You have spotted the right tender, prepared your documents, submitted your bid. What now?
If you are like most bidders, this is the stage where anxiety comes. Days and weeks pass by, and there’s no word from the department. But behind the scenes, there’s a structured process that every government buyer must follow. This is known as tender evaluation.
In this blog, we will break down the typical timeline of what actually happens after a bid is submitted in India. Right from the opening of bids to the final contract award, here’s everything must know about the tender evaluation process.
Step-by-Step Timeline of Tender Evaluation in India
Once the bid submission deadline closes, the tender evaluation process begins. Here’s a clear look at what typically happens next.
Step 1: Bid Opening (Typically Same Day or Next Day)
After the bid submission deadline closes, the tendering authority schedules a bid opening session. This can be:
- Online (for e-tenders on portals like CPPP, GeM, or state platforms)
- Offline (for physical submissions, usually attended by bidders or their representatives)
During the opening:
- The names of bidders are told
- Basic eligibility documents are listed
- Quoted prices may be disclosed (in single-stage bids)
This is the first stage of transparency, but it doesn’t mean a bidder has won yet. The real process begins with tender evaluation.
Step 2: Preliminary Scrutiny (Within 1–2 Weeks)
At this stage, the procurement team checks whether:
- All the necessary documents are submitted.
- The Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) is valid.
- The bidder meets basic eligibility (turnover, licences, registrations, etc.)
If your bid is missing even one small mandatory document, it can be rejected right there.
Step 3: Technical Evaluation (1–3 Weeks)
Here, the department goes much deeper into your technical bid. They verify:
- Experience certificates
- Product specifications
- Work completion records
- Equipment details (for works contracts)
In a two-bid system (technical + financial), only technically qualified bidders move to the next step. Sometimes, clarifications may be sought, or meetings held to evaluate presentations or samples.
This technical tender evaluation ensures that only capable and compliant bidders are considered—price doesn’t come into play yet.
Step 4: Financial Evaluation (1–2 Weeks)
After technical clearance, the financial bids of eligible bidders are opened. The evaluation here focuses on:
- Quoted price (lowest bid often wins, unless it’s LCS/QCBS/QBS based)
- Compliance with format (unit rates, taxes, total cost)
- Unrealistic pricing (abnormally low/high bids may be questioned)
For most government tenders, the L1 (lowest bidder) is declared successful—assuming the bid is complete and justified.
Step 5: Approval and Award (1–2 Weeks)
Once financial evaluation is complete:
- An internal note is prepared recommending the winner
- The competent authority approves the award
- A Letter of Award (LoA) or Work Order is issued
The successful bidder is now invited to sign the contract and begin execution.
Timeline Summary: From Submission to Award
| Stage | Estimated Timeframe |
| Bid Opening | Same day to 1 day |
| Preliminary Scrutiny | 1–2 weeks |
| Technical Evaluation | 1–3 weeks |
| Financial Evaluation | 1–2 weeks |
| Award & Work Order | 1–2 weeks |
| Total Time | ~4–9 weeks (on average) |
These timelines can change depending on the department, complexity of the project, and whether clarifications or approvals are delayed.
What Can Cause Delays in Tender Evaluation?
- Administrative backlogs or elections
- Missing approvals from higher authorities
- Objections or complaints from competing bidders
- Changes in scope or budget availability
- Re-tendering due to non-responsive bids
Checking the status of the tender evaluation becomes quite important, especially for time-sensitive projects.
How BidAssist Helps You Stay Informed
With BidAssist, you don’t have to keep checking so many portals on your own. Once you submit a bid, you will be able to:
- Get alerts when the bid opening happens
- Track if you’re even technically qualified
- See updates on who the L1 bidder is
- Monitor contract awards in your sector
This helps you get ready for negotiations, know your competition, and plan for future bids with better insights.
Final Thoughts
After bid submission, a well-defined tender evaluation process begins. While the timelines may vary, each step—from technical review to price comparison—is designed to ensure transparency and fairness.
By understanding this process, you’ll be better prepared, more confident, and less anxious while waiting for results.
And if you want to track every stage effortlessly? Start using BidAssist today—because bidding shouldn’t feel like waiting in the dark.