The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is India’s flagship e-procurement portal, designed to simplify and digitize procurement processes across government departments. It promotes transparency, efficiency, and equal opportunity for sellers across the country.
To uphold these values and ensure quality supply, GeM mandates Vendor Assessment (VA)—a thorough evaluation process, particularly for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and specific reseller categories.
This guide outlines the eligibility, exemptions, documents, fees, and the step-by-step process for Vendor Assessment based on the latest GeM/2024/Vendor Validation Policy V 3.2
What is Vendor Assessment on GeM?#
Vendor Assessment is a mandatory quality check to evaluate a seller’s business credentials, manufacturing capacity, technical competence, and authenticity of claims.
Handled by Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES), the assessment ensures only reliable, genuine, and capable vendors are listed as OEMs on GeM. Once approved, the assessment remains valid for 3 years for the certified categories.
Why is Vendor Assessment Important?#
Vendor Assessment acts as a credibility benchmark on the GeM portal. Here’s why it matters:
- Builds Trust with Government Buyers: Government departments prefer sourcing from verified OEMs, knowing they meet stringent production, quality, and delivery standards.
- Enables Brand Ownership: Only after completing Vendor Assessment can an OEM list a product under its own brand name—this ensures full control over listings, pricing, and visibility.
- Access to More Tenders: Several tenders are exclusively open to OEMs or require verified OEM support documents. Without assessment, sellers may miss high-value opportunities.
- Reduces Risk of Delisting or Penalties: Completing the process properly ensures long-term presence on the platform and avoids compliance-related penalties or account issues.
Who Needs Vendor Assessment?#
Vendor Assessment is mandatory for:
- OEMs looking to list products under their brand.
- Resellers in specific categories require strict verification.
Vendor Assessment Exemption – Who Is Exempted?#
You may be exempted from Vendor Assessment if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Central / State PSUs
- Registered Societies / Trusts with Government representation
- KVIC, TRIFED, WDO, Coir Board registered sellers
- OEMs with valid BIS (ISI) licenses for specific product categories
- Licensed vaccine and drug manufacturers
- Sellers with turnover exceeding ₹500 Crore
- Sellers recommended by buyers (government departments) for specific categories.
👉 To claim exemption, upload supporting documents under the “Assessment Exemption Documents” tab on the GeM portal.
Documents Required for Vendor Assessment#
For sellers not exempted, the following documents are typically required (vary by business type):
- PAN and GST Registration
- Aadhaar of Proprietor/Directors
- Financials auto-fetched from ITR
- Product details: capacity, technical specs, and sales info
- Trademark certificates (if applicable)
- Declaration of Beneficial Ownership.
Vendor Assessment Fees (To be Paid directly to RITES)#
| Annual Turnover | Assessment Fee (incl. GST) |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹20 lakhs | ₹1028 |
| ₹20 lakhs to ₹1 crore | ₹2057 |
| Above ₹1 crore | ₹4114 |
Vendor Assessment Process#
1. log in to the GeM Portal#
- Visit gem.gov.in → Login → My Account > Vendor Assessment.
2. Choose the Right Tab#
- If exempt, click: Assessment Exemption Documents.
- If not exempt, click Assessment to begin the process.
3. Fill in Vendor Assessment Application#
- Choose your role: Manufacturer/OEM or Reseller.
- Enter business type, contact, and bank details (auto-fetched)
- Select product categories
- Upload supporting documents
- Enter product sales info & production capacity.
4. Submit Application#
- The application is submitted to RITES.
- A unique Assessment ID is generated.
- Login credentials for the RITES VA Portal are sent by email.
Two-Stage Evaluation by RITES#
- Desktop Assessment
RITES verifies documents and product/business credentials. If discrepancies arise, a Non-Compliance (NC) is raised. Sellers must respond within a stipulated period. This phase is documentation-driven.
- Video Assessment
RITES officials conduct a video verification via mobile app to confirm physical setup, manufacturing capability, and adherence to specifications.
📌 The complete process may take up to 30 to 45 working days.
Validity & Re-Assessment#
- VA is valid for 3 years from approval for selected categories.
- Any upgrade/removal of a category may trigger a reassessment.
- You can reapply before expiration to maintain continuous eligibility.
- Business setup changes may also require reassessment.
Need Help with Vendor Assessment on GeM?#
Though GeM’s VA process is structured, it can be overwhelming, especially when managing multiple documents, coordinating with RITES, or interpreting exemption clauses.
Our Vendor Assessment Consulting Service supports you through every step:
- Document review and preparation.
- Online application submission (including exemptions).
- Guidance for desktop and video verification.
- Resubmissions and clarification response (if NC is raised).
📞 Let us handle the process so you can focus on your business growth.
- Contact us: info@bidz365.com or +91 9999119365
- Visit: https://www.bidz365.com/contact
Conclusion#
Vendor Assessment is not just a regulatory step—it’s a strategic milestone. It enhances your credibility, increases visibility, and qualifies you for valuable government contracts. Completing it accurately sets you apart as a trusted OEM on GeM.
Start your Vendor Assessment today—your growth begins here.
