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How to Make a DSC for E-Tender Submission in India (Step-by-Step Guide)

A DSC – Digital Signature Certificate (Class 3) is mandatory for submitting bids on almost all Government e-tender portals like CPPP, GeM, State e-tenders, Railways, MES, PSUs, etc.

Below is the full process to create a DSC.

How to Make DSC for E-Tenders (2025 Guide)

Step 1: Choose the Correct Type of DSC

For e-tendering, you need:

* Class 3 DSC

** Signing Certificate ( Some portal allow combo : Signing + Encryption

*** In the name of individuals (Authorized Signatory)

 

Do not buy Class 1 or Class 2 — they are not valid for government e-tenders.

Step 2: Select a Government-Approved Certifying Authority (CA)

These are licensed providers of DSC in India:

  • eMudhra

  • Sify

  • Capricorn

  • VSign

  • NSDL

  • Pantasign

  • NIC

You can buy directly from their website or from a registered DSC dealer.

Step 3: Keep Required Documents Ready

For Individual DSC (Authorized Signatory):

  • PAN Card

  • Aadhaar Card (linked mobile number required for OTP)

  • Passport-size photo

  • Mobile number & email ID

  • Video verification (mandatory)

For Organisation DSC:

    • Company PAN

    • Certificate of Incorporation

    • GST registration (if applicable)

    • Authorization letter on company letterhead

    • ID proof of signatory

Step 4: Apply Online for DSC

Steps are similar for all CA websites:

      1. Visit CA website (eMudhra, Sify, etc.)

      2. Select Class 3 DSC → 2-year validity → Sign or Sign+Encrypt

      3. Fill PAN, Aadhaar, mobile, email

      4. Upload documents

      5. Make payment (₹800–₹2000 depending on provider)

Step 5: Complete Aadhaar OTP + Video Verification

Aadhaar e-KYC


You will get an OTP on Aadhaar-linked mobile.

✔ Video verification


You must:

  • Record a quick live video

  • Show your PAN/Aadhaar

  • Read/verify the code shown on screen

This is compulsory as per Govt. rules.

Step 6: Download & Install Your DSC Token

After approval (usually 5–30 minutes):

  1. You will receive a DSC download link.

  2. You must download it into a USB Cryptographic Token (USB dongle).

Common tokens:

  • ePass 2003

  • WatchData Pro

  • Safenet

Note:
You cannot store DSC on a normal pendrive. Only approved crypto tokens can store it.

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Step 7: Install Drivers and Configure Your Computer

To use DSC on e-tender portals:

 

  1. Install USB token driver

  2. Install Java (if required) — some portals still need it

  3. Install root certificates (if asked)

  4. Restart your system

Step 8: Test DSC on E-Tender Portal

Check your DSC is working by logging in to:

  • CPPP (eprocure.gov.in)

  • State e-procurement portal

  • GeM

  • IREPS

  • MES

Go to “DSC Registration / DSC Test” option → Verify.

DSC Is Now Ready for E-Tendering

  • You can now:

    • Sign documents

    • Submit bids

    • Encrypt BOQ (where required)

    • Participate in online tendering securely

Cost of DSC in India

 

ItemPrice Range
Class 3 DSC (2 years – Signing)₹800 – ₹1500
Class 3 Combo DSC (Sign + Encrypt)₹1500 – ₹2500
USB Token₹400 – ₹800

Important Tips for Contractors

  • Buy DSC in the name of the person who signs tenders

  • Keep token password safe

  • Do not share token with employees

  • Renew DSC before expiry

  • Keep backup of all drivers

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