
Registering on the GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal is mandatory for buyers and sellers who want to participate in government procurement. While the registration process is online, many users face confusion around eligibility, document requirements, and account approval.
This step-by-step guide explains how to register on the GeM portal for buyers and sellers, clearly outlining the registration flow, required information, and key considerations at each stage. It is intended for government buyers, sellers, traders, and businesses planning to onboard themselves on GeM.
This guide focuses only on buyer and seller registration. OEMs and manufacturers follow a separate registration process, which is explained in a dedicated guide linked below. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the GeM registration process and what is required to complete it successfully.
Below is a quick overview of the GeM registration process for buyers and sellers:
Access the GeM Portal Registration Page
Visit the official GeM portal and choose the appropriate registration type.
Select Buyer or Seller Registration
Choose whether you are registering as a buyer or seller based on your role.
Enter Organisation & Contact Details
Provide business or department information and authorised user details.
Submit Required Documents
Upload mandatory documents for verification as per GeM requirements.
Complete Verification & Approval
Verify details through OTP or digital validation and submit for approval.
Each step is explained in detail below to help you complete registration without delays.
Buyer registration on GeM is meant for government departments, public sector units, and authorised government organisations. Buyers must provide official credentials, department details, and authorised user information to create an account.
Buyer Process:
Go to gem.gov.in → Sign Up (Buyer) → Use official govt email → Create Primary User account → Map roles (DDO/PAO/Consignee) → Verify department details → Activate account.
The buyer registration process focuses on enabling procurement activities such as product discovery, bid participation, and order placement.
Seller registration on GeM is designed for businesses, traders, and service providers who want to sell products or services to government buyers. Sellers are required to submit business details, tax information, and verification documents during registration.
Seller Process:
Go to gem.gov.in → Sign Up (Seller) → Enter PAN/Aadhaar & business details → Upload documents (PAN, GST if applicable, bank, MSME/UDYAM) → Create/optimize profile & catalog → Verify bank → Add DSC when needed for e-signing/bids → Activate account.
Once approved, sellers can list products, participate in bids, and receive orders through the GeM portal.
OEMs and manufacturers must follow a different registration process on the GeM portal, which involves additional verification and compliance requirements.
If you are registering as an OEM or brand owner, refer to our detailed guide on
How to Register as an OEM in the GeM Portal for complete instructions.
GeM is a unified online portal for public procurement. Sellers include startups, MSMEs, and enterprises offering goods or services. Registering enables you to list catalogs, receive orders, and bid in tenders directly from government buyers.
Tip: Mismatches across GST, PAN, Aadhaar, and bank details cause most delays. Ensure names, addresses, and numbers match exactly.
Document / Field Required For Notes
PAN of business/owner Seller sign-up Must match GST and bank KYC
Aadhaar / VID (authorized signatory) Seller sign-up Ensure mobile is Aadhaar-linked for OTP
GSTIN (if applicable) Tax compliance Some exempt categories may register without GST; confirm applicability
UDYAM/MSME certificate (optional but recommended) MSME benefits Helps procurement preference and fee relaxations
Bank account details Payouts & verification Name must match PAN/GST entity
Business address & contact Profile Use the official address as per registration
Product/service catalog basics Listing & approvals Clear titles, specs, images, pricing, compliance
DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) E-signing, higher-value bids Not mandatory for basic sign-up; needed later for certain workflows
1. Visit GeM & Choose “Sign Up → Seller”
Go to gem.gov.in, start sign-up, and select Seller.
2. Enter Business & KYC Details
Provide legal business name, PAN, Aadhaar-linked mobile, and contact details.
3. Add GST/UDYAM (As Applicable)
Enter GSTIN (if applicable) and UDYAM/MSME for benefits. Double-check entity details.
4. Upload Mandatory Documents
Upload PAN, GST, bank details (with proof), and compliance documents.
5. Create & Optimize Your Seller Profile
6. Bank Verification & DSC (When Needed)
Complete bank verification. Integrate DSC when planning to e-sign or bid.
7. Activate Account & Go Live
Confirm via OTP/email and begin listing products and bidding.
GST: Required for most sellers. Some exempt categories/startups may register without GST depending on eligibility.
DSC: Not required for basic sign-up. Essential for e-signing invoices, contracts, and higher-value bids.
For selected categories, sellers may require Vendor Assessment (often via RITES) to validate compliance and capacity.
Preparation Tips:
Who qualifies: Government users with official @gov.in / @nic.in emails.
Buyer Steps:
Buyer Tips:
Tender Bharo simplifies and accelerates your GeM onboarding:
Want zero-error GeM registration? Talk to a GeM expert at Tender Bharo.
Is GST mandatory for GeM registration?
Usually yes; certain exempt categories/startups may register without GST.
Do I need a DSC to register on GeM?
Not for basic sign-up. DSC is required for higher-value bids and e-signing.
How long does GeM registration take?
Typically 3–7 working days if documents are correct.
Can startups and MSMEs register?
Yes. MSME/UDYAM status improves procurement preference.
What documents are mandatory?
PAN, Aadhaar (authorized signatory), GST (if applicable), bank details, and catalog basics.
Why do registrations get rejected?
Data mismatches, wrong categories, outdated documents, or non-compliant catalog.
What is Vendor Assessment?
A compliance validation process (often via RITES) for select categories.
Can I register as both buyer and seller?
Yes, through separate registration processes.
How does Tender Bharo help?
We manage documentation, registration, catalog setup, and vendor assessment to speed approvals.
In conclusion, registering on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal is a crucial step for businesses and government buyers who want to participate in India’s digital public procurement system. By understanding the registration steps, preparing the required documents, and ensuring accurate information during submission, users can avoid common delays and approval issues. Whether you are registering as a buyer or seller, following the correct process and maintaining a compliant profile and catalog will help you start participating in government procurement smoothly. With proper preparation—or expert assistance from Tender Bharo—you can complete your GeM registration efficiently and begin accessing valuable government business opportunities.
For further information or assistance in exploring these opportunities, please feel free to Contact Us.