Governing Body for Chess in India
The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is the apex body responsible for the promotion, development, and regulation of chess in India. Recognized by the Government of India and the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
Founded in 1951, the All India Chess Federation (AICF) has been the cornerstone of chess development in India. From humble beginnings, we have grown into one of the most dynamic and successful national chess federations globally, producing World Champions, Grandmasters, and millions of enthusiasts.
Our mission is to foster a chess culture across every state and union territory, making India a global superpower in chess. We achieve this through structured tournaments, training programs, school initiatives, and supporting talented players at all levels.
The AICF is affiliated to the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, and is the official representative of India in the World Chess Federation (FIDE). We oversee all national championships, manage the Indian rating system, and select teams for international events.
Read Our Full StoryActive players across all age groups and categories.
From local opens to National Championships.
Indian Grandmasters, a testament to our development programs.
Pioneering chess administration for over seven decades.
AICF organizes and sanctions a comprehensive calendar of events, from grassroots state championships to prestigious international tournaments hosted in India.
The premier event to crown India's National Champion. Open to all rated players above 2200 Elo.
Largest school chess event in Asia, with participation from over 10,000 schools across India.
A FIDE-rated open tournament attracting Grandmasters from over 30 countries. Part of the Asian circuit.
India boasts a rich pool of chess talent. Track the progress of our top Grandmasters, IMs, and upcoming stars through the official AICF and FIDE rating lists.
| Rank (India) | Player Name | Title | FIDE Rating | AICF ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Viswanathan Anand | GM | 2750 | 500001 |
| 2 | Gukesh D | GM | 2732 | 500987 |
| 3 | Arjun Erigaisi | GM | 2712 | 501234 |
| 4 | Vidit Gujrathi | GM | 2708 | 500456 |
| 5 | Harika Dronavalli | GM | 2508 | 500345 |
AICF is committed to nurturing talent from the ground up through structured training, scholarships, and nationwide initiatives.
Our flagship program to introduce chess as a cognitive development tool in over 50,000 schools. We provide curriculum, teacher training, and inter-school competitions.
Learn MoreExclusive residential camps conducted by top Indian Grandmasters for promising young players identified through national championships.
View ScheduleDedicated initiatives to increase female participation, including all-women tournaments, coaching subsidies, and mentorship programs.
Explore Initiatives
The Indian contingent put up a stellar performance in Batumi, Georgia, with 12-year-old R. Praggnanandhaa clinching the bronze medal in the U12 Open section.
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Aiming to identify talent from remote areas, this program will set up 100 chess clubs in village community centers across 10 states in the next year.
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The new mobile application allows players to register for events, check pairings, view ratings, and receive official notifications directly.
Download NowFor inquiries regarding tournaments, membership, media, or any other chess-related matters, please contact us using the details below.
All India Chess Federation
Chess Bhawan, Sector - 1, Dwarka,
New Delhi - 110075, India
+91-11-45567890 (Office Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM IST)
[email protected] (General Inquiries)
[email protected] (Tournament Related)