Complete Beginner's Guide to Government Tenders in India 2025
Understanding India's ₹50+ Lakh Crore Government Procurement Opportunity
India's government procurement market represents one of the world's largest opportunities, accounting for ₹50-70 lakh crore annually—approximately 20-22% of India's GDP. With 40,000+ active tenders across central and state governments, PSUs, and autonomous bodies, the market is more accessible than ever in 2025.
Digital platforms like GeM (which processed ₹13.60+ lakh crore since inception) and TenderDekho have democratized access, while special provisions for MSMEs and startups—including EMD exemptions and relaxed criteria—make it possible for businesses of any size to compete and win lucrative government contracts.
Key Market Statistics 2025
- Annual Procurement Value: ₹50-70 lakh crore (20-22% of India's GDP)
- Active Tenders Daily: 40,000+ across 20+ portals
- GeM Platform Stats: ₹4.09 lakh crore in FY 2024-25 (10 months), 50% YoY growth
- Registered Vendors: 2.3+ lakh sellers, 1.5 lakh government buyers on GeM
- MSME Share: 50.42% of GeM orders go to MSMEs
- Cumulative GeM Transactions: ₹13.60+ lakh crore since 2016
What is a Government Tender?
A government tender is a formal invitation by government departments, ministries, PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings), and autonomous bodies to invite bids from qualified suppliers for goods, services, or works.
Types of Government Tenders
1. Open Tenders
- Advertised publicly to all qualified bidders
- Most transparent and competitive format
- Published on CPPP, GeM, state portals, and TenderDekho
- Ensures maximum participation and best value
2. Limited Tenders
- Restricted to pre-approved or empanelled vendors
- Common for specialized services or technical requirements
- Requires prior registration with specific departments
- Faster procurement for trusted suppliers
3. Single Tender (Nomination)
- Awarded to single vendor without competition
- Used in exceptional circumstances (proprietary items, emergency)
- Requires special approval from competent authority
- Subject to scrutiny and audit
4. E-Tenders
- Conducted entirely through online portals
- Standard format in 2025 (99% of tenders)
- Requires Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Transparent, paperless, and efficient process
Key Government Procurement Portals
1. GeM (Government e-Marketplace) - gem.gov.in
What It Is:
- National public procurement portal (100% government-owned)
- One-stop marketplace for common goods and services
- Launched August 9, 2016
Key Statistics:
- ₹13.60+ lakh crore transactions since inception
- ₹4.09 lakh crore in FY 2024-25 (10 months)
- 2.3+ lakh registered sellers
- 1.5 lakh government buyers
- 50% Year-on-Year growth
Best For:
- Office supplies, IT equipment, furniture
- Vehicles, electronics, healthcare products
- Services: transportation, housekeeping, security
Unique Features:
- Direct purchase under ₹25,000 (no bidding)
- Reverse auction for competitive pricing
- Demand aggregation for bulk orders
- Free registration for all sellers
2. CPPP (Central Public Procurement Portal) - eprocure.gov.in
What It Is:
- Central platform for all central government tenders
- Single-point access to procurement information
- Covers all ministries, departments, CPSEs
Coverage:
- Central government tenders worth ₹2 lakh+
- All ministries and departments
- Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
- Autonomous bodies
Registration Requirements:
- Valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Company registration documents
- PAN, GST certificates
- One-time enrollment process
3. State E-Procurement Portals
Each state operates its own portal:
- Maharashtra: mahatenders.gov.in
- Karnataka: eproc.karnataka.gov.in
- Uttar Pradesh: etender.up.nic.in
- Gujarat: nprocure.com
- Tamil Nadu: tenders.tn.gov.in
- Delhi: govtprocurement.delhi.gov.in
- West Bengal: wbtenders.gov.in
- Rajasthan: eproc.rajasthan.gov.in
4. TenderDekho - tenderdekho.com
What It Is:
- Comprehensive tender aggregator platform
- Consolidates 40,000+ tenders from 20+ government portals
- Real-time updates and intelligent search
Key Features:
- Single Dashboard: All tenders in one place
- City-wise Filtering: 1,410 Mumbai, 1,133 Bangalore, 804 Pune
- Smart Alerts: Email/SMS notifications for relevant tenders
- Deadline Tracking: Never miss submission dates
- Category Organization: Easy navigation by sector
Why Use TenderDekho:
- Save 5-6 hours daily (no need to visit 20+ portals)
- Real-time updates from all sources
- Advanced search and filtering
- Track tender status centrally
Legal Framework Governing Tenders
1. General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017
Issued by Ministry of Finance, governs all central government procurement.
Key Provisions:
- Rule 149: Mandates GeM for common goods/services
- Rule 170: MSME exemptions (EMD, tender fee)
- Rule 161: Earnest Money Deposit requirements
- Rule 171: Public procurement policy
2. Public Procurement Policy for MSEs (2012)
Procurement Targets:
- 25% from MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises)
- 4% sub-target from SC/ST-owned MSMEs
- 3% sub-target from women-owned MSMEs
MSME Benefits:
- EMD (Earnest Money Deposit) exemption
- Tender fee waiver
- 15% price preference
- 358 items reserved exclusively for MSMEs
- Relaxed experience and turnover criteria
3. Startup India Initiative Benefits
Exemptions for DPIIT-Recognized Startups:
- Prior experience requirement waived
- Prior turnover requirement waived
- EMD exemption
- Performance security reduced to 25%
- Relaxed eligibility criteria
4. Make in India - Public Procurement Order 2017
Promotes local manufacturing and domestic suppliers:
- Preference to Indian companies
- Local content requirements
- Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Eligibility for All Bidders
Mandatory Documents:
✅ PAN Card - Company PAN (not individual)
✅ GST Registration - Active GST number
✅ Company Registration - Certificate of Incorporation
✅ Bank Account - Current account in company name
✅ Digital Signature Certificate - Class III DSC
Business Structure Accepted:
- Private Limited Company
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Partnership Firm
- Proprietorship
- Public Limited Company
MSME Classification (Updated 2025)
Investment & Turnover Criteria:
| Category | Investment Limit | Turnover Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Micro | ≤ ₹1 Crore | ≤ ₹5 Crore |
| Small | ≤ ₹10 Crore | ≤ ₹50 Crore |
| Medium | ≤ ₹50 Crore | ≤ ₹250 Crore |
How to Register:
- Visit: udyamregistration.gov.in
- Enter Aadhaar number
- Fill business details
- Submit online (no documents needed)
- Instant Udyam Registration Certificate
- Cost: Absolutely FREE
- Time: 10-15 minutes
Sector-Specific Requirements
Construction/Infrastructure:
- Contractor license from PWD/CPWD
- Safety certifications
- Equipment ownership/lease documents
IT/Software:
- ISO 27001 (Information Security)
- CMMI certification (preferred)
- Company profile with past projects
Healthcare/Medical:
- Drug licenses
- FDA/CDSCO approvals
- Quality certifications (WHO-GMP)
Food Supply/Catering:
- FSSAI license (mandatory)
- Health department approvals
- Kitchen inspection certificates
Security Services:
- PSARA license
- Police verification
- Insurance coverage
Essential Documents Required
Permanent Registration Documents
Company Documents
- PAN Card (Company)
- GST Registration Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation/Registration
- Company: MCA certificate
- LLP: LLP Agreement
- Partnership: Partnership Deed
- Proprietorship: Shop establishment certificate
- Board Resolution (for bidding authorization)
- MoA/AoA (for companies)
Financial Documents
Audited Financial Statements
- Last 3 years' Balance Sheets
- Profit & Loss Accounts
- CA-certified
Income Tax Returns (ITR)
- Last 3 years
- Acknowledgement receipts
Bank Solvency Certificate
- From nationalized/scheduled bank
- Validity: 3-6 months
- Amount as per tender requirement
Turnover Certificates
- CA-certified annual turnover
- Last 3 years
Compliance Certificates
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Class III Organization DSC
- Validity: 2 years
- Cost: ₹800-1,500
Udyam Registration (for MSMEs)
- Free from udyamregistration.gov.in
- Instant certificate
NSIC Registration (optional but beneficial)
- Performance & Credit Rating
- Additional MSME benefits
EPF & ESI Registration
- If employing workers
- Code numbers required
Professional Tax Registration
- State-specific
Technical Documents
ISO Certifications
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental)
- ISO 45001 (Occupational Safety)
- Industry-specific ISOs
Product Certifications
- BIS certification
- Quality test reports
- Type approval certificates
Manufacturing License
- Factory license
- Pollution clearance
Past Experience Certificates
- Work completion certificates
- Client testimonials
- Performance reports
Bid-Specific Documents
For Each Tender Submission
Technical Bid:
- Technical specifications compliance statement
- Manufacturer authorization certificate
- Product catalogue/brochures
- Quality assurance plan
- Delivery schedule
- After-sales service commitment
- Deviation statement (if any)
Financial Bid:
- Price bid in BOQ (Bill of Quantities) format
- Price breakup (material, labor, overhead)
- GST details and calculations
- Payment terms acceptance
- Bank account details for payment
Security Documents:
- EMD (Earnest Money Deposit)
- Amount: 1-5% of estimated value
- Format: DD/BG/Online
- MSME/Startup: Certificate for exemption
- Tender Fee Payment
- As specified in NIT
- MSME: Exempted
Step-by-Step Process: Your First Tender
PHASE 1: Pre-Bidding Preparation (Week 1-2)
Step 1: Business Setup & Registration
Day 1-3: Company Documents
- Ensure PAN card in company name
- Get/update GST registration
- Open current bank account
- Obtain company seal
Day 4-5: MSME Registration
- Visit udyamregistration.gov.in
- Enter Aadhaar number (OTP verification)
- Fill company details:
- Type of organization
- Investment in plant & machinery
- Annual turnover
- Bank account details
- Submit (no documents needed)
- Download Udyam Certificate instantly
Benefits Unlocked:
- EMD exemption (save ₹10,000 to ₹10 lakh per tender)
- Tender fee waiver
- 15% price preference
- Relaxed eligibility criteria
Day 6-10: Digital Signature Certificate
How to Get DSC:
Choose certifying authority:
- eMudhra (emudhra.com)
- nCode Solutions (ncodesolutions.com)
- Sify (safescrypt.com)
- Capricorn (capricornca.com)
Required documents:
- Company PAN
- Director's Aadhaar
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Board Resolution
- Passport size photo
Apply online:
- Fill application form
- Upload documents
- Make payment (₹800-1,500)
- Video verification
Delivery:
- USB token via courier
- 2-3 working days
- Installation software included
Type to Choose:
- Class III Organization DSC (not individual)
- Validity: 2 years
- Works on Windows/Mac
Step 2: Portal Registration
GeM Portal Registration (gem.gov.in)
Process:
- Click "Sign Up" → Select "Seller"
- Enter mobile number → OTP verification
- Create password
- Fill organization details:
- Company name
- PAN number
- GST number
- Bank account details
- Upload documents:
- Company PAN card
- GST certificate
- Cancelled cheque
- Authorization letter
- Add product/service catalogue:
- Product categories
- Specifications
- Pricing
- Images
- Submit for verification
- Approval in 2-3 working days
CPPP Registration (eprocure.gov.in)
Process:
- Visit eprocure.gov.in
- Click "Online Bidder Enrollment"
- Fill enrollment form:
- Company details
- Contact information
- Bank details
- Upload documents:
- All company certificates
- Financial documents
- Use DSC to sign
- Pay registration fee (if applicable)
- Submit application
- Login credentials via email (5-7 days)
TenderDekho Setup (tenderdekho.com)
Process:
- Visit tenderdekho.com
- Click "Sign Up"
- Enter email and create password
- Set preferences:
- Location: Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, etc.
- Categories: IT, Construction, Supplies, Services
- Value Range: ₹1 lakh - ₹1 crore
- Enable tender alerts:
- Email notifications
- SMS alerts
- Daily digest
- Browse 40,000+ active tenders
- Save interesting tenders to watchlist
PHASE 2: Finding Right Tenders (Week 2-3)
Step 3: Search & Filter Tenders
On TenderDekho Dashboard:
By Location:
- Mumbai: 1,410 active tenders
- Bangalore: 1,133 active tenders
- Pune: 804 active tenders
- Lucknow: 736 active tenders
- Hyderabad: 719 active tenders
By Category:
- IT & Software
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Medical & Healthcare
- Office Supplies
- Security Services
- Transportation
- Consultancy
By Value:
- Under ₹1 lakh
- ₹1-10 lakh (best for beginners)
- ₹10-50 lakh
- ₹50 lakh - ₹1 crore
- Above ₹1 crore
What to Look For (Beginner Strategy):
✅ Tender Value: ₹1-10 lakh (manageable risk)
✅ Location: Your city/state (easy logistics)
✅ Deadline: At least 15 days remaining
✅ Your Expertise: Matching product/service
✅ Clear Specifications: Well-defined scope
✅ Simple Requirements: Not overly technical
Red Flags to Avoid:
❌ Very short deadline (<7 days)
❌ Vague scope of work
❌ Unrealistic delivery timelines
❌ Excessive eligibility criteria
❌ Tender value beyond capacity
❌ Pan-India delivery (for first tender)
Step 4: Download & Analyze Tender
Critical Sections to Study:
1. Notice Inviting Tender (NIT)
- Tender reference number
- Brief description
- Estimated value
- EMD amount
- Key dates
- Contact details
2. Eligibility Criteria
Check carefully:
- Minimum turnover requirement
- MSME: Usually exempted
- Prior experience required
- MSME/Startup: Relaxed/exempted
- Technical qualifications
- Geographical restrictions
- Financial capability
3. Scope of Work (Most Important)
Understand:
- Exact specifications (size, model, brand)
- Quantity required
- Quality standards (IS/ISO/BIS)
- Delivery locations (how many places)
- Installation requirements
- Warranty/AMC period
- Training requirements
- Deviation tolerance
4. Commercial Terms
Payment Structure:
- Advance payment: 0-20%
- On delivery: 60-80%
- After installation: 10-20%
- Retention money: 5-10% (held 6-12 months)
- Payment timeline: 30-60 days from bill submission
5. Penalty Clauses
Understand penalties:
- Liquidated damages: 0.5-1% per week of delay
- Maximum penalty: Usually capped at 5-10%
- Conditions for levy
- Force majeure provisions
6. EMD & Security Requirements
EMD (Earnest Money Deposit):
- Amount: Usually 1-5% of estimated value
- Format: DD/BG/Online payment
- Validity: Bid validity period + 45 days
- Refund: To unsuccessful bidders in 30-45 days
- MSME: Upload Udyam certificate for exemption
Performance Security:
- Amount: 5-10% of contract value
- When: After winning, before contract signing
- Format: Bank Guarantee
- Validity: Contract period + 3 months
PHASE 3: Bid Preparation (Week 3-4)
Step 5: Cost Calculation
Costing Formula:
Total Bid Price = A + B + C + D + E
A = Direct Material Cost
B = Direct Labor Cost
C = Transportation & Logistics
D = Overhead & Administration (10-15%)
E = Profit Margin (10-15%)
Final Price = Total + GST (as applicable)
Example Calculation:
Tender: Supply 100 computers to government office
A. Material Cost:
- Computer (wholesale): ₹35,000 × 100 = ₹35,00,000
- Accessories (keyboard, mouse): ₹1,000 × 100 = ₹1,00,000
- Packaging: ₹500 × 100 = ₹50,000
- Subtotal: ₹36,50,000
B. Labor Cost:
- Installation: ₹1,000 × 100 = ₹1,00,000
- Configuration: ₹500 × 100 = ₹50,000
- Subtotal: ₹1,50,000
C. Transportation:
- Delivery charges: ₹1,00,000
- Insurance: ₹50,000
- Subtotal: ₹1,50,000
D. Overhead (12%):
- Administration, documentation: ₹4,74,000
E. Profit (12%):
- ₹4,74,000
Total Before GST: ₹48,98,000
GST (18%): ₹8,81,640
Final Bid Price: ₹57,79,640
Per Unit Price: ₹57,796
Competitive Pricing Tips:
- Research similar past tenders
- Check market rates
- Consider MSME 15% preference
- Don't price below cost
- Factor all hidden costs
Step 6: Technical Bid Preparation
Components of Technical Bid:
1. Covering Letter
- Company introduction (1 page)
- Understanding of requirement
- Commitment statement
- Authorized signatory details
2. Compliance Statement
| Sr. No. | Specification Required | Offered | Compliant (Yes/No) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intel i5 processor | Intel i5 11th Gen | Yes | As per requirement |
| 2 | 8GB RAM | 16GB RAM | Yes | Better than required |
3. Company Profile
- Brief history (2-3 paragraphs)
- Years in business
- Management team
- Infrastructure facilities
- Key clients (if any)
- Turnover details
- Employee strength
4. Past Experience
- List of similar projects
- Client names and contact details
- Contract values
- Completion certificates
- Client testimonials
- First timer? Use any business experience, MSME exemption applies
5. Technical Details
- Detailed product specifications
- Brand/Model offered
- Manufacturer authorization
- Product brochures/catalogues
- Technical data sheets
- Test certificates
- Quality certifications (ISO, BIS)
- Country of origin (for Make in India compliance)
6. Quality Assurance Plan
- Quality control process
- Testing methodology
- Inspection procedures
- Warranty terms
7. Execution Plan
- Project timeline (Gantt chart)
- Resource deployment plan
- Risk mitigation strategy
- Delivery schedule
- Installation plan
- Training plan (if applicable)
8. After-Sales Support
- Service centers/support structure
- Response time commitment
- Spare parts availability
- AMC terms (if applicable)
Documents to Attach:
- All company certificates
- Financial documents
- ISO certifications
- Past experience certificates
- GST, PAN copies
- Udyam certificate (for MSME benefits)
- Bank solvency certificate
- Manufacturer authorization
- Power of attorney (if authorized representative)
Step 7: Financial Bid Preparation
BOQ (Bill of Quantities) Format:
Important:
- Use exact format provided in tender
- Fill all columns
- No cell should be blank
- Check calculations multiple times
- Unit rates must match total
Sample BOQ:
| S.No | Description | Quantity | Unit | Rate per Unit (₹) | Amount (₹) | GST % | GST Amount (₹) | Total (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Desktop Computer | 100 | Nos | 50,000 | 50,00,000 | 18% | 9,00,000 | 59,00,000 |
| 2 | Installation & Config | 100 | Nos | 1,500 | 1,50,000 | 18% | 27,000 | 1,77,000 |
| 3 | Transportation | 1 | Lumpsum | 1,00,000 | 1,00,000 | 18% | 18,000 | 1,18,000 |
| TOTAL | 52,50,000 | 9,45,000 | 61,95,000 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Arithmetic errors (double-check all calculations)
❌ Wrong units (ensure Nos/Kg/Ltr/RM matches tender)
❌ Missing GST (specify rate and amount separately)
❌ Transportation not included (mention if included in rate)
❌ Installation charges missing
❌ Negative/zero rates (system may reject)
❌ Currency symbol (use only numbers)
❌ Rounding off errors
Price Breakup (If Required):
- Basic price
- Packing & forwarding
- Transportation
- Insurance
- Installation
- Training
- GST (specify %)
- Total delivered price
PHASE 4: Bid Submission (Week 4)
Step 8: Arrange EMD
Option 1: MSME Exemption (Best)
If you have Udyam Registration:
- Scan Udyam certificate (clear, colored)
- Prepare exemption declaration
- Upload in designated section
- Cost: ₹0 (Zero payment)
- Benefit: Save lakhs
Option 2: Demand Draft
Process:
- Visit nationalized/scheduled bank
- Request DD:
- Amount: As per tender
- In favor of: Tendering authority name
- Payable at: Location specified
- Mention tender number on DD
- Get DD in 1-2 hours
- Scan for upload
- Original to be submitted if required
Cost: DD amount + bank charges (₹50-200)
Option 3: Bank Guarantee (Preferred for Large Tenders)
Process:
- Visit your bank
- Request BG:
- Amount: EMD value
- Format: As per tender (usually provided)
- Validity: Bid validity + 45 days
- In favor of: Tendering authority
- Provide margin money (10-25%)
- Bank charges: 0.5-1.5% per annum
- Processing: 2-3 days
- Scan for upload
Advantage: Your capital not blocked, only margin
Example:
- EMD required: ₹5 lakh
- Margin money: ₹1.25 lakh (25%)
- Bank charges: ₹5,000-7,500
- Your ₹3.75 lakh remains free
Step 9: Online Submission
Timeline Planning:
- Start submission: 3-4 days before deadline
- Never wait for last day
- Keep 2-3 hour buffer
- Peak hours (4-6 PM): Server may be slow
- Best time: Early morning (6-8 AM)
Submission Process:
Part A: Technical Bid Upload
Login to Portal
- Use your credentials
- Insert DSC (USB token)
- Navigate to "Active Tenders"
- Search your tender
- Click "Submit Bid"
Prepare Documents
- Scan all pages to PDF
- File size: Check limit (usually 5-20 MB per file)
- File naming: Company-TenderNo-Document name
- Password protect if required
Upload Technical Documents
- Follow sequence as per tender
- Upload section-wise:
- Company profile
- Experience certificates
- Technical compliance
- Manufacturer auth
- Certificates
- Click "Digitally Sign" for each document
- Verify green checkmark
Fill Online Forms (if any)
- Company details
- Contact information
- Declarations
- Use DSC to sign
Part B: Financial Bid Upload
Fill BOQ
- Download BOQ Excel template
- Fill all columns carefully
- Check formulas working
- Save file
Upload BOQ
- Upload filled Excel/PDF
- Some portals have online form
- Enter rate for each item
- System calculates total
Digitally Sign
- Insert DSC
- Click "Sign Financial Bid"
- Confirm password
Part C: EMD & Fee Upload
Tender Fee
- Pay online (if applicable)
- Upload payment receipt
- MSME: Upload exemption certificate
EMD
- Option A: Upload MSME certificate (exemption)
- Option B: Upload scanned DD/BG
- Option C: Online payment
- Fill EMD details (DD/BG number, date, bank)
Part D: Final Submission
Review All Documents
- Check all sections completed
- All files uploaded?
- All digitally signed?
- Correct tender reference?
Preview Bid
- Some portals allow preview
- Verify all details
Final Submit
- Click "Final Submit"
- Confirm submission
- Note: Cannot edit after this
Take Proof
- Screenshot of confirmation
- Note bid reference number
- Download acknowledgement PDF
- Print for records
- Save email confirmation
Confirmation Checklist:
✅ Technical bid uploaded?
✅ Financial bid uploaded?
✅ EMD uploaded/paid?
✅ Tender fee paid (if applicable)?
✅ All documents digitally signed?
✅ Final submit clicked?
✅ Acknowledgement received?
✅ Bid reference number saved?
✅ Screenshot taken?
✅ Correct tender ID?
Common Technical Issues:
Problem: DSC not detected
- Clear browser cache
- Update Java
- Use Chrome/Firefox
- Restart browser
Problem: File upload fails
- Compress PDF (<5 MB)
- Check file name (no special characters)
- Try different browser
- Disable antivirus temporarily
Problem: Portal slow/not responding
- Try early morning hours
- Use wired internet (not Wi-Fi)
- Close other applications
- Submit from desktop (not mobile)
PHASE 5: Post-Submission (Week 5-8)
Step 10: Attend Pre-Bid Meeting (If Scheduled)
Purpose:
- Clarify doubts about specifications
- Site visit (for works/services)
- Meet department officials
- Understand practical requirements
- Network with other bidders
What to Bring:
- Notebook and pen
- Company visiting cards
- Questions list
- Calculator
- Camera (for site photos)
- Measuring tape (for works)
What to Note:
- All clarifications given
- Site conditions
- Access routes
- Existing facilities
- Key contacts
- Timeline expectations
Important:
- Minutes of meeting published on portal
- Check for changes to specifications
- May extend bid deadline
- Amend your bid if needed
Step 11: Track Corrigendum/Addendum
What It Is:
- Changes/additions to original tender
- Corrections in specifications
- Deadline extensions
- Clarifications issued
How to Track:
- Check portal daily
- Enable email alerts on TenderDekho
- Visit tender page regularly
- Note all changes
Action Required:
- If specifications changed: Update technical bid
- If rates affected: Revise financial bid
- If deadline extended: Utilize extra time
- Re-submit if major changes
Step 12: Bid Opening & Evaluation
Stage 1: Technical Bid Opening
Timeline: 3-7 days after deadline
Process:
- Technical bids opened publicly (or announced)
- Evaluated by technical committee
- Checked against eligibility criteria
- Specifications compliance verified
- Documents authenticity checked
Result:
- Technically Qualified (TQ)
- Technically Not Qualified (TNQ)
- Result published on portal
- Only TQ bidders proceed to financial evaluation
Common Rejection Reasons:
- Incomplete documentation
- Not meeting eligibility criteria
- Specifications non-compliance
- Invalid certificates
- Unsigned documents
- Incorrect EMD
Stage 2: Financial Bid Opening
Timeline: 2-7 days after technical evaluation
Process:
- Only TQ bidders' financial bids opened
- Public opening (some portals allow online viewing)
- All quoted prices displayed
- L1 (Lowest) bidder identified
- L2, L3, etc. also ranked
Price Comparison Sheet Published:
| Bidder Name | Quoted Amount | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Company A | ₹58,50,000 | L1 |
| Company B (You) | ₹61,95,000 | L2 |
| Company C | ₹65,20,000 | L3 |
Stage 3: MSME Price Preference
If You're MSME and L1 is Non-MSME:
Your Price: ₹61,95,000 (L2)
L1 Price: ₹58,50,000
Difference: ₹3,45,000 (5.9%)
Check: Is difference ≤ 15%?
- ₹58,50,000 + 15% = ₹67,27,500
- Your price (₹61,95,000) < ₹67,27,500
- Yes, you qualify!
Department Asks: Will you match L1 price?
You Say: Yes
Result: You get 25% of quantity at L1 price
Calculation:
- Total quantity: 100 computers
- MSME share: 25 computers
- Your rate: ₹58,50,000 ÷ 100 = ₹58,500 per unit
- Your order value: 25 × ₹58,500 = ₹14,62,500
- L1 gets remaining: 75 computers
This is HUGE advantage of MSME registration!
Step 13: Award & Contract
If You Win:
Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
- Received via email/registered post
- Contains:
- Contract value
- Delivery schedule
- Payment terms
- Special conditions
- Performance security requirement
- Contract signing deadline
Action Within 7-15 Days:
Acknowledge LOA
- Email confirmation
- Acceptance letter
Submit Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG)
- Amount: 5-10% of contract value
- Format: As per contract
- Validity: Contract period + 3 months
- Same process as EMD
- MSME Benefit: Often reduced/waived
Sign Contract
- On stamp paper (value as per state)
- Multiple copies (usually 3)
- All pages initialed
- Last page signed by authorized signatory
- Company seal on each page
- Witness signatures
Submit Documents
- Signed contract
- PBG original
- Insurance (if required)
- Undertakings/affidavits
EMD Refund:
- Your EMD adjusted toward performance security
- Or refunded within 30 days
- If exempted, nothing to refund
Contract Kickoff Meeting:
- Meet project officer
- Understand expectations
- Clarify delivery logistics
- Get site access (if required)
- Timeline confirmation
If You Don't Win:
Request Feedback:
- Right to know your rank
- Why you lost
- Your quoted price vs L1
- Technical evaluation score
EMD Refund:
- Automatic within 30-45 days
- Check bank account
- If delayed, email accounts section
Learn & Improve:
- Compare your price with L1
- Check if calculation error
- Improve cost estimation
- Try again on next tender
MSME & Startup Benefits (Game Changers)
Why MSME Registration is Essential
10-Minute Registration = Lifetime Benefits
Registration Process:
- Visit: udyamregistration.gov.in
- Enter Aadhaar → OTP
- Fill form (investment, turnover)
- Submit
- Instant Udyam Certificate
- Cost: FREE
Key MSME Benefits
1. EMD Exemption
What: No need to pay Earnest Money Deposit
Savings:
- Typical EMD: 2% of tender value
- For ₹10 lakh tender: Save ₹20,000
- For ₹1 crore tender: Save ₹2,00,000
- Plus bank charges (₹5,000-20,000)
Impact:
- Can bid on 10 tenders simultaneously
- No capital blockage
- Faster bidding process
How to Use:
- Simply upload Udyam certificate
- Write "EMD exempted under MSME Act"
- No payment needed
2. Tender Fee Waiver
Savings: ₹500-10,000 per tender
How to Use:
- Upload MSME certificate
- Mention exemption in covering letter
3. Price Preference (15%)
How It Works:
Scenario:
- L1 bidder (non-MSME): ₹85 lakh
- Your bid (MSME): ₹97 lakh
- Difference: 14.1% (within 15%)
- You can match L1 and win 25% quantity
Real Impact:
- Win even if not lowest
- Get 25% of total order
- Shared among eligible MSMEs
4. Relaxed Eligibility
No Minimum Requirements:
- Turnover: Not required
- Prior experience: Exempted
- Financial criteria: Relaxed
Benefit:
- First-time bidders can participate
- Startups can compete
- Level playing field
5. 25% Procurement Target
Government Mandate:
- 25% of all procurement from MSMEs
- 4% from SC/ST-owned MSMEs
- 3% from women-owned MSMEs
Your Advantage:
- Guaranteed market
- Less competition from large companies
- Priority consideration
6. 358 Reserved Items
Products exclusively for MSMEs:
- School bags, uniforms
- Office files, folders
- Leather goods
- Wooden furniture
- Rubber products
- And 353 more items
Benefit:
- Zero competition from big companies
- 100% orders to MSMEs
- Regular recurring business
Startup India Benefits
Get DPIIT Recognition:
- Visit: startupindia.gov.in
- Register startup
- Apply for recognition
- Upload documents
- Approval in 2-3 weeks
Additional Benefits for Startups:
Beyond MSME Benefits:
- Prior experience: 100% waived
- Prior turnover: 100% waived
- Performance security: Reduced to 25%
- Age limit: No minimum age requirement
Special Schemes:
- GeM Startup Runway: Showcase innovative products
- Proof of Concept: ₹10-15 lakh pilot projects
- Direct procurement: ₹5-20 lakh (some states)
State-Specific Benefits:
Gujarat:
- No turnover requirement
- No experience needed
- No tender fee
- No EMD
Odisha:
- Performance security: 25% of normal
- EMD exempted
- Experience waived
Maharashtra:
- Startup Week program
- Proof of concept: ₹10-15 lakh
- Direct work orders
Financial Planning & Banking
Working Capital Requirements
Understanding Cash Flow:
For ₹10 Lakh Contract:
Expenses (Before Payment):
- Material procurement: ₹6 lakh
- Labor: ₹1 lakh
- Transportation: ₹50,000
- Bank charges (BG): ₹15,000
- Miscellaneous: ₹35,000
- Total: ₹8 lakh
Payment Receipt:
- After 45-60 days: ₹10 lakh
- Profit: ₹2 lakh (20%)
Working Capital Needed: ₹8 lakh for 60 days
Financing Options
1. Working Capital Loan
Features:
- Amount: 70-80% of contract value
- Interest: 9-12% p.a.
- Tenure: Till contract completion
- Security: Against work order/LOA
Documents Required:
- Contract copy/LOA
- Company financials
- Bank statements
- ITR last 2 years
Best Banks:
- State Bank of India
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Bank of Baroda
2. MSME Loan Schemes
MUDRA Loan:
Three Categories:
- Shishu: Up to ₹50,000
- Kishor: ₹50,001 to ₹5 lakh
- Tarun: ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh
Interest: 8-10% p.a.
Tenure: Up to 5 years
Collateral: Not required
Stand-Up India:
- Amount: ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore
- For: SC/ST/Women entrepreneurs
- Interest: Lower than market
- Tenure: 7 years
3. TReDS (Trade Receivables Discounting)
What It Is:
- Sell your government invoice immediately
- Get payment within 3 days
- Don't wait for 30-60 day payment cycle
How It Works:
- Execute work
- Submit bill to government
- Upload invoice on TReDS platform
- Financiers bid (lowest interest wins)
- You get payment (invoice value - discount)
- Government pays TReDS on due date
Platforms:
- Invoicemart: invoicemart.com
- M1xchange: m1xchange.com
- RXIL: rxil.in
Cost:
- Discount: 8-12% p.a.
- Processing: ₹500-1,000
Example:
- Invoice value: ₹10 lakh
- Payment due: 60 days
- Discount rate: 10% p.a.
- Discount amount: ₹10,00,000 × 10% × 60/365 = ₹16,438
- You receive: ₹9,83,562 immediately
- Government pays: ₹10 lakh to TReDS after 60 days
Benefits:
- Immediate liquidity
- Execute more contracts
- No collateral
- Government promoting for MSMEs
Bank Guarantee Costs
Types Required:
1. EMD Guarantee
- Amount: 1-5% of tender value
- Validity: Bid validity + 45 days
- MSME: Not needed (exempted)
2. Performance Guarantee
- Amount: 5-10% of contract value
- Validity: Contract period + 3 months
- MSME: Often reduced to 5%
3. Advance Payment Guarantee
- Amount: 100% of advance received
- Validity: Till advance adjusted
Bank Charges:
Example: ₹10 Lakh Contract
- PBG required: ₹1 lakh (10%)
- Bank charges: 1% p.a. = ₹1,000
- Margin money: 25% = ₹25,000
- Processing: ₹2,000-5,000
- Total cost: ₹28,000-30,000
Your ₹75,000 remains free for use
Common Mistakes & Solutions
Top 15 Beginner Mistakes
1. Not Getting MSME Registration
❌ Mistake: Bidding without Udyam
💰 Cost: ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh in EMD per tender
✅ Solution: Register at udyamregistration.gov.in (10 minutes, free)
🎯 Impact: Save lakhs, 15% price preference, win more
2. Incomplete Documentation
❌ Mistake: Missing certificates, unsigned pages
📉 Impact: Automatic rejection at technical stage
✅ Solution:
- Use checklist
- Verify each document
- All pages signed
- Submit 24 hours early
3. Last-Minute Submission
❌ Mistake: Uploading 1 hour before deadline
⚠️ Impact: Server crash, DSC error = miss deadline
✅ Solution:
- Start 3-4 days early
- Submit minimum 24 hours before
- Keep screenshot proof
4. Not Reading Complete Tender
❌ Mistake: Reading only NIT summary
📋 Impact: Miss critical requirements, wrong costing
✅ Solution:
- Read all 50-100 pages
- Highlight important points
- Note all specifications
- Check annexures
5. Arithmetic Errors in BOQ
❌ Mistake: Calculation mistakes, GST errors
🚫 Impact: Financial bid rejection, lose even if L1
✅ Solution:
- Use Excel formulas
- Double verify
- Get someone else to check
- Calculator for manual entries
6. Below-Cost Pricing
❌ Mistake: Quoting below cost to win
💸 Impact: Win but can't execute = blacklisting
✅ Solution:
- Realistic costing
- 10-15% profit margin minimum
- Factor all costs
- Check market rates
7. Ignoring Corrigendum
❌ Mistake: Not checking for updates
⏰ Impact: Bid on old terms = rejection
✅ Solution:
- Check portal daily
- Enable TenderDekho alerts
- Track all changes
- Update bid if needed
8. Missing Pre-Bid Meeting
❌ Mistake: Skipping clarification meeting
📊 Impact: Unclear requirements, wrong estimation
✅ Solution:
- Attend all meetings
- Ask questions
- Take notes
- Collect minutes
9. No Backup/Proof
❌ Mistake: Not saving acknowledgement
🔍 Impact: Can't track, no proof if dispute
✅ Solution:
- Screenshot submission
- Save reference number
- Download PDF
- Print acknowledgement
10. Bidding Outside Capacity
❌ Mistake: ₹10 lakh capacity bidding on ₹1 crore
⏳ Impact: Can't execute, blacklisting risk
✅ Solution:
- Bid within capacity
- Start small (₹1-5 lakh)
- Build track record
- Grow gradually
11. Wrong DSC
❌ Mistake: Using individual DSC for company
❗ Impact: Bid rejected, invalid signature
✅ Solution:
- Get Organization DSC
- Class III certificate
- Company name on DSC
- Check validity
12. Vague Technical Bid
❌ Mistake: Generic company profile, no details
📉 Impact: Technical disqualification
✅ Solution:
- Specific to tender
- Point-by-point compliance
- Detailed specifications
- Proper documentation
13. Not Following Format
❌ Mistake: Own format instead of prescribed
🚫 Impact: Non-responsive bid, rejection
✅ Solution:
- Use exact templates
- Fill all columns
- Maintain sequence
- Don't delete/add rows
14. Ignoring MSME Benefits
❌ Mistake: Not claiming exemptions
💰 Cost: Pay EMD unnecessarily, lose price preference
✅ Solution:
- Upload Udyam certificate
- Claim exemption clearly
- Tick MSME checkbox
- Follow up on benefits
15. No Post-Submission Tracking
❌ Mistake: Submit and forget
⏱️ Impact: Miss important communications
✅ Solution:
- Check portal daily
- Track bid status
- Respond to queries promptly
- Attend bid opening
Action Plan: Your First 30 Days
Week 1: Foundation Setup
Day 1-2: Company Documentation
- Verify PAN card (company name)
- Check GST registration status
- Ensure current bank account active
- Get company seal made
- Organize all company documents
Day 3-4: MSME Registration
- Visit udyamregistration.gov.in
- Complete registration (10 minutes)
- Download Udyam Certificate
- Take printouts (10 copies)
- Save PDF on all devices
Day 5-7: Digital Signature
- Choose DSC provider (eMudhra/nCode)
- Gather required documents
- Apply online
- Complete video verification
- Receive USB token via courier
- Install software and test
Week 2: Portal Registration
Day 8-10: GeM Portal
- Create seller account on gem.gov.in
- Upload all company documents
- Add product/service catalogue
- Set competitive pricing
- Wait for verification approval
Day 11-12: CPPP Portal
- Register on eprocure.gov.in
- Complete bidder enrollment
- Upload documents with DSC
- Note login credentials
- Bookmark portal
Day 13-14: TenderDekho
- Sign up on tenderdekho.com
- Set location preferences (your city)
- Choose relevant categories
- Enable email/SMS alerts
- Explore 40,000+ tenders
- Save interesting tenders
Week 3: Learning & Research
Day 15-17: Sample Tender Analysis
- Download 5 tenders in your sector
- Study each document completely
- Note eligibility criteria
- Understand specifications
- Check payment terms
Day 18-19: Cost Calculation Practice
- Create costing template in Excel
- Calculate for sample tenders
- Research market rates
- Factor all costs
- Add profit margin
Day 20-21: Document Preparation
- Prepare company profile (2 pages)
- Get all certificates scanned
- Create covering letter template
- Organize documents in folders
- Identify any missing certificates
Week 4: First Bid Submission
Day 22-23: Tender Selection
- Find 3-5 suitable tenders on TenderDekho
- Value: ₹1-10 lakh (manageable)
- Location: Your city
- Deadline: 10+ days remaining
- Match your product/service
Day 24-26: Bid Preparation
- Read complete tender document
- Prepare technical bid
- Calculate costs accurately
- Fill financial bid/BOQ
- Arrange EMD (or MSME exemption)
- Review everything twice
Day 27-29: Submission
- Login to portal
- Upload technical documents
- Upload financial bid
- Upload EMD/exemption certificate
- Digitally sign all documents
- Final submit (2 days before deadline)
- Save acknowledgement & screenshot
Day 30: Follow-up
- Verify submission successful
- Track bid status daily
- Set reminder for bid opening date
- Start preparing for next tender
Tools & Resources
Essential Platforms
Tender Discovery:
TenderDekho - tenderdekho.com
- 40,000+ active tenders
- Real-time alerts
- City-wise filtering
- Best for: Daily tender discovery
GeM Portal - gem.gov.in
- ₹13.60+ lakh crore transactions
- Direct purchases under ₹25K
- Best for: Quick orders, standard products
CPPP - eprocure.gov.in
- All central government tenders
- Best for: Large infrastructure projects
Registration & Certification:
- Udyam Registration - udyamregistration.gov.in
- Startup India - startupindia.gov.in
- Digital Signature - emudhra.com, ncodesolutions.com
Financial Tools:
- TReDS Platforms:
- Invoicemart - invoicemart.com
- M1xchange - m1xchange.com
- MUDRA Loan - udyamimitra.in
Free Learning Resources
Online Training:
- GeM Training Portal - gem.gov.in/training
- TenderDekho Blog - tenderdekho.com/blog
- MSME Development Institute workshops
- YouTube: Government Tender Training channels
Documentation:
- General Financial Rules 2017 - Official PDF
- Public Procurement Policy 2012 - MSME Ministry
- Tender document samples - CPPP website
Recommended Certifications
Quality Management:
- ISO 9001:2015 (most important)
- Cost: ₹25,000-50,000
- Validity: 3 years
- Benefit: Mandatory for many tenders
Industry Specific:
- ISO 14001 (Environmental)
- ISO 45001 (Safety)
- ISO 27001 (IT Security)
- BIS Certification (product-specific)
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Q: Can small businesses compete with large companies?
Absolutely yes! In fact, small businesses have major advantages:
- 25% reservation for MSMEs
- EMD exemption (save ₹10K-10L per bid)
- 15% price preference
- 358 items exclusively for MSMEs
- Relaxed eligibility criteria
With Udyam registration (free, 10 minutes), you can compete effectively. Many MSMEs win ₹5-50 lakh contracts regularly.
Q: How much money needed to start?
Initial costs are low:
- DSC: ₹800-1,500 (one-time)
- Portal registration: FREE
- EMD: EXEMPTED (if MSME)
- Tender fee: EXEMPTED (if MSME)
Total upfront: ₹1,000-2,000
However, working capital needed:
- For ₹10 lakh contract: ₹5-7 lakh
- Banks offer contract financing
- TReDS for immediate payment
Q: How long to win first tender?
Realistic timeline:
- Preparation: 2-4 weeks
- First bid: Week 5
- Result: 4-8 weeks after bid
- First win: After 3-5 bids
- Total: 3-6 months
Success improves with experience:
- Beginners: 10-20% win rate
- Experienced: 30-40% win rate
MSME Benefits
Q: What is EMD and why is exemption important?
EMD = Earnest Money Deposit (security deposit)
- Amount: 1-5% of tender value
- Blocked for 3-6 months
- For ₹1 crore: ₹1-5 lakh blocked
MSME Exemption Impact:
- Bid on 10 tenders simultaneously
- No capital blockage
- Save bank charges (₹10K-50K per tender)
- Just upload Udyam certificate
To get exemption:
Register at udyamregistration.gov.in (free, 10 min)
Q: How does 15% price preference work?
Example:
- Tender: 1000 computers
- L1 (non-MSME): ₹850/unit
- You (MSME): ₹970/unit
- Your price within L1+15% (₹850+15%=₹977.50)
- You can match ₹850 and win 25% (250 computers)
If multiple MSMEs qualify, 250 units shared proportionally.
Result: Win even if not lowest bidder!
Process Questions
Q: Which tenders should beginners target?
Best starter tenders:
Value: ₹1-10 lakh
- Manageable risk
- Less competition
- Build confidence
Location: Your city
- Easy delivery
- Site visits possible
- Local knowledge advantage
Type: Supply of goods
- Simpler than services
- Clear specifications
- One-time delivery
Sectors:
- Office stationery
- Computer supplies
- Furniture
- Cleaning supplies
- Your business area
Avoid initially:
- Multi-crore projects
- Complex services
- Pan-India delivery
- 5+ years experience needed
Q: Is DSC mandatory? How to get?
Yes, mandatory for CPPP and state portals.
(GeM uses OTP/Aadhaar for simple orders)
Getting DSC:
- Choose: eMudhra, nCode, Sify
- Type: Class III Organization DSC
- Documents: PAN, Aadhaar, company registration
- Cost: ₹800-1,500 for 2 years
- Delivery: USB token in 2-3 days
Used for:
- Digital signing documents
- Final bid submission
- All e-procurement portals
One-time investment for unlimited bidding.
Q: How to track bid status?
Multiple methods:
Portal Login
- Check "My Bids" section
- Status shown: Submitted/Under Evaluation/Awarded
Email Alerts
- Enable on portal
- Status updates automatic
TenderDekho Dashboard
- Track all bids centrally
- One dashboard for all portals
Bid Opening
- Attend public opening (date in tender)
- See all bids live
Status Flow:
Submitted → Technical Evaluation (7-15 days) → TQ/TNQ → Financial Opening → L1 → Award
If rejected: Email for feedback (your right)
Execution & Payment
Q: What happens after winning?
Timeline:
LOA (7-15 days)
- Letter of Acceptance received
- Contract value confirmed
Performance BG (7 days)
- Submit 5-10% bank guarantee
- MSME: Often reduced
Contract Signing (15 days)
- Sign on stamp paper
- Multiple copies
Execution
- Deliver as per schedule
- Quality checks
- Get sign-offs
Payment (30-60 days)
- Submit bills
- Track payment
- Use TReDS if delayed
Important: Execute perfectly for reputation and repeat orders.
Q: What if I can't execute after winning?
Serious consequences:
- EMD forfeited (if not exempt)
- Performance security lost (5-10%)
- Blacklisting (1-3 years ban)
- Legal action for breach
- Risk purchase (pay extra cost)
Therefore:
- Bid only within capacity
- Realistic pricing
- Ensure working capital
- Don't underbid to win
Only excuse: Genuine force majeure (natural disaster, government order)
Platform-Specific
Q: GeM vs regular tenders - difference?
GeM is like "Amazon for Government"
Differences:
| Aspect | GeM | Traditional Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Simple, online catalogue | Detailed bidding |
| Time | Minutes to days | 30-45 days |
| Threshold | Direct under ₹25K | Any value |
| Documentation | Less paperwork | Extensive docs |
| Payment | 7-10 days | 30-60 days |
| Competition | Catalogue-based | Bid-based |
Best for:
- Standard products
- Quick orders
- MSMEs
- Recurring business
GeM Stats: 50% orders go to MSMEs
Final Checklist: Before First Bid
Pre-Bid Verification
Eligibility:
- Meet all eligibility criteria
- Turnover/experience (or MSME exemption)
- Technical specifications achievable
- Can deliver to specified locations
- Deadline realistic for preparation
Documentation:
- All certificates valid and scanned
- DSC working, not expired
- Udyam certificate ready (if MSME)
- Past experience docs (if required)
- All signatures digital
Financial:
- Cost calculation complete
- 10-15% profit margin included
- GST calculations correct
- All costs factored (transport, installation)
- Working capital available for execution
- EMD arranged OR exemption certificate ready
Technical:
- Product specifications match exactly
- Quality certifications in place
- Manufacturing/service capacity adequate
- Delivery timeline realistic
- After-sales support plan ready
Submission:
- All documents digitally signed
- File sizes within portal limits
- Correct file formats (PDF)
- Submitting 24-48 hours before deadline
- Internet connection stable
- Backup plan ready (different device/location)
- DSC token working
Conclusion: Your Journey Starts Now
India's government procurement market—worth ₹50-70 lakh crore annually—is more accessible than ever in 2025. With digital platforms like GeM, CPPP, and TenderDekho, combined with unprecedented benefits for MSMEs and startups, there's never been a better time.
Success Formula
Right Documentation + MSME Registration + Competitive Pricing + Quality Execution = Winning Contracts
Your Action Steps Today
1. Get MSME Registration (10 minutes)
- Visit: udyamregistration.gov.in
- Instant certificate
- Lifetime benefits worth lakhs
2. Sign Up on TenderDekho (5 minutes)
- Visit: tenderdekho.com
- Browse 40,000+ tenders
- Set alerts for your city
- Never miss opportunities
3. Get Digital Signature (This week)
- Choose eMudhra/nCode
- Cost: ₹800-1,500
- Delivery: 2-3 days
- Essential for bidding
4. Submit First Bid (Within 30 days)
- Start with ₹1-5 lakh tender
- Your city location
- Your business sector
- Build confidence
Remember
Start Small:
- ₹1-10 lakh tenders first
- Local delivery area
- Your expertise sector
Be Patient:
- First few bids are learning
- Win rate improves with experience
- Each bid teaches something
Execute Well:
- Delivery before deadline
- Quality above standards
- Professional approach
- Builds reputation for repeat orders
Join 10,000+ Successful Vendors
Government contracts aren't just for big companies—they're for every business ready to serve the nation.
Your first tender is just one click away. Start today on TenderDekho.com
Last Updated: October 2025
Data Sources: GeM Portal, CPPP, GFR 2017, MSME Policy 2012, TenderDekho Research
Market Size: ₹50-70 lakh crore (20-22% of India's GDP)