The government’s GeM portal has taken the initiative to make government procurement transparent and completely digital. But if you are a government entity or a buyer, then it is crucial to understand the GeM buyer registration process. To help you out with this, we will discuss in detail:

  • How to register as a buyer on GeM?
  • Which documents are required for registration?
  • What is the GeM portal registration fee?
  • And some important login, approval, and compliance tips

What is GeM Buyer Registration?

Creating an authorized buyer profile on the GeM portal is called GeM buyer registration. With GeM registration, the concerned organization can buy goods and services on the GeM portal.

Who can Become a Buyer on GeM?

The following types of organizations can register on GeM as buyers:

  • Departments of central and state governments
  • PSU (Public Sector Undertaking)
  • Educational Institutes (IITs, NITs, Schools)
  • Semi-governmental organizations
  • Panchayati Raj Organisations
  • Autonomous bodies under ministries

Step by Step Process of GeM Buyer Registration

Step 1: Visit the GeM Portal

First, go to  https://gem.gov.in/

Click on Sign Up > Select Buyer.

Step 2: Fill in the Organization’s Details

  • Name of organization
  • Type of organization
  • Registered address
  • GSTIN (if applicable)

Step 3: Verify the Email of an Authorized Buyer

You must have an official email ID such as @gov.in or @nic.in. An OTP will be sent to that email.

Step 4: Create a User ID and Password

Set up your GeM login: Enter a username, a strong password, and fill in the security questions.

Step 5: Upload the Documents

Upload the documents mentioned in the next section. These may vary slightly depending on the type of organization.

Step 6: Account Approval and Activation

The backend GeM team verifies your documents and you’ll receive a confirmation email in 1 to 3 working days.

Mandatory Documents for GeM Buyer Registration

For GeM buyer registration, the following are the documents that are commonly asked for:

  • Organization’s PAN card
  • GST certificate (if mentioned)
  • Authorization Letter for Signatory
  • Copy Aadhaar and PAN of the user
  • Official Department ID (preferably with government email)
  • Department’s bank Account details
  • Office Address Proof (electricity/landline bill)

Tip: All documents should be scanned clearly and uploaded in PDF format in the GeM registration process.

What is the GeM Portal Registration Fee?

There is no fee for buyer registration on the GeM portal, i.e., the GeM portal registration fee for buyers is ₹0. But it is important to consider these:

  • Some additional services from the sellers could be chargeable.
  • In some cases, you need to buy a DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)
  • Payment is only made while buying products or services

Some Important Information Related to GeM Login

For buyers on GeM, having a secure login is essential. Please keep in mind:

  • Don’t give your credentials to anyone after logging in
  • Always use NIC/Gov email to log in to the GeM portal
  • Once logged in, be aware of the session timeout
  • Regular password updates could prevent security breaches

GeM Buyer Roles and Responsibilities 

After your buyer account is activated on GeM, you may get the following roles:

1. Primary user (Head of Department)
    This account user has these authorities:
  ● Create a buyer account
  ● Assign secondary users
  ● Approve purchase

2.  Secondary user (Buyer)
    This account user has these authorities:
    ● Could select items from the catalogue
    ● Check comparative pricing
    ● Process Order

3. Consignee
    This account user has these authorities:
    ●  Receives the delivery of goods/services
    ●  Confirm receipt

Why is it Easy for a Government Buyer to Procure on GeM?

The buyer interface on the GeM portal is developed in a way that is easy to operate by the buyers and leverages services like: 
  ● Online comparison
  ● Direct purchase
  ● L1 based Selection
  ● Track delivery (time bound) and invoice tracking
  ● Integrated e-payment and invoice generation

GeM buyer registration is not just another process; it is an entry gate to a digitally empowered ecosystem.

Compliance and Best Practices

1. Only buy those products and services that are available on the GeM catalogue.
2. Check the seller’s rating and past performance
3. Read GeM’s purchase policies and circulars
4. Follow payment and delivery timelines
5. Avoid fake quotations or biased specifications

Also Read: Top 5 High-Value GEM Tenders in 2025 – IREL, AVNL, NLC & More

FAQs: GeM Buyer Registration

Q1: Can a private organisation register as a buyer on GeM?
A: No, only government institutions, government-owned enterprises, ministries, and autonomous bodies can register as buyers on GeM. Private companies can only register as sellers.

Q2: Can one department create multiple users in a GeM buyer account?
A: Yes, the Primary User can assign Secondary Buyers and Consignees. This allows for a clear division of roles in a large team and helps speed up the workflow.

Q3: If the email ID is not @nic.in or @gov.in, will registration not be possible?
A: Ideally, official email IDs like @gov.in or nic.in are preferred, but if you have a departmental ID and authorization letter, then you can get approval.

Q4: Can a buyer also buy services on GeM?
A: Yes, now, GeM is not just limited to product purchases. You can procure services like manpower, AMC, cloud hosting, and logistics on GeM.

Final Thoughts

GeM buyer registration not only speeds up the government procurement process but also brings due transparency and accountability to it. If you work in a government organization and haven’t registered on GeM yet, then this is the right time. Now that you have a clear understanding of the documentation, portal, and policy compliance, your registration process will be smooth. It is important to remember right registration will help in the right procurements.

After GeM registration, go to GeM login, enter credentials and check verified sellers, real-time pricing, and digital invoicing. And if you want, if you can get an alert on upcoming tenders or changes in categories, then platforms like BidAssist can make your operations smoother. With features like tender search and alerts on platforms like BidAssist, the GeM procurement process becomes even easier.