In recent years, Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has changed the way procurement is done by government departments in India. The platform has created a transparent, efficient, and cost-effective procurement system that empowers sellers and service providers across the country to directly engage with government buyers. If you are a manufacturer, service provider, MSME, or startup looking to supply your goods or services to government organizations, GeM registration is your gateway. This article offers a complete overview of GeM registration—its meaning, how to start, the step-by-step process, key documents required, associated benefits, and the importance of L1 comparison and make in India certification for direct purchases.
Meaning of GeM Registration
GeM registration refers to the online enrollment of a seller or service provider on the Government e-Marketplace portal (https://gem.gov.in), enabling them to sell their products or services directly to central and state government departments, PSUs, and other government institutions. The Government of India launched this initiative under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 2016 to enhance transparency, efficiency, and speed in public procurement. Unlike traditional tendering systems, GeM simplifies procurement by enabling direct purchases and competitive bidding. With valid GeM registration, businesses can access a vast marketplace with consistent demand from government buyers.
When and Why Should You Start GeM Registration?
Starting your GeM registration early is advantageous for any organization aiming to expand its business into the government sector. The sooner you register, the quicker you can access tenders, be part of direct purchases, and list your catalog of goods and services.
Start GeM registration if:
You supply standard goods or services listed under the GeM categories. If you want to increase brand visibility with government departments, if you are looking to scale operations through public sector demand, if you are an MSME, startup, or DIPP-recognized firm exploring institutional buyers. Since all government purchases above Rs.25,000 must be made through GeM, vendors listed on the platform enjoy a monopoly in their category when a buyer initiates direct procurement.
Process of GeM Registration
The GeM registration process is completely online and streamlined. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the GeM Seller Enrollment:
1. Visit the GeM Portal: Start by visiting www.gem.gov.in and clicking on "Sign Up" as a Seller.
2. Business Type Selection: Choose your type of business entity: Proprietorship, Partnership Firm, Private Limited Company, LLP, Trust, Society, or any other eligible entity.
3. Aadhaar and PAN Validation: The authorized person must provide their Aadhaar number and PAN number for validation. The Aadhaar must be linked with the registered mobile number.F
4. Company and Bank Details: Enter your Company Name, Registered Address, and Bank Account Details for payment settlements. A valid bank account in the name of the business is mandatory.
5. Upload Required Documents: Upload the documents required for verification. (See below for a complete list.)
6. Office and Tax Details: You must provide your GSTIN, Udyam/MSME registration number, and income tax PAN for the business.
7. Verification and Approval: After submission, the GeM authority verifies your details. Upon successful verification, your GeM seller account is activated, and you receive access to the dashboard to list products/services.
8. Catalog Upload: You can now add your products or services for sale on the portal. Each listing should include:
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Product images
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Price
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Technical specifications
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Delivery timeline
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Warranty (if applicable)
GeM has a built-in quality control and validation system before final publishing.
List of Documents Required for GeM Registration
To complete your registration without delay, you must have the following documents ready:
1. PAN Card of the Business
2. Aadhaar Card of the Authorized Signatory
3. Certificate of Incorporation / Registration-
For proprietorship: Udyam MSME Registration or GST certificate
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For companies: Certificate from ROC (Registrar of Companies)
5. Bank Account Details (Cancelled Cheque)
6. GST Registration Certificate
7. Udyam Registration Certificate (if applicable)
8. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) – Class 3 DSC is preferred for uploading bids.
9. Trademark Certificate (if the brand name is registered)
10. Manufacturing/Authorization Certificates (for OEMs or resellers)
11. Make in India Certificate (if availing benefits under Make in India policy)
12. Past Performance Proof (Invoices or work orders for similar government contracts)
13.Product or Service Details (Brochure or catalog for better visibility)
Note: All documents should be scanned and uploaded in PDF or JPEG format and should match the details provided in the form.
Fees for GeM Registration
GeM (Government e-Marketplace) registration is free of cost. However, sellers are required to deposit a refundable Caution Money Deposit (CMD) based on their annual turnover:
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For turnover less than Rs.1 crore: Rs.5,000
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For turnover between Rs.1 crore and Rs.10 crores: Rs.10,000
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For turnover above Rs.10 crores: Rs.25,000
Additionally, a Vendor Assessment Fee of Rs.11,200 plus GST is applicable for certain sellers, especially those seeking OEM status.
Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it's advisable to consult the official GeM portal or authorized consultants for the most current information.
Benefits of GeM Registration
GeM registration offers a host of benefits for sellers, especially MSMEs, startups, and emerging brands:
You get direct access to central/state government departments and PSUs who are mandated to buy through GeM. GeM eliminates intermediaries, allowing sellers to retain higher margins and offer competitive prices directly. Payments are made through PFMS (Public Financial Management System), ensuring timely receipt. There is a 10-day automatic payment release policy under rule 149. You do not need separate marketing budgets to approach individual departments. Your products/services are visible to thousands of registered buyers. With the Make in India certificate uploaded, your product gets preference in procurement. GeM has integrated preference policies such as Local Content requirement and DPIIT recognition. Through the comparative pricing algorithm, GeM ensures optimal pricing. The L1 (Lowest One) system ensures buyers get the best deal while sellers who quote the lowest price get visibility. Buyers can make direct purchases up to Rs.25,000 without bidding, giving sellers regular business flow without tendering hassles.
L1 Comparison of GeM for Direct Purchases
A crucial feature of the GeM portal is L1 (Lowest One) comparison, especially for direct purchases. When a buyer initiates a purchase under Rs.25,000, they may opt for any of the listed products. However, if they wish to buy above this amount (up to Rs.5 lakhs), the system prompts L1 comparison automatically.
This comparison considers:
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Price
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Delivery time
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Quality ratings
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Make in India preference
The seller quoting the lowest price (L1) with good performance ratings gets higher chances of being selected for direct order. Hence, it is critical for sellers to keep their prices competitive and delivery timelines optimized to appear in L1 results.
Make in India Certificate and Its Significance on GeM
Under the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India), Order 2017, the Government of India promotes local manufacturers and service providers. GeM integrates this policy by allowing sellers to upload a Make in India Certificate, declaring the percentage of local content in their products.
Benefits of Make in India Certification:
(a) Preference in L1 comparison
(b) Access to reserved bids for Indian manufacturers
(c) Eligibility for certain exclusive procurement orders
(d) Enhanced visibility in search results for buyers
To get this benefit, sellers must:
(a) Self-declare their product as “Class I Local Supplier” (more than 50% local content)
(b) Provide necessary documents supporting the declaration
GeM has also enabled DPIIT-recognized startups to avail these preferences to encourage innovation and indigenous products.
Conclusion
GeM registration is a must-have for any business aiming to supply to government entities in India. With a smooth and fully digital process, backed by minimal documentation and transparent operations, the platform ensures equitable opportunities for sellers across the country. Whether you’re a large enterprise or a first-time startup, GeM gives you a robust ecosystem to expand your reach, ensure consistent sales, and build credibility with institutional buyers. By knowing the documentation, registration steps, and operational requirements of GeM, sellers can avoid delays and start receiving orders swiftly. Don’t miss the opportunity to register, especially with the added benefits of Make in India certification and L1 comparison on direct purchases. Start your GeM registration today and be part of India’s growing government e-marketplace revolution.
If you need any support in GeM Registration, then you can connect with experts through email info@ccoffice.in or Call/Whatsapp at +91 9988424211.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is GeM registration?
Ans. GeM registration is the process of enrolling sellers or service providers on the Government e-Marketplace portal to supply goods and services to government buyers.
Q2. Is GeM registration free of cost?
Ans. Yes, GeM registration is free, but sellers must pay a refundable Caution Money Deposit based on their turnover.
Q3. Who can register on the GeM portal?
Ans. Any manufacturer, trader, service provider, MSME, startup, or company supplying to government departments can register on GeM.
Q4. What are the key documents required for GeM registration?
Ans. Essential documents include PAN, Aadhaar, GST certificate, bank details, Udyam registration, and incorporation proof.
Q5. How do I start the GeM registration process?
Ans. You can start by visiting www.gem.gov.in, clicking “Sign Up” as a seller, and filling in the required details.
Q6. What is the Make in India certificate in GeM registration?
Ans. The Make in India certificate provides local suppliers with preference in government procurement and L1 ranking.
Q7. What is L1 comparison in GeM?
Ans. L1 comparison refers to the system of selecting the seller offering the lowest price for a product or service on GeM.
Q8. Can I sell services as well as products on GeM?
Ans. Yes, GeM allows sellers to list both goods and services for procurement by government buyers.