Introduction

In the age of Digital India, the Indian government has taken bold steps to bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to public procurement. One such powerful reform is the launch of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), a one-stop online portal where government buyers can procure goods and services from registered sellers, startups, and MSMEs across the country.

GeM Portal Registration is not just a compliance task; it is a gateway to a multi-lakh crore rupee marketplace where Indian businesses, especially startups, small traders, and manufacturers, can sell directly to the government.

What is the GeM Portal?

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online public procurement platform launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It enables central and state government departments, PSUs, and other government organizations to purchase goods and services directly from vendors without middlemen.

GeM promotes:

• Transparent transactions
  
  
• Real-time bidding
  
  
• Fair pricing
  
  
• MSME empowerment

As of 2025, the GeM platform has facilitated over ₹4 lakh crore worth of transactions and onboarded more than 70,000 buyer organizations and 50+ lakh sellers.

Why Register on the GeM Portal?

Here’s what makes GeM Portal registration a game-changer for Indian businesses:

Direct Access to Government Buyers: Sell to over 9,000+ government departments, including Indian Railways, Defence, and Municipal Corporations.

Equal Opportunity: Startups and small businesses can compete with large companies fairly through transparent bidding.

Faster Payment: Payment is generally made within 10 days of delivery under the GeM system.

Government Schemes Support: Registered MSMEs get access to exclusive reservations, bid preference, and e-credit support through initiatives like PM MUDRA and TReDS.

Who Can Register on the GeM Portal?

The following entities can register as sellers or service providers on GeM:

• Sole Proprietors
  
  
• Private Limited Companies
  
  
• Partnership Firms
  
  
• LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships)
  
  
• Startups (DPIIT recognized)
  
  
• Government Manufacturers
  
  
• OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers)
  
  
• Artisans Weavers under KVIC, Coir Board, TRIFED

What Can You Sell on GeM?

You can list a wide variety of products and services, including but not limited to:

Products:

• Office Supplies
  
  
• Furniture
  
  
• IT Equipment (Laptops, Printers, Servers)
  
  
• Electrical Items
  
  
• Stationery
  
  
• Sanitary Products
  
  
• Medical Devices
  
  
• Uniforms and Fabrics

Services:

• Housekeeping Cleaning
  
  
• Security Services
  
  
• IT Services Development
  
  
• Consultancy
  
  
• Event Management
  
  
• Transportation Services
  
  
• HR Services

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register on the GeM Portal

Visit the GeM Website: Go to the official GeM registration portal.

Enter Details: Fill in basic information like name, email, phone number, and date of birth.

OTP Verification: Enter the OTP received via SMS or email.

GeM Confirmation: A GeM representative will call to confirm your OTP.

Complete Registration: After verification, your registration is complete.

Get GeM ID: Receive your seller ID and login credentials via email.

Set Up Profile: Log in, set up your profile, and list your products.

Submit Caution Money: You'll be notified to submit caution money.

Select Product Listing: On the dashboard, click Product Listing to add new products or manage your existing ones.

Choose Product Category: Pick the correct category for your product. This helps government buyers find your product easily.

Start Selling: Your products are now visible to government buyers, and you can begin receiving orders.

Types of Sellers on GeM

GeM has structured seller types for better classification:

Manufacturers

• These are businesses that produce goods themselves.
  
  
• They can list products for sale.
  
  
• Must upload manufacturing proof (e.g., factory license, MSME certificate).

Traders / Resellers

• These sellers don’t manufacture but buy and resell products.
  
  
• Need to upload authorization letters or dealership certificates from manufacturers.

Service Providers

• Offer services like security, cleaning, IT support, transportation, etc.
  
  
• Must have experience or documents proving the ability to deliver services.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)

• These are recognized brands or product creators.
  
  
• GeM assigns OEM status after proper verification.
  
  
• Their products are treated as primary sources for quality assurance.

Startup Sellers

• Registered under the Startup India program.
  
  
• Can list innovative or niche products/services.
  
  
• Eligible for special support and procurement preference.

MSME Sellers

• Registered under Udyam (MSME Registration).
  
  
• Get exemptions from bid security, EMD, and tender fees.
  
  
• Also eligible for price preference in tenders.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

• Community-led groups selling handicrafts, organic goods, etc.
  
  
• Must be registered with a recognized SHG authority.

Government or Cooperative Societies

• Public institutions or societies selling products like fertilizers, tools, etc.
  
  
• Must be registered under a government act.

Artisans / Weavers / Craftspersons

• Individual traditional product makers (e.g., pottery, weaving).
  
  
• Supported by boards like KVIC, TRIFED, or the Handloom Board.

Aggregators

• These sellers represent multiple small vendors.
  
  
• Help them sell under one unified GeM account

How Does Selling Work on GeM?

Once your account is active and listings are live:

1. Buyers can place orders directly (Direct Purchase Mode)
   
   
2. Or issue bids (Bidding Mode or Reverse Auction)
   
   
3. Sellers quote their best prices
   
   
4. The lowest bidder wins in most cases
   
   
5. After order placement, you deliver the goods
   
   
6. The invoice is uploaded, and payment is released digitally

Unique Features of the GeM Portal

Dynamic Pricing

Prices can be updated based on market rates and supply-demand trends.

Multiple Purchase Modes

• Direct Purchase (below ₹25,000)
  
  
• L1 Purchase (₹25,000–₹5 lakh)
  
  
• Bidding/Reverse Auction (above ₹5 lakh)

Catalog Management

Sellers can manage products, specifications, warranty, and stock online.

Integrated Logistics Support

Logistics tie-ups help small sellers deliver pan-India.

Performance Dashboard

Track sales, orders, and payment status in real time.

Government Support for Sellers on GeM

• Udyam-registered MSMEs get relaxation in EMD (Earnest Money Deposit)
  
  
• Startup India-recognized companies enjoy exemptions
  
  
• Training Workshops are offered by GeM Samvaad and MSME-DI offices
  
  
• GeM SAHAY offers invoice financing and working capital support

Note: Now easily list your product on the gem portal through gem catalogue service

Conclusion

GeM Portal Registration is more than just selling products online; it's about becoming part of India’s evolving digital economy where transparency, scale, and opportunity go hand in hand.

If you're a manufacturer, service provider, artisan, or tech startup, GeM is your ticket to secure, scalable government business, with full visibility and real-time payments.