Guide to GeM Portal Bidding: A Step-by-Step Process
Master the GeM portal bidding process with our step-by-step guide. Learn the L1 bidding procedure, how to compare products, and place bids on the GeM portal.

A Complete Guide to the GeM Portal Bidding Process
Navigating the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) can unlock significant opportunities for your business. However, many find the GeM portal registration and bidding process a bit complex at first. This guide is here to help. We will break down how bidding works on the GeM portal into simple, actionable steps. Follow this guide to confidently place your bids and win government contracts.
Step 1: Log in to Your GeM Account 🔑
After completing your initial registration, the first step is the GeM portal buyer login for bidding. Open your browser and go to the official GeM portal website. Find and click the 'Login' button, which is usually at the top of the page. Enter your User ID and password to access your account dashboard. This is your command center for all bidding activities.
Step 2: Search for Products to Procure 🔍
Once you are logged in, you will see a prominent search bar. This is where you begin to find the items you need. There are two primary ways for you to search products for bidding on GeM:
- Search by Category: You can browse through a wide list of predefined product and service categories, such as 'desktops', 'office furniture', or 'IT services'.
- Manual Search: If you know exactly what you need, simply type the name of the product into the search bar and press enter for more direct results.
Step 3: Compare Products and Determine L1 ⭐
This is a crucial stage in the GeM portal L1 bidding procedure. Before you can bid, GeM requires you to perform a thorough product comparison. For most procurements, you need to choose at least three different products from different manufacturers (OEMs) to compare.
What is L1 in GeM portal bidding?
L1 stands for 'Lowest Price 1'. It refers to the product that meets all the required technical specifications at the lowest price among the compared options. The system automatically identifies the L1 product after you add items for comparison. This process ensures transparent and fair procurement based on best value.
Step 4: Execute the Bid 🛒
After the comparison is complete and the L1 product is selected, you can proceed with the GeM online bidding procedure. Add the chosen product to your cart. A new window will appear. Click on 'Proceed to Checkout'. On the next screen, you will find the 'Bid' button. Click it to initiate your bid. You can also download the comparison sheet generated by the system for your official records.
Understanding GeM Bidding Eligibility and Rules ✅
To participate effectively, understanding GeM bidding rules is essential. While specific requirements can change depending on the tender, certain fundamentals apply. Make sure you meet the general GeM bidding eligibility criteria:
- Active Profile: Your seller or buyer profile on the GeM portal must be 100% complete and active.
- Authorized Representative: The person placing the bid must be authorized to represent the company.
- Technical Compliance: Ensure the product you are bidding with strictly adheres to the technical specifications mentioned in the bid document.
- Financial Requirements: Be prepared for potential requirements like Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) or specific turnover criteria listed in the tender.
Mastering the steps to place a bid on the GeM portal is a great start. But thousands of other govt tender opportunities await across various platforms. At TenderX, we list over 20,000 new tenders daily from more than 3000 organizations. Don't miss your next big opportunity. Explore all live tenders on our Search Portal today!
For any questions or to learn about advanced features like our Contractor Intelligence tool, feel free to contact us.
Email: info@tenderx.in
Contact: +91 7020625727