GeM Portal FAQ: Answers to the Questions Readers Ask

This GeM portal FAQ collects the questions readers actually send us, grouped by topic and answered in a few lines each. Where a question needs more than a paragraph, the answer links to the full guide. If your question is not here, it is probably covered in one of those guides, and if it is not, the official helpdesk on gem.gov.in is the right place for anything touching your own account.

GeM portal FAQ: basics

What is the GeM portal?

India’s national public procurement marketplace, where government bodies buy and registered businesses sell. The background is on our what is GeM portal guide.

What is the GeM full form?

Government e Marketplace. It is unrelated to GEMS Education or other GEMS branded systems.

Who owns GeM?

GeM SPV, a government owned company under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Is GeM the same as CPPP or eProcurement?

No. GeM handles catalogue purchases and bids for goods and standard services. Works and complex project tenders usually sit on other portals.

Can a private company buy on GeM?

No. Only government bodies buy. Private businesses sell.

Is there a Hindi version of this information?

Yes, on our GeM portal kya hai page.

GeM portal FAQ: registration

Is GeM registration free?

Yes, entirely. The full cost picture is on our fees page.

What documents do I need?

Aadhaar or PAN of the authorised person, business PAN, email, bank details and address at minimum. The list by business type is on our documents page.

How long does registration take?

The account usually works the same day. Verification takes longer.

Can I register without GST?

Often yes, but GST becomes necessary for larger orders and most bids.

Can one business have two accounts?

No. One PAN, one account.

My PAN verification keeps failing. Why?

Almost always a name mismatch with the income tax database. Fixes are on our documents and verification page.

Do I need a consultant?

Not for registration. Where consultants genuinely help is explained on our fees page.

Can an individual register as a seller?

Yes, as a proprietorship or individual service provider with the right documents.

GeM portal FAQ: login and account

Is my user ID my email address?

No, and this single misunderstanding causes most failed logins. See our login guide.

I forgot my user ID. What now?

Use the forgot user ID option, or search your inbox for the registration email. Steps are on our recovery page.

OTP is not arriving. What should I check?

Which number is actually registered, DND settings, and whether you requested several OTPs in a row.

My account says user disabled.

Four causes, two of which you can fix yourself. The table is on our recovery page.

The registered mobile number no longer exists.

That needs a support ticket with identity proof. There is no self service route.

Can I log in on a phone?

Yes for checking things, but use a computer for bids and catalogue work.

How do I remove an employee’s access?

The primary user removes the secondary user, and the password should be changed the same day.

GeM portal FAQ: bids and tenders

Can I see tenders without registering?

Yes. Bids are public. Participation needs an account.

What is L1?

The lowest priced qualifying offer.

Is EMD always required?

No, and micro and small enterprises are exempt in many bids. Details are on our tender guide.

What is a reverse auction?

A live downward price competition among qualified bidders. Decide your floor price before it starts.

Why was my bid rejected?

Usually a specification mismatch, a missing document or an expired certificate rather than price.

What is ATC?

Additional terms and conditions added by the buyer. Read it before the specification.

Can a new seller win a tender?

Yes where no experience condition applies, and startups get relaxations. Direct purchase orders are usually the easier first win.

GeM portal FAQ: products, prices and payment

Is there a downloadable GeM product list?

No. The catalogue is live, as explained on our product list page.

Where is the official price list?

There is none. Sellers set prices themselves, which our price list page covers in full.

What are the purchase limits?

Direct purchase to Rs 25,000, comparison to Rs 5,00,000, bid or reverse auction above that, subject to current revisions.

When do sellers get paid?

After the consignee acceptance certificate is generated and the invoice is processed.

Why is my payment delayed?

Most often the inspection or acceptance step, or a vacant paying officer role, rather than the bank.

What is CRAC?

The consignee receipt and acceptance certificate. Nothing gets paid without it.

Are transaction charges deducted from sellers?

Yes, above a contract value threshold. Build it into pricing.

GeM portal FAQ: selling and catalogue

How do I list a product?

Choose the correct category, fill every parameter honestly and upload clean images. The method is on our product list page.

Why was my catalogue entry rejected?

Almost always a parameter that does not match the category, or a claim the images do not support.

Do I need to be an OEM to sell?

No. Resellers can list with manufacturer authorisation, and the difference is explained on our vendor assessment page.

How often should I update prices?

Monthly at least, and whenever input costs move. Stale prices lose orders silently.

What is caution money?

A refundable deposit sellers keep with the platform before bidding, in turnover based slabs.

Can I sell services rather than products?

Yes. Service categories are large and carry extra compliance documents.

GeM portal FAQ: buyers and government offices

Who can register as a buyer?

Government departments, PSUs, autonomous bodies, local bodies and government funded institutions, through an authorised officer.

What is a consignee?

The person or office receiving the goods, who inspects them and generates the acceptance certificate.

Our officer was transferred and nobody can log in.

The account stays with the office but the primary user role must be reassigned. Steps are on our primary user page.

Can a department buy outside GeM?

Only with recorded justification, usually a non availability certificate generated from the portal.

Is there a separate training for buyers?

Yes, and state nodal cells often run sessions, as noted on our state wise page.

GeM portal FAQ: trust and safety

Is gem.gov.in genuine?

Yes, and it is the only official address. Verification checks are on our genuine portal page.

Someone is asking for my OTP. Should I share it?

Never. No legitimate person needs it.

Are GeM data entry job offers real?

Most are not. Genuine employers do not ask candidates to pay.

Is vendor assessment compulsory?

Only for some categories and seller types, as set out on our vendor assessment page.

Is there a separate portal for my state?

No. One national portal, with state level orders on top, explained on our state wise page.

Where do I complain if nothing moves?

Through the ticket and grievance ladder on our customer care page.