ChatGPT Go one-year free access rolls out in India; users face issues in activating via UPI
New Delhi (PTI): ChatGPT Go's 12-month free access rollout in India on Tuesday witnessed significant user interest, but many reported difficulties activating the offer using their UPI credentials.
OpenAI introduced a 12-month, no-cost ChatGPT Go plan for Indian users, beginning November 4, 2025, as part of a limited-time promotion.
However, several users took to X (formerly Twitter) to complain about unsuccessful activation attempts.
Common grievances include repeated approvals of a Re 1 UPI debit without activation, applications getting stuck on the payment screen, and ongoing errors relating to valid UPI IDs and incomplete mandates, even when the payment authorisation appears to be successful.
According to OpenAI, enrolling in the ChatGPT Go free access offer requires adding a payment method (either a Credit Card or UPI), despite the absence of any subscription fee. It mandates a temporary charge of Re 1 at every billing cycle, which is immediately refunded.
The setup is designed to enable automatic billing for ChatGPT Go after the 12-month free promotion expires. Users are reminded that cancelling the subscription during the free period renders the offer void for that account.
“Excited for free ChatGPT Go in India, but UPI verification stuck! Invalid VPA error despite valid ID like myname@phonepe. Mandate not completing. Please fix UPI support ASAP!” a user wrote on X.
“I am facing the ChatGPT Go subscription payment issue using the UPI method. Even after confirming the upi payment it is stuck at the approved payment screen. Any fix or is it a bug ?” another said.
“Tried activating the new ChatGPT Go 12-month free offer today — but even after approving payment twice (Re 1 each time via UPI), the plan didn’t activate. The page shows Rs 0.00 total due, but still no access to ChatGPT Go. Anyone else facing this issue? @OpenAI, please check,” a third user said.
OpenAI acknowledged that UPI payments experienced a temporary disruption shortly after launch due to unexpectedly high traffic, which briefly overloaded its systems.
"Demand was so high it briefly overwhelmed our UPI integration. We've been working with partners to restore it quickly, and we're rolling availability back out," OpenAI said in a statement.
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Swearing-in ceremony of new Assam govt to be held on May 12
Guwahati (PTI): The swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected BJP-led NDA government in Assam will be held on May 12, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several union ministers, chief ministers and deputy CMs of BJP-ruled states, and representatives from industries are expected to attend the function.
The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Veterinary Field, Khanapara, he said.
“Chaired a comprehensive review meeting with the DGP, Assam today to assess preparedness for the forthcoming visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Council of Ministers”, Kota posted on X on Wednesday night.
Arrangements related to security, traffic management, venue readiness, protocol, and inter-departmental coordination were discussed in detail, he said.
''Emphasised the need for seamless execution, strict adherence to established protocols, and close coordination among all stakeholders," Kota said.
All departments concerned have been directed to maintain the highest level of preparedness to ensure the ceremony is conducted smoothly, securely, and in a manner befitting the significance of the occasion, he said.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tendered his resignation to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who asked him to continue as the head of the caretaker government.
Union minister J P Nadda and Naib Singh Saini have been appointed as the observer and co-observer, respectively, for the election of the BJP Legislature party leader, which is likely to be held on May 10.
The ruling NDA returned to power for the third successive term, securing 102 of the 126 assembly seats in the state with the BJP winning 82 constituencies and its allies - the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) - bagging 10 each.
