s GeM Vendor Assessment Mandatory for All Sellers?
No — but the answer depends on your seller category and the products you list.
GeM Vendor Assessment is mandatory for OEMs listing Q1 and Q2 category products on GeM. It is conducted by RITES Ltd. through their portal at ritesva.com, where you receive separate login credentials after initiating the request on GeM.
However, if you fall under specific exemption categories, you can skip the technical assessment — but you will still need to complete Vendor Validation, which is a lighter credential check all sellers must pass.
GeM Vendor Assessment Exemption Categories in 2026
Here is the current exemption status for each seller category:
| Seller Category | Exempt from VA? | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| DPIIT-recognized startups | Conditional | Exempt from fee and technical assessment for first 3 years; Vendor Validation still required |
| MSMEs with Udyam registration | No | Udyam alone no longer grants VA exemption for OEMs. Exception: NSIC-registered OEMs in certain categories may still qualify |
| Annual turnover above ₹500 crore | Yes | System-driven exemption based on ITR data submitted on GeM |
| BIS license holders | Yes | Valid as long as the CML/BIS license is active for that product |
| CPSEs and PSUs | Yes | Automatic exemption; no separate application needed |
| Resellers (not OEMs) | Yes | Resellers under an already-assessed OEM brand do not need separate VA |
Important: Being exempt from Vendor Assessment does not mean you skip the GeM registration process entirely. All sellers must complete their GeM profile, upload relevant business documents, and pass Vendor Validation before listing products.
What Is Vendor Validation — And Why Exempt Sellers Still Need It
Vendor Validation is a mandatory step for all GeM sellers, including those exempt from the full Vendor Assessment.
It verifies:
- Your business registration and legal status
- GST and PAN details
- Bank account linkage with your business entity
The distinction is important: Vendor Assessment evaluates your manufacturing capability and product quality. Vendor Validation only confirms your business identity. If you are a DPIIT startup or NSIC-registered MSME, you will still go through Vendor Validation — just not the full RITES assessment.
How to Claim Your Vendor Assessment Exemption on GeM
If you fall under an exempt category, follow these steps:
- Complete your GeM seller registration and reach the Vendor Assessment section
- Select “Apply for Exemption” when prompted
- Upload the relevant proof document — BIS license, DPIIT recognition certificate, ITR showing turnover above ₹500 crore, or CPSE/PSU status certificate
- Submit and await system verification — for turnover-based exemptions, this is automatic once ITR data is matched
Startups must upload their DPIIT recognition certificate. The exemption is time-bound to 3 years from the date of DPIIT recognition, not from GeM registration.
Common Mistakes When Claiming Exemption
Assuming Udyam = automatic exemption. This was true in earlier GeM policy versions. As of 2026, Udyam registration alone does not exempt OEMs from Vendor Assessment. Only specific NSIC-registered OEMs in eligible product categories qualify.
Uploading an expired BIS certificate. BIS-based exemptions are tied to an active CML license. If your license expired and was renewed, upload the renewed certificate — the old one will be rejected.
Treating exemption as permanent. Startup exemptions are valid for 3 years. After that, you must complete the standard RITES assessment. Apply for it at least 2 months before the exemption window closes to avoid a gap in your seller status.
GeM Vendor Assessment Validity and Renewal
For sellers who do complete the full Vendor Assessment, the certificate issued by RITES is valid for 3 years. You must apply for renewal at least 2 months before expiry. Late renewal applications can disrupt your active listings on GeM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vendor assessment mandatory for service sellers on GeM?
No. Vendor Assessment applies only to product sellers listing Q1 and Q2 category goods. Service sellers go through a separate compliance process.
I am an MSME with Udyam — do I need vendor assessment?
Yes, in most cases. As of 2026, Udyam registration alone does not grant exemption for OEMs. Check whether your specific product category has an NSIC-based exemption.
Where is vendor assessment done on GeM — is it still through QCI?
No. The process moved entirely to RITES. You initiate the request on the GeM portal, then receive separate login credentials for the RITES assessment portal at ritesva.com.
What documents do I need to prove exemption?
Depends on your category: DPIIT certificate for startups, active BIS/CML license for BIS exemptions, ITR data for turnover-based exemptions, and official CPSE/PSU status documentation.
If I am exempt, can I still get a VA certificate voluntarily?
Yes. A voluntary VA completion can strengthen your credibility with government buyers and give you the “VA” tag on GeM, which increases bid-winning probability.
