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GeM

GeM bidding guide for sellers and service providers

GeM combines seller registration, catalogue or service listing, bid participation, reverse auction, ordering and fulfillment. The current portal workflow and individual bid conditions control every submission.

01

Seller registration and users

Register the legal entity using its verified tax and business records. The primary user administers the seller organization and may create secondary users with permitted responsibilities. Keep authorization and contact data current and protect account credentials.

Practical checks

  • Use matching PAN, GST and bank information.
  • Assign least-privilege operational roles.
  • Complete all verification tasks before bidding.
Questions answered in this section
  • How do I register as GeM seller?
  • How does service provider register?
  • What is a GeM primary user?
  • What is a secondary user?
  • Can a reseller register?
  • Can multiple employees work on GeM?
  • How do I update GeM profile?
  • Why is seller registration pending?

02

Categories, brands and bid eligibility

The offered product or service must be listed in the appropriate category and comply with the bid specification. OEM authorization, brand approval, seller assessment, turnover, experience and certifications may apply. A visible bid is not proof that every seller account is eligible.

Practical checks

  • Map every specification to supporting evidence.
  • Check buyer-added conditions carefully.
  • Do not offer an unapproved variant.
Questions answered in this section
  • How do I list a product on GeM?
  • What is category matching?
  • Why is brand approval pending?
  • When is OEM authorization required?
  • What is seller assessment?
  • What is caution money?
  • How is seller rating calculated?
  • Can a reseller bid without OEM authorization?

03

Custom bids, exemptions and reverse auctions

A custom bid may include buyer-defined specifications and additional terms. Claim MSME or startup relief only when applicable and supported. Eligible technically qualified bidders may proceed to a reverse auction where the bid provides for it; follow the portal’s timing and decrement rules.

Practical checks

  • Download and read every bid attachment.
  • Review changes and corrigenda.
  • Set a commercial floor before reverse auction.
Questions answered in this section
  • What is a GeM custom bid?
  • What is bid to RA?
  • How does GeM reverse auction work?
  • Who can enter reverse auction?
  • How do I claim MSME exemption?
  • Why was GeM exemption rejected?
  • Does startup get experience exemption?
  • Can buyer add custom eligibility?

04

Order acceptance, delivery, CRAC and payment

After award, accept and fulfill the order within portal timelines, maintain delivery evidence and resolve inspection or rejection issues through the prescribed process. CRAC records receipt and acceptance and is important to invoicing and payment workflows.

Practical checks

  • Confirm delivery location and consignee details.
  • Upload accurate invoice and dispatch records.
  • Use the incident mechanism for documented disputes.
Questions answered in this section
  • What is GeM order acceptance?
  • What is CRAC?
  • How do I submit GeM invoice?
  • How are delivery delays handled?
  • What if goods are rejected?
  • How do I raise a GeM incident?
  • When is GeM payment released?
  • Can buyer cancel an order?

Official sources and further reading

Reviewed against the cited sources on 27 September 2026. Requirements can change and the specific tender document remains controlling.