The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a revolutionary initiative by the Government of India aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and speed in public procurement. It serves as an online platform for government departments and public sector units (PSUs) to procure goods and services directly from registered sellers. For businesses, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the GeM portal offers a golden opportunity to tap into the vast government procurement market.
If you’re new to GeM and unsure how to begin, don’t worry. This detailed guide will walk you through the complete process—from registration to bidding—ensuring you can make the most of what GeM has to offer.
Why the GeM Portal Matters for Indian Businesses
Before diving into the how-to, it’s worth understanding why GeM is a platform you should be on:
- Massive Buyer Base: With over 50,000 registered government buyers, including ministries, departments, and PSUs, the GeM portal provides unmatched access to consistent demand.
- Transparency: All transactions are online and traceable, reducing manual red tape and favoritism.
- MSME Support: Special provisions, faster payments, and exemptions are available for MSMEs and startups.
- Zero Middlemen: Direct selling to the government eliminates commission agents or intermediaries.
- Billions in Procurement: In FY 2023-24 alone, GeM facilitated over ₹3 lakh crore in procurement.
Step 1: Registering on the GeM Portal
1. Visit the Official Website
Go to https://gem.gov.in and click on “Sign Up.” Choose the “Seller” option if you intend to sell products or services.
2. Enter Required Information
You’ll need the following:
- Aadhaar or PAN (linked to the business owner)
- Business name and type
- Email and mobile number
- GSTIN (Goods & Services Tax Identification Number)
- Bank account details
- Udyam Registration Certificate (for MSMEs)
3. Account Verification
After submitting the form, you will receive an OTP for email/mobile verification. Once done, your seller account will be created.
Tip: Use an official email ID (like info@yourcompany.com) to improve approval chances.
Step 2: Completing Your Profile
Once you’re inside the dashboard, navigate to the “Profile” section and complete the following:
- Upload your Company Logo
- Fill out business details such as incorporation year, address, and type of business
- Upload supporting documents like:
- PAN
- GST Certificate
- Cancelled cheque
- Udyam/MSME Certificate
- Experience Certificates (if any)
Why it matters: A complete profile builds trust with government buyers and is crucial for product/service listing approval.
Step 3: Listing Your Products or Services
Now comes the important part—listing what you offer.
Product Listing Process:
- Go to Catalogue > Add New Product
- Select a relevant product category from the GeM directory
- Add product title, description, specifications, pricing, and minimum order quantity
- Upload clear, watermark-free images (JPEG/PNG under 5MB)
- Submit for approval
Service Listing:
GeM also supports service providers. You can list services under various categories such as IT solutions, manpower supply, housekeeping, etc., by choosing the appropriate “Service Category.”
Best Practices:
- Keep pricing competitive (Govt. buyers compare)
- Highlight any USPs (e.g., faster delivery, warranty, etc.)
- Avoid exaggerated claims or unverified certifications
Step 4: Understanding Bidding and Direct Orders
Once your listings are approved, you’re eligible to receive:
- Direct Purchase Orders: For low-value orders (typically under ₹25,000)
- Bids/RFQs (Request for Quotation): Competitive procurement for larger orders
How to Participate in Bids:
- Go to the “Bid Opportunities” tab
- Filter tenders relevant to your category
- Read bid documents carefully—especially delivery timelines, terms & conditions
- Submit financial and technical bids within the deadline
Pro Tips:
- Only bid if you meet 100% of the technical specifications
- Keep your documents (like experience certificates) ready for upload
- Check bid status regularly—GeM doesn’t send alerts for every update
Step 5: Fulfilling Orders and Getting Paid
Winning a bid is just the beginning—timely delivery and proper documentation are crucial.
After Winning an Order:
- A purchase order (PO) is issued through the portal
- Deliver goods/services as per the timeline
- Upload Delivery Challan and Invoice on the portal
- Buyer confirms receipt on GeM
- Payment is released directly to your bank account (usually within 10–15 working days)
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Delayed deliveries
- Missing product specifications
- Incorrect invoices or document uploads
FAQs
Q: Can I use one account for multiple businesses?
No. Each business needs a separate seller registration.
Q: Can freelancers or individuals sell on GeM?
Yes, as long as you are GST-registered and meet other document requirements.
Q: What if my product listing gets rejected?
GeM usually provides the reason. Correct the issue (e.g., image size, description) and resubmit.