Supplier Registration Master Guide – GeM, ONGC, IOCL, Railways
Step-by-step registration process & approval timelines for major authorities
Winning government tenders starts much before submitting a bid. It starts with Supplier Registration.
Most procurement portals in India require prior registration with approved documentation, industry codes, and compliance checks — without it, you can’t even view or participate in high-value tenders.
Yet, bid teams often struggle because:
- They register late and miss opportunities
- They don’t know the right portal per industry
- Approval processes get delayed due to incorrect submissions
- They lack clarity on fees, requirements & timelines
This master guide gives you an easy, step-by-step roadmap for supplier registration on India’s top tendering portals.
Major Government Supplier Registration Portals in India
Here’s the breakdown of the most important ones:
| Portal | Industry Focus | Participation Type | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeM (Government e-Marketplace) | Multi-sector | Product & services | 3–15 days |
| ONGC e-Procurement | Oil & Gas | Works, products & services | 15–45 days |
| IOCL e-Tendering | Oil & Gas | Vendors, EPC, distributors | 15–30 days |
| Indian Railways IREPS | Railways & infrastructure | Vendors & contractors | 7–30 days |
| Defence eProcurement | Defence & Security | Enlisted suppliers | 30–90 days |
| State Tender Portals | Varies by state | Government contracts | Varies |
Step-by-Step Registration Process & Approval Timelines
Government procurement in India is rapidly expanding, offering suppliers and manufacturers access to high-value tenders across sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, IT, chemicals, infrastructure, and industrial equipment. However, the first gate to enter this market is correct supplier registration on key procurement platforms.
Not registering on the right portals can mean losing access to major business opportunities. This guide simplifies registration processes for the most important government procurement platforms like GeM, ONGC, IOCL, and Indian Railways, including eligibility, verification steps, and expected approval timelines.
Why Supplier Registration Matters
Government buyers prefer vendors who are:
- Compliant with legal and regulatory standards
- Eligible to participate in secure procurement
- Verified for quality, financial stability, and industry capability
Successful registration enables a supplier to:
- Receive tender notifications instantly
- Participate in restricted tenders
- Boost credibility and trust during evaluation
- Expand market reach nationally
For companies new to public-sector bidding, the right supplier registrations can drastically increase tender win potential.
Major Procurement Portals & How to Register
Below are the top portals where vendors must be registered to supply to PSUs, ministries, and government departments.
1. Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
The largest B2G procurement platform in India.
Who should register:
Manufacturers, OEMs, authorized resellers, service providers, EPC contractors, startups, and MSMEs.
Documents Required:
- PAN, GST, Udyam/MSME certificate
- Company incorporation proof
- Aadhaar + Mobile-linked email for proprietor/directors
- Product or service catalog with pricing
- Financial declarations
Registration Steps:
- Sign up at www.gem.gov.in as a seller
- Verify Aadhaar-based key person details
- Complete organizational KYC
- Upload brand approval documents (if a manufacturer)
- Create product/service listings
Approval Timeline:
Typically 3–10 working days depending on brand and category approvals.
Business Advantage:
Access to billions of rupees worth of government procurement opportunities.
2. ONGC e-Procurement Portal (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation)
ONGC procures heavily in oilfield services, machinery, technical solutions, IoT tools, safety equipment, etc.
Portal: https://etender.ongc.co.in/
Documents Required:
- PAN, GST, MSME
- Financial certifications (turnover, solvency)
- Technical capability sheets
- Past performance records
- Industry-specific certifications (where applicable)
Registration Steps:
- Create login and fill organization details
- Submit supporting documentation
- Accept compliance declarations
- Digital signature certificate (DSC) mandatory for bidding
Approval Timeline:
7–21 days based on category and vendor validation.
Business Advantage:
High-value tenders with multi-year contracts and recurring procurement.
3. IOCL Vendor Registration (Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.)
IOCL buys industrial, mechanical, electrical equipment, automation systems, and maintenance services.
Portal: https://iocl.com/
Documents Required:
- Company credentials and registration certificates
- Safety and QA compliance
- OEM or manufacturing proof
- Past experience in related industry category
Registration Steps:
- Apply online using vendor registration section
- Submit digital documents and technical details
- Verification may include site visits
- Registration is product category-specific
Approval Timeline:
30–60 days (includes physical and technical evaluation).
Business Advantage:
Huge repeat procurement cycles and long-term supply potential.
4. Indian Railways (IREPS)
Railways procure rolling stock, electrical, signaling equipment, IT, and engineering services.
Portal: https://ireps.gov.in
Documents Required:
- GST, PAN, Company legal docs
- Trade Registrations (if applicable)
- Electrical Vendor QA certificates depending on category
Registration Steps:
- Create vendor account on IREPS
- Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Upload client performance, capacity details
- Additional RDSO approval for specific technical items
Approval Timeline:
10–45 days depending on item classification.
Business Advantage:
Access to production units, zonal railway requirements, and recurring large-volume procurement.
Additional Important Portals You Should Consider
| Portal | Sectors | Portal Link | Approval Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHEL e-Procurement | EPC, Electrical, Boilers, Power projects | https://eprocurebhel.co.in/ | 15–30 days |
| SAIL Vendor Registration | Steel, industrial materials | https://sailtenders.co.in | 20–45 days |
| NTPC Vendor Portal | Power plant equipment, IT & engineering services | https://vendor.ntpc.co.in | 30–60 days |
| DRDO & Defence e-Market | Defence supplies, technology | https://defproc.gov.in | 30–90 days |
| NPCIL | Nuclear power equipment & services | https://npcil.etenders.in | 20–60 days |
Registration is sometimes product-category controlled, requiring capability proof and experience.
Mandatory Compliance for Government Supplier Registration
Most portals require:
- ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 (depending on sector)
- Past turnover threshold fulfillment
- Minimum experience criteria
- No-blacklisting declarations
- Safety standards in oil, gas, and power sectors
- Validity monitoring for renewable certificates
Early compliance planning eliminates registration delays during key tender opportunities.
How to Accelerate Registrations and Avoid Rejection
- Maintain a centralized tender document library
- Track expiry of certifications (GST, ISO, financial docs)
- Keep updated product datasheets and performance records
- Procure Digital Signature Certificates well in advance
- Ensure contact info, email and authorized signatory details are consistent everywhere
Companies that streamline this process can register on 5–10 portals within a quarter, opening access to thousands of tenders.
Conclusion
Government supplier registration is no longer optional for serious B2G sellers. A proactive approach makes your organization eligible for:
- Wider tender participation
- Direct procurement orders
- Long-term PSU contracts
- Increased win-rate and brand trust
By registering on the right platforms – GeM, ONGC, IOCL, Railways, and other PSU procurement portals – vendors secure strong market positioning and predictable revenue pipelines.
