Article · 8 min read

Lowest cost or 'L1' no longer the only way to select bidders: why Modi govt revised policy

ThePrint Free Beginner India

This explains the policy shift that makes chasing QCBS a real option rather than wishful thinking. It documents the October 2021 General Financial Rules change letting quality-oriented procurements under Rs 10 crore be awarded on QCBS, and pins down that non-financial parameters can carry at most 30% weight, so you know the ceiling on how much your technical edge can offset a higher price. Useful for arguing internally why you should skip a pure-L1 tender and wait for one scored on quality.

  • Since the Oct 2021 GFR revision, L1 is no longer the only permitted selection method for Indian government procurement
  • QCBS can apply to quality-oriented procurements under Rs 10 crore, opening a lane where your technical fit counts
  • Non-price parameters are capped at 30% weight, so know the ceiling on how far quality can offset a higher price
Open on theprint.in ↗

The question it answers

  1. How do I actually price a bid so I win the tender but don't lose money on the contract?

Read with it

  1. This is the guide that tells you which tenders you can actually win on merit instead of on price. It lays out the QCBS 70:30... Tata Nexarc Blog Article · 10 min read QCBS in Tenders: An MSME Guide to Scoring and Selection Tata Nexarc editorial team
  2. This is the number your bid price has to survive. It works a concrete case (a Rs 5,00,000 invoice carries Rs 90,000 GST you... The Jack Rabbit Article · 12 min read 7 Critical MSME Delayed Payment Rules in India (2026) That Can Protect Your Cash Flow The Jack Rabbit
eChai Partner Brands The partnership →