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Government tenders offer startups a powerful growth opportunity through large-scale, recurring contracts. Recognised startups enjoy special relaxations, making it easier to enter public procurement and scale faster. This guide provides a detailed understanding of startup company registration for government tenders.
Yes, eligible startups can apply for government tenders under the Startup India initiative, provided they are recognised by DPIIT. The government offers key relaxations to encourage participation, including:
These benefits create a level playing field for startups in public procurement.
Startups must meet the following conditions to apply for government tenders:
The startup must have a valid recognition certificate from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This certificate proves that the business qualifies under the Startup India initiative. Without this, the startup cannot claim tender relaxations like exemption from experience or turnover requirements.
The startup must have a Permanent Account Number (PAN) issued by the Income Tax Department and a valid GST registration number. These documents confirm the legal identity and tax compliance of the business.
The startup must register on either the Government eMarketplace (GeM) or the Central Public Procurement (CPP) Portal, depending on where the tender is published. Registration enables access to tenders and allows the startup to submit bids.
The startup and its directors must not have any ongoing criminal cases or fraud-related matters. This ensures that only clean and credible businesses engage in public procurement.
The startup must offer a product or service that matches the exact requirements mentioned in the tender. If the scope does not match, the bid gets rejected during technical evaluation.
The business must have a bank account in its registered name. This account is used for payment purposes after the order is executed. It also helps in validating the financial identity of the bidder.
The startup must obtain a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate. This certificate secures online transactions and allows the business to sign and submit tender documents on e-tender portals.
The startup must appoint a person who has the legal authority to submit bids and sign documents on behalf of the company. The name of this person must appear in the board resolution or authorisation letter.
Some of the portals which help in startup company registration for government tenders are listed below:
Government eMarketplace (GeM)
Government eMarketplace (GeM) is an online procurement platform developed by the Government of India. It allows startups to sell their products and services directly to government departments, public sector undertakings, and autonomous bodies. GeM simplifies the purchase process and promotes transparency, speed, and efficiency in public procurement.
Benefits for Startups on GeM
The benefits of startup company registration on GeM are listed below:
Startups can apply for tenders without showing any past government project experience, allowing new businesses to compete fairly.
Startups do not need to meet any minimum turnover requirement, which removes financial entry barriers and supports early-stage participation.
GeM connects startups with multiple government departments, giving them a national platform to showcase and sell their offerings directly.
GeM ensures timely order processing and payment release, helping startups maintain cash flow and avoid long waiting periods.
The Startup Runway feature helps startups list unique products and simplifies registration, even for offerings outside standard categories.
Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP / eProcure)
The Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP), also known as eProcure, is the official platform for publishing and managing tenders issued by central government ministries, departments, and PSUs. Startups can register and submit bids for tenders digitally through this portal.
Benefits for Startups on CPPP
The benefits of registering a startup on the CPPP portal are listed below:
Startups can view and apply for tenders from ministries, PSUs, and autonomous bodies through a single, centralised portal.
The entire bidding process takes place online, ensuring fair competition and complete transparency for all registered bidders.
Recognised startups enjoy equal bidding rights and may receive exemptions from criteria like prior experience or EMD.
Registered users receive instant alerts for relevant tenders, helping startups respond quickly and plan bids efficiently.
The portal uses Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to ensure secure and legally valid bid submissions.
State-Specific eProcurement Portals
Every state government in India operates its eProcurement portal to manage tenders issued by state departments, agencies, and local bodies. Startups must register separately on these portals to participate in regional procurement opportunities.
Benefits for Startups on State Portals
In the state portal, the startups can enjoy a lot of benefits. Some of the benefits of registering in the state portal are listed below:
Startups can apply for tenders floated by state departments, urban bodies, and public utilities within a specific state.
State portals offer contracts suited to local demand, helping startups establish a regional presence and grow gradually.
Startups face fewer competitors on state platforms, increasing their chances of securing contracts and gaining procurement experience.
Startups with Udyam or state MSME registration can benefit from reserved categories and relaxations under state policies.
Many state portals offer regional language support and local helpdesks, making it easier for small startups to operate confidently.
If you want to supply your products or services to government departments, you must register your startup on the Government e-marketplace (GeM). Follow these steps to complete your registration correctly:
Step 1: Visit the Official GeM Portal
Visit the official GeM portal. On the homepage, choose the “Sign Up” option under the Seller section. This opens the registration form for new sellers.
Step 2: Verify Your Aadhaar Details
Enter the Aadhaar number of the person who handles business transactions on behalf of your startup. Use the mobile number linked with the Aadhaar. You receive an OTP on that number to confirm your identity. Without Aadhaar verification, the system does not allow you to proceed.
Step 3: Provide Your Business Information
Fill in your legal business name exactly as it appears in your official documents. Select the type of organisation such as proprietorship, partnership, or private limited. Enter your PAN and GST number along with the registered address. This helps GeM verify your business identity and tax registration.
Step 4: Upload the Required Documents
To register on the government e-Marketplace, you need to upload the documents listed below:
Step 5: Create Login Credentials
Choose a unique User ID and set a strong password. These login credentials allow you to enter your dashboard after registration. You need them every time you want to access or update your account.
Step 6: Complete Your Organisation Profile
Provide the official contact email, mobile number, and communication address. Select the categories of goods or services your startup offers. This helps the system show your offerings to relevant government buyers.
Step 7: List Your Products or Services
Add your products or services one by one in the appropriate categories. Mention specifications, pricing, delivery location, warranty terms, and any service conditions. Clear listings improve your chances of receiving orders from government departments.
Step 8: Submit the Application
Check all the details you have entered. Make sure the uploaded documents are clear and correct. Once everything is accurate, apply. GeM reviews your information and activates your seller account after successful verification.
If you want to participate in tenders released by central government departments or PSUs, you must register your startup on the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP). This portal allows you to access, view, and submit bids electronically. Follow the steps below to register successfully:
Step 1: Visit the Official eProcurement Portal
Search for the official e-procurement portal in your search engine. On the homepage, click on “Online Bidder Enrollment”. This section provides access to the registration form required for creating your bidder profile.
Step 2: Fill in Your Organisation Details
Enter the legal name of your startup exactly as mentioned in your official documents. Select your business type—such as proprietorship, partnership, or private limited company. Mention your full address, including state, district, and pin code. Provide the name, email ID, and mobile number of your authorised representative.
Step 3: Create a User ID and Password
Choose a unique User ID that reflects your startup's name or purpose. Set a strong password to protect your account. These credentials allow you to log in and access tender-related information.
Step 4: Obtain a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
You must purchase a Class 3 DSC from a government-authorised certifying agency. This certificate authenticates your identity and enables you to submit legally valid bids on the portal. Without this certificate, the portal does not allow you to proceed with tender activities.
Step 5: Install DSC Software and Connect Your Token
Plug in the USB token provided with your DSC into your computer. Install the required drivers and software that come with the certificate. The system detects your DSC and links it with your bidder profile. This setup ensures security during all transactions on the portal.
Step 6: Upload Required Documents
When you are registering your startups on the eProcurement or CPPP you need to upload the documents given below:
Step 7: Review and Submit the Form
Recheck all the information you have entered. Confirm that all uploaded documents are correct and valid. Once you verify every section, click on the submit button. The portal verifies your details and activates your account after a successful review.
Step 8: Find and Apply for Government Tenders
Once your account becomes active, you can access live tenders, view technical specifications, and submit your bids directly through the platform.
The common documents required for all the portals for registering your startups for government tenders are given below:
The benefits of registering a startup for government tenders are explained below:
DPIIT-recognised startups receive a full exemption from submitting Earnest Money Deposits (EMD), which lowers entry barriers and improves cash efficiency. This provision allows you to compete for high-value tenders without blocking working capital in advance.
You do not need to meet prior turnover or work experience thresholds to bid. This creates a level playing field against larger vendors and enables early-stage startups to break into public procurement despite limited financial history or portfolio size.
Through portals like GeM and eProcure, you gain direct exposure to thousands of government departments, PSUs, and autonomous bodies. This eliminates intermediaries and opens consistent revenue channels through verified, large-scale institutional buyers across India.
Under this rule, government buyers are formally encouraged to provide fair opportunities to DPIIT-recognised startups, even if they lack prior turnover or government experience. This provision enables participation without financial history, allows technical competence to outweigh commercial track records, and supports inclusive procurement across emerging businesses.
Government tenders often involve bulk orders with high contract values. If your offerings match the scope, you can secure long-term supply deals that significantly scale your operations and establish recurring cash flows without aggressive customer acquisition efforts.
GeM features a specialised "Startup Runway" to help you list non-standard or innovative products. This gateway helps you reach the right buyers, even when your solutions do not fit existing tender categories, making innovation commercially viable within public procurement.
The key challenges that startups face in government tendering are listed below along with their solutions:
Startups often face rejection due to small format errors, wrong annexure sequence, or failure to follow tender instructions—even when the product meets technical needs.
Solution:
New startups often miss essential documents or declarations due to inexperience with public procurement procedures.
Solution:
Many DPIIT-recognised startups skip tenders or pay EMD due to a lack of awareness about available exemptions.
Solution:
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) issues often block login or delay submission, especially on eProcure and state portals.
Solution:
Conclusion
To sum up, Startup Company Registration for Government Tenders is a strategic gateway to high-value contracts, national exposure, and long-term growth. With DPIIT recognition and access to platforms like GeM and CPPP, eligible startups can compete confidently—without prior experience or heavy financial qualifications.
While the process demands accuracy and compliance, expert assistance ensures timely and error-free execution. Online Legal India provides end-to-end support for registration, documentation, and bidding, making your entry into public procurement seamless, compliant, and growth-ready.