India Extends REPM Scheme Tender Deadline to Boost Rare Earth Magnet Manufacturing

The India government has extended the bid submission deadline for the global tender issued under the REPM Scheme, giving participating stakeholders additional time to prepare submissions for the proposed rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing facilities. The extension was announced by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) on May 15 after receiving requests from multiple stakeholders seeking more preparation time for the ongoing tender process. The tender is focused on selecting manufacturers capable of establishing integrated rare-earth permanent magnet production facilities across the country.

The revised schedule issued by the ministry confirms that government responses to bidder queries will now be released by June 9, 2026. The Bid Due Date has been extended from May 28, 2026, to June 29, 2026, while the opening of Technical Bids has been shifted from May 29, 2026, to June 30, 2026. The original global tender was floated on March 20, 2026, as part of the government’s larger strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities in the critical materials and advanced mobility ecosystem.

Revised REPM Scheme Tender Timeline

The updated tender schedule provides additional time for bidders to complete technical documentation, financial submissions, and project planning activities linked to the integrated manufacturing facilities proposed under the scheme. The revised dates issued by the ministry are summarized below.

Updated Tender Schedule Details

The REPM Scheme received approval from the Union Cabinet on November 26, 2025, with a total financial outlay of INR 72.8 billion. The initiative is designed to establish an integrated rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing ecosystem within India, covering the entire value chain from NdPr oxide processing to finished magnet production. The government plans to create 6,000 MTPA of integrated manufacturing capacity through the scheme, which is expected to support multiple industrial sectors including electric mobility, automotive systems, electronics, renewable energy, and advanced industrial applications.

Rare earth permanent magnets are considered critical components for electric vehicle traction motors, industrial automation systems, renewable energy equipment, and advanced automotive technologies. Through the REPM Scheme, the government aims to reduce import dependency while strengthening local supply chain resilience for strategically important materials. The extension of the bidding timeline is expected to improve participation from domestic and international manufacturers evaluating long-term investment opportunities in the Indian advanced materials and magnet manufacturing sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Ministry of Heavy Industries extend the REPM Scheme tender deadline?
The Ministry of Heavy Industries extended the REPM Scheme tender deadline after multiple stakeholders requested additional preparation time for bid submissions and technical documentation. The revised timeline gives participating manufacturers more time to finalize project proposals, investment plans, and compliance-related requirements linked to establishing integrated rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing facilities in India. The extension also allows the government to address bidder queries before the updated submission deadline, helping improve participation quality and overall competitiveness in the tender process.

What is the objective of India’s REPM Scheme?
The REPM Scheme aims to establish a complete rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing ecosystem in India with an integrated production capacity of 6,000 MTPA. Approved with a financial outlay of INR 72.8 billion, the scheme covers the entire value chain from NdPr oxide processing to finished magnet manufacturing. The initiative is intended to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, reduce dependence on imports, support electric mobility and industrial sectors, and improve supply chain resilience for strategically important rare earth materials used in advanced technologies.