Two stages, in a fixed order
GeM bids are evaluated in two stages. First the buyer checks whether each seller is eligible and technically compliant. Only then are the prices of the qualified sellers opened. This order is the reason documents matter as much as price: if you are disqualified at stage one, your price is never looked at.
Stage 1: technical evaluation
The buyer's evaluation committee goes through each seller's uploaded documents and offer. Typical checks:
- ✓Eligibility: turnover, past performance, years in business — or a valid MSE/startup exemption where the bid allows it
- ✓Documents the bid or ATC asks for, in the required form
- ✓Compliance of the offered product or service with the specification
- ✓OEM authorisation, certificates (BIS, ISO, licences) and their validity
- ✓EMD submitted, or a valid exemption document
Results and representation
When technical evaluation is complete, the result is shown on GeM with the status of each seller and, for those disqualified, a reason. GeM gives disqualified sellers a short window to submit a representation — for example, pointing out that the document said to be missing was in fact uploaded. Keep an eye on bids you have joined so you do not miss this window; it is your only chance to correct a wrong rejection before prices are opened.
Stage 2: financial evaluation
The prices of technically qualified sellers are opened and ranked on the basis the bid specifies — total value, item-wise or group-wise. If reverse auction is enabled, the qualified sellers are invited to the RA and the final RA prices decide the ranking. Purchase-preference rules (MSE, Make in India) are then applied as stated in the bid.
Award and contract
The buyer then awards the contract on GeM. The winning seller gets the contract with item, quantity, consignee and delivery details, and must furnish ePBG if the bid requires it within the time allowed. The buyer may also cancel a bid — for example if prices are unreasonable or the requirement has changed.
How long evaluation takes
There is no single timeline: simple bids can be evaluated quickly, while bids with many sellers or complex documents take longer. The bid validity period is the outer limit — if evaluation runs beyond it, the buyer will ask sellers to extend validity.
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Frequently asked questions
Can the buyer see my price during technical evaluation?
No. On GeM, the price of a seller is opened only after that seller is found technically qualified.
What can I do if I am wrongly disqualified?
Submit a representation on GeM within the window given after technical results are published, explaining clearly why the rejection is wrong and pointing to the uploaded document.
How will I know the result of a GeM bid?
Results of technical and financial evaluation are shown on the bid in your GeM account. Check bids you have joined regularly after the end date.
Can the buyer ask for clarification during technical evaluation?
Buyers can seek clarification on documents already submitted, within the rules, but this cannot be used to add a missing eligibility document or change your offer. Do not rely on it.
Why was the bid cancelled after evaluation?
Buyers can cancel a bid, for example if prices are unreasonable, too few sellers qualified, or the requirement changed. The status is shown on GeM.
Related guides
Rules change. Always confirm the details in the bid document and on gem.gov.in before you bid. · Updated 2026-11-02
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