Yes, you must have an active Jio number that has access to the JioTV app. This is required for the initial OTP authentication. After that, the server will keep your session live, but you won't need to keep entering the OTP.
The official JioTV app is fundamentally built for touchscreen Android and iOS devices. An M3U playlist breaks this boundary, allowing you to watch your channels on Linux, Windows, macOS, or smart TVs. M3u File For Jio Tv
If your goal is to watch Jio TV channels on different devices or without the official app, consider these legitimate options: Yes, you must have an active Jio number