In India, Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has transformed the entire process of public procurement by providing ease of doing business into a system of transparency, efficiency and ease of usage among both government sellers and buyers. When you are a business or an entrepreneur whose primary mode of growth is according to government contracts, it becomes very important to get the skills of bidding within the GeM portal. We at Tender 18, are trying to make this process simpler to you and there will be a step by step guide that you can follow to be a part of the tender and make it a success.
The GeM Portal https://gem.gov.in is an online marketplace initiated by the Government of India to facilitate procurement of goods and services by various government departments, ministries, and public sector undertakings (PSUs). It ensures transparency, speed, and cost-effectiveness.
GeM offers equal opportunities to both established companies and startups. However, to tap into these opportunities, sellers must know how to register and bid effectively.
Step-by-Step Process to Bid on GeM Portal
1. Seller Registration on GeM
Before you can bid, you need to register as a seller:
Visit https://gem.gov.in
Click on "Sign Up" > "Seller"
Fill in essential details such as:
Business type (Proprietorship, Partnership, Company, etc.)
PAN, Aadhaar of owner/authorized signatory
Bank account details
Mobile number & email (linked with Aadhaar)
GSTIN (if applicable)
Once completed, you’ll receive a Seller ID.
Note: Ensure all business documents are valid and up to date.
2. Profile Completion and Verification
After registering, you must complete your seller profile:
Upload necessary certificates (e.g., MSME, Startup India, ISO)
Provide past performance records
Input product/service categories
Set payment terms, delivery timelines, and warranty conditions
Verification will be conducted by GeM authorities. Approval may take a few days.
Verified sellers have better visibility and trust among buyers.
3. Product/Service Listing
Next, list your products or services under relevant categories:
Go to the Seller Dashboard
Click on “Add New Offering”
Enter detailed specifications, pricing, delivery terms, etc.
Upload clear product images and documentation
Ensure you meet the specifications prescribed under GeM standards.
4. Understanding Types of Bids on GeM
There are two major types of bids/tenders you can participate in:
A. Direct Purchase Orders (DPO):
Government buyers can directly place orders with sellers whose product/service is listed and meets required parameters.
No bidding involved.
B. Bids and Reverse Auctions (RA):
Buyers float bids or RAs for bulk procurement or high-value goods/services.
Sellers participate by quoting competitive prices.
The seller quoting the lowest price (L1) and meeting all technical criteria generally wins the contract.
In case of disputes or payment delays, use the GeM grievance redressal mechanism or contact the GeM Helpdesk.
Important Documents Required for Bidding
PAN Card
Aadhaar Card
GSTIN Certificate
Bank Account Details (Cancelled cheque)
MSME/Startup/ISO Certificates (optional but beneficial)
Authorization Letters (for company representatives)
Why Use GeM for Bidding
Equal opportunity for all vendors (MSMEs, startups, large enterprises)
Access to verified government buyers
No need to pay commissions to intermediaries
Quick payment processing
Digital records of all transactions
Final Words from Tender 18
The acquisition of skills on how to bid on GeM portal creates an avenue to reliable business with the Indian government. It encourages openness, competitivity, and uniformity of opportunity in industries. Tender 18 can help your business find the tenders that are relevant to your business, decipher bid documentation precious to you, as well as read about the latest procurement opportunities. When searching the government contracts to dig in the business, keep in touch with the latest tenders and Tender 18 to help you with the process of bidding, as well as advise.
