MSTC Limited is the government's primary platform for e-auctions and surplus disposal. Originally set up for metal scrap sales, it now handles coal auctions, government asset disposal, and eProcurement for several PSUs. If you deal in raw materials, scrap, or industrial goods, MSTC is worth knowing.
What MSTC Handles
- Coal e-auctions — Coal India subsidiaries sell coal through MSTC's auction platform. Largest single category by value.
- Scrap disposal — railways, defence, steel plants, and PSUs sell surplus materials and scrap through MSTC.
- Government surplus assets — vehicles, machinery, office equipment from departments closing or upgrading.
- eProcurement services — MSTC provides the eProcurement platform for several PSUs (SAIL, NALCO, and others).
- Metal scrap — ferrous and non-ferrous scrap from steel plants and manufacturing units.
Registration
- Visit mstcecommerce.com
- Register as a buyer (for auctions) or seller/bidder (for eProcurement tenders)
- Submit PAN, GST, company registration documents
- Pay the registration fee (varies by auction category, typically ₹5,000–25,000)
- Registration is valid for 1–3 years depending on the category
How E-Auctions Work
MSTC auctions are forward auctions— the price goes up, not down. Bidders compete by raising their offers.
- Lot-based — materials are divided into lots with a reserve price. Bidding starts at or above the reserve.
- Auto-extension — if a bid is placed in the last 5 minutes, the auction extends. This prevents sniping.
- EMD required — you deposit earnest money before participating. Typically 10–25% of estimated lot value.
- Payment deadline — winning bidders must pay the balance within 3–7 days. Failure means forfeiture of EMD.
eProcurement on MSTC
Several PSUs use MSTC as their eProcurement platform instead of CPPP or GeM. The bid submission process is similar to other portals — DSC-signed technical and financial bids.
Key PSUs on MSTC: SAIL, NALCO, NLC India, Hindustan Copper, NMDC. If you supply to heavy industry, register on MSTC in addition to other portals.
Tips for MSTC
- For scrap auctions, inspect the material at the yard before bidding. The lot description is indicative, not guaranteed.
- Keep EMD funds ready — MSTC auctions move fast and you need pre-deposited EMD to participate.
- Watch for auction schedules — MSTC publishes weekly/monthly auction calendars. Bookmark the page.
Track PSU Tenders
Tenderkart tracks procurement tenders from SAIL, NALCO, and other PSUs that use MSTC and other platforms.
Search PSU Tenders