By Adv. Gaurav Kumar, Founder, Bid Nexa · Advocate, High Court of Jharkhand · General information, not legal advice for a specific case.
E-procurement portals use a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate to identify the bidder, sign documents and, on many portals, encrypt bids. Class 2 certificates were discontinued from 1 January 2021, so Class 3 is the standard. For tenders you usually need a certificate with both signing and encryption, on a USB token, in the name of the authorised signatory.
Why tenders need a DSC
A DSC proves who submitted the bid and protects it from changes. Portals use it to log in, sign each document and often to encrypt bid files so no one can read them before opening.
Signing vs encryption
- Signing certificate: signs documents and the bid.
- Encryption certificate: encrypts bid files on portals that need it.
- Most bidders on e-procurement portals need both. Buy a combined signing-and-encryption certificate.
Getting one
- Choose a licensed certifying authority or its registered partner.
- Decide individual or organisation certificate, in the name of the authorised signatory.
- Complete identity verification as the certifying authority asks.
- Download the certificate to a compliant USB token.
- Register the DSC on each portal you use.
Common portal errors
- Token driver not installed or browser not supported
- Certificate expired, or expiring before the bid opening date
- DSC registered to a different user on the portal
- Encryption certificate missing on a portal that needs it
Keep it safe
Your DSC is your signature. Never share the token PIN, and never give it to anyone in chat or over the phone. Renew well before expiry and re-register the new certificate on every portal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Class 2 DSC valid for tenders?
Class 2 DSCs were discontinued from 1 January 2021. Class 3 is the standard for e-tendering now.
Can one DSC be used on many portals?
Yes. A single Class 3 DSC can be registered on GeM, CPPP and state portals, as long as it is valid and in the authorised signatory's name.
What happens if my DSC expires during a tender?
You will not be able to sign or submit with an expired certificate. Renew before expiry and register the new DSC on the portal before the closing date.
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