**GeM (Government e-Marketplace) Portal: Key Changes in 2026 (up to June 2026)** regarding products, services, manpower, and L1-related processes. GeM is India's national procurement platform for government buyers. In 2026, it has seen ongoing updates for transparency, MSME support, digital features, expanded categories, and refined bidding rules. Procurement volume continues to grow significantly (already crossing high figures in FY26). Changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, focusing on compliance, new green/tech categories, and streamlining. ### 1. Products: New Categories, Listing & Procurement Rules - **New/Expanded Categories (2026)**: Significant additions to support government priorities like sustainability and tech: - EV (Electric Vehicles) products, charging equipment, batteries, and related maintenance. - Solar energy products (panels, inverters, installation). - Green building materials and eco-friendly/recycled products (with procu...
What is L1 Comparison in GeM? L1 Comparison on the GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal refers to the process of identifying the Lowest One (L1) price among products or services that meet the same specifications and requirements. This ensures that the government procures goods and services at the most competitive prices. How to Make L1 Comparison in GeM Below 10 Lakh For purchases below INR 10 lakh, the process involves a few key steps: Login to GeM Portal : Go to gem.gov.in and log in with your credentials. Select Product Category : Choose the product or service category you are interested in. Search for Products : Enter the product specifications and search for available options. Add to Comparison : Select at least three products from different OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) or service providers that meet the required specifications. Click on the “Compare” button to add these products to the comparison list. Evaluate Products : Compare the products based on price, quality...