The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is India’s premier platform for public procurement, promoting transparency, efficiency, and convenience in the buying and selling of products and services for government bodies.
One of the key features of GeM is its Quadrant System, which classifies product categories into six distinct segments, labelled Q1 to Q6.
This system streamlines the procurement process by defining specific rules for who can sell, upload product catalogues, and manage listings within each category.
For sellers, understanding the quadrant system is essential. Each quadrant defines whether Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), authorized resellers, or self-help groups (SHGs) can participate in specific categories.
This structure ensures that procurement stays transparent, competitive, and aligned with the objectives of the GeM portal.
What are GeM Quadrants?#
GeM Quadrants are structured groupings of product and service categories on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. Each quadrant outlines specific rules regarding who can sell, upload product catalogues, and manage listings within a category.
The quadrants categorize participants such as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), authorized resellers, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to ensure procurement processes remain transparent, well-regulated, and efficient.
This classification allows for better control over listings, ensuring that each category aligns with procurement policies and quality standards.
Through the quadrant system, GeM ensures that both sellers and buyers operate within a well-defined framework, enhancing clarity and reducing ambiguity in public procurement.
These six quadrants range from OEM-exclusive categories in Quadrant 1, where only manufacturers can sell, to Quadrant 4, which is dominated by resellers authorized by OEMs.
Additionally, dedicated quadrants exist for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), promoting social inclusion, and for the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, encouraging local entrepreneurship by showcasing district-specific products.
Quadrant 1: OEM-Exclusive Categories#
In Quadrant 1, only GeM-validated Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are permitted to offer products.
This ensures that government buyers receive genuine, high-quality products directly from the source, upholding strict standards and reliability in procurement
Examples:
- Medical Equipment provided by OEMs such as Philips or GE Healthcare.
- Vehicles sourced directly from manufacturers like Tata Motors or Maruti Suzuki.
Who Can Sell?
- Only whitelisted OEMs validated by GeM are authorized to sell.
Quadrant 2: OEMs and Authorized Sellers#
Quadrant 2 permits both whitelisted OEMs and their authorized sellers to participate in the marketplace.
In this quadrant, OEMs are responsible for maintaining a comprehensive product catalogue that their resellers can access to list and sell products.
This collaboration ensures that buyers have a wide selection of genuine products while benefiting from the support and distribution network of authorized sellers.
Examples:
- Desktops from OEMs like Dell and HP, alongside their authorized sellers.
- Servers provided by brands like HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise) and their certified distributors.
Who Can Sell?
- Authorized participation is limited to whitelisted OEMs and their approved resellers.
Quadrant 3: OEMs and Authorized Resellers#
In Quadrant 3, both OEMs and authorized resellers can list and sell products, providing a flexible marketplace environment.
If an OEM has not created a product catalogue, its authorized resellers are permitted to upload and manage listings on the OEM’s behalf. This structure ensures that products remain available to buyers, even if the OEM is unable to maintain the catalogue, thereby enhancing accessibility and choice for sellers.
Examples:
- Furniture from brands like Godrej and Steelcase, along with their authorized resellers.
- Textiles offered by manufacturers like Vardhman and their authorized distributors.
Who Can Sell?
- Participation is open to both OEMs and their authorized resellers.
Quadrant 4: Reseller-Only Categories#
Quadrant 4 is specifically designed for products where OEMs are not required to be involved. Allowing resellers to operate independently of OEMs.
In this quadrant, resellers can leverage existing product catalogues uploaded by OEMs without needing any approval from them.
This structure creates a more open marketplace, ideal for lower-end products, facilitating easier access for resellers to list and sell items efficiently.
Examples:
- Stationery supplies from various brands available through authorized resellers.
- Sanitation products, such as hand sanitizers and cleaning agents, offered by multiple distributors.
Who Can Sell?
- Participation is limited to resellers only, with no involvement required from OEMs.
Quadrant 5: Self-Help Group (SHG) Categories#
Quadrant 5 is a dedicated section tailored specifically for Self-Help Groups (SHGs). In this quadrant, sellers can operate solely as resellers, uploading products within predefined categories.
There is no involvement of OEMs; instead, all brands for these categories are automatically generated from the backend, simplifying the listing process for SHGs and allowing them to focus on promoting their products.
Examples:
- Self-Help Groups (SHG) products, such as handmade crafts, organic food items, and local artisanal goods.
Who Can Sell?
- Resellers affiliated with SHGs, with no option for OEMs.
Quadrant 6: One District One Product (ODOP)#
Quadrant 6 supports the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, emphasizing regional specialities and promoting local businesses. In this quadrant, only OEMs are authorized to upload their catalogues, ensuring that the products are authentic and representative of the district’s unique offerings.
Resellers can pair their listings with the OEM catalogues, facilitating better alignment with local products and enhancing visibility for regional artisans and manufacturers.
Examples:
- ODOP products, which may include district-specific items like traditional handicrafts, unique food products, or specialized agricultural goods
Who Can Sell?
- Only OEMs can upload catalogues, while resellers can pair their offerings with the OEM catalogue.
Conclusion#
The SIX quadrants on the GeM portal provide a structured framework for sellers, whether OEMs or resellers, to effectively engage with the platform.
Understanding these classifications is crucial for any business aiming to sell products to the government, as they ensure compliance with the platform's requirements and maximize opportunities for participation in government procurement.
By leveraging the appropriate quadrant, sellers can strategically position themselves to tap into the vast potential of government contracts and enhance their visibility in the marketplace.
If you're a seller on GeM, it's essential to identify the quadrant your product belongs to and adhere to the specific rules associated with it.
This will help ensure a smooth and successful listing experience, maximizing your chances of reaching potential buyers and securing government contracts.
