Can I bid on GeM without past experience?

Some bids allow relaxation of experience and turnover criteria for MSEs and recognised startups. Check the bid document for the relaxation clause.

Why was my GeM bid rejected?

Common reasons are missing documents asked in the ATC, not meeting turnover or experience criteria, catalogue mismatch with specifications, and missing OEM authorisation.

How to Participate in a GeM Bid: Step-by-Step for First-Time Sellers

By GeMSignal · Updated 2026-10-28 · 7 min read

Registering on GeM is the easy part. Winning a bid takes a repeatable process: find the right bids early, read the terms, prepare documents, and price carefully. Here is that process step by step.

Step 1: Make sure your profile is bid-ready

Profile complete, with a verified primary bank account.
Udyam number added and verified if you want MSE benefits.
Products or services listed in the categories you want to bid in — you can only bid where your catalogue matches.
OEM authorisation ready if you are a reseller.

Step 2: Find relevant bids

On gem.gov.in, open the Bids section and filter by category, ministry, state and end date. Check daily — or use an alert service like GeMSignal so matching bids come to your email and WhatsApp.

Step 3: Read the bid document carefully

Download the bid document and check:

Minimum average turnover and years of past experience required.
Whether MSE purchase preference and EMD exemption apply.
EMD and ePBG amounts, if any.
Technical specifications, quantity, consignee locations and delivery period.
Additional terms and conditions (ATC) uploaded by the buyer — many rejections come from missing these.
Bid end date and time, and whether a reverse auction is enabled.

Step 4: Prepare documents

Typically: experience proofs (past purchase orders), turnover certificates, OEM authorisation, Udyam certificate, and any certificates the ATC asks for. Keep scanned PDFs ready and named clearly — last-minute uploads near the deadline are when portals slow down.

Step 5: Submit your offer

Select the bid, choose the matching catalogue item, upload documents, enter your price, and e-sign the submission before the end time. Review everything before final submission.

Step 6: Technical evaluation and reverse auction

The buyer evaluates technical compliance first. If a reverse auction is enabled, qualified sellers get a window to reduce prices live. Decide your lowest acceptable price before the RA begins.

Step 7: After you win

Accept the contract, submit ePBG if required, deliver within the timeline, and make sure the buyer issues the receipt so payment is processed.

Note: GeMSignal is a private service and is not affiliated with the Government e-Marketplace. Rules, thresholds and fees change — always verify on the official portal at gem.gov.in.