MSTC Portal — How to Register, Login and Use MSTC E-Auction Platform

What is MSTC Portal?

MSTC Limited (formerly Metal Scrap Trade Corporation) is a Mini Ratna Category-I Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Steel, Government of India. Established on 9th September 1964, MSTC has evolved from a ferrous scrap export regulator into India's leading government e-commerce and e-auction platform.

The MSTC e-commerce portal (www.mstcecommerce.com) is used for:

• E-auction of government surplus — scrap metal, old vehicles, machinery, equipment
• Coal and mineral e-auctions — for Coal India, SCCL and other companies
• Bank NPA/stressed asset auctions — properties, land, commercial assets
• E-procurement — government departments use it for purchasing
• MSTC Metal Mandi (M3) — B2B/B2C marketplace for metals, ores, and industrial products
• UPKARAN — platform connecting manufacturers with MSMEs for tools and machinery
• Government property disposal — through IBAPI (Indian Banks' Auction Properties Information) and other portals

MSTC conducts thousands of e-auctions every year for central and state government organisations, PSUs, banks, and other institutions.

Who Can Register on MSTC?

MSTC registration is open to:

• Individual buyers — any Indian citizen with a valid PAN card
• Companies and firms — registered businesses, partnerships, and proprietorships
• Government organisations — for procurement and disposal
• MSMEs — micro, small and medium enterprises
• Coal traders and dealers — for coal e-auction participation
• Banks and financial institutions — for NPA auction listings

Note: Registration is available for both buyers (who want to bid in auctions) and sellers (organisations that want to sell through MSTC). Most individual users register as buyers.

Documents Required for MSTC Buyer Registration

Mandatory Documents

• PAN Card — copy of the PAN card (individual or company)
• Income Tax Return — latest ITR copy
• Sales Tax / GST Registration Certificate — if applicable to your business
• Two passport-size photographs — of the contact person
• Identity proof of contact person — PAN card or Driving License copy
• Bank certificate — original certificate from your bank confirming your name, address, account number, and account status

For Companies/Firms (Additional)

• Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed
• Board Resolution or Authorisation Letter (authorising the person to register)
• GST Registration Certificate
• Company PAN Card

Important: All document copies must be attested by a Gazetted Officer or Public Notary, OR original documents should be produced for verification at the MSTC office.

Step-by-Step: How to Register on MSTC Portal (Online + Offline)

Step 1: Visit the MSTC E-Commerce Website

Go to www.mstcecommerce.com.

Step 2: Select the Auction Category

Click on "e-Auction" from the top menu. You will see various auction categories like Coal, Government Departments, Bank NPA, etc. Click on the relevant category link (e.g., "Coal e-Auction" or the specific department auction you want to participate in).

Step 3: Click on "Register" or "New User"

On the login page of your chosen category, look for the "Register Here" or "New Registration" link.

Step 4: Read and Accept the General Terms & Conditions

The General Terms & Conditions of e-Auction will appear on screen. Scroll down and read them carefully. At the bottom, you will see two options:

• Register as Buyer
• Register as Seller

Click on "Register as Buyer".

Step 5: Accept the Buyer Specific Terms & Conditions

The Buyer Specific Terms & Conditions (BSTC) will be displayed. Read them, scroll to the bottom, and click "Agree".

Step 6: Fill the Buyer Registration Form

The registration form will ask for:

• Personal/Company details — name, address, contact number
• Email address — this will be used for all auction communications
• PAN number — mandatory for tax compliance
• Buyer type — select the relevant type (e.g., "Coal/Coal Products" for coal auctions)
• User ID — choose your preferred login username
• Password — create a strong password

All fields marked with * are mandatory.

Step 7: Submit the Form

After filling in all details, click "Submit". On the next page, click "Preview" to verify all your information. If everything is correct, click "Submit" again.

Step 8: Receive Confirmation Email

MSTC will send you a confirmation email with your registration details and instructions for completing the process.

Step 9: Submit Documents and Registration Fee (Offline)

Visit any MSTC regional office in India with:

• All required documents (attested copies)
• Registration fee via Demand Draft / Pay Order in favour of "MSTC Limited"

Office addresses are available on www.mstcindia.co.in.

Step 10: Account Activation

Once MSTC verifies your documents and receives the registration fee, your account will be activated. You will also receive a Photo Identity Card from MSTC.

How to Login to MSTC Portal

1. Visit www.mstcecommerce.com
2. Click on "e-Auction" and select your auction category
3. On the login page, enter your User ID and Password
4. Click "Login" to access your Home Page
5. From the Home Page, you can view forthcoming auctions, check auction status, and manage your account

Tip: Use Internet Explorer or a compatible browser as recommended by MSTC. Some auction features may not work properly on all browsers.

MSTC Registration Fees

Note: GST is applicable on the registration fee. Fee amounts may vary depending on the specific auction category. Check the latest fee structure on the MSTC website.

How to Participate in MSTC E-Auction

Once your account is activated, follow these steps to participate in an auction:

1. Login to your MSTC account on www.mstcecommerce.com
2. Click on "View Forthcoming e-Auctions" to see the list of upcoming auctions
3. Select the auction you want to participate in and read the auction catalogue (details of items, terms, reserve price, EMD amount)
4. Pay the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) — this is a refundable security deposit required before you can bid. EMD can be paid online through the portal or via DD/Pay Order
5. On the auction day, login at the scheduled time and place your bid equal to or higher than the Reserve Price
6. You can revise your bid upward any number of times during the auction window
7. After auction closure, results are published and the highest bidder (H-1) gets the allotment
8. You will receive a Sale Intimation Letter if you win

EMD (Earnest Money Deposit)

• EMD is mandatory for participation in any MSTC auction
• The EMD amount varies by auction and is mentioned in the auction catalogue
• EMD can be submitted online (Net Banking / NEFT / RTGS) or offline (DD/Pay Order)
• EMD of unsuccessful bidders is refunded after the auction
• For coal auctions: ₹500/tonne for Grade E & above, ₹400/tonne for Grade F & below

MSTC Office Locations

MSTC has its corporate office in Kolkata and regional offices across India:

• Corporate Office: 225-F, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata – 700 020
• Regional offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Nagpur, and other cities

Full list of offices is available at www.mstcindia.co.in.

Important Tips

1. Register early — account activation can take a few days after document submission, so don't wait until the last minute before an auction
2. Keep your email active — all auction notifications, sale intimation letters, and updates are sent via email
3. Pay EMD on time — without EMD submission, you cannot participate in bidding even if you are registered
4. Use a compatible browser — MSTC recommends using Internet Explorer or the latest version of Chrome/Edge for smooth bidding
5. Check the auction catalogue carefully — read all terms, reserve price, EMD requirement, and delivery conditions before bidding

FAQs

What is MSTC Limited?

MSTC Limited is a Mini Ratna Category-I PSU under the Ministry of Steel, Government of India. It operates India's largest government e-auction and e-commerce platform for selling surplus materials, scrap, coal, minerals, and bank NPA properties.

Is MSTC registration free?

No. MSTC charges a registration fee — ₹1,000 for 3 months, ₹3,000 for 1 year, or ₹10,000 for lifetime registration (plus applicable GST). Fee may vary by auction category.

Can individuals register on MSTC?

Yes, any Indian citizen with a valid PAN card can register as a buyer on MSTC. Both individuals and companies/firms can register.

What is EMD in MSTC auction?

EMD (Earnest Money Deposit) is a refundable security deposit that every bidder must pay before participating in an MSTC e-auction. The EMD amount varies by auction and is specified in the auction catalogue.

How long does MSTC registration take?

Online registration is instant. However, your account is activated only after MSTC verifies your documents and receives the registration fee at their office, which may take 3–7 working days.

What types of auctions are conducted on MSTC?

MSTC conducts e-auctions for coal, scrap metal, surplus government material, old vehicles, machinery, bank NPA properties, forest produce, and various other commodities on behalf of government organisations and PSUs.

Can I bid from my mobile phone?

MSTC's e-auction portal is primarily designed for desktop browsers. While the website may load on mobile, it is recommended to use a desktop or laptop computer with a stable internet connection for a smooth bidding experience.

What happens if I win an MSTC auction?

If you are the highest bidder (H-1), you will receive a Sale Intimation Letter from MSTC. You must then pay the remaining amount (bid price minus EMD) within the time specified in the auction terms, and arrange for lifting/delivery of the material.

This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with MSTC Limited or the Government of India. Always verify the latest information on the official MSTC websites: www.mstcindia.co.in and www.mstcecommerce.com.