2nd Siliguri (SCGC) International FIDE Rated Classical Chess Tournament 2026
2nd Siliguri (SCGC) International FIDE Rated Classical Chess Tournament 2026 takes place from May 26-31, 2026 in Siliguri, India. This is a chess tournament in Siliguri, India, in 2026. The event brings players together for a 10-round over-the-board chess tournament with one main section, FIDE rating, and a full classical chess tournament time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. Silpanchal Bhawan (AC Hall) on Burdwan Road hosts the competition, and the tournament offers a confirmed cash prize fund of about USD 5,300.
Moreover, this chess tournament in Siliguri stands out as a major late-May event in North Bengal with a large prize structure, broad category awards, and a central venue close to key transport points. In addition, the 2nd Siliguri (SCGC) International FIDE Rated Classical Chess Tournament 2026 combines a serious FIDE format with strong regional participation and a clear six-day schedule. As a result, this chess event in Siliguri appeals to titled players, ambitious juniors, club competitors, veterans, and strong regional players who want a substantial FIDE rated chess tournament in eastern India.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | May 26-31, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Siliguri, India |
| ♟️ Format | 10-round Swiss tournament |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE rated |
| 📂 Sections | 1 section |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes + 30-second increment from move 1 |
| 💳 Entry fee | INR 3,100 until May 15, 2026; INR 3,500 from May 16-24, 2026 |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 5,300 (approx.) |
| 👤 Eligibility | Open to all players |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | GM, IM, WGM, and WIM players receive free entry |
🏆 Prize Fund
The total confirmed cash prize fund is INR 450,000. In addition, the organizer awards trophies in several age and rating categories. Prize money is not shared, and each player is eligible for only one higher prize.
| Prize category | Cash prizes |
|---|---|
| Main prizes | 1st INR 80,000; 2nd INR 60,000; 3rd INR 40,000; 4th INR 30,000; 5th INR 20,000; 6th INR 13,500; 7th INR 10,000; 8th INR 9,000; 9th INR 8,000; 10th INR 7,000; 11th-15th INR 6,000 each; 16th-20th INR 5,000 each; 21st-25th INR 4,000 each |
| Rating prizes | Best Unrated: INR 5,000, 4,500, 4,000; Best 1401-1600: INR 5,000, 4,500, 4,000; Best 1601-1800: INR 5,000, 4,500, 4,000 |
| Special prizes | Best Siliguri INR 3,500; Best Sikkim INR 3,500; Best Bihar INR 3,500; Best Assam INR 3,500; Best Tripura INR 3,500; Best Nepal INR 3,500; Best Bhutan INR 3,500; Best Veteran above 60 INR 4,500 |
Additionally, the event includes age-category awards for Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, and Under 15 in both boys and girls sections. The first-place prize in each of those age groups is INR 3,500, while the remaining published awards are trophies. Furthermore, the state-category prizes apply only when at least 10 players from that state or region take part.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses the FIDE Swiss system. Each player receives 90 minutes for the game plus a 30-second increment from move one. Therefore, the event follows a full classical chess tournament structure from the first round to the last.
In addition, the latest FIDE Laws of Chess apply. The published tie-break rule states that the latest FIDE regulations will be used in case of a tie. The default time is 30 minutes from the start of the round. Moreover, wristwatches and electronic devices are not allowed inside the playing hall. Players may withdraw only by informing the Chief Arbiter in writing, and unauthorized absence is treated as a withdrawal.
📂 Sections / Groups
The tournament is played as one main open section. However, the prize structure includes rating awards, age-category prizes, regional prizes, and a veteran category.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 26, 2026 | Tuesday | 1:00 PM | Reporting Time |
| May 26, 2026 | Tuesday | 1:30 PM | Inauguration |
| May 26, 2026 | Tuesday | 3:30 PM | Round 1 |
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | 9:30 AM | Round 2 |
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | 3:30 PM | Round 3 |
| May 28, 2026 | Thursday | 9:30 AM | Round 4 |
| May 28, 2026 | Thursday | 3:30 PM | Round 5 |
| May 29, 2026 | Friday | 9:30 AM | Round 6 |
| May 29, 2026 | Friday | 3:30 PM | Round 7 |
| May 30, 2026 | Saturday | 9:30 AM | Round 8 |
| May 30, 2026 | Saturday | 3:30 PM | Round 9 |
| May 31, 2026 | Sunday | 9:30 AM | Round 10 |
| May 31, 2026 | Sunday | 3:30 PM | Prize Distribution |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Register through the tournament registration process and complete payment to the organizer account |
| Entry fee | INR 3,100 until May 15, 2026 |
| Late fee | INR 3,500 from May 16-24, 2026 |
| Free entry | GM, IM, WGM, WIM |
| Refund policy | Entry fees are not refundable |
| Membership | AICF registration is compulsory for Indian players |
| State registration | SBDS registration is compulsory for West Bengal players |
| Documents | Players and parents are requested to carry age proof documents and one color passport-size photograph |
| Special note | The organizer reserves the right to reject any entry without assigning a reason |
👥 Organizer
Siliguri Chess Guardian’s Club organizes this international event in Siliguri with support from regional chess bodies and continues to build a strong rated tournament calendar in North Bengal. In addition, the organizer manages registration, accommodation coordination, catering support, and tournament operations throughout the event.
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Phone: +91 9832381081
🏨 Venue
Silpanchal Bhawan (AC Hall), Burdwan Road, Siliguri, West Bengal, India
The tournament takes place at an air-conditioned venue in Siliguri. Moreover, the hall gives players one central playing site for the full 10-round schedule. This setup keeps the event practical and easy to follow throughout the week.
🛎️ Accommodation
Outstation players must arrange their own accommodation. However, the organizer notes that 25 AC and non-AC rooms with attached bathrooms are available on the premises on a first-come, first-served basis.
🚗 How to Get There
The venue is about 3 km from NJP railway station, around 2 km from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, and about 12 km from Bagdogra Airport. Therefore, players can reach the tournament hall quite easily by rail, road, or air.
🧾 Other
An appeals committee will be formed before the tournament begins from the senior participants present at the players meeting. In addition, any protest against the Chief Arbiter’s decision must be submitted in writing within 10 minutes of the incident together with a protest fee of INR 2,000.
Prize winners must attend the prize distribution ceremony to receive their cash prize or trophy. Furthermore, players may not leave the venue before the ceremony without the Chief Arbiter’s permission.
Take part in one of North Bengal’s biggest classical events and enjoy six days of competitive FIDE-rated chess in Siliguri.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $5,300
Organizer
Siliguri Chess Guardians Club is a recognized chess organizer based in Siliguri, West Bengal, India. The club was established in 2024 and has already developed a visible role in the local chess community through organized competitive events. Moreover, it is publicly linked to major rated tournament activity in Siliguri.
The club organizes FIDE-rated tournaments and works within the formal tournament structure recognized by state and national chess bodies. In 2025, it organized the 1st Siliguri SCGC International FIDE Rated Classical Chess Tournament in Siliguri. In addition, its event profile shows a clear focus on classical chess and large-scale open chess tournament delivery.
The club also presents itself as a new but ambitious tournament organizer in North Bengal. Furthermore, its official event material names a structured organizing committee with defined leadership roles, which strengthens its place in regional competitive chess. As a result, Siliguri Chess Guardians Club has quickly become a recognizable chess club and event platform in Siliguri.
