Here’s an updated 2026-ready overview of procurement types on the Government e‑Marketplace (GeM) portal — tailored for both buyers (purchasers) and vendors (sellers/service-providers) — focusing on how the platform works now, what to expect moving forward, and how to make best use of it. 1. What is GeM and why it matters GeM is India’s government-run online marketplace for procurement of goods and services by central and state ministries, departments, PSUs, autonomous bodies etc. ( Gov e-Marketplace ) It aims to bring efficiency, transparency, and inclusiveness into public procurement. ( Testbook ) For buyers: Ensures standardized process, access to competition, audited trails. For vendors: Opens access to a large marketplace, but also means competition and compliance. 2. Key Procurement Modes on GeM (2026 context) These are the main ways procurements are executed via GeM — both for goods and services. 2.1 Direct / Cart-Based Purchase For items that are s...
Here’s an updated 2026-ready overview of procurement types on the Government e‑Marketplace (GeM) portal — tailored for both buyers (purchasers) and vendors (sellers/service-providers) — focusing on how the platform works now, what to expect moving forward, and how to make best use of it.
1. What is GeM and why it matters
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GeM is India’s government-run online marketplace for procurement of goods and services by central and state ministries, departments, PSUs, autonomous bodies etc. (Gov e-Marketplace)
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It aims to bring efficiency, transparency, and inclusiveness into public procurement. (Testbook)
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For buyers: Ensures standardized process, access to competition, audited trails.
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For vendors: Opens access to a large marketplace, but also means competition and compliance.
2. Key Procurement Modes on GeM (2026 context)
These are the main ways procurements are executed via GeM — both for goods and services.
2.1 Direct / Cart-Based Purchase
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For items that are standard, listed in the GeM catalogue, and within a simpler value/complexity range. Buyers simply pick from catalogue and proceed. (Gov e-Marketplace)
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For buyers: Useful when urgent, simple, specifications standard.
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For vendors: Must ensure your catalogue listing is accurate, competitively priced, and fulfilment reliable.
2.2 Bidding (Tendering) – Standard and Reverse Auction (RA)
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When the procurement is of higher value, or there is need for competition, or multiple vendors are expected, bidding is used. GeM supports standard bids and reverse auctions. (Gov e-Marketplace)
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Standard Bid: technical + financial proposals; evaluation of bids.
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Reverse Auction: Vendors first get shortlisted, then live auctioning drives price down.
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For buyers: Select this when you need competitive pricing and wide vendor base.
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For vendors: Be ready for more bidders; ensure you meet tech specs; for RA be ready to adjust pricing.
2.3 Custom Catalogue / Non-Standard Procurement / BOQ-Based
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For items or services which are not yet standard catalogue items (specialty equipment, unique services) or when there are multiple items bundled (Bill of Quantities).
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Buyers may use custom-catalogue mode or specify BOQ.
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For vendors: These require careful review of specifications, quantities, and evaluation method (see later).
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GeM’s “New Categories” page shows that the platform continues to expand product/service categories, meaning more “custom” needs are getting standardised. (Gov e-Marketplace)
3. Evaluation Methods and Other Procurement Distinctions
In addition to mode, how bids are evaluated and how the procurement is categorised matters — and is increasingly important in 2026.
3.1 Evaluation Methods
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On GeM the evaluation of bids may be item-wise (each item evaluated separately) or total-value wise (the whole bid is considered on total value) etc. (Though detailed public documentation is less specific, these distinctions matter).
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For example: If you have a bid with multiple items/services, you need to know whether the award is on ‘lowest for each item’ or ‘lowest overall package’.
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For buyers: Choose the method that aligns with your sourcing strategy (best value, bundle discounts, vendor capability).
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For vendors: Identify in the bid which evaluation method applies — it affects how you price (e.g., offering a bundle discount might win total-value bids even if one item is higher).
3.2 Goods vs Services
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GeM covers both goods (physical items) and services (maintenance, support, manpower, logistics) in its marketplace. (Gov e-Marketplace)
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For buyers: Services procurement must define deliverables, SLAs (Service Level Agreements).
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For vendors: If you offer services you must ensure your registration covers service categories, your capability is clear, your deliverables defined.
3.3 Catalogue vs Custom / Specialised vs Standard
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Catalogue-based procurement: Items/services already listed in GeM catalogue. Faster, simpler.
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Custom/non-catalogue procurement: Unique requirements; may require more specification document, longer timelines.
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Buyers: For standard items prefer catalogue mode for speed; for unique items use custom.
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Vendors: If you want to win catalogue orders, keep your listing updated; for custom procurements, ensure you can meet specs and timelines.
4. What Buyers Should Know in 2026 – Checklist
If you are a purchaser using GeM in 2026:
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Check catalogue availability: Before initiating procurement, verify if the item/service is already on GeM catalogue. This can save time and meet compliance.
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Choose mode wisely:
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For simple and low value/standard specification → direct/cart purchase.
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For higher value/competition → bidding (standard or RA).
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For unique or bundled items → custom/BOQ mode.
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Define evaluation method clearly: Make sure if bundle or single items, and how you’ll evaluate.
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Specify goods vs services properly: If services, define SLA, deliverables, timelines.
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Compliance & governance: Ensure you follow GeM hand-book rules, and any updated guidelines (check GeM latest resources). (Gov e-Marketplace)
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Delivery & payment tracking: Ensure you define clear timelines, acceptance criteria, vendor performance metrics.
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Leverage analytics: Use GeM’s data (pricing benchmarks etc) to ensure value for money.
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Vendor performance monitoring: After award, monitor delivery, compliance, maintain vendor database for future procurement.
5. What Vendors (Sellers/Service-Providers) Should Know in 2026 – Checklist
If you are a vendor wanting to supply via GeM:
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Registration & listing: Ensure you are registered for the correct category (goods or services) and your catalogue listing (if in catalogue mode) is complete, correct, competitive.
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Monitor bid opportunities: Watch for direct purchase orders (less competition) and bidding opportunities (more competition but higher volume).
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Understand the mode: If it’s direct/cart purchase your listing and readiness matter; if bidding, you must respond to tender, meet technical specs, possibly participate in RA.
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Read bid terms carefully: Especially check evaluation method (bundle vs item), delivery terms, SLA (for services), payment terms.
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For services: Be clear on deliverables, performance measurement, timelines.
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Competitive pricing & reliability: On catalogue mode, your price and delivery speed matter; in bidding mode, your technical compliance and ability to deliver matter.
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Performance matters: Successful delivery, good reviews, vendor score will help you win future orders.
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Stay updated: GeM keeps adding categories and changing rules—e.g., see “New Categories” list. (Gov e-Marketplace)
6. 2026 Key Trends / Developments to Watch
Looking ahead into 2026, here are what buyers and vendors should keep an eye on:
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Expanded catalogue & services: GeM continues to expand new product and service categories (see “New Categories” page) meaning more opportunities but also more competition. (Gov e-Marketplace)
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Greater use of analytics, AI & digital features: GeM is increasingly using data analytics for pricing benchmarking, vendor performance; user experience enhancements. (General commentary from GeM features) (Testbook)
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Bundling and demand aggregation: Buyers may aggregate demand across units to improve scale, which influences procurement type and evaluation.
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Rise in services procurement: Beyond goods, more services will be procured via GeM (maintenance, logistics, digital services) so vendors offering services have growing opportunity.
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Stronger compliance & audit focus: More scrutiny, especially for large contracts; buyers and vendors need to ensure full documentation, transparency.
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SME/Start-up inclusion: Continued push to include MSMEs, startups, women entrepreneurs in GeM ecosystem. (Gov e-Marketplace)
7. Summary Table: Buyer vs Vendor Perspective (2026)
| Aspect | Buyers | Vendors |
|---|---|---|
| Mode selection | Direct/cart vs bidding vs custom | Be ready for whichever mode, match your readiness |
| Specification | Standard catalogue vs custom/specialised | Ensure listing or bid capability accordingly |
| Evaluation method | Choose item-wise vs total package etc | Understand bid’s evaluation method and price accordingly |
| Goods vs Services | Define clearly, especially for services | Ensure you are registered and capable for goods or services |
| Competition level | High in bidding/RA, lower in direct | Higher competition means quality + pricing matter |
| Speed & simplicity | Direct/cart fastest; bidding takes time | Be ready for lead time, especially in bidding |
| Compliance & governance | Must follow GeM rules, audit trails | Must deliver, document, maintain performance |
| Strategy & analytics | Use platform data, benchmarking | Build profile, monitor opportunities, improve track record |
8. Quick Tips for 2026
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For Buyers: Always check if the item or service is already in the GeM catalogue before creating custom procurement — that improves speed and compliance.
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For Vendors: Make sure your catalogue listing is up to date and competitive; for services, clearly define what you deliver and how you measure performance.
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For Both: Understand the evaluation method being used in a procurement — that influences how you (buyer) choose or (vendor) bid.
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For Buyers: In custom/bundled bids allow adequate lead time for vendors — complex specifications require prep.
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For Vendors: If you participate in reverse auction mode, price your offer keeping in mind you may have to lower further — build in margin accordingly.
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Keep Learning: GeM evolves — new categories, new features, new rules — so stay updated via the GeM portal (“Latest” section) (Gov e-Marketplace)
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