Government e Marketplace (GeM) Registration 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Sellers & Buyers in India

Government e Marketplace (GeM) registration enables businesses and public entities to buy and sell goods and services efficiently across India. Whether you are a supplier aiming for government tenders or an official procuring goods, mastering the GeM portal registration process India is your essential first step.

This complete guide walks you through seller and buyer account creation, mandatory documentation, and expert strategies to navigate the platform smoothly.

What is the Government e-Marketplace (GeM)?

Launched in August 2016 under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department of Commerce), the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is India’s premier national public procurement portal. It was established as a dynamic, end-to-end e-commerce platform to streamline and modernize how government entities purchase everyday goods and services. GeM replaces traditional, slow-moving tender processes with a transparent, contactless, paperless, and cashless digital ecosystem.

The primary objective of GeM is to drive efficiency, transparency, and speed in government spending while ensuring fair market access for all sellers. The portal caters to a vast network of buyers, including central and state government ministries, departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), state bodies, defense establishments, and local municipal corporations across India through the official gem.gov.in platform.

Over the years, GeM has experienced explosive growth in volume and economic impact:

• Unprecedented GMV Growth: GeM crossed a historic milestone by achieving a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of over ₹4 lakh crore (approx. $48+ billion) in FY 2023–24 alone.
• Empowering MSMEs & Startups: Over 49% to 60%+ of the total order value on GeM is consistently awarded to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), facilitating direct access to lucrative government contracts without high tender entry barriers.
• Broad Market Scale: The portal hosts millions of registered products, thousands of service categories, and over 1.5+ million active buyers and sellers combined.

Whether you are a small business owner aiming for Government e Marketplace seller registration or a department official navigating the GeM buyer registration process, understanding this portal is essential to participating in India's official public procurement market. To learn more about navigating portal features and account setups, check out our GeM Portal Registration 2026: Quick & Easy Step-by-Step Guide.

Why You Should Choose GeM Portal Registration

The Government e-Marketplace has transformed public procurement in India into a multi-lakh-crore digital economy. For Indian business owners, MSMEs, and startups, completing your Government e Marketplace registration opens direct access to thousands of Central and State Government departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and defence buyers. Instead of navigating complex offline tender workflows, sellers can tap into an inclusive, transparent platform processing massive annual procurement volumes.

Here are the primary commercial and statutory advantages of completing the Government e Marketplace seller registration:

• Direct Access to Government Orders: Sellers can participate in direct purchases (up to ₹25,000), L1 algorithm-based buying (from ₹25,000 to ₹5,000,000), and custom reverse auctions for high-value tenders across all government verticals.
• Statutory MSME & MII Preference: Under the Public Procurement Policy for MSEs, government buyers must procure at least 25% of their annual requirements from Micro and Small Enterprises (including sub-targets of 4% for SC/ST and 3% for Women entrepreneurs). Additionally, the Make in India (MII) preference rules grant bidding priority to Class-I local suppliers.
• Guaranteed Timely Payments: GeM rules mandate that buyers generate the Consignee Receipt and Acceptance Certificate (CRAC) within 10 days of goods receipt, triggering online payment processing within a strict timeframe to safeguard seller working capital.
• 100% Cashless and Paperless Operations: Everything from contract generation and digital signing (via Aadhaar eSign or Class-3 DSC) to e-invoicing occurs seamlessly online through the official GeM portal.

By bypassing middleman margins and administrative delays, registered sellers can establish a predictable, high-volume B2G sales channel. If you are ready to expand your market footprint, read our complete GeM Portal Registration 2026: Quick & Easy Step-by-Step Guide to initiate your account setup today.

Types of GeM Registration

The Government e-Marketplace portal categorizes user accounts into two distinct streams based on their operational function: Seller/Service Provider Registration and Buyer Registration. Each stream operates under specific verification requirements and administrative hierarchies.

1. Seller / Service Provider Accounts

This registration type is designed for commercial entities, OEMs, original service providers, resellers, and MSMEs looking to supply goods or services to public sector buyers. A primary seller profile is created using the proprietor or authorized signatory's Aadhaar and PAN details. Once onboarded, the primary seller can create secondary seller accounts (such as catalog managers or bid managers) to handle product listings and tender submissions while retaining central administrative control.

2. Buyer Accounts and Role Hierarchies

Buyer accounts are reserved exclusively for Central and State Government ministries, departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), defense establishments, and local municipal bodies. Unlike seller accounts, buyer registration follows a structured, multi-tiered hierarchy to maintain strict procurement compliance:

• Primary User: Registered by a senior officer (such as a Head of Office or Deputy Secretary) authorized to set up the organization's unit on the portal and manage secondary user assignments. The Primary User manages governance and cannot directly place orders or create bids.
• Secondary Users: Functional accounts created and assigned by the Primary User to handle day-to-day procurement tasks:
  • Buyer Role: Responsible for generating procurement demands, initiating direct purchases, executing L1 price evaluations, and publishing tenders or reverse auctions. For detailed onboarding steps, explore our GeM Buyer Registration Process 2026 | Online Registration Guide.
  • Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO): Verifies financial allocation, ensures budget availability, and processes seller invoices for payment approval.
  • Paying Authority (PAO / CDDO): Handles official treasury verification and manages final fund disbursements directly to seller bank accounts.
  • Consignee: Designated official responsible for receiving physical deliveries, conducting quality checks, and issuing mandatory Consignee Receipt and Acceptance Certificates (CRAC) within 10 days of receipt.

Documents Required for GeM Registration Online India

Completing your GeM portal registration process India smoothly requires keeping all verified entity and personal documents handy. Whether you are initiating a Government e Marketplace seller registration or a GeM buyer registration process, document discrepancies can lead to account suspension or rejection during vendor assessment. Below is the essential checklist you need before registering on the portal.

1. Primary Identification & Tax Credentials

• PAN Card: Personal PAN for Sole Proprietorships; Business PAN for Partnership Firms, LLPs, Private Limited, and Public Companies.
• Aadhaar Card: Must belong to the Authorized Signatory or Key Person. Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to an active mobile number to receive OTPs during the GeM registration step by step guide verification process.
• GSTIN Certificate: Required for all GST-compliant businesses. The primary address on your GST certificate must match your registered office address.

2. Business Entity Proof & MSME Verification

• Udyam Registration Certificate: Highly recommended for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to claim EMD (Earnest Money Deposit) exemptions and technical eligibility relaxations. If you haven't retrieved your certificate yet, refer to our detailed guide on Udyam Certificate Download | MSME Registration Online | Step-by-Step Process 2025.
• Company Incorporation Documents: Certificate of Incorporation (CoI), Memorandum of Association (MoA), Articles of Association (AoA), or registered Partnership Deed as applicable.

3. Financial & Banking Information

• Active Bank Account Details: Account Number, IFSC code, and Bank Branch Name registered under the legal entity name.
• Cancelled Cheque: A clear, scanned copy showing the printed account holder name and account details for penny-drop verification.
• ITR & Balance Sheets: Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 1 to 3 financial years, along with audited balance sheets to verify your annual turnover during OEM or reseller profile creation.

4. Authorization Letters & Declarations

• Board Resolution / Authorization Letter: Mandatory if an authorized representative is setting up the account on behalf of company directors or key officials.

Before initiating your GeM registration online India, verify that your document details (such as trade name, PAN, and address) match identically across all government databases. For official updates on mandatory compliance standards, always refer to the official GeM portal.

GeM Portal Registration Process India (Step-by-Step Guide)

Navigating the GeM portal registration process India requires strict adherence to mandatory verification steps to guarantee compliance with Government e Marketplace registration standards. Both vendor onboarding and government buyer account setup follow a standardized digital workflow on the official GeM portal to verify organizational identity and tax credentials.

The 8-Step Online Sign-Up Workflow

1. Select Business Structure: Choose your exact constitution type—Proprietorship, Partnership, Private Limited, Public Limited, LLP, Trust, or Society.
2. Create Primary User ID: Establish a primary User ID and a strong password. This primary user account serves as the key administrative handle for creating sub-users, listing products, and bidding.
3. Aadhaar / Mobile OTP Validation: Input the primary user's Aadhaar or PAN number alongside the mobile number linked with Aadhaar. Verify identity instantly through time-sensitive OTP validation.
4. PAN Real-Time Verification: Enter the legal name of the enterprise and its business PAN. The portal validates this information automatically against the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) database.
5. Provide Registered Business Address: Input complete address details, corporate identity numbers (CIN), or Udyam Registration Number (URN). You can review our detailed guide on Seller & Buyer GeM Registration – Step-by-Step GeM Portal Login & Registration Guide to align business documents correctly prior to submission.
6. Tax Details Input (GSTIN & ITR): Submit your 15-digit GSTIN and last 2 years of Income Tax Return (ITR) filing proof. Micro-enterprises operating below the GST threshold can select the GST-exempt declaration option.
7. Bank Account Linking: Link your active business bank account by entering the Account Number and IFSC Code. This links your account to the GeM Pool Account (GPA) or Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for automated payment releases.
8. Profile Completion & Caution Money Deposit: Ensure profile completeness reaches 100%. To finalize activation, sellers must pay a one-time refundable Caution Money deposit (₹5,000 for turnover under ₹1 Crore; ₹10,000 for ₹1–10 Crore; ₹25,000 for above ₹10 Crore) based on company turnover.

How Sellers Can Start Selling on GeM

Completing your initial profile setup is only the first phase of selling on the Government e-Marketplace. To generate revenue and secure public procurement contracts, registered vendors must configure their inventory, obtain brand approvals, and comply with strict pricing standards set under General Financial Rules (GFR Rule 149).

1. OEM Selection and Brand Approval

Before listing products, you must define your vendor type on the dashboard—either as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or a Reseller. If you are an OEM, submit brand ownership proofs such as trademark registration certificates or manufacturing licenses. Resellers must request brand approval from registered OEMs or submit valid authorization codes before listing branded inventory.

2. Catalog Upload and Technical Specifications

Creating an accurate product or service catalog is mandatory for visibility. Sellers need to pair their offerings with the correct United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) categories on GeM. Upload clear product imagery, detailed model specifications, and mandatory compliance test reports (such as BIS, ISO, or FSSAI certifications). For detailed technical workflows on catalog creation, refer to our step-by-step guide on the GeM Product Listing Process 2026 | Step-by-Step Guide for Sellers.

3. Price Reasonability Declaration

GeM maintains strict pricing integrity. When entering your pricing structure, you must declare that the rate offered to government departments is not higher than what you offer on other e-commerce platforms or commercial markets. Sellers must offer a competitive discount off the Maximum Retail Price (MRP)—typically a minimum 10% discount—to qualify for standard procurement filters.

4. Securing Orders via L1 Direct Purchases

Once your catalog is live, government buyers can procure your goods through multiple channels depending on financial thresholds:

• Direct Purchase (Up to ₹25,000): Buyers can directly purchase any listed product that meets their quality, specification, and delivery timeline requirements.
• L1 Direct Purchase (₹25,000 to ₹5,00,000): The portal automatically evaluates available catalogs and identifies the lowest bidder (L1) meeting the buyer’s technical parameters. Maintaining competitive catalog pricing increases your chances of automated selection.
• Bids / Reverse Auctions (Above ₹5,00,000): Sellers submit custom financial and technical bids directly through the official GeM portal.

How Buyers Can Procure on GeM

Procurement on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal is governed strictly by Rule 149 of the General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017. To ensure efficiency, public accountability, and transparent price discovery, government buyers—including Central and State Ministries, Autonomous Bodies, Defense establishments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)—must follow mandatory financial thresholds and workflow protocols when buying goods or services.

Procurement Thresholds for Government Buyers

• Direct Purchase (Up to ₹25,000): Government buyers can make an instant direct purchase from any listed seller whose product or service satisfies the required technical specifications, quality criteria, and delivery timelines. No price comparison report is mandatory for orders under this limit.
• L1 Procurement via Comparison (Above ₹25,000 to ₹5,00,000): For orders in this slab, the buyer must use the portal's comparison engine to compare dynamic offerings from at least three distinct manufacturers/sellers. The contract is automatically allocated to the lowest eligible bidder (L1) meeting the specification parameters on gem.gov.in.
• Electronic Bidding / Custom Bids (Above ₹5,00,000): Purchases exceeding ₹5 Lakhs require buyers to initiate a mandatory competitive e-bid or custom tender on the portal, giving all qualified online sellers a fair opportunity to submit technical and financial proposals.

Reverse Auction (RA) Workflow

To drive down costs on high-value contracts, government buyers can invoke a Reverse Auction (RA) workflow either directly or after evaluating technical bids. In an RA process, all technically qualified sellers enter an online bidding arena where financial bids are revealed anonymously. Sellers are given a designated window (typically 2 hours) to repeatedly decrease their prices in incremental decrements. If a lower bid is submitted within the final 5 minutes of the auction, the clock automatically extends, ensuring maximum financial savings for the purchasing department.

For official purchasing entities setting up their procurement accounts on the portal, explore our detailed GeM Buyer Registration Process 2026 | Online Registration Guide to manage Primary and Secondary Buyer permissions accurately.

Tips to Succeed on GeM Portal

Completing your Government e Marketplace seller registration is only the first step toward securing lucrative public procurement contracts. To consistently win bids and secure direct purchase orders from central ministries, state departments, and PSUs, sellers must adopt disciplined operational strategies tailored to the platform's algorithms.

1. Maintain a High Vendor Rating

GeM calculates an automated Vendor Rating (scaled from 0 to 5) based on timely delivery fulfillment, product rejection rates, and resolution of administrative incidents. Maintaining a score above 4.5 drastically increases your brand's visibility for direct purchase orders (up to ₹50,000) and L1 purchase comparisons (up to ₹5,00,000). Always respond to buyer grievances within 48 hours on the Incident Management System to prevent penalties or temporary account suspension.

2. Offer Competitive & Strategic Unit Pricing

Government buyers operate under strict fiscal guidelines that demand fair market pricing. Periodically benchmark your prices against public transaction data available on gem.gov.in. Ensure your unit pricing factors in all inclusive costs—such as GST, freight, insurance, and mandatory warranty coverage—to avoid post-award financial friction or order rejections.

3. Optimize Your Product & Service Catalogs

Incomplete attribute declarations or incorrect UNSPSC category selections will keep your listings out of buyer search filters. Fill out mandatory and optional technical parameters accurately, including certifications like BIS, ISO, or CE. For detailed guidance on accurate parameter mapping, follow our step-by-step guide on the GeM Product Listing Process.

4. Actively Monitor Bids and Reverse Auctions (RA)

High-value government requirements are fulfilled via Custom Bids and Reverse Auctions (RA). Configure daily category alerts on your seller dashboard and monitor bidding schedules closely. During an active RA, keep your pre-calculated bottom-line margin ready so you can execute fast, real-time price decrements to outbid competitors without sacrificing operational profitability.

5. Leverage MSME & Startup Policy Benefits

Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) registered via Udyam are entitled to crucial benefits under the Public Procurement Policy. Always upload your valid MSME documents during bid submission to claim exemptions from Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) payments and prior turnover/experience criteria, enabling your business to bid for larger high-value tenders early in your lifecycle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Navigating the Government e Marketplace requires strict compliance with administrative and technical rules. Even minor errors during account creation or post-registration operations can lead to profile rejections, bid disqualifications, or financial penalties for Indian MSMEs and commercial enterprises.

1. Data Mismatches Between PAN, GSTIN, and Aadhaar

One of the most frequent reasons for registration delay or rejection is a mismatch across official business documents. The legal entity name on your PAN card must align exactly with your records on the GST portal and Income Tax Return (ITR) filings. Any typographical discrepancy triggers automated API validation failures during profile verification.

2. Failure to Deposit Mandated Caution Money

GeM requires registered sellers to maintain a mandatory caution money deposit in their GeM pool account before participating in bids or accepting direct purchases. Deposit slabs are based on annual turnover (e.g., ₹5,000 for turnover under ₹1 Crore, ₹10,000 for ₹1 Cr–₹10 Cr, and ₹25,000 for turnover above ₹10 Crore). Failing to deposit or replenish this amount prevents sellers from placing bids or receiving purchase orders.

3. Incorrect Product Categorization and Attribute Mapping

Selecting an incorrect category or misrepresenting technical parameters during stock creation causes serious evaluation issues. Uploading items under improper search tags or inaccurate product quadrants often leads to catalogue rejections by buyers during technical evaluation. To ensure your items are classified correctly without compliance flags, refer to our detailed GeM Product Listing Process 2026 | Step-by-Step Guide for Sellers.

4. Missing SLA Delivery Deadlines

Once an order is placed on the official GeM portal, strict delivery Service Level Agreements (SLAs) come into force. Delaying goods dispatch, failing to upload shipment proof on time, or missing final delivery dates can trigger automatic incident reports, vendor score deductions, and potential account suspension from future public procurement tenders.

Why GeM is Important for MSMEs & Startups

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has emerged as a powerful growth engine for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and DPIIT-recognized startups across India. By digitizing public procurement and eliminating traditional intermediaries, the platform allows small businesses to compete directly for public sector contracts alongside large enterprise corporations.

Specific policies and structural benefits integrated into the platform protect and empower small business owners:

• Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) Exemptions: MSMEs and recognized startups are exempt from paying Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) and tender document fees when participating in government bids. Business owners verified through a valid Udyam Certificate Download can claim these financial waivers automatically during bid submission, significantly reducing upfront working capital requirements.
• Mandatory Public Procurement Policy (PPP) Reserves: Under the Public Procurement Policy for MSEs, Central Ministries, Government Departments, and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) must procure a minimum of 25% of their total annual purchases from Micro and Small Enterprises. This quota includes specific sub-targets: 4% reserved for SC/ST-owned MSEs and 3% for Women-owned MSEs. Additionally, over 358 product categories are strictly reserved for exclusive purchase from MSE manufacturers.
• Strict 10 to 15-Day Payment Timelines: Payment delays are a major hurdle for growing businesses. GeM addresses this through mandated digital workflows. Buyers are required to generate the Consignee Receipt-cum-Acceptance Certificate (CRAC) within 10 days of delivery, and final payments must be triggered within 10 days of CRAC issuance, ensuring predictable 15-to-20-day payout cycles.
• Simplified Direct Purchases: Small suppliers can secure quick government orders without entering complex bidding processes. Government buyers can make direct purchases up to ₹25,000, and automated L1 price-comparison purchases up to ₹5,00,000, creating immediate revenue opportunities for smaller vendors.

To take full advantage of these statutory benefits, sellers must keep their profile and business classifications updated on the official GeM portal.

GeM Caution Money Requirements & Refund Process

To ensure transaction discipline and minimize order defaults across public procurement, the Government e-Marketplace mandates sellers to deposit a one-time safety buffer known as Caution Money. Depositing this amount is a mandatory requirement before you can participate in online bids or accept direct purchase orders. If you are completing your GeM Portal Registration 2026: Quick & Easy Step-by-Step Guide, understanding these financial slabs and account rules is essential for uninterrupted business operations.

Mandatory Caution Money Slabs Based on Turnover

The required deposit amount depends on the seller’s annual turnover, verified automatically through integrated Income Tax Return (ITR) or GSTN records on the portal:

• Turnover below ₹1 Crore: ₹5,000 deposit requirement.
• Turnover between ₹1 Crore and ₹10 Crore: ₹10,000 deposit requirement.
• Turnover above ₹10 Crore: ₹25,000 deposit requirement.

Account Management Rules & Penalty Deductions

Sellers must create and manage their caution money deposit online using nodal partner banks (such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, or Axis Bank) integrated directly into the GeM Portal. Funds remain parked securely in a dedicated virtual account under your profile.

If a seller violates portal policies—such as failing to accept an order within the stipulated time, canceling an accepted order, or incurring Liquidated Damages (LD) due to delayed deliveries—the buyer or portal authorities can deduct penalty charges directly from this balance. If a deduction occurs, the seller receives an automated alert and must top up the caution money back to the required threshold to maintain an active seller status.

Step-by-Step Withdrawal and Refund Process

Sellers who wish to close their seller profile or exit the platform can request a full refund of their remaining caution money through an online request:

• Fulfill Pending Contracts: Ensure that all existing orders, deliveries, and service level agreements (SLAs) are fully closed with no outstanding buyer disputes or pending penalties.
• Initiate Refund Request: Log into the seller dashboard, navigate to Caution Money Management, and select Request Caution Money Refund.
• Verification & Processing: The portal runs automated checks to confirm zero active liabilities. Once cleared, the balance is transferred directly back to the seller's verified primary bank account within 7 to 10 working days.

Vendor Assessment and OEM Panel Setup on GeM

To list branded products or gain primary manufacturer status on the Government e Marketplace, sellers must complete the vendor assessment process. GeM has partnered with the Quality Council of India (QCI) to audit manufacturing capabilities, production capacity, and quality standards before granting Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) panel access.

Step-by-Step QCI Vendor Assessment Procedure

The vendor assessment managed by QCI is executed in two primary phases:

• Desktop Assessment: Sellers submit financial credentials, factory location details, ownership proof, quality certifications (such as ISO, CE, or BIS), and raw material invoice records on the GeM portal.
• Video / Physical Assessment: A QCI assessor conducts a live video audit of the manufacturing unit via a specialized mobile application to inspect operating machinery, safety compliance, inventory, and actual production lines.

Exemption Rules: MSMEs holding valid NSIC registration, BIS license holders for relevant standards, Central/State PSUs, and DPIIT-recognized Startups (in specific categories) may be exempt from QCI assessment fees or physical site audits upon submitting valid documentary evidence.

OEM Panel Access and Reseller Authorization Code (RAP)

Once QCI approves the assessment, the seller profile upgrades to an OEM account. This unlocks dedicated dashboard tools for catalog governance and market channel management:

• Brand & Category Ownership: OEMs register their proprietary brands, upload technical data sheets, and set base master pricing for government procurement.
• Generating Reseller Authorization Codes (RAP): To allow authorized dealers or distributors to supply their brand to government departments, OEMs issue a unique Reseller Authorization Code (RAP) directly from their OEM panel.
• Reseller Pairing: When distributors execute their catalog setup during the GeM Product Listing Process 2026 | Step-by-Step Guide for Sellers, they input the OEM-provided authorization code to link their account directly to the approved brand catalog without altering master technical specifications.

GeM Seller vs Buyer Registration: Eligibility, Fee Structure, and Key Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Is registration on the GeM portal free for sellers in India?

Yes, account creation and seller registration on the Government e Marketplace (GeM) portal are completely free of charge. Sellers do not need to pay any registration fee to create a primary profile. However, sellers must deposit Caution Money based on their annual turnover to start participating in bids and transactions.
Source: Government e-Marketplace

What is Caution Money on GeM, and how much is required?

Caution Money is a refundable safety deposit maintained by sellers on the GeM portal to ensure compliance with marketplace terms. The required amount depends on seller turnover: ₹2,000 for turnover under ₹1 Crore, ₹5,000 for turnover between ₹1 Crore and ₹10 Crore, and ₹10,000 for turnover exceeding ₹10 Crore.
Source: Government e-Marketplace

Can a primary seller register as an OEM on the GeM portal?

Yes, a primary seller account holder can apply for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) status on GeM. To register as an OEM, the seller must provide valid proof of manufacturing, such as trademark registration, factory license, or NSIC/Udyam certificates, and undergo vendor assessment by Quality Council of India (QCI) if applicable.
Source: Government e-Marketplace

What is the processing time for GeM registration approval?

Basic primary registration on the GeM portal is completed instantly once Aadhaar/PAN authentication and OTP verifications are successful. However, secondary approvals, OEM dashboard creation, and product listing verifications typically take between 2 to 7 working days, depending on document validation and vendor assessment requirements by the portal.
Source: Government e-Marketplace

Is GSTIN mandatory for seller registration on the GeM portal?

GSTIN is mandatory for all sellers offering goods or services taxable under GST laws on GeM. However, categories exempted from GST registration under statutory government norms, such as certain micro-enterprises or artisans, can register using PAN, provided they submit appropriate self-declarations and meet exempted category rules on the portal.
Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

How do buyers place direct purchase orders on the GeM portal?

Government buyers can place direct orders for products or services valued up to ₹25,000 through any available seller meeting technical specifications. For purchases above ₹25,000 up to ₹5 Lakhs, buyers must compare prices across at least three different OEMs/sellers on the platform before executing a direct purchase order.
Source: Government e-Marketplace