A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic version of your signature, issued by a Certifying Authority licensed under the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA). E-tender portals use it to confirm who is submitting a bid and to protect bid documents until opening.
Why Class 3
Class 3 is the highest assurance level and the one e-procurement portals require. You need it to enrol as a bidder on CPPP and state portals and to sign and submit bids.
Signing vs encryption
- Signing certificates sign documents and log in to portals.
- Encryption certificates protect bid files so nobody can open them before the bid opening date.
Most e-tender portals need both, which is why bidders usually buy a combo DSC with signing and encryption.
Individual or organisation
An individual DSC is in your personal name. An organisation DSC shows both your name and the firm's name, and is often preferred when you sign for a company or firm. It needs extra documents such as GST and an authorisation letter.
Validity
DSCs are usually issued for 1, 2 or 3 years. After expiry you cannot sign on any portal, so renew in advance, especially when tenders are due.
How you get one
- Choose the type and validity.
- Complete the application with PAN and Aadhaar based eKYC.
- Complete the short video verification.
- Receive the USB token and install its driver.
SoftTender is a private consultancy. We are not affiliated with GeM, CPPP, NSIC or any Government department. Registration on official portals such as GeM is free; we charge only for our assistance service. We do not guarantee that any tender will be awarded.