§1Who it is for

  • Any business selling to government buyers
  • DPIIT-recognised startups (Startup Runway)

Useful if

Manufacturers and service firms with standard products.

Do not spend time on it if

—

§2Eligibility

  1. Organisation PAN (individual PAN only for proprietorships); Aadhaar no longer mandatory (GeM FAQ).
  2. MSEs can declare Udyam/UAM status; Udyam holders can register via API.
  3. Startup Runway: DPIIT-recognised startups registered as sellers.

§3Benefits

  • Access to central/state ministries, PSUs and other public buyers.
  • Startups: exemption/relaxation from prior turnover, prior experience and EMD; listing even where no category exists.

§4Norms — pattern of assistance

  1. Caution money applies to new sellers (amount by turnover; e.g. notice for sellers below ₹1 crore turnover from 20.12.2024) — exact amounts not confirmed.
  2. Vendor assessment report within 15 days of fee payment (for categories needing it).

§5Documents

Tick each one as you get it ready.

Organisation PAN (or proprietor PAN)

§6How to apply

  1. 1

    Register at https://gem.gov.in as seller; startups also list on GeM Startup Runway.

§7Pros and cons

Merits

  • Direct route to government orders without tender networking.
  • Startups get EMD and experience relaxations.

Demerits

  • Caution money and vendor assessment fees add cost (amounts not confirmed).
  • Price competition is high on common items.

→Related schemes

Need help with GeM seller?

Eligibility check, DPR and application file — ask us on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp usServices

Our interestHelp is our paid service. You can also apply for the scheme yourself.

Sources

  1. GeM: Seller FAQs
  2. GeM: Seller registration guide
  3. Startup India: Playbook of Government Schemes and Initiatives for Startups (June 2026)
  4. PIB, 17 Apr 2026: 55,200+ startups recognised in FY 2025-26 (FFS, SISFS, CGSS status)

Checked on 18 October 2026. For information only — confirm with the department or bank. Spotted a mistake? Report it.