Online Lottery & FCFS Application Process – TNHB Step-by-Step Guide

Step-by-step guide to book a Tamil Nadu government-backed housing property

7 Min Read
Booked on time, secured with confidence — their TNHB FCFS dream plot is now a reality.

TNHB’s Shift to a Fully Online Booking System

To improve transparency, speed, and public access, the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) has introduced a structured online application and booking system for its housing schemes across Tamil Nadu.

Earlier, applications and allotments involved significant manual processing. Now, TNHB has digitised:

  • Scheme applications
  • e-Lottery allotments
  • First Come First Serve (FCFS) bookings
  • Online unit selection
  • Digital document uploads
  • Online payment gateway transactions

This system ensures:

  • Transparent allotment process
  • Equal opportunity through electronic lottery
  • Faster booking confirmation under FCFS
  • Reduced physical visits
  • Secure online payments

Through this portal, applicants can now complete the entire process — from application to booking — directly on the official TNHB website.


Lottery Basis Booking in TNHB

Under the Lottery Basis, applicants submit their applications within the notified period. After the application window closes:

  • TNHB conducts an electronic draw (e-lottery).
  • Selected applicants are declared as winners.
  • Winners are given a specific timeline to book their allotted unit online.

This system is used when demand exceeds available units and ensures fair selection.


First Come First Serve (FCFS) Booking

Under the FCFS method:

  • Available units are displayed on the portal.
  • Buyers can directly select a unit.
  • Booking is confirmed based on successful payment.

Here, allotment depends on who completes the booking process first.


How to Apply Online Through TNHB (Apply Now Process)

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to: https://tnhb.tn.gov.in
Click on “Apply Now.”

Step 2: Select Scheme & Category

Choose your preferred scheme and type.
Click “Apply Now.”

Step 3: Login

You will be redirected to the LOT-Customer Login Page.

  • Existing users: Login with username and password.
  • New users: Register first and then login.

Step 4: Fill in Required Details

Enter personal details carefully.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Step 6: Review & Confirm

Step 7: Pay Booking Amount

Use the designated online payment gateway.

Step 8: Submit Application

Complete submission within the specified timeline.


TNHB Online Unit Booking – First Come First Serve (FCFS)

  1. Visit TNHB website.
  2. Click “Book Now.”
  3. Select your preferred scheme.
  4. Login through the Customer Login Page.
  5. Choose available Flat / Plot / House.
  6. Review unit details.
  7. Fill required details and upload documents.
  8. Pay booking amount via:
    • Internet Banking
    • Debit Card
    • IMPS
  9. Confirm and submit booking.

TNHB Online Booking for Lottery Winners

  1. Visit TNHB website.
  2. Click “Book Now.”
  3. Select “Winner – Book Now.”
  4. Login through LOT-Customer Login.
  5. Choose allotted unit.
  6. Review details.
  7. Pay booking amount via designated payment gateway.
  8. Confirm and submit booking within deadline.

Important Financial Instruction

All applicants must:

  • Ensure sufficient bank balance.
  • Enable adequate transaction limit for Debit Card / Net Banking before payment.

Mandatory Certificates Required

1. Age Certificate

Accepted documents:

  • Birth Certificate (Local Body / Tahsildar / Sub-Registrar / Registrar of Birth & Death)
  • School Leaving Certificate / Transfer Certificate
  • For uneducated persons: Certificate from Registered Medical Practitioner not below Assistant Civil Surgeon rank

2. Nativity Certificate

  • Obtain from Local Regular Tahsildar.
  • Defence personnel are exempted.
    • Defence department endorsement confirming Tamil Nadu nativity is sufficient (G.O.Ms.No. 1624 dated 30.10.1987).

3. Income Certificate

  • Salaried persons: Certificate from employer (Government/Quasi Government/Public Undertakings/Private Institutions).
  • Others:
    • Tahsildar (Revenue Department)
    • Class-A Officer (State/Central Government)
    • IT Returns (Form 16) attested by Chartered Accountant

4. Community Certificate

Applicable for SC/ST/Dobbies & Barbers categories.
To be issued by Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO).

5. Journalist Category Certificate

Working journalists (as per Working Journalists Act, 1955) must obtain certificate from:

  • Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Chennai
  • As per G.O. Ms. No. 703 dated 17.08.1981

Managerial or administrative staff are not eligible under this category.

6. Reservation Proof Certificate

Required if applying under any reservation quota.


Documents to Upload While Applying

  1. Recent passport-size photograph
    • JPEG / JPG / PNG
    • Maximum 2MB
    • Light-colored background
  2. Age Proof – PDF
  3. Nativity Certificate – PDF
  4. Income Certificate – PDF
  5. Aadhaar Card – PDF
  6. PAN Card – PDF (Optional)
  7. Scanned Signatures (Applicant & Co-applicant) – PDF
  8. Reservation Certificate – PDF (If applicable)

Live Booking Update – Palai Region (VIL Tirunelveli)

TNHB has currently opened online booking for Palai Region – VIL Tirunelveli under Lottery Winner category:

🏢 HIG

28-01-2026 (10:00 AM) to 27-02-2026 (11:59:59 PM)

🏢 MIG

29-01-2026 (10:00 AM) to 02-03-2026 (11:59:59 PM)

🏢 LIG

30-01-2026 (10:00 AM) to 03-03-2026 (11:59:59 PM)

🏢 EWS

31-01-2026 (10:00 AM) to 04-03-2026 (11:59:59 PM)

This project is presently open for booking under Lottery Winner basis, and subject to availability, units may also be offered under FCFS basis.


Conclusion: Stay Alert for Future TNHB Online Bookings

TNHB housing schemes attract significant demand due to government backing and structured allotment process. Whether applying through Lottery or FCFS method, preparation and timely action are essential.

Buyers should:

  • Regularly check the official TNHB website.
  • Keep all certificates and documents ready in advance.
  • Ensure adequate bank balance and transaction limits.
  • Act immediately when new booking windows are announced.

Future TNHB online bookings will continue to open across various regions. Keeping a close watch on the official portal ensures you do not miss upcoming government housing opportunities.


Full Forms of Abbreviations Used
  • TNHB – Tamil Nadu Housing Board
  • FCFS – First Come First Serve
  • HIG – High Income Group
  • MIG – Middle Income Group
  • LIG – Low Income Group
  • EWS – Economically Weaker Section
  • DIPR – Directorate of Information and Public Relations
  • RDO – Revenue Divisional Officer
  • IMPS – Immediate Payment Service
  • PAN – Permanent Account Number

Share This Article
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Exit mobile version