It is very good news for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) located in India that the government has launched the Government Marketplace (GeM) portal for them. Through this portal, it has become even easier to communicate with customers, especially with government departments. However, to get access to this portal, first of all, MSMEs have to complete the Udyam registration of their business.
Through this article, we will understand how, after getting Udyam registration, MSMEs can list their products on the Government e-Market portal and how, due to this, new business opportunities open up for them.
Before knowing about the Government e-Marketplace, let us understand Udyam registration.
Udyam / MSME registration is a very important initiative started by the Government of India, under which businesses that fall under the criteria of MSMEs can register. After completing Udyam registration, businesses get a unique Udyam registration number and certificate.
And this certificate confirms the status of MSMEs due to which businesses become eligible for subsidies and support programs for many government schemes.
What is the Government e-Marketplace?
GeM is an online platform where government buyers, such as ministry departments and public sector companies, directly buy goods and services from sellers.
It is similar to other e-commerce platforms like Flipkart, Amazon etc. But the special thing in this is that it has a government related buying and selling program.
If you come under the criteria of MSME and you are selling stationery items or offering IT services, or any manufacturing machinery, then you can list your product and service on the Gem portal and send it to government organizations all over India.
Why Do You Need Udyam Registration for GeM?
Here’s where the two platforms connect:
To sell on GeM as an MSME, you must have Udyam Registration.
This is because the government wants to promote and support small businesses. Udyam-registered MSMEs get preference in procurement and are encouraged to participate in government tenders. With your Udyam certificate, you can register on GeM and enjoy various benefits that come with it.
Benefits of Udyam Registration for Accessing GeM
Let’s break down the major benefits of having Udyam Registration for GeM access:
1. Easy GeM Registration
With Udyam Registration, your basic business details are already verified by the government. So, when you go to register on GeM, the process becomes quicker and smoother.
2. Priority in Government Procurement
The government has a procurement policy that reserves a percentage of purchases for MSMEs. If you're Udyam-registered, you're in that category, giving you a better chance to win tenders and orders.
3. No Need for Tender Fees or EMD
MSMEs are often exempted from paying tender fees and Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) when bidding for government contracts. This makes it more affordable to compete with larger businesses.
4. Exposure to a Wide Market
Once you’re listed on GeM, your business can be discovered by thousands of government buyers across India. This increases your visibility and credibility.
5. Faster Payments
Government buyers on GeM are bound by timelines, so payments to sellers (especially MSMEs) are processed faster than in traditional setups.
Step-by-Step: How Udyam Registration Helps You Get on GeM
Let’s walk through how the process works in simple steps:
Step 1: Complete Udyam registration
Go to the official Udyam registration portal and fill out the Udyam registration form.
Fill in basic business details like name, type, activity, and turnover
Use your Aadhaar and PAN card to register your business.
Once verified, you’ll get your Udyam Registration Certificate.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents for GeM
To register on GeM, you’ll need:
Udyam Registration Certificate: To get a physical copy of the Udyam certificate, you can print it by going through the Print Udyam Certificate option in the Udyam portal.
PAN and GST details
Bank account information
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Company or business documents (if applicable)
Step 3: Register on the GeM Portal
Visit the official GeM portal: gem.gov.in
Click on “Seller Registration.”
Fill out the application form using your Udyam details.
Submit documents and verify your email/mobile.
Once approved, your seller account will be active.
Step 4: List Your Products or Services
Add product categories and descriptions.
Upload images and pricing.
Mention delivery timelines and service terms.
Step 5: Start Receiving Orders
Respond to inquiries
Accept orders and deliver on time..
Receive timely payments from buyers.
Real-World Example
Let’s say you run a small company that manufactures eco-friendly paper bags. After getting your Udyam Registration, you apply for GeM seller registration. Within a few days, your account will be active. Soon, a government department places an order for 5,000 paper bags for an event. You deliver, and within weeks, your payment is processed.
