Claiming a Dear Lottery prize
Prizes up to ₹10,000 are usually paid by licensed retailers against the original ticket. Above that, the claim goes to the state lottery department: you submit the signed original ticket, a photograph, proof of identity and address, a claim form and a bank account details.
Claims must be made within the deadline printed on the ticket — typically 30 to 90 days from the draw date. A ticket that is torn, burnt beyond recognition or missing its serial number will not be honoured, so photograph your ticket the moment you buy it.
TDS is deducted at source on prizes above the statutory threshold, and a 2% seller prize deduction applies from 1 April 2026. Factor that in when you estimate what actually reaches your bank account.
Tax and deductions on winnings
Lottery winnings are taxed at source: TDS is deducted before the prize is paid out, at the rate in force for lottery winnings, and there is no basic-exemption relief on it.
From 1 April 2026 a 2% deduction also applies to the seller prize amount. Keep the TDS certificate — you will need it when you file your return.
Mistakes that cost people their prize
The three that come up again and again: matching only the last four digits instead of the full five, checking the wrong draw time, and missing the claim deadline.
Two more: handing the ticket to a stranger to "check" for you, and posting a photo of the ticket publicly before claiming — the ticket number is all someone needs to attempt a fraudulent claim.
- Match all five digits, not four.
- Confirm you are reading the right draw (1 PM / 6 PM / 8 PM).
- Claim within the window printed on the ticket.
- Never hand the original ticket to an intermediary.
- Blur the serial number in any photo you post.
How to verify before you claim
Never trust a single screenshot. Cross-check the winning number on this page against the official bulletin linked on every result card, then match your physical ticket digit by digit.
Claims above ₹10,000 must be submitted to the concerned state lottery office with the original ticket, identity proof and a claim form. Smaller prizes can normally be collected from any authorised retailer in the state.
Frequently asked questions
How do I claim a Dear Lottery prize?
Prizes up to ₹10,000 are usually paid by licensed retailers. Above that, submit the original ticket, ID proof, address proof, a claim form and bank details to the state lottery department within the deadline printed on the ticket.
Is tax deducted from lottery winnings?
Yes. TDS is deducted at source on lottery winnings at the prevailing rate, and a 2% seller prize deduction applies from 1 April 2026. Keep the TDS certificate for your return.
How do I verify a winning number?
Match your ticket against the sheet on this page, then confirm against the official bulletin linked on every result card. Never rely on a forwarded screenshot.
Related results
How to claim — step by step
- Match your ticket against the winning sheet
Compare your ticket series and five-digit number with the 1st prize and the consolation, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th prize lists for the correct draw date and time. - Confirm the draw date and session
Make sure you are reading the right 1 PM, 6 PM or 8 PM sheet for your ticket — a number from the wrong draw does not win. - Sign the back of the ticket
An unsigned winning ticket can be refused at the counter. Sign it as soon as you suspect you have won. - Collect your documents
Keep the original ticket, a government photo ID, address proof, passport-size photos, a completed claim form and your bank details ready. - Submit within the deadline
File with the state lottery department (or a retailer for prizes up to ₹10,000) within the 30–90 day window printed on the ticket. - Receive payment after TDS
Prizes above the statutory threshold are paid after tax is deducted at source; keep the TDS certificate for your return.