Some 7.53 lakh applicants are vying for the flats, located in areas like Vasant Kunj, Mukherjee Nagar, Motia Khan, Jasola, Dwarka, Rohini, Narela, Jaffarabad, Kondli and Gharoli. There are one, two and three bedroom flats with the prices ranging from Rs 9 lakh to Rs Rs 1.12 crore.

The results of the draw, the biggest ever in the history of DDA, will be uploaded on DDA website and published in newspapers by April 19. The allotment might be given by the end of the year.

The housing scheme was launched on November 25, 2010. Asked about the allegations of irregularities that had cropped up during the last draw of lots for its housing scheme, Delhi Development Authority officials said all necessary checks and balances are in place.

"The draw is being held in a transparent manner in the presence of independent senior observers from diverse fields," an official of the housing agency said. For the first time, the draw will not be held in DDA headquarters but at the office of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) in Noida.

"The draw is being held in Noida only due to the fact that the number of applicants and the number of flats being allotted under the scheme is high as compared to earlier schemes.

CDAC has better wherewithal and expertise to conduct the draw of such a magnitude and it is not possible to transport the equipments from there," the official said.

The DDA said that as there is limited space at the CDAC premises, it will be difficult to accommodate everyone wishing to witness the draw.