Winning a prize in the Nagaland State Lottery (popularly known as Dear Lottery or Dhankesari) is a life-changing moment. But getting the money into your bank account requires following a proper legal process.

Whether you've won the bumper 1st Prize of ₹1 Crore or a smaller prize, you need to know the exact rules, required documents, and tax implications. We have simplified the entire process so you don't face any issues.

Important: Keep Your Ticket Safe

Only original physical tickets are accepted. Photocopies, screenshots, or damaged tickets will be rejected. Keep your ticket away from water and heat.

1. Verify Your Winning Ticket First

Before you go to claim, double-check your physical ticket with the official results on Dhankesari.pw. You must check these details:

Draw Name: E.g., Dear Dwarka Monday, Dear Indus Wednesday.
Draw Time: 1:00 PM, 6:00 PM, or 8:00 PM.
Full Ticket Number: Make sure you check both the series (like 82H) and the digits (49201).

2. What to Do Immediately After Winning

In India, a lottery ticket is a "bearer document." This means whoever has the physical ticket can claim it. To prove it's yours:

Step 1: Sign on the back of the ticket with your name, address, and signature using a blue or black pen.

Step 2: Take clear photos of the front and back and save them on your phone or cloud.

Step 3: Put the ticket in a plastic sleeve. Do not use tape on it.

3. How to Claim Based on Prize Amount

If you won up to ₹10,000

For small prizes like ₹120, ₹250, ₹500, or ₹1,000, you don't need to visit the government office. You can simply take your winning ticket to any authorized local lottery retailer or shop. They will verify it and give you the cash instantly.

If you won more than ₹10,000

For big prizes (including the ₹1 Crore), retailers cannot give you cash. You have to submit a formal application to the Directorate of Nagaland State Lotteries or authorized nodal offices.

4. Documents You Need (Checklist)

When going to submit your claim, make sure you have these documents ready:

Original winning ticket (signed on the back).

Official Claim Form (available at the lottery office).

Affidavit on stamp paper (notarized).

Aadhar Card or Passport (ID proof).

PAN Card (mandatory for TDS).

Bank passbook or cancelled cheque.

4 Passport-size photographs.

5. Tax Deduction (TDS Rules)

The government takes a cut of your winnings as tax. Under Section 194B, if you win more than ₹10,000, a flat 30% TDS is deducted, plus 4% Health & Education Cess.

Example: ₹1 Crore 1st Prize

Total Prize Money:₹1,00,00,000

Minus 30% TDS:- ₹30,00,000

Minus 4% Cess:- ₹1,20,000

You Receive in Bank:₹68,80,000

6. Submit Within 30 Days!

You must submit your claim to the Directorate within 30 days of the result being published. If you are late, you lose the money.

Send or submit your documents here:

Directorate of Nagaland State Lotteries
P.R. Hill Junction, Kohima,
Nagaland – 797001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I claim my Nagaland lottery prize money online?+

No. You can check results online, but to get the money, you must physically submit the original ticket and documents to the lottery office.

What if my ticket gets slightly torn?+

If the barcode, ticket number, and draw details are still clearly visible, the office might accept it with an extra affidavit. Heavily damaged tickets are usually rejected.

Is it legal for non-residents to claim tickets?+

Yes. If you live in a state where lotteries are legal (like West Bengal, Sikkim, Nagaland, etc.), you can buy and claim prizes from Nagaland State Lottery.

Conclusion: Check your daily results on Dhankesari.pw. If you win, don't panic. Sign the ticket, get your documents ready, and visit the lottery office within 30 days to claim your money safely!