What GeM is
The Government e-Marketplace (gem.gov.in) is a single online platform where sellers and service providers sell goods and services to government buyers. GeM's own training material says individuals, startups, MSMEs and companies can take part. You can offer products, from stationery to IT items, or services such as manpower and facility services (GeM seller registration guide).
Why it matters for small firms: under the Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), central ministries, departments and CPSEs must buy 25% of their annual procurement from MSEs. That includes 4% from MSEs owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs and 3% from MSEs owned by women (PIB, 1 Aug 2024).
What to keep ready
GeM publishes a pre-requisites checklist (GeM pre-requisites PDF). In short:
- To sign up: your business type and name; your Aadhaar (with its linked mobile for OTP) or your personal PAN (with a mobile number for OTP); and an active email ID. You confirm that you are the key or authorised person of the organisation.
- To complete your profile: your business PAN as per Income Tax records, the exact name and date as on the PAN, date of incorporation or registration, CIN for companies, your registered office address and contact details, and the bank account and IFSC where you will receive payments.
- ITR details: the checklist asks for Income Tax Return details for the last three years. Verified ITR details are mandatory to take part in bids or reverse auctions, unless your business was set up less than 24 months ago or is exempt from filing ITR.
- Udyam number, if you are an MSME (GeM registration guide). Do not have one yet? Read how to get Udyam registration.
Registering, step by step
- Go to gem.gov.in, click Login, then choose Signup as "Seller / Service Provider".
- Choose your business or organisation type, read the pre-requisites document, and accept the terms and conditions.
- Enter your organisation's name.
- Verify yourself with Aadhaar (consent, then the OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile) or with PAN (PAN details and date of birth, then a mobile OTP).
- Verify your email and create your user ID and password.
- Log in and complete the organisation profile under My Account (GeM registration guide, pre-requisites).
Caution money and vendor assessment
Older articles often say new sellers must pay "caution money". That is out of date. In a note last updated on 6 November 2025, GeM says the requirement has been discontinued for all sellers and service providers. A new seller can upload a catalogue once their profile is 100% complete. Sellers who already paid can withdraw the excess amount (GeM caution money note).
Some categories require vendor assessment, especially for OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). GeM explains when it applies and how exemptions work in its vendor assessment guide. Check the current rules for your category before you list products. We have not quoted fees here because they can change.
Direct orders vs bids, and MSE benefits
Once your catalogue is live, buyers can order from it, and you can also take part in bids. When you bid, read the bid document and its terms closely. Our guide to reading tender documents walks through EMD, eligibility and deadlines.
The Ministry of MSME's FAQ on the Public Procurement Policy lists these benefits for Udyam-registered MSEs (DC-MSME PPP FAQ):
- Tender sets free of cost, and exemption from paying earnest money deposit (EMD).
- If an MSE quotes within L1+15% and the lowest bid (L1) is from a non-MSE, the MSE can be allowed to supply part of the order (up to 25% of the total tender value) by matching the L1 price.
- Possible relaxation in prior turnover and experience criteria.
- Not covered: there is no exemption from security deposit or performance bank guarantee.
Each bid lists its own conditions for claiming these benefits, so always check whether the exemption applies to you before you rely on it.
Practical tips for your first months
- Keep the details on GeM, PAN, GST, bank and Udyam consistent. Mismatched names cause verification failures.
- Write clear, accurate catalogue descriptions and only list what you can deliver on time.
- Get training only from GeM's own website. Nobody has to pay a "GeM agent" to register. See spotting scams.
Last checked 11 Oct 2026 against the official sources linked in this guide.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information in plain English. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Scheme rules, limits and portals change, so always check the official source linked above, and talk to your bank or a qualified professional before you apply or bid. OpportunityRaider is independent and is not a government website.
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