CPWD Enlistment Criteria: Key Requirements for Successful Registration

The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) manages critical infrastructure and public projects across India, including government buildings, roads, and horticultural works. To participate in CPWD procurement, contractors must undergo a formal CPWD Enlistment process, ensuring that only qualified and credible entities execute government contracts. The enlistment via the CPWD portal covers two key categories—Buildings & Roads and Horticulture—with further classification into various classes based on financial, technical, and professional capabilities.

A CPWD contractor must meet stringent enlistment criteria including work experience, financial soundness, legal identity, GST compliance, and performance-based evaluations. The requirements vary by class and category, ensuring that each enlisted contractor is adequately prepared to handle projects of corresponding size and complexity. Successful enlistment enables contractors to bid for CPWD Tenders without undergoing repeated pre-qualification, there by streamlining access to high-value government work.Here are the essential requirements:

1. Applicant Details:

   The applicant may be an individual (citizen of India), a sole proprietorship, partnership firm, limited liability partnership (LLP), private limited company, or public limited company. CPWD also offers enlistment opportunities for unemployed engineers, architects, agriculturists, and retired professionals from government or PSU services. Every individual associated—whether proprietors, partners, or directors—must possess a valid Aadhaar card and PAN card for verification through the CPWD official website.

2. Work Experience Requirement for CPWD Enlistment:

   Applicants must demonstrate relevant and completed work experience over the last five years, as defined in CPWD Rules. For Buildings & Roads category, the magnitude of experience varies from ₹6 lakh for Class V to ₹42 crore for Class I (Super). For Horticulture category, it ranges from ₹6 lakh for Class IV to ₹1.8 crore for Class I(A). This includes project value, escalation, GST, and arbitration awards, ensuring contractors possess the technical and financial credentials required for CPWD enlistment.

   Work Experience - Building & Roads Category

   Number of Completed work	Magnitude of each completed Building or/and Infrastructure/Road Work Rs. In lac
   	Class
   	I(Super)	I(AAA)	I(AA)	I(A)	I	II	III	IV	V
   Three	14000	7,000	3,500	2200	800	220	70	20	6
   Or
   Two	21,000	10,500	5200	3200	1,200	320	100	30	8
   Or
   One	42000	21000	10400	6400	2400	640	200	60	16

   Work Experience - Horticulture Category

   Number of Completed work	Magnitude of each completed horticulture work Rs. In lac
   	Class
   	I(A)	I	II	III	IV
   Three	60	42	22	12	6
   Or
   Two	90	64	32	16	8
   Or
   One	180	128	64	32	16

3. Financial Soundness Criteria for CPWD Enlistment:

   For successful CPWD enlistment under both Buildings & Roads and Horticulture categories, applicants must meet the minimum financial soundness criteria. This includes a valid net worth certificate, average annual turnover, and a banker’s certificate as per their class. These financial documents ensure the contractor’s capability to execute government infrastructure works.

   Minimum requirements for financial soundness- Buildings & Roads Category

   Criterion	Minimum amount (Rs. In lac)
   	I(Super)	I(AAA)	I(AA)	I(A)	I	II	II	IV	V
   Networth certificate	6,500	2,600	1,300	750	500	150	40	13	4
   Average Annual Turnover	20800	8320	4160	2400	16 0D	480	128	41.6	12.8
   Banke r's Certificate	20800	8320	4160	2400	16 0D	480	128	41.6	12.8

   Minimum requirements for financial soundness — Horticulture

   Criterion	Minimum amount (Rs. In lac)
   	I(A)	I	II	II	IV
   Networth certificate	30	23	8	4	2
   Average Annual Turnover	96	73	25	12	6
   Banke r's Certificate	96	73	25	12	6

4. Engineering Establishment, Tools, Plants & Machinery:

   Applicants must submit an undertaking (Annexure-I) confirming they own or will procure the necessary engineering staff, tools, and machinery required for executing CPWD works. Failure to deploy the required setup, whether owned or hired, may lead to disciplinary action under CPWD Enlistment Rules.

5. Valid Electrical License:

   For works requiring an electrical license, the applicant must either possess it or associate with a licensed electrical agency. The license must be valid and issued by the State Government under Section 45 of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956. Non-compliance may result in debarment.

6. GST Registration:

   It is mandatory for all CPWD contractor applicants to hold a valid GST registration on the date of applying for enlistment. This ensures tax compliance and eligibility to undertake government contracts.

7. Performance-Based Evaluation

   • Enlistment is granted based on performance evaluation of previously completed works (Annexure-III), scored on parameters like work experience, contract performance, quality, and time management. Applicants must score at least 60% in each parameter and 70% overall per work for successful enlistment.
   • Class I and Above (Additional Criteria) - For applicants in Class I and above, performance reports from senior officials (ADG/SDG rank or PSU Directors) are evaluated by an advisory committee. Even if the mandatory building work is not eligible, inspection and evaluation will be conducted, with the same 60% parameter-wise and 70% overall score required.