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DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)

The Class 3 digital certificate, on a USB token, used to log in to e-procurement portals, sign bids and encrypt them.

Which DSC e-tendering needs

Government e-procurement portals require a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate issued by a Certifying Authority licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA). For bidding you generally need both signing and encryption certificates, in the name of the person authorised to bid for the firm, on a FIPS-compliant USB token.

The DSC is enrolled once on each portal against your bidder account. Validity is usually one to three years; an expired DSC blocks bid submission, so renew it well before a deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one DSC be used on all portals?
Yes, a valid Class 3 DSC can be enrolled on CPPP, each state portal and GeM, but it must be registered on each separately.
Whose name should the DSC be in?
The authorised signatory of the bidding firm: the proprietor, a partner or a director, or an employee authorised by the firm.
How long does getting a DSC take?
Usually a day or two after video and document verification with the Certifying Authority; plan it before you need to bid.

Related Terms

Bid submission end

The last date and time to upload a bid on the portal. Portals close submission at that minute; a bid half-uploaded is not received.

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