What Is ATC in GeM Portal? Full Form, Format & Certificate Guide

If you’re exploring government tenders on the Government e-Marketplace, you’ve probably come across the term ATC in GeM. Whether you’re a seller listing products or a buyer floating a bid, understanding ATC is essential for navigating the procurement process effectively. From eligibility requirements to delivery clauses, ATC plays a vital role in how tenders are customized and evaluated on the GeM portal. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has transformed public procurement in India  making it more transparent, efficient, and accessible. But with that comes a layer of documentation and compliance, especially when you’re responding to or drafting a bid. That’s where ATC in GeM becomes important. But what exactly does it mean? What is the full form of ATC? How do you prepare an ATC certificate or format? In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know  from ATC full form, certification, and format to how to handle “certificate requested in ATC” scenarios  with practical tips for both buyers and sellers on the GeM platform.  

What Is the Full Form of ATC in GeM?

ATC stands for Additional Terms and Conditions. In the context of the GeM portal, ATC in GeM refers to extra contractual terms that buyers (typically government departments) can include in their bid documents. These are over and above the standard GeM terms and conditions, and they play a crucial role in customizing the tender based on department-specific needs. Think of ATC as a flexible tool that allows buyers to:

• Add eligibility criteria
• Define delivery schedules
• Request certifications or licenses
• Impose penalties for delays
• Specify quality standards or warranty terms

These conditions are binding, just like the main contract, and all participating sellers must accept them to qualify for bidding.

ATC ka Full Form (in Hindi)

एटीसी का फुल फॉर्म – अतिरिक्त नियम और शर्तें  This means that apart from the default rules already provided by GeM, the buyer can request more customized requirements using ATC. Many first-time sellers or vendors ignore ATC clauses thinking they’re optional — which can lead to disqualification. Knowing the full form of ATC in GeM helps you understand:

• Why certain tenders have additional requirements
• Which documents may be needed before bidding
• What risks or liabilities you might accept as a vendor

So, always read the ATC section carefully when you come across it in a bid document. It’s not just legal jargon but it’s where the fine print lies.

What Is ATC in GeM and Why Does It Matter?

ATC in GeM, or Additional Terms and Conditions, refers to the custom clauses or extra instructions that a buyer (usually a government department) adds to a tender or bid document. These conditions go beyond the default terms provided by the GeM portal and are specific to that particular procurement. In simple terms, ATC gives buyers the flexibility to tailor the tender according to their department’s exact needs. For example, a department purchasing laboratory equipment might use ATC to:

• Ask for a calibration certificate from NABL-accredited labs
• Extend the warranty period beyond the default GeM duration
• Specify that installation should be completed within 7 days of delivery
• Impose a penalty of 0.5% per day for late delivery

Without ATC, buyers would be limited to the general rules provided by GeM, which may not suit every category, location, or technical requirement.  

Difference Between General Terms and ATC in GeM

One of the most common points of confusion for both buyers and sellers is the distinction between standard contract terms and ATC in GeM. While they may sound similar, they serve different purposes and are applied differently during the bidding process.

What Are General Terms in GeM?

GeM has a set of default terms and conditions that apply to all transactions on the platform. These include:

• Standard warranty periods
• Default delivery schedules
• Payment timelines (often 10 days after delivery)
• Penalties for late delivery or non-performance

These are system-generated and appear automatically in every bid or order unless the buyer overrides them.

How Is ATC in GeM Different?

ATC in GeM, or Additional Terms and Conditions, are custom clauses added by the buyer for a specific bid or tender. These override or supplement the general terms depending on the buyer’s needs. For example:

• The default GeM warranty may be 1 year, but the buyer can ask for 3 years under ATC
• Delivery might be expected in 15 days by default, but ATC can demand delivery within 7 days
• GeM might not require ISO certification, but ATC can make it mandatory for the bid

Why ATC in GeM Is Crucial for Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re a procurement officer drafting a tender or a business responding to one, understanding the role of ATC in GeM is critical. It’s not just a formality — it can determine eligibility, define expectations, and directly influence who wins the contract.

For Buyers: Flexibility with Accountability

Government buyers on GeM operate within strict rules, but ATC in GeM gives them a degree of flexibility. It allows them to:

• Add quality specifications beyond GeM’s default
• Demand certifications, licenses, or brand authorizations
• Set custom delivery schedules or locations
• Impose penalties or additional warranty conditions

This ensures the goods or services delivered meet exact requirements, especially for technical or high-value purchases. Example: A central university may issue a laptop tender and use ATC to request:

• 3-year onsite warranty
• ISO 9001 certification for the manufacturer
• Delivery only on working days within 10 calendar days

Without ATC, these preferences would not be enforceable — and the department could end up with non-compliant products.

ATC For Sellers: Clarity and Compliance

For sellers, ATC in GeM is both a checklist and a contract. It tells you what extra steps to take before submitting your bid. This includes:

• Uploading the right supporting documents
• Meeting specific eligibility terms
• Agreeing to all custom obligations

Ignoring or misunderstanding ATC clauses often leads to rejection — even for lowest-price bids. Sellers must treat ATC with the same seriousness as price or specifications.   Understanding ATC Certification in GeM Many sellers are confused when they see a note in the tender: “Certificate requested in ATC.” So what does it mean? First, let’s clarify: There is no specific document called “ATC Certification” issued by the GeM portal. What this refers to is a certificate or proof that the buyer has requested under ATC clauses. This could be anything depending on the nature of the tender.

Common Types of Certificate Requested in ATC:

• ISO certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001)
• Product testing certificates
• MSME/Udyam registration documents
• Experience or work completion certificates
• Authorized dealership certificates
• Compliance declarations (e.g., Make in India)

These documents are usually mandatory to qualify for technical evaluation. They are uploaded at the time of bidding under the appropriate document section.

Who Needs to Provide ATC Certificates?

Only the sellers bidding for that tender need to upload the certificates requested in ATC. If the clause says, “Vendor must be ISO 9001 certified and provide proof,” then the ISO certificate must be attached. Failing to do so will lead to disqualification during the technical bid stage. Understanding the ATC in GeM helps sellers not just upload the right documents but also prepare them in advance — especially if they take time to obtain.  

How to Draft and Upload ATC Format in GeM

Creating and uploading the ATC format in GeM is a key responsibility for buyers issuing a tender. It ensures all additional requirements are clearly stated, legally binding, and accessible to all bidders. For sellers, understanding how ATC is structured helps you interpret the tender accurately — and submit a compliant bid.

What Does an ATC Format in GeM Include?

An ATC format is usually a structured list of custom clauses that supplement the standard GeM Terms & Conditions. A well-drafted ATC includes:

• Clause Title (e.g., Delivery Timeline, Warranty Conditions)
• Description or Requirement (clearly stating expectations)
• Supporting Document Required (if any)
• Applicable to (e.g., all bidders or only L1 bidder)

Example:

Clause	Requirement	Document Required
Delivery Timeline	Items must be delivered within 10 days of order.	No
Warranty	Minimum 3-year onsite warranty required.	Manufacturer Warranty Letter
Certification	Only ISO 9001:2015 certified vendors are eligible.	ISO Certificate Copy

This is typically uploaded as a part of the bid creation process by the buyer.  

Steps to Upload ATC in GeM

If you’re a government buyer, here’s how to include ATC in GeM while creating a bid:

1. Login to your GeM Buyer Account
2. Go to Bid Creation
3. Under the section Additional Terms & Conditions (ATC), click Add New
4. Write your clause or select from predefined templates
5. Save and preview your bid
6. Submit once all clauses are verified

For sellers, the ATC will be visible in the bid document under the “Bid Specific Terms and Conditions” section. Review every clause thoroughly before proceeding to bid.  

Common Clauses Used in ATC in GeM Tenders

The content of ATC in GeM varies depending on the buyer’s department, product category, and the nature of the requirement. However, some clauses appear frequently across multiple tenders — especially in high-value or technical procurements. Here are the most commonly used ATC clauses in GeM bids:

1. Delivery Terms

• Define exact delivery timelines (e.g., 7 days from order)
• Specify delivery locations (multi-site, remote zones, etc.)
• Include conditions for partial delivery or staggered supply

2. Warranty & Support

• Require extended warranty periods (3 to 5 years)
• Mention on-site service obligations
• Ask for post-installation maintenance

3. Payment Terms

• Custom payment conditions (e.g., 90% after delivery, 10% post-acceptance)
• Linked to milestones or inspection outcomes

4. Penalties for Delay

• Flat late delivery charges (e.g., 0.5% per day)
• Maximum cap on penalty (e.g., 10% of order value)

5. Document Requirements

• Specific certificates to be uploaded
• Self-declarations, compliance letters, past performance proofs
• Certificate requested in ATC (like ISO, MSME, BIS, etc.)

6. Eligibility Criteria

• Prior experience (number of similar orders)
• Minimum turnover requirement
• Manufacturer authorization

Including these clauses under ATC in GeM helps government buyers tailor bids to their department’s unique procurement goals while keeping the selection process fair and transparent.  

Sample of ATC in GeM: Certificate, Format & Template

To make things easier, let’s look at a sample ATC in GeM that includes typical certificate requests, clause structures, and formatting. This will give both buyers and sellers clarity on how to draft, read, or respond to ATC clauses properly.

✅ Sample ATC Clauses Table

Clause Title	ATC Requirement	Document Required
ISO Certification	The bidder must be ISO 9001:2015 certified	ISO 9001 Certificate
Warranty Extension	A minimum 3-year onsite warranty must be provided	Manufacturer Warranty Letter
Delivery Timeline	Items must be delivered within 7 working days from order confirmation	No
Installation Requirement	Installation at buyer’s premises within 2 days of delivery	Installation Completion Report
Experience Criteria	The bidder must have completed at least 3 similar projects in the past 3 years	Work Completion Certificates

 

Where to Find or Create ATC Format?

There’s no universal ATC format available on the GeM portal. However:

• Buyers can create their own ATC while drafting a bid
• Sellers should always review the ATC section under “Bid Specific Terms & Conditions” before bidding
• If a certificate is requested in ATC, sellers must upload it at the time of bid submission but not later

You can also use a simple Word or Excel table format like the one above when drafting ATC offline, then paste it into the portal during bid creation.  

Conclusion: Why ATC in GeM Matters for Every Government Tender

In the world of government e-procurement, ATC in GeM is more than just an extra section in the tender — it’s the part that defines how specific, strict, and strategic a bid really is. For buyers, it’s a way to ensure that suppliers meet their real-world needs beyond the default platform rules. For sellers, it’s a roadmap to compliance, preparedness, and a fair chance at winning the contract. Failing to understand or respond to ATC clauses can result in disqualification, even if your product, price, or service is perfect. That’s why both parties need to treat ATC in GeM with attention, clarity, and care.   Need help preparing your ATC documentation or understanding bid terms? GEMTECH PARAS is here to guide you through the process — from bid reading to ATC drafting, document preparation, and seller onboarding. Let’s make government procurement smarter, easier, and 100% compliant.