GeM vs Open Government Tenders: What's the Difference

Not all government procurement happens the same way — GeM and traditional open tenders (published via CPPP or departmental portals) are genuinely different processes, and confusing the two costs businesses real opportunities.

GeM is designed for standardized, catalog-based procurement — products and many services with defined specifications, bought either through direct purchase, bidding, or reverse auction, all within one unified portal and workflow.

Open government tenders, by contrast, are typically used for larger, more customized, or complex requirements — works contracts, specialized services, or large infrastructure projects — published individually by the procuring department, often with their own document formats and submission processes.

For most MSMEs starting out, GeM is the more accessible entry point: lower complexity, standardized documentation, and a purchase preference framework that specifically favors smaller sellers. Open tenders tend to demand more resources and experience to pursue seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions