading suspension in partly paid-up shares and conversion to fully paid shares

Airtel stated that trading in the partly paid-up equity shares (ISIN: IN9397D01014) was suspended on the stock exchanges with effect from Friday, February 6, 2026. The filing notes this was from the closing hours of trading on Thursday, February 5, 2026, due to the first and final call.

It also stated that eligible shareholders who pay the first and final call on their partly paid-up equity shares during the payment period shall be allotted fully paid-up equity shares of face value ₹5 each under the existing ISIN (INE397D01024), upon completion of necessary regulatory formalities including corporate actions.

FTSE Russell also noted the timetable for the final call of INR 401.25 per partly paid-up share with an ex date of February 6, 2026, after which the partly paid-up share would become a fully paid-up share. It further noted that Bharti Airtel Partly Paid was expected to be deleted and the shares amalgamated with Bharti Airtel (India) effective February 9, 2026, and that the last trading day of Bharti Airtel Partly Paid was expected to be February 5, 2026.

Payment modes and cut-off guidance

Airtel described multiple payment modes for the call, including online ASBA through the website of self-certified syndicate banks (SCSBs), physical ASBA by submitting an application to the designated branch of SCSBs, and online payment using a 3-in-1 trading-demat-bank account wherever offered by brokers.

The company also highlighted timing guidance for ASBA uploads, stating that payments through the ASBA process will be uploaded until 5:00 p.m. (Indian Standard Time). It asked eligible shareholders to check with their respective banks for cut-off time to submit the ASBA application form. The last date for payment was stated as Monday, March 16, 2026.

Dividend context: FY 2024-25 recommendation also referenced

The provided material also references Airtel’s financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended March 31, 2025, and a recommendation of final dividend for FY 2024-25. For FY 2024-25, the board had considered and recommended a final dividend of ₹16 per fully paid-up equity share of face value ₹5 each, and ₹4 per partly paid-up equity share of face value ₹5 each (paid-up value ₹1.25 per share). It again stated the dividend is in proportion to the amount paid-up.

Key facts at a glance

Timeline snapshot for the partly paid-up share call

Market impact and what investors will track next

The two sets of disclosures highlight parallel shareholder actions: a cash dividend recommendation and a call payment process for partly paid-up shares. On the dividend, the next formal step is shareholder approval at the AGM, followed by credit of the dividend within 30 days from the AGM date if the resolution is passed. Investors will also watch for Airtel’s dividend record date announcement to determine entitlement.

On the partly paid-up shares, the timeline and amounts are already specified, including the record date, the payment window, and the ₹401.25 per share call amount. The suspension of trading in the partly paid-up instrument around the record date is also an operational detail investors need to factor in. Airtel has stated this is the first and final call and no further calls will be made for these partly paid-up equity shares.

Conclusion

Bharti Airtel’s board has recommended a final dividend of ₹24 per fully paid-up share and ₹6 per partly paid-up share, subject to shareholder approval at the forthcoming AGM, with payment to follow within 30 days of the AGM if approved. Separately, the company has already set out the record date and payment schedule for a ₹401.25 per share first and final call on partly paid-up equity shares. The next key updates investors will look for are the dividend record date announcement and the completion milestones for the partly paid-up shares converting into fully paid-up shares after call payments and required formalities.