GeM Portal Login OTP Not Coming — How to Fix Authentication

Unable to log into the GeM portal because the OTP isn't arriving? Login and authentication issues are among the most reported problems on the Government e-Marketplace. This guide covers fixes for OTP delays, registered mobile issues, password reset problems, and account deactivation.

Common Login & OTP Errors

• OTP not received on mobile — SMS not delivered after clicking "Send OTP"
• OTP not received on email — email OTP missing from inbox and spam
• "Invalid OTP" — OTP entered but not accepted
• "Account is deactivated" — login blocked with deactivation message
• "User ID not found" — entered credentials not recognized
• "Too many OTP attempts" — temporarily blocked due to multiple requests
• Password reset link not working — reset email not received or link expired

Fix 1: OTP Not Received on Registered Mobile

The OTP is sent to the mobile number registered on your GeM profile:

1. Verify your registered mobile — Make sure the mobile number on your GeM profile is current and active
2. Check network signal — Weak signal or no service area means SMS won't be delivered
3. Wait 2-3 minutes — OTP delivery can take time during peak hours (10 AM - 1 PM)
4. Don't request multiple OTPs rapidly — Wait at least 2 minutes between requests; too many attempts trigger a temporary block
5. Check DND/spam filter — If you have DND activated, transactional SMS should still come through, but some carriers block them; contact your mobile operator
6. Phone storage full — If your phone's SMS inbox is full, new messages won't be received; delete old messages
7. Restart your phone — Sometimes a simple restart fixes SMS delivery issues
8. Try at off-peak hours — GeM OTP servers are less loaded early morning (7-9 AM) or after 7 PM

Fix 2: Email OTP Not Received

If you selected email OTP option:

1. Check spam/junk folder — GeM emails often land in spam; search for emails from @gem.gov.in
2. Whitelist GeM emails — Add noreply@gem.gov.in and support@gem.gov.in to your contacts
3. Check registered email — The OTP goes to the email on your GeM profile, not any other email
4. Gmail Promotions tab — If using Gmail, check the Promotions or Updates tab
5. Corporate email filters — Government email servers (@gov.in, @nic.in) may have strict spam filters; check with your IT team
6. Request OTP again — Wait 2 minutes, then request a fresh OTP

Fix 3: "Invalid OTP" Error

If the OTP arrives but the system rejects it:

1. OTP expiry — GeM OTPs typically expire in 3-5 minutes; enter immediately after receiving
2. Copy-paste the OTP — Avoid manual typing errors; copy from SMS and paste
3. Latest OTP only — If you requested multiple OTPs, only the most recent one is valid
4. No spaces — Ensure there are no leading/trailing spaces when pasting the OTP
5. Browser auto-fill interference — Disable browser auto-fill for OTP fields
6. Clock sync — Ensure your device time is set to automatic (IST); time mismatch can cause OTP validation failures

Fix 4: Password Reset Not Working

If you've forgotten your password:

1. Go to gem.gov.in → Click "Login" → "Forgot Password"
2. Enter your registered email ID or User ID
3. Complete the CAPTCHA
4. Check your email for the reset link (also check spam folder)
5. The reset link expires in 30 minutes — click it promptly
6. Set a new password following GeM requirements:
   • Minimum 8 characters
   • At least one uppercase letter, one lowercase, one number, one special character
7. After reset, try logging in with the new password

If reset email doesn't arrive:

• Ensure you're using the email registered on GeM (not a different one)
• Try again after 15 minutes
• Contact GeM helpline at 1800-419-3436

Fix 5: Account Deactivated

If you see "Account is deactivated":

1. Inactivity — GeM may deactivate accounts inactive for 12+ months
2. Compliance issues — Expired GST, suspended PAN, or document issues can trigger deactivation
3. Policy violation — Accounts may be deactivated for bid manipulation or fake listings
4. Organization removed — If your department/organization was removed from GeM, associated accounts get deactivated

How to reactivate:

• Contact GeM helpline: 1800-419-3436
• Email: helpdesk-gem@gov.in with your User ID, organization name, and PAN
• Raise a ticket on the GeM portal (if accessible) under "Account Related"
• Submit documents — You may need to resubmit PAN, GST, and organization proof
• Reactivation typically takes 5-10 working days

Fix 6: "User ID Not Found"

If the system doesn't recognize your login:

1. Check exact User ID — GeM User ID may be different from your email; check your original registration email
2. Case sensitivity — User IDs may be case-sensitive; try exact case
3. Buyer vs Seller portal — Ensure you're logging into the correct portal (buyer or seller)
4. Registration incomplete — If your registration was never approved, you won't have active login credentials
5. Multiple accounts — You may have registered with a different email; check all email accounts for GeM registration confirmation

Fix 7: "Too Many OTP Attempts"

If blocked due to excessive OTP requests:

1. Wait 30 minutes — The system automatically unblocks after the cooldown period
2. Don't keep retrying — Each failed attempt extends the lockout
3. Try email OTP — If mobile OTP is blocked, switch to email-based OTP (if available)
4. Clear browser cookies — Sometimes clearing cookies and using a fresh browser session helps
5. Try after 1 hour — If 30 minutes doesn't work, wait a full hour

Important Tips

1. Keep your registered mobile active — Don't let your SIM expire or port your number without updating GeM
2. Bookmark the correct URL — Always access GeM via gem.gov.in; beware of phishing sites
3. Update contact details proactively — If you change your mobile or email, update on GeM immediately before you need to log in
4. Use password manager — Store your GeM credentials securely; don't rely on memory
5. Browser matters — Use the latest Chrome or Firefox; avoid outdated browsers

How to Update Registered Mobile/Email on GeM

If you can still log in:

1. Login → Go to Profile → Account Settings
2. Click Edit next to mobile number or email
3. Verify via OTP sent to your current registered number/email
4. Enter the new number/email and verify again

If you cannot log in:

• Contact GeM helpline: 1800-419-3436
• Email helpdesk-gem@gov.in with your User ID, PAN copy, and new contact details
• Visit your organization's GeM admin for buyer accounts

FAQs

Why is GeM OTP taking so long?

GeM OTP delays usually happen during peak hours (10 AM - 1 PM) when server load is high. Wait 2-3 minutes and try again during off-peak hours.

Can I login to GeM without OTP?

No, OTP-based two-factor authentication is mandatory for GeM login. You cannot skip this step for security reasons.

I changed my phone number — how do I get GeM OTP?

You need to update your registered mobile on GeM. If you can't log in, contact GeM helpline at 1800-419-3436 with your User ID and identity proof to update your number.

How long does GeM account reactivation take?

Account reactivation typically takes 5-10 working days after submitting the required documents and contacting GeM support.

Is there a GeM mobile app for login?

GeM has a mobile app available on Google Play Store, but for critical operations like bidding and payment tracking, the desktop portal is recommended for reliability.

Can my organization admin reset my GeM password?

For buyer accounts, your organization's GeM nodal officer can help reset your credentials. For seller accounts, you must use the self-service password reset or contact GeM helpline directly.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with GeM or any government body. For official support, contact GeM helpline at 1800-419-3436 or visit gem.gov.in.