39th National Under-11 Open & Girls Chess Championship 2026
by All India Chess Federation (AICF)
FIDE-rated National Championship
39th National Under-11 Open & Girls Chess Championship 2026 is a competition by All India Chess Federation (AICF) for children aged 6–11, open to students across India. Registration closes 25 Jul 2026.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹1,250
Duration
Seven days, with eleven Swiss-system rounds
Format
Individual
Time needed
Full-time over-the-board play across the seven championship days, with one or two rounds per day
Key Dates
- Registration closes
- 25 Jul 2026
- Competition
- 2 Aug 2026 – 8 Aug 2026
- Results
- 8 Aug 2026
Indoor Stadium, Urwa, Mangaluru, Karnataka
About This Opportunity
The National Under-11 Chess Championship is the annual age-category national event for chess players below the age of 11, conducted by the All India Chess Federation. It runs separate Open and Girls sections, both played under the Swiss pairing system.
Participation is open to Indian nationals who meet the under-11 age cutoff and whose entries are forwarded by their State Chess Association affiliated to AICF. Each state may enter players directly, with additional seeded places for previous-edition top finishers and titled players.
Winners earn the National Champion title in their section, cash prizes from a substantial prize fund, and FIDE rating points based on their performance. National titles also support selection consideration for international Asian and World youth events.
The championship is FIDE-rated and played over eleven rounds at a classical time control, with free dormitory accommodation provided for selected and seeded players.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Age Range
- 6 - 11 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Prerequisites
- Indian nationality
- Born on or after 1 January 2015 (under 11)
- Entry forwarded by the affiliated State Chess Association
- Current-year AICF player registration
Open to Indian nationals under 11 years of age (born on or after 1 January 2015), with separate Open and Girls sections, entered through their State Chess Association affiliated to AICF.
Does your child qualify?
WiWit checks eligibility against your child's class, age, and location, and finds more opportunities like this one.
Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
Rewards & Recognition
Award
Rs 8,00,000 prize fund
A total prize fund of Rs 8,00,000 (Rs 4,00,000 per section) is distributed across the top 20 in each section, with Rs 70,000 for first place, and special prizes for all players.
Prizes
National titles & trophies
National Champion titles and trophies are awarded in both the Open and Girls sections, with special prizes for every player.
Certificate
AICF participation certificate
AICF certificate of participation; performance contributes to FIDE rating where applicable.
Recognized by
Recognition
FIDE-rated National Championship
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Annual national age-category championship in its 39th edition
- Separate Open and Girls sections
- FIDE-rated, contributing to international rating progression
Rounds & format
An eleven-round Swiss tournament played under the FIDE Laws of Chess at 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. Default time at the board is 15 minutes. Games are FIDE-rated and final standings are decided at the close of round eleven.
How entries are judged
Standings are decided by points, with tie-breaks in order: Buchholz Cut 1, Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger, direct encounter and number of wins.
Selection process
Entries are forwarded by State Chess Associations, with each state sending players per section plus seeded slots for previous-edition top finishers and titled players. Final placings are decided by Swiss points and tie-breaks.
How to apply
- 1Confirm under-11 age eligibility and complete current-year AICF player registration
- 2Submit the entry through the affiliated State Chess Association
- 3Register and pay the entry fee online on the AICF entry portal
- 4Travel to the host city for in-person play across the eleven rounds
Fees & financial support
Fee details
Ordinary entry fee around Rs 1,250 per player, with a higher special-entry fee for unqualified entrants. A 50 percent concession applies for players from the North Eastern states and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The exact fee is set in each edition's circular and paid online through the AICF portal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for 39th National Under-11 Open & Girls Chess Championship 2026?
The registration deadline is 25 Jul 2026.
Is 39th National Under-11 Open & Girls Chess Championship 2026 free?
₹1,250 registration
Who can participate in 39th National Under-11 Open & Girls Chess Championship 2026?
children aged 6-11.
What will my child gain from 39th National Under-11 Open & Girls Chess Championship 2026?
National Champion titles in the Open and Girls sections. Cash prizes from a Rs 8,00,000 prize fund across the top 20 in each section. FIDE rating progression from a classical, FIDE-rated event. Free dormitory accommodation for selected and seeded players. Seeding and pathway toward higher AICF nationals and Asian and World youth events.
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