WEST BENGAL STATE U-15 OPEN & GIRLS FIDE RATED CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2026
(Selection Tournament for U-15 National Open & Girls Chess Championship)
The West Bengal State U-15 Open & Girls FIDE Rated Chess Championship 2026 promises to be one of the most prestigious and competitive junior chess events in the state. Serving as the official selection tournament for the upcoming National U-15 Open and Girls Chess Championships, this event offers young chess talents a golden opportunity to represent West Bengal on the national stage. Organized by the Darjeeling District Chess Association under the aegis of Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha, the championship will take place from 21st May to 24th May 2026 at Uttara Banquet Cum Lodge, Kawakhali New Township, Siliguri, near North Bengal Medical College (CRPF Camp).
This FIDE Rated tournament is not merely a competition but a stepping stone for young aspirants who dream of national recognition. Conducted under official international chess regulations, the championship ensures a fair, transparent, and professional environment for all participants.
Venue and Dates
The tournament will be hosted at Uttara Banquet Cum Lodge in Siliguri, a well-known and accessible location near North Bengal Medical College and CRPF Camp. The event spans four days, from 21 May to 24 May 2026, during which players will compete across multiple rounds in a structured Swiss system format. The venue has been selected to provide a comfortable and disciplined environment, conducive to high-level chess competition.
Age Limit and Eligibility Criteria
The championship is strictly for Under-15 players. Participants must be born on or after 1st January 2011. This age limit is non-negotiable and will be strictly verified before allowing participation. Any player residing in West Bengal and fulfilling the age requirement is eligible to compete.
Each participant must produce a valid birth certificate as proof of age. Certificates issued by schools will not be accepted under any circumstances. Only birth certificates obtained from Panchayat, Municipality, or Corporation authorities—preferably registered within one year of the player’s birth—will be recognized. This measure ensures authenticity and prevents age-related discrepancies. No district association is permitted to recommend players who do not meet these criteria.
Entry Fee and Registration Details
The entry fee for the championship is Rs. 1,500/-. Players must note that once paid, the entry fee will not be refunded under any circumstances. However, two representatives from each affiliated district association will receive a 50% refund of the entry fee, encouraging district-level participation and broader representation.
All entries must be submitted online. No offline entries will be accepted. The last date for entry is 19 May 2026 up to 5:00 PM. Late entries will be accepted until 20 May 2026 with an additional late fee of Rs. 100/-. The organizing body reserves the right to accept or reject any entry without assigning any reason.
For players who do not possess a FIDE ID, uploading a birth certificate during online registration is mandatory. Furthermore, AICF and SBDS registration is compulsory for all participants, ensuring compliance with national and state chess regulations.
Click here to go to the official website Chess-result.com
Click here to download the full Tournament notification in PDF
Selection Criteria
The championship plays a crucial role in selecting West Bengal’s representatives for the National U-15 Championships. The top four players in the U-15 Open category and the top four players in the U-15 Girls category will earn the privilege of representing the state at the forthcoming National U-15 Open and Girls Chess Championships. Given the high stakes, every match carries immense importance, and players are expected to demonstrate their best strategic skills throughout the tournament.
System of Play
The tournament will be conducted strictly under the FIDE Laws of Chess and follow the Swiss System format. A maximum of eight rounds will be played. As a FIDE Rated tournament, standard rating calculations will apply, giving players an opportunity to improve or earn international ratings.
A grace period of 30 minutes from the start of the round will be permitted. After the grace period, a walkover may be awarded to the opponent. Players are advised to report to the venue well before the scheduled start time to avoid forfeiture.
Time Control
The rate of play for each game will be 90 minutes per player with an increment of 30 seconds per move from move number one. This classical time control allows players sufficient time to calculate deeply, strategize effectively, and demonstrate their analytical abilities. It ensures a high standard of competitive play and aligns with international norms.
Tie-Break Rules
In the event of tied scores, rankings will be determined using the following tie-break criteria in order:
Buchholz Cut 1
Buchholz
Sonneborn-Berger
Direct Encounter
Greater Number of Wins (including forfeits)
These tie-break methods are internationally recognized and ensure a fair and objective final ranking.
Protest and Appeals
Any protest against a decision made by the Chief Arbiter must be submitted in writing within 10 minutes of the occurrence of the incident. A protest fee of Rs. 1,000/- must be paid in cash at the time of submission. The protest fee will be refunded if the appeal is upheld. This structured system maintains transparency while preventing unnecessary disputes.
Withdrawal and Disqualification Rules
Players who are absent from any round without written intimation to the Chief Arbiter will be treated as withdrawn from the tournament. Discipline is essential in maintaining tournament integrity.
Additionally, no participant may leave the venue before the prize distribution ceremony without permission from the Chief Arbiter. Failure to comply may result in disqualification or disciplinary action.
Electronic Devices and Fair Play
Strict anti-cheating regulations will be enforced. All electronic devices, including mobile phones and wristwatches of any type, are strictly prohibited inside the tournament hall. This ensures a fair playing environment and upholds the credibility of the championship.
Accommodation and Travel
Outstation players are required to arrange their own accommodation. While the venue is conveniently located in Siliguri, participants are advised to make advance lodging arrangements due to the expected high turnout.
A Prestigious Platform for Young Talent
The West Bengal State U-15 Open & Girls FIDE Rated Chess Championship 2026 stands as a major milestone for young chess players in the state. Organized by the Darjeeling District Chess Association under the aegis of Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha, the tournament reflects professionalism, fairness, and commitment to nurturing young talent. With FIDE rating at stake and national representation on the line, this championship is an ideal platform for emerging players to test their skills against the best in the state.
Aspiring participants are encouraged to complete their online registration before the deadline, ensure compliance with documentation requirements, and prepare diligently. The chessboard awaits, and the future champions of West Bengal are ready to make their move.
Click here to go to the official website Chess-result.com
Click here to download the full Tournament notification in PDF
Disclaimer
This website provides information about the West Bengal State U-15 Open & Girls FIDE Rated Chess Championship 2026 for general informational purposes only. We are not the official organizing authority and are not affiliated with the Darjeeling District Chess Association, Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha, AICF, or FIDE. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, schedules, rules, and regulations may be subject to change. Participants are advised to verify all details, eligibility criteria, registration requirements, and official notifications directly with the organizing authorities before making any decisions.
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