IIT Kanpur Chess Tournament 2026: ₹2.5 Lakh Prize Pool, Registration Open Until October 22
IIT Kanpur will organise the second edition of its FIDE-rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament on October 25, 2026, following a successful inaugural edition that drew 336 players from across India. Organised by the Chess Club, IIT Kanpur, in association with SBI General Insurance Company Ltd. and co-powered by SBI, the tournament aims to bring together chess enthusiasts, young talents, club players and experienced competitors.
The tournament will feature nine rounds under the Swiss System, with a total prize pool of ₹2.5 lakh. Interested players can register through the official registration link until October 22, 2026.
IIT Kanpur Chess Tournament 2026: Highlights
| Particular | Details |
| Tournament | 2nd FIDE-Rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament |
| Organiser | Chess Club, IIT Kanpur |
| Partners | SBI General Insurance Company Ltd. and SBI |
| Tournament date | October 25, 2026 |
| Starting time | 9:00 AM |
| Venue | Yoga Hall, New Students’ Activity Centre (SAC), IIT Kanpur |
| Tournament format | 9 rounds, Swiss System |
| Time control | 10 minutes + 5-second increment per move |
| Total prize pool | ₹ 2,50,000 |
| Registration deadline | October 22, 2026 |
| General entry fee | ₹ 1,250 |
| IIT Kanpur community fee | ₹ 1,000 |
| Registration link | Register here |
IIT Kanpur Chess Tournament 2026: Prize Money
The tournament offers cash prizes across several categories, including awards for the top overall finishers and special recognition for players in different age groups and rating categories.
| Overall rank | Prize money |
| First | ₹ 45,000 |
| Second | ₹ 30,000 |
| Third | ₹ 20,000 |
Cash prizes will extend up to the 25th position.
Special Prize Categories
Additional awards will be provided for:
- Best Veteran (50+)
- Top three women players
- Top three children under 10
- Players rated 1600–1799
- Players rated 1400–1599
- Unrated players
- Top three rated IIT Kanpur players
- Top three unrated IIT Kanpur players
- Other top-ten IIT Kanpur players
Young chess enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to compete for trophies. Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each of the following age categories:
- Under 8
- Under 10
- Under 12
- Under 14
- Under 16
Tournament Format and Schedule
The one-day tournament will take place on October 25, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM at the Yoga Hall, New Students’ Activity Centre, IIT Kanpur.
The competition will consist of nine rounds conducted under the Swiss System. Each game will have a time control of 10 minutes plus a five-second increment per move, in accordance with FIDE regulations.
The tournament format is designed to provide competitive opportunities for players of all experience levels.
Registration Fee and Eligibility Requirements
Registrations will remain open until October 22, 2026. The entry fee varies by participant category.
| Participant category | Entry fee |
| General participants | ₹ 1,250 |
| IIT Kanpur students and community members | ₹ 1,000 |
| Grandmasters (GMs) | Free |
| Women Grandmasters (WGMs) | Free |
| International Masters (IMs) | Free |
| Women International Masters (WIMs) | Free |
Mandatory Chess Federation Registration
All participants must possess a valid All India Chess Federation (AICF) registration for the 2026–27 season.
Players representing Uttar Pradesh must additionally hold a valid Uttar Pradesh Chess Sports Association (UPCSA) registration.
Participants should ensure their federation registrations are valid before participating in the tournament.
How to Register for the IIT Kanpur Chess Tournament 2026
Interested players can register through the official online form.
- Open the official registration link: IIT Kanpur Chess Tournament Registration.
- Read the registration instructions and enter the required details.
- Check the applicable entry fee for your participant category.
- Ensure that you hold the required AICF registration for the 2026–27 season.
- If representing Uttar Pradesh, ensure that your UPCSA registration is also valid.
- Complete the registration process before October 22, 2026.
Participants should refer to the official registration form for any additional instructions or requirements.
A Bigger Edition After a Successful Debut
The inaugural FIDE-rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament at IIT Kanpur attracted 336 players from across the country. It brought together young children, club-level competitors and experienced veterans, creating opportunities for players from different backgrounds to compete.
Building on that response, the Chess Club, IIT Kanpur, aims to make the second edition a larger celebration of chess. With a ₹2.5 lakh prize pool, multiple rating and age categories, and participation opportunities for players of different skill levels, the tournament is expected to add to IIT Kanpur’s growing chess culture.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Registration deadline | October 22, 2026 |
| Tournament date | October 25, 2026 |
| Tournament start time | 9:00 AM |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the IIT Kanpur Chess Tournament 2026 be held?
The second FIDE-rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament will be held on October 25, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
2. What is the total prize money?
The tournament has a total prize pool of ₹2,50,000.
3. What is the registration deadline?
Players can register until October 22, 2026.
4. What is the entry fee?
The general entry fee is ₹1,250. IIT Kanpur students and community members can register for ₹1,000. GMs, WGMs, IMs and WIMs can participate free of charge.
5. Is AICF registration compulsory?
Yes. All participants must have valid AICF registration for the 2026–27 season. Players representing Uttar Pradesh must also have valid UPCSA registration.
6. What is the tournament format?
The tournament will feature nine rounds under the Swiss System, with a time control of 10 minutes plus a five-second increment per move.
7. Will children receive separate awards?
Yes. Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each of the Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 categories.
8. How can players register?
Players can register through the official Google Forms registration link.