Seller and Buyer Registration on GeM: A Simple, Fast & Powerful Step-by-Step Guide

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) registration enables businesses and government departments across India to transact directly with complete transparency. Whether registering as a vendor or procurement official, setting up your GeM profile correctly ensures instant access to public procurement tenders.

This step-by-step guide explains GeM seller and buyer registration processes, required documentation, eligibility criteria, and portal login procedures to start selling or buying efficiently.

What is the GeM Portal?

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an end-to-end, dynamic e-commerce platform launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Introduced as a flagship initiative under the Digital India vision, GeM was designed to revolutionize public procurement by replacing legacy, paper-based tender systems with an open, transparent, and efficient digital marketplace. Under Rule 149 of the General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017, the Government of India has mandated that all Central and State Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and autonomous bodies procure mandatory goods and services through the official GeM portal.

GeM operates as a contactless, cashless, and paperless portal connecting public sector procurement officers directly with sellers ranging from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and women entrepreneurs to large manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). By removing intermediaries and reducing administrative friction, the platform ensures fair price discovery and equal market access for businesses of all sizes.

To understand how to get started on the platform, refer to our complete GeM Portal Registration 2026: Quick & Easy Step-by-Step Guide.

Key Procurement Statistics and Platform Impact

Since its rollout in August 2016, GeM has witnessed unprecedented growth, becoming one of the largest public procurement portals globally. The scale of operation highlights its critical role in India's formal economy:

• Cumulative Gross Merchandise Value (GMV): GeM has facilitated over ₹10 Lakh Crore in cumulative transaction value, reflecting massive trust and widespread adoption across government agencies.
• Annual Procurement Scale: In FY 2023–24 alone, the annual Gross Merchandise Value crossed ₹4 Lakh Crore, driven by high-value service contracts and bulk product orders from defense, railways, and healthcare departments.
• MSME Integration: Approximately 50% of the total order value processed on GeM is awarded to MSMEs, fulfilling national mandates for inclusive trade development and localized manufacturing (Make in India).
• Extensive Network: The portal hosts over 62,000+ government buyer organizations and millions of registered sellers offering more than 10,000 product categories and 300+ service categories.

By bringing speed, accountability, and substantial savings to the national exchequer, the GeM portal serves as a powerful driver of economic opportunity for commercial vendors across India.

Who Can Apply for GeM Portal Registration?

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is designed to connect public sector procurement entities with verified business vendors across India. Eligibility for registration on the platform is broadly categorized into two roles: Sellers (Vendors) and Buyers (Procuring Authorities). Understanding where your organization fits ensures a smooth account setup process on the official portal.

1. Eligibility Criteria for Sellers (Vendors & Service Providers)

Any commercial entity capable of supplying goods or services manufactured or legally distributed in India can register as a seller on GeM. The portal caters to business structures of all sizes, including:

• Sole Proprietorships: Individual business owners with a valid business PAN card and Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
• Partnership Firms & LLPs: Registered entities operating under the Indian Partnership Act or Limited Liability Partnership Act.
• Private & Public Limited Companies: Corporate bodies registered under the Companies Act, 2013.
• MSMEs & Small Businesses: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises holding a valid Udyam Registration Certificate.
• DPIIT-Recognized Startups: Innovative ventures recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.
• Cooperative Societies, SHGs & Artisans: Recognized Self-Help Groups, Craftsmen, and Weavers supported under state/central welfare schemes.

To register, sellers must possess an active GSTIN (unless exempted), business PAN, an active bank account, and verifiable address credentials. For business owners preparing their documentation, consulting our detailed GeM Seller Registration guide can help ensure all prerequisites are met before starting.

2. Eligibility Criteria for Buyers (Procurement Entities)

Public procurement rules require state and central bodies to procure standard goods and services through the official GeM portal. Organizations authorized to register as buyers include:

• Central & State Ministries: All executive departments, attached offices, and constitutional bodies.
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): Central and State PSUs, including nationalized banks and financial institutions.
• Local Bodies & Panchayats: Municipal corporations, urban local bodies (ULBs), and Gram Panchayats.
• Autonomous Institutions: Government-funded universities, research centers, and statutory corporations.

Buyer account setup must be performed by an authorized officer designated as a Primary User. Registration strictly mandates an official government email ID (ending in @gov.in or @nic.in) and Aadhaar-backed e-KYC authentication of the registering official.

Documents Required for GeM Registration

Before initiating your account creation on the official Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, gathering all required documentation is essential to prevent verification rejections. GeM uses automated real-time validation against Income Tax, GST, and Ministry databases, meaning your business details must match official government records exactly.

GeM Registration Document Checklist for Sellers

Sellers registering as Proprietorships, Partnerships, LLPs, Private Limited Companies, or Trusts must keep the following documents ready before registration:

• Permanent Account Number (PAN): Business PAN card for corporate entities, or personal PAN for sole proprietorships.
• Aadhaar Card: Mobile-linked Aadhaar card of the authorized signatory (Proprietor, Managing Director, or Authorized Partner) for real-time e-OTP validation.
• GSTIN Certificate: Active Goods and Services Tax Identification Number with updated business address details matching your legal entity name.
• Bank Account Details: Bank account statement or cancelled cheque clearly displaying the account holder's name, IFSC code, and account number.
• Udyam Certificate: For Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) seeking exemption from Caution Money deposits and Earnest Money Deposits (EMD), an active Udyam Registration certificate is mandatory.
• Financial Documents: Turnover details and audited financial statements (Profit & Loss statements and Balance Sheets) for the last 3 financial years, required during profile validation and OEM status approval.
• Corporate Identity Number (CIN / LLPIN): Incorporation certificate issued by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) for LLPs and Companies.

GeM Registration Document Checklist for Buyers

Government departments, Central/State Ministries, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and autonomous bodies registering buyer accounts require institutional credentials:

• Official Government Email ID: A valid email address ending strictly in @gov.in or @nic.in (or domain-specific PSU email addresses authorized by GeM). Personal email providers like Gmail or Yahoo are not permitted.
• Aadhaar Card: Aadhaar number of the Primary User or Head of Department (HOD) linked to an active mobile number for e-signing and profile setup.
• Department Approval & Designation Proof: Official authorization details, designation title, and office address to assign administrative roles (Primary User, Buyer, Consignee, or Paying Authority).

GeM Seller Registration – Step-by-Step

Registering as a vendor on the Government e-Marketplace opens direct access to thousands of central and state government procurement tenders. To ensure seamless onboarding, complete the following 7-step profile setup directly on the official GeM Portal.

1. Aadhaar / PAN Authentication: Begin by creating a Primary User account. Input the authorized signatory’s Aadhaar (or Personal PAN) linked to an active mobile number for instant OTP verification.
2. Business Entity Setup: Select your constitution type (Proprietorship, Partnership, Private Limited, LLP, or Trust). Enter your official business registration details, date of incorporation, and Company PAN.
3. Office Location & Address Registration: Input your registered head office address along with valid GSTIN numbers mapped to the respective states where your business operates.
4. Bank Account Details & Caution Money Deposit: Link your active business bank account (IFSC and account number) for automated payments. Sellers must deposit a one-time refundable Caution Money amount based on turnover (e.g., ₹5,000 for turnover under ₹1 Crore; ₹10,000 for ₹1 Cr–₹10 Cr; ₹25,000 for over ₹10 Cr).
5. MSME & Startup Exemption Linking: If applicable, link your 12-digit Udyam Registration Number or DPIIT startup recognition. This unlocks key government incentives including tender fee waivers, turnover exemptions, and purchase preferences. For a complete list of verification criteria, review our dedicated GeM seller registration guide.
6. OEM & Brand Assessment: Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) must complete brand verification. Resellers must request brand authorization codes or vendor assessments from verified OEMs before listing branded items.
7. Catalog Creation & Upload: Add your products or services under the appropriate UNSPSC categories. Specify model details, technical specifications, HSN/SAC codes, unit pricing, minimum delivery lead times, and available inventory.

Once your seller profile reaches a 100% completion score and your catalog passes automated system checks, your account becomes fully active to participate in Direct Purchases, L1 tenders, and Custom Bids across India.

GeM Buyer Registration – Step-by-Step

On the Government e-Marketplace, buyers are government entities including Central and State Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Autonomous Bodies, and Local Bodies. Procurement on the portal relies on a structured hierarchy divided into Primary Buyers (typically a Head of Office or DDO-level officer) and Secondary Buyers (officers functioning as Buyers, Consignees, or Paying Authorities). Properly setting up buyer accounts ensures compliance with financial rules and seamlessly integrates with overall Government e Marketplace (GeM) Registration 2026 | Step-by-Step Seller & Buyer Guide India procedures.

Step 1: Key Prerequisites for Buyer Registration

Before initiating the process on the official GeM Portal, the designated officer must possess:

• An active official email domain ending in @gov.in or @nic.in (or an approved PSU domain registered with GeM). Personal email accounts are strictly prohibited.
• A valid Aadhaar number (or virtual ID) linked to a mobile number active for OTP authentication.
• Organization details, including the exact Ministry, Department, Unit Name, and DDO (Drawing and Disbursing Officer) code.

Step 2: Primary Buyer Registration Workflow

• Access the Portal: Click on Sign Up on the top right corner of the GeM homepage and select Buyer.
• Aadhaar Verification: Enter the officer’s Aadhaar number and mobile number to trigger an instant OTP verification.
• Official Email Authentication: Enter the official @gov.in or @nic.in email address. Click the verification link sent to the inbox and enter the OTP to confirm ownership.
• Organization Mapping: Select the organization tier (Central Government, State Government, PSU, or Local Body), Ministry, Department, and Office location.
• Create Login Credentials: Set a unique User ID and a strong password to complete Primary Buyer onboarding.

Step 3: Creation and Role Assignment for Secondary Buyers

The Primary Buyer manages administrative settings and assigns operational roles to subordinate officers. Once logged in, the Primary Buyer invites Secondary Buyers by adding their official email IDs and assigning specific procurement roles:

• Buyer Role: Authorized to initiate direct purchases, L1 comparisons, or create public tenders/bids.
• Consignee Role: Authorized to verify physical goods/services received and issue the mandatory Provisional Receipt Certificate (PRC) and Consignee Receipt and Acceptance Certificate (CRAC).
• Paying Authority (PAO/DDO): Authorized to process online bills and release payments to sellers within 10 days of CRAC generation.

Invited secondary officers receive an email link to verify their Aadhaar and set up their individual login passwords.

GeM MSME Registration – Why It Matters

For Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), integrating their Udyam Registration with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) unlocks crucial competitive advantages in public procurement. Under the Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) Order, all Central Ministries, Departments, and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) are mandated to procure a minimum of 25% of their total annual purchases from MSEs. GeM automates these policy benefits directly within its bidding and direct purchase workflows.

Key Policy Privileges for MSMEs on GeM

• Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) Exemption: Government tenders typically require 2% to 5% of the contract value to be locked as Bid Security. Verified MSE sellers on GeM are completely exempt from submitting EMD, preserving vital working capital.
• Purchase Preference (L1 + 15% Price Band): If a participating MSE seller quotes a price within the L1 + 15% price band, they are given the opportunity to match the lowest bid (L1) made by a non-MSE seller and secure an allotment of up to 25% of the total order value.
• 358 Reserved Procurement Categories: The Ministry of MSME has reserved 358 specific product categories—ranging from leather goods and handlooms to specialized stationery and office equipment—exclusively for procurement from MSE vendors.
• Relaxed Turnover and Experience Norms: GeM enables buyers to relax mandatory prior turnover and past performance criteria for MSEs and recognized startups, ensuring small businesses are not disqualified due to legacy requirements.

By combining Udyam verification with your seller account, your business gains equal footing against large enterprises. To understand how to leverage these incentives for business growth, read our comprehensive resource on the Benefits of Selling on GeM for MSMEs udyam and Small Businesses | GeM Portal Seller Guide 2026.

GeM Portal Login – How to Access

Once your profile setup is complete, accessing the portal is a secure and standardized process for both buying organization officials and commercial sellers. To manage tendering, catalogue updates, orders, or billing, log into your active account on the official GeM portal using the designated authentication steps.

Step-by-Step Login Instructions for Buyers and Sellers

• Step 1 – Visit the Login Page: Open your browser and navigate to gem.gov.in. Click the "Login" link situated at the top right of the navigation bar.
• Step 2 – Input User ID & Password: Enter your unique User ID (generated during signup) and your confidential account password. Remember that User IDs on GeM are case-sensitive.
• Step 3 – Solve the Captcha Verification: Enter the dynamic visual security captcha shown on the screen to verify human access.
• Step 4 – Pass Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): To maintain strict data security across central and state government transactions, GeM mandates 2FA. Enter the 6-digit One-Time Password (OTP) dispatched instantly to your registered Aadhaar-linked mobile number and primary email ID.
• Step 5 – Select Dashboard / User Profile: Once validated, primary accounts with sub-roles (e.g., Buyer, Consignee, Drawing and Disbursing Officer, or Seller Admin) can select their targeted workspace to view active bids, contracts, or order updates.

Key Security & Access Protocol Guidelines

To ensure uninterrupted daily operations on the platform, keep the following operational requirements in mind:

• Active Aadhaar-Linked Mobile: Because 2FA OTPs and critical digital signatures rely on UIDAI-registered contact details, ensure the mobile SIM card linked to your Aadhaar remains active and reachable.
• Account Lockout Prevention: Entering an incorrect password 5 consecutive times triggers an automatic 24-hour security lock on the User ID. If forgotten, utilize the "Forgot Password" facility to reset access immediately via mobile OTP.
• Secondary User Login Access: Primary Buyers (HODs) and Primary Sellers can create distinct sub-accounts for departmental officers or key account managers. These secondary users receive unique login IDs, enabling them to log in independently without sharing administrative credentials.

If you are new to the platform and have not yet established your organization’s account credentials, check our complete GeM Portal Registration 2026: Quick & Easy Step-by-Step Guide to complete your initial onboarding.

GeM Registration Fees – Is It Free or Paid?

A primary concern for business owners and purchasing officers joining the platform is whether onboarding involves any hidden costs. To clarify directly: Seller and buyer registration on GeM is 100% free. The Government e-Marketplace does not charge any sign-up fees, account creation charges, or annual maintenance subscriptions for creating primary or secondary accounts.

While initial portal access and tender participation carry zero registration fees, sellers must account for two operational cost components once their account is active: Caution Money deposits and Transaction Fees under GeM’s Revenue Sharing Policy. You can follow our GeM Seller Registration guide|Complete Profile Setup & Document Checklist Guide to complete your basic profile setup before managing these financial requirements.

1. Mandatory Caution Money Deposit

To ensure market discipline and discourage non-serious bidders, GeM requires sellers to maintain a refundable Caution Money deposit in an interest-bearing pool account. The required deposit amount is structured according to your business classification:

• Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs): ₹5,000
• Medium Enterprises: ₹10,000
• Others (Non-MSMEs / Large Enterprises): ₹25,000

This deposit remains in your dedicated account and is fully refundable if you decide to exit the portal, subject to the resolution of any outstanding buyer claims or penalties.

2. Transaction Fees & Revenue Sharing Slabs

GeM operates a revenue-sharing mechanism based on actual order values to fund platform infrastructure and support services. Transaction fees apply only when an order is successfully accepted:

• Orders up to ₹5 Lakh: Zero transaction fee (100% free for small value orders).
• Orders above ₹5 Lakh up to ₹10 Crore: A nominal transaction fee of 0.45% of the total order value.
• Orders exceeding ₹10 Crore: Slab-based reduced percentage rates with a fixed maximum cap per transaction.

Sellers are advised to verify the latest policy notifications on the official GeM Portal to factor applicable transaction charges directly into their competitive bidding price calculations.

GeM Portal Benefits – Why Every Business Should Join

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has completely transformed public procurement in India. By eliminating intermediaries and streamlining tendering, it offers a transparent, efficient, and direct channel for businesses of all sizes to sell products and services directly to government departments. Whether you operate a micro-enterprise, a tech startup, or a large manufacturing firm, enrolling on the platform unlocks unprecedented commercial opportunities.

Here are the primary advantages that make registration on gem.gov.in indispensable for modern Indian businesses:

• Direct Access to Multi-Crore Contracts: GeM connects sellers with over 70,000 buyer organizations across Central and State Government Ministries, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Defense forces, and local municipal bodies. Annual procurement volume on the platform consistently exceeds ₹4 Lakh Crore, offering massive order potential.
• Flexible Direct Purchase Thresholds: Government buyers can execute direct purchases for orders up to ₹25,000 without issuing a complex tender. For orders between ₹25,000 and ₹5,00,000, procurement can be completed through an automated lowest-bidder (L1) direct comparison process, significantly shortening sales cycles for sellers.
• Guaranteed Timely Payments under T+10 Norms: Cash flow delays are minimized through strict regulatory guidelines. Under current policy mandates, buyers must disburse payment within 10 days (T+10) after generating the Consignee Receipt and Acceptance Certificate (CRAC), protecting sellers from prolonged working capital lockups.
• Special Perks for MSMEs and Startups: Micro and Small Enterprises enjoy zero registration fees, exemption from Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) requirements, and waiver of prior turnover or experience criteria under Public Procurement Policy mandates. Discover how small units can leverage these privileges in our dedicated guide on the Benefits of Selling on GeM for MSMEs udyam and Small Businesses | GeM Portal Seller Guide 2026.
• Dynamic Pricing and Real-Time Inventory Control: Sellers retain the flexibility to revise prices based on market fluctuations, configure volume discounts, and manage product catalogues dynamically directly through their dashboard.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even minor oversights during vendor onboarding can lead to instant application rejections, failed profile validation, or account suspensions on the official Government e-Marketplace. To prevent unnecessary delays and maintain a 100% compliant profile, avoid these critical mistakes during registration:

• PAN and Aadhaar Data Mismatch: The name, date of birth, and gender on your PAN card must match your Aadhaar record letter-for-letter. Discrepancies as small as missing middle names or spelling variations cause automated e-KYC validation failures. Ensure your credentials match across official databases before initiating signup.
• Entering Incorrect Bank Account Details: Providing an inaccurate Bank Account Number or IFSC code will fail the automated penny-drop verification test. This error delays your profile completion and disrupts future online payment disbursements for completed direct purchases or L1 bids.
• Mapping Products to Incorrect Categories: Uploading goods or services under wrong UNSPSC categories in the catalog leads to severe consequences. Buyers will disqualify your bid during technical evaluation, and repeated miscategorization can trigger account flagging for catalog abuse. Always cross-verify product specs against GeM’s published category standards.
• Registering with Inactive Email IDs or Unlinked Mobile Numbers: Important portal communications, tender notifications, e-Sign OTPs, and contract amendment requests are sent via SMS and email. Registering with an unmonitored inbox or a mobile number not linked to your Aadhaar risks missing bid deadlines and contract acceptances.

By double-checking your credentials against official documents, you ensure a smooth onboarding journey. For a pre-submission verification checklist, consult our dedicated GeM Seller Registration guide to complete your setup without errors.

GeM Vendor Assessment & OEM Dashboard Setup

For Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) seeking to showcase and sell self-manufactured goods on the platform, obtaining verified OEM status is essential. To maintain supply chain integrity, the Government e-Marketplace partners with the Quality Council of India (QCI) to conduct a rigorous, standardized Vendor Assessment process. Passing this assessment confirms your production capacity, quality management systems, and operational legitimacy, unlocking advanced OEM privileges on your account panel.

Once verified as an OEM, your seller dashboard allows you to publish primary product catalogs, manage brand approvals, and authorize authorized resellers (reseller pairing) to bid on tenders using your manufactured items.

The Two-Stage QCI Vendor Assessment Process

The evaluation is initiated directly through your profile section and comprises two distinct phases:

• Stage 1: Desktop Assessment (Document Audit) – QCI officers inspect your submitted legal and operational credentials, including factory registration certificates, machinery lists, ownership deeds or lease agreements, GST returns, safety certifications, and pollution control NOCs.
• Stage 2: Video / Industrial Premises Assessment – A real-time video inspection (or on-site audit) is conducted. QCI assessors verify installed plant machinery, raw material inventory, quality testing equipment, and live manufacturing processes to validate your actual production capacity.

Vendor Assessment Exemptions & Fee Structure

The standard QCI Vendor Assessment fee is ₹11,200 + applicable GST (non-refundable). However, to promote Indian industry and small enterprises, GeM grants full assessment exemptions to specific seller categories:

• NSIC Registered Units: Micro and Small Enterprises holding valid National Small Industries Corporation certificates for the specific manufacturing domain.
• BIS License Holders: Manufacturers holding valid Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) product certifications for the listed category.
• Government Entities: Central and State Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
• DPIIT-Recognized Startups: Eligible startups possessing valid manufacturing credentials.

After successful verification, your OEM Dashboard activates, allowing seamless catalog management. To ensure your account is fully prepared prior to requesting an OEM audit, refer to our detailed GeM Seller Registration guide|Complete Profile Setup & Document Checklist Guide for optimal profile setup.

Conclusion – Ready to Start Your GeM Registration Journey?

Navigating the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) opens direct access to billions of rupees in public procurement tenders from central and state departments, PSUs, and defense establishments. Whether you are enrolling as a buyer representing a government entity or a vendor eager to sell goods and services, completing the registration correctly is the foundation of your success on the platform. By following the systematic process—verifying your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, validating PAN and GSTIN/Udyam credentials, depositing the applicable Caution Money (ranging from ₹5,000 for Micro & Small enterprises up to ₹25,000 for entities with turnover exceeding ₹10 Crore), and setting up your primary user account—you position your enterprise to participate seamlessly in direct purchases, L1 bids, and reverse auctions.

To maximize your business potential and leverage statutory benefits like the mandatory 25% reserved procurement quota for registered MSMEs, ensure your portal profile reaches a 100% completion rate. Incomplete profiles, mismatched bank details, or pending OEM authorization requests frequently lead to technical bid rejections during tender evaluation. If you are preparing your business documentation and want to avoid common onboarding pitfalls, check out our detailed GeM Seller Registration guide|Complete Profile Setup & Document Checklist Guide for step-by-step assistance.

Take the Next Step Towards Public Procurement Success

The marketplace continues to expand rapidly, generating immense annual transaction volume for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Do not let compliance hurdles delay your market entry. Initiate your primary account creation today on the official GeM Portal, ensure your catalogs are uploaded with accurate HSN codes, and maintain compliance with product specifications. If you encounter complexities during Vendor Assessment, brand approval, or bidding strategies, consulting professional GeM registration experts can streamline your onboarding and accelerate your government order pipelines.

Comparison of GeM Seller Registration vs. GeM Buyer Registration

Frequently Asked Questions

Is registration on the GeM portal completely free of cost?

Yes, registration on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal is completely free for both sellers and buyers. There are no application or portal fees charged by the government for creating an account or listing products. However, sellers may need to deposit a refundable caution money based on their turnover.
Source: GeM / Government e-Marketplace

Can a partnership firm or private limited company register on the GeM portal?

Yes, partnership firms, private limited companies, sole proprietorships, public limited companies, and LLPs are fully eligible to register as sellers on GeM. During registration, the authorized signatory must provide official organization details, company PAN, and CIN, and verify credentials through Aadhaar or PAN-based OTP authentication.
Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

What type of email address is required for GeM buyer registration?

Buyer registration on the GeM portal strictly requires an official government email ID ending with official domains such as @gov.in or @nic.in. Primary and secondary buyers cannot register using personal email domains like Gmail or Yahoo, as buyer accounts are reserved exclusively for authorized government officers.
Source: GeM / Government e-Marketplace

What is the Caution Money deposit on the GeM portal?

Caution Money is a refundable security deposit required from sellers on GeM to ensure compliance and operational discipline during bidding and procurement. The required deposit amount varies based on the seller's annual turnover and remains safely parked in a dedicated e-bank account managed through the portal.
Source: Government e-Marketplace

How long does it take to complete the GeM seller registration process?

Completing the basic GeM seller profile registration takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes if all required documents are ready, including your Aadhaar-linked mobile, PAN, bank account, and GSTIN. Final vendor assessment, profile verification, and product listing approval typically take an additional 2 to 5 business days.
Source: GeM / Government e-Marketplace

Is a GSTIN mandatory for seller registration on the GeM portal?

GSTIN is generally mandatory for most business entities registering on GeM. However, categories legally exempted under GST regulations—such as small businesses below the statutory turnover threshold, specific service providers, or registered artisans—can proceed with registration using their PAN and Udyam Registration without providing a GSTIN.
Source: Ministry of MSME