About GeM Portal

What is the GeM Portal?

India's official internet procurement system, GeM, allows companies to sell goods and services directly to government customers. Offering a clear, effective, and completely digital procedure. The GeM portal has revolutionized government procurement by connecting over 1.6 lakh government buyer organizations with more than 22 lakh registered sellers and service providers as of 2025.

 GeM simplifies government procurement while fostering inclusion for MSMEs, startups, and women-owned businesses through innovative capabilities such as real-time document verification and artificial intelligence-powered search.

 The first step to access this energetic public procurement environment that has enabled transactions totaling over ₹5.4 lakh crore in the present financial year is knowledge of the GeM registration process.

Who Can Register on GeM?

GeM is inclusive, allowing most government procurement participants to register, with certain rules:

Government Buyers:

• Central and State ministries/departments
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
• Autonomous bodies, government schools, and universities
• Registration requires authorization by an official with a government email. Private individuals cannot register as buyers.

Sellers and Service Providers:

• Sole proprietors and traders
• Partnerships, LLPs, companies (private/public)
• Manufacturers, dealers, distributors, service providers, consultants
• Startups and MSMEs, even without prior government contracts\
• Sellers must have legal documents like GST, PAN, and bank details. 

Benefits of GeM Portal Registration 

• Direct access to over 3.9 lakh verified government buyers, including ministries, defense departments, state governments, and PSUs, providing sellers with an ensured, high-volume demand market.
• Transparent bidding and procurement process with a paperless, fully online system that ensures fairness, reduces human intervention, and minimizes opportunities for corruption.
• Fast and assured payments through a secure platform, giving sellers peace of mind with reliable payment processing after order fulfillment.
• Increased visibility and growth opportunities for MSMEs, startups, manufacturers, and service providers, including special preferences for DPIIT-recognized startups and Udyam-registered MSMEs through initiatives like Startup Runway.
• Zero marketing costs since the platform brings buyers directly to sellers, eliminating expenses on advertisements and promotions.
• A level playing field with equal opportunity for all sellers, where bids are awarded based on price, quality, and delivery timelines, removing traditional biases and intermediaries.

Who Can Register on GeM?

One of GeM’s strengths is its inclusivity – virtually anyone involved in government procurement (on either the buying or selling side) can register on the portal, provided they meet certain criteria:

Government Buyers- Registration on GeM is open to various government and semi-government agencies in India. This includes:

• Central and State Government ministries/departments
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
• Autonomous bodies, government schools, and universities
• Local bodies such as municipalities and panchayats
• Any entity using public funds for procurement
• Each buyer must register through an authorized official (typically at least a Deputy Secretary level). Registration requires a government email ID and verification. Private individuals or entities cannot register as buyers.

Sellers and Service Providers- Any legitimate business or individual wishing to supply goods or services to the government can register on GeM. This includes:

• Sole proprietors and traders
• Partnerships, LLPs, and companies (private/public)
• Trusts, societies, and registered Indian subsidiaries of foreign firms
• Manufacturers, authorized dealers, distributors, service providers, consultants, and contractors
• Startups and MSMEs (even without prior government contracts)
• Sellers must have legal documents like GST, PAN, and bank details. OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) can authorize dealers to ensure the authenticity of listed products.

In summary:

• Buyers: Only the government and allied organizations through designated officials
• Sellers: Any legally recognized business entity offering relevant products/services
• Both buyers and sellers must follow GeM's verification process. Sellers verify via OTP and submit business documents, while buyers must be authorized by department heads. All participants are expected to act officially and transparently, making GeM a trusted and diverse public procurement platform.

Step-by-Step GeM Registration Process

For businesses and individuals looking to register on the GeM portal as sellers, the process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Here is a complete, accurate step-by-step guide tailored for this service page:

1. Visit the GeM Portal and Sign Up\
   Go to gem.gov.in  and click on “Sign Up” or “Register.” Select the “Seller” or “Service Provider” option based on your business type. This action redirects you to the online registration form.
2. Provide Basic Details & Select Organization Type\
   Choose your organization type: Proprietorship, Partnership, Company, Trust, or others. You will need to provide specific details accordingly, such as:
   
   • Proprietorship: Aadhaar, PAN, Business Name
   • Company: Name, CIN, GST, Director details\
     Verify your contact information by entering the OTPs sent to your email and mobile. Then input your organization’s address and registration numbers.
3. Submit Documents & Verify Key Information\
   Upload and validate required documents, such as:
   
   • PAN & GSTIN
   • Udyam/MSME Certificate (optional but beneficial for MSMEs)
   • Address and Incorporation Proof
   • Bank Account Details (including cancelled cheque)
   • Aadhaar or Government ID of the Proprietor/Authorized Signatory
   • Authorization Letter (if registering as a reseller)\
     Ensure that all data matches the details on your documents. Some information like PAN/GST, may be auto-verified by the portal.
4. Complete Profile Setup\
   After registration, log in to your GeM account and fill in your profile details:
   
   • Business description
   • Bank account re-validation
   • Upload certificates like ISO, Startup recognition, etc.
   • Optionally add secondary users with specific roles\
     Aim for 100% profile completion for better visibility and credibility.
5. Pay Caution Money Deposit\
   Before you can start transacting, pay a one-time refundable security deposit based on your turnover:
   
   • ₹5,000 for turnover less than ₹1 Crore
   • ₹10,000 for turnover between ₹1-10 Crores
   • ₹25,000 for turnover above ₹10 Crores\
     Payment is made online. Your account remains provisional without this deposit.
6. Start Listing Products/Services\
   Add your products or services under relevant categories. Provide clear specifications, images, and pricing details. Once published, your listings become visible to government buyers, allowing you to receive orders and participate in bids.

Additional Tips for Successful Registration:

• Registration is free; only the caution money deposit is payable.
• Ensure all documents are accurate and data matches perfectly to prevent verification delays.
• Use strong passwords and do not share OTPs or login credentials.
• Add secondary users as needed to manage bids, catalogs, and orders.
• Respond promptly to any GeM support communications for a smooth onboarding experience

GeM Categories & Services Offered

The GeM portal offers a wide range of products and services to meet government needs:

📦 Product Categories\
Over 11,000 categories, including:

• IT & Electronics: computers, laptops, software
• Office Supplies: stationery, printers
• Furniture: chairs, desks, hospital beds
• Vehicles: cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles
• Electrical Equipment: ACs, solar systems
• Engineering Tools: pumps, agricultural machinery, and more 

🛠️ Service Categories\
Nearly 300 service categories, including:

• Transportation and logistics
• Facility management and cleaning
• Security services and surveillance
• HR & manpower outsourcing
• IT services and software development
• Maintenance contracts and training, and more

🗂️ Category Management\
Each product and service has a unique code for easy search. Sellers must list under the correct category for visibility and compliance. New categories can be requested as per government needs.

🆕 Recent Additions\
Bamboo products, COVID-19 essentials like PPE kits, and electric vehicles are examples of recent categories added to support emerging government priorities.

GeM Registration pricing, bidding, and order process 

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) offers a straightforward and simple purchasing experience: 

1. Direct Purchase (Up to ₹25,000) 
   Buyers may buy straight without bidding. The least priced suitable item is chosen. Sellers have to keep prices current since once in the cart, prices cannot be changed. 
2.  L1 Purchase / Comparison (₹25,000 – ₹5,00,000) 
   Buyers choose the lowest-priced (L1) product that meets their needs by comparing three or more vendors. OEM choices have to be appropriately shown. 
3. e-Bidding Over ₹5,00,000 
   Bidding is used for purchases of great value or complexity. Usually, the lowest legitimate bid wins as purchasers present thorough bids and vendors offer quotes. Some offers call for samples or technical verification. 
4. Reverse Auction (RA) 4. 
   Top bidders engage live by dropping prices without knowing others' bids. The bottom final price wins. 
5. Ordering Procedure 
   Buyers make orders; sellers have to approve within a time (generally 48 hours). GeM provides information. 
6. fulfillment 
   Sellers furnish services or products on time and modify shipping information. Buyers authenticate delivery by submitting CRAC. 
7. Billing and Payment 
   Invoices are uploaded following delivery. PFMS lets buyers pay in 10 days. Late payments might result in fees. 
8. Rules of Pricing 
   Sellers may change pricing at any moment except when orders or carts are in process. Delivery and taxes are included in pricing; rates must not exceed market values. 
9. No Cancellations or Returns 
   Orders can be canceled by buyers if sellers do not perform. Only valid sellers may cancel, thus influencing ratings. GeM's conflict resolution system takes care of returns. 
10. Ten tips for bidding 
    • Activate bid alerts, then review daily. 
    •  Submit all papers when bidding. 
    • Set price competitively but reasonably. 
    •  Verify rules unique to each customer (such as certifications). 
    • Clear uncertainties with question time. 
    • Get ready with your floor price for reverse auctions.

Vendor evaluation (VA) on GeM 

Particularly, OEMs and manufacturers, sellers on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) go through a quality and dependability test known as Vendor Assessment. This third-party assessment increases vendor credibility and consumer confidence. 

Who Needs VA? 

• Manufacturers market complicated or high-value goods in Quality Categories Q1 and Q2. 
• OEMs want official brand listing and reseller management. 
• Sellers who say they are OEMs include those newly created as well as those already established. 
• Resellers only if they carry private-label items. 
• Unless otherwise specified, service providers typically do not require VA. 

What is Assessed?

• Credentials in legal identity and business. 
• Manufacturing or operational capacity (through physical or virtual audit). 
• Compliance with standards and quality of goods 
• Financial fortitude. 

Process and Expenses 

Under the government agency RITES Ltd. 

Two-step evaluation: Desktop document analysis and video inspection. 

Vendor Assessment Fees- The VA fee is based on the seller’s turnover:

Benefit 

• For visibility and credibility, get a "Verified Vendor" tag and a VA badge on GeM. 
• Access to OEM features and control over reseller approvals. 
• Required or preferred in several bids for top value. 

Common Challenges on GeM & How to Solve Them

1. Registration & Verification Issues\
   Problem: OTP errors, PAN/GST mismatches, document confusion.\
   Solution: Use Aadhaar linked to your mobile, keep PAN/GST details consistent, clear browser cache, and contact GeM Helpdesk if stuck.
2. Category Selection & Catalog Management\
   Problem: Finding the correct categories and uploading large catalogs is hard.\
   Solution: Study category trees, use bulk Excel uploads, and provide clear specs and high-quality images.
3. Pricing & Bid Competition\
   Problem: Tough competition, especially from big players.\
   Solution: Research competitor prices, highlight quality and MSME status, and focus on strategic bids.
4. Payment Delays\
   Problem: Payment is stuck due to incomplete delivery confirmation or system errors.\
   Solution: Update delivery status, request CRAC promptly, and contact buyers or GeM support if needed.
5. Staying Updated with Policies\
   Problem: Missing new rules or updates.\
   Solution: Regularly check the GeM dashboard, subscribe to circulars, and join webinars.
6. Technical Glitches\
   Problem: Errors during login, uploads, or bidding.\
   Solution: Use updated browsers, clear cache, avoid last-minute actions, and contact the helpdesk with screenshots.
7. Compliance & Performance\
   Problem: Risk of suspension for non-compliance or cancellations.\
   Solution: Fulfill orders on time, provide accurate info, track performance, and respond to notices.

GeM Support & Contact Info

If you face any issue while using the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), multiple support options are available to assist sellers and buyers.

📞 1. GeM Helpdesk (Toll-Free)

• Numbers: 1800-419-3436 and 1800-102-3436 (24x7 within India)
• Have your User ID ready before calling.
• Use for issues like OTP errors, payment clarifications, or upload problems.

📧 2. Email Support

• Email: helpdesk-gem@gov.in
• Include your registered email ID, company name, and a clear issue description.
• Attach screenshots or error messages for quicker resolution.

💻 3. GeM Website Help Center

• Find manuals, step-by-step guides, FAQs, and instructional videos.
• Ideal for resolving common issues like password resets, product uploads, or catalog updates.
• Visit: https://gem.gov.in/userManuals

📝 4. In-Portal Support Ticket

• Log in to GeM and go to “Report an Issue” or “Lodge Grievance”.
• Track your ticket status inside your dashboard.
• Best for formal follow-ups on technical or policy-related concerns.

🏢 5. Escalations & GeM Authorities

• For major policy clarifications or unresolved problems, contact GeM PMU (Project Management Unit) under the Ministry of Commerce.
• Physical office details are usually listed on the official GeM portal.
• GeM also conducts workshops and awareness camps in cities across India.

🔄 6. Resolution Time

• Most calls are resolved immediately. Email queries may take 24–72 hours.
• More complex tech bugs may take a few business days.
• During peak times (fiscal year-end), expect slower responses — use multiple channels if urgent.

📣 7. Social Media & Training

• Follow @GeM_India on Twitter and GeM on Facebook for updates.
• Do not share sensitive information via DMs; use for general inquiries only.
• Check the GeM training section for webinars and seller training material.

Why You Need a GeM Consultant

Finding your way around the GeM site is difficult. Employing a GeM consultant helps you save time, prevent errors, and improve your prospects of winning government projects. Here's why a consultant is a wise decision for your company: 

• First-time expert guidance ensures your registration, product listing, and bidding are conducted correctly. 
• Keeps you informed about MSME benefits and government programs, as well as GeM policies. 
• Helps create competitive bids, complete with compliance checks and pricing strategy. 
• Supports during vendor assessment and addresses compliance concerns effectively. 
• Resolves issues fast to prevent rejections and delays. 
• By means of optimized listings and alerts regarding new tenders, increase your chances. 
• With processes and best practices, train your staff to improve your internal capabilities. 
• Helps you remain compliant, therefore lowering hazards, including blacklist or fines. 
• Cost-effective: consultants sometimes enable you to secure deals for more than their costs. 

In short, A GeM consultant is essentially your professional compass when it comes to government procurement. Their help turns a challenging process into continuous success for new businesses or sellers.

FAQs