The Kerala State Lottery Department announced the results of the Karunya Plus KN 598 lottery draw on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM UTC, drawing a collective breath across Kerala’s 14 districts. The winning ticket, PZ 531453, sold in the small town of Chittur, claimed the top prize of ₹1 crore — a life-altering sum for one lucky individual. The draw, held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, was as routine as ever — yet the ripple effect of this win will be felt far beyond the state’s southern tip.
Who Won What — And Where?
The first prize winner, PZ 531453, is believed to be from Chittur, a quiet town in Palakkad district. The second prize of ₹30 lakh went to ticket PN 544692, sold in Thiruvananthapuram by agent PEER MOHAMMED (Agency No. T 2745). Third prize — ₹5 lakh — landed with ticket PV 152551, sold in Ernakulam. These aren’t just numbers on paper; they’re stories waiting to unfold — a mother’s medical bill paid off, a son’s college tuition secured, a small shop owner finally able to expand.But here’s the twist: the consolation prize wasn’t just one ticket. It was a cascade. Eleven tickets ending in 531453 — from PN 531453 to PY 531453 — each won ₹5,000. That’s 11 families getting a small miracle on the same day. It’s a design choice, intentional and smart. The Kerala lottery doesn’t just reward one person. It creates a web of hope.
The Numbers Behind the Dream
This wasn’t a modest draw. A total of 4,01,774 prizes were handed out across nine tiers. Fourth prize: ₹5,000 (for specific four-digit endings). Fifth: ₹2,000. Sixth: ₹1,000. The list goes on — ₹500, ₹200, ₹100. The lottery department doesn’t just announce winners; it publishes full sequences. The sixth prize winners? Numbers like 0111, 2458, 4253, 7770 — all last four digits of winning tickets. It’s meticulous. Almost mathematical. And that’s the point.Every ticket sold contributes to something bigger. The Kerala State Lottery, under the Government of Kerala, funnels its earnings into public welfare: healthcare, education, disaster relief. In 2024 alone, lottery proceeds funded over ₹1,200 crore in state programs. This isn’t gambling as entertainment. It’s a social contract.
Taxes, Commissions, and the Real Cost of Winning
Before the first prize winner celebrates too loudly, there’s a reality check. The ₹1 crore isn’t fully theirs. A 30% tax kicks in — that’s ₹30 lakh gone to the Income Tax Department. On top of that, the selling agent, PEER MOHAMMED or whomever sold PZ 531453, takes a 10-12% commission. That’s another ₹1 to ₹1.2 lakh. So the net? Roughly ₹58 to ₹60 lakh. Still life-changing. But not the full amount you see on the screen.And here’s something most don’t realize: prizes under ₹5,000 are tax-free. That’s why the consolation prizes — 11 of them — are untouched by the taxman. It’s a quiet nod to the everyday player. The person who buys a ticket on a whim, maybe once a month, hoping for a little luck. They’re not chasing millions. Just enough to buy groceries, fix a bike, pay a school fee.
Claim It Now — Or Lose It Forever
Winners have exactly 90 days — until February 18, 2026 — to claim their prize at any authorized lottery shop in Kerala. No exceptions. No extensions. The system is designed to be fair, but unforgiving. If you forget, or think you’ll get around to it, you lose it. Forever. The unclaimed money doesn’t roll over. It goes back into the welfare fund.That’s why, in the hours after the draw, authorized shops in Chittur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Ernakulam saw long lines. Not just from winners — from neighbors, friends, curious onlookers. Everyone wanted to see the ticket. To touch it. To believe.
Why This Lottery Matters More Than You Think
The Kerala State Lottery Department has been around since 1967. It’s the only state-run lottery in India that operates legally and transparently. Unlike private gambling rings, this one is audited, regulated, and accountable. Its structure — from agent networks to prize distribution — is a model of public administration.And it’s not just about money. It’s about dignity. In a state where over 20% of households live near the poverty line, the lottery isn’t a vice — it’s a lifeline. A woman in Wayanad buys a ticket every Friday. She doesn’t expect to win. But she believes in the system. She knows that if she does, it won’t just help her — it’ll help someone else’s child get an education.
The Karunya Plus series, launched in 2021, was specifically designed to boost participation with higher prizes. And it worked. Ticket sales jumped 37% in its first year. People aren’t just playing for luck. They’re playing for community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify if my ticket is a winner?
Check the official Kerala State Lottery website or visit any authorized lottery shop with your ticket. The full list of winning numbers — including all nine prize tiers and the 11 consolation tickets — was published on November 20, 2025, by the department. Never rely on social media posts or unofficial apps; only government-verified sources are trustworthy.
What happens if I lose my winning ticket?
Kerala lottery tickets are non-transferable and require physical possession for claims. If lost or damaged, the prize cannot be claimed — no exceptions. Always sign the back of your ticket immediately after purchase and store it in a safe place. The department does not maintain digital records of purchased tickets, so physical possession is the only proof of ownership.
Why is there a 30% tax on the first prize?
Under India’s Income Tax Act, lottery winnings over ₹10,000 are subject to a 30% tax deduction at source (TDS). This applies to all state lotteries, including Kerala’s. The tax goes to the central government, not the state. The ₹1 crore prize is treated as income, not a gift, which is why the deduction is mandatory — even if the winner is from a low-income background.
Can someone from outside Kerala claim this prize?
Yes. While the ticket must be purchased in Kerala, winners from any Indian state can claim their prize at any authorized lottery shop within Kerala. They’ll need valid ID, the original ticket, and proof of purchase. Foreign nationals cannot claim Kerala lottery prizes under current regulations.
How does the agent commission work?
Authorized agents receive 10-12% commission on first, second, and third prizes — a standard incentive to maintain a wide retail network. For the ₹1 crore prize, that’s ₹1 to ₹1.2 lakh going to the agent who sold PZ 531453. This system ensures thousands of small shops — often in rural areas — stay in business. It’s not corruption; it’s infrastructure.
Are future Karunya Plus draws affected by this result?
No. Each draw is independent. The next Karunya Plus draw, KN 599, will follow the same prize structure and rules. Past winners don’t influence future odds. The lottery uses mechanical ball machines and is monitored by state auditors. There’s no pattern to predict — just pure chance, designed to be fair.