Why the catalogue matters even if you mainly bid
Your GeM catalogue does two jobs. It is where buyers place direct purchases and L1 purchases — orders with no bid at all — and it decides which categories you are registered in, which in turn decides which bids you can participate in. A thin or outdated catalogue costs you orders you never see.
Choose the category with care
Each GeM category has its own specification template and buyers filter within categories. Pick the one that exactly describes your product or service, and look at similar listings in it. If your product could fit two categories (say, different versions of the same item), check which one buyers in your segment actually use in their bids.
Fill every specification correctly
- ✓Fill all parameters of the category template, not just the mandatory ones — buyers filter on them
- ✓Use the values from the official data sheet; a mismatch can get the listing rejected or cause problems at delivery
- ✓Use the exact brand and model name the OEM uses
- ✓Upload clear product images that match the model, and the data sheet where the form allows
- ✓Mention warranty terms accurately
Brand and OEM requirements
If you manufacture under your own brand, the brand must be approved on GeM before you can list under it, and categories that need vendor assessment require it first. If you resell another brand, you generally need the OEM's authorisation on the portal. Sort these out before you try to upload large numbers of products.
Price, stock and delivery coverage
Set an offer price you can honour for any order at any time while the listing is live — buyers can order directly at that price. GeM may flag prices that look out of line with market prices or MRP. Keep stock quantities realistic, and select the delivery locations you can genuinely serve within the delivery period; overstating coverage leads to cancelled orders and poor ratings.
Keep the catalogue alive
- ✓Catalogue listings have validity periods — renew or update them before they lapse
- ✓Update prices when your costs change; stale low prices create loss-making orders, stale high prices lose L1 purchases
- ✓Retire models that are discontinued
- ✓Check new category versions GeM releases and move your listings if needed
Find live tenders
Frequently asked questions
Why was my GeM catalogue listing rejected?
Common reasons are wrong category, specifications that do not match the data sheet or images, brand not approved, missing OEM authorisation, or a price that looks out of line with the market. The rejection note usually states the reason.
Do I need a catalogue to participate in GeM bids?
Bids are open to sellers offering the bid's category, which is set through your catalogue/offerings. Make sure the category is active in your account before the bid closes.
How do buyers find my product on GeM?
Within categories, using filters on specifications, price and delivery location. Complete specifications, a fair price and accurate delivery coverage make your listing show up and get chosen.
How often should I update catalogue prices?
Whenever your costs or market prices change meaningfully, and always before the listing's validity runs out. A buyer can order at the listed price at any time.
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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