The Bhilwara Chess Festival 2026 takes place from December 25 to 30, 2026, in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, India. The festival combines two FIDE-rated events: the 3rd Bhilwara International Open FIDE Classical Rating Chess Tournament and the 1st Bhilwara International Open FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament.

Zila Shatranz Sangh, Bhilwara organizes the festival under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation and Rajasthan Chess Association. Moreover, both tournaments take place at Sri Mahesh Vatika, near the Roadways Bus Stand in central Bhilwara.

The organizers publish a combined prize fund of ₹951,000, approximately $9,920. In addition, the prospectus lists more than 350 prizes, including cash awards and trophies across overall, rating, age, women, veteran and local-player categories.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The classical tournament uses 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. Meanwhile, the rapid tournament uses 10 minutes plus a 5-second increment from move one.

The classical event allows a 30-minute default time, while the rapid event allows 10 minutes. Therefore, players who arrive after the applicable default period lose the game.

The organizers use the following tie-break order:

1. Buchholz Cut 1
2. Buchholz
3. Sonneborn-Berger
4. Direct encounter
5. Number of wins, including forfeits
6. Number of wins with Black

Both tournaments use the Swiss system. In addition, the organizer limits the festival to approximately 300 participants.

🏆 Prize Fund

The combined prize fund reaches ₹951,000, approximately $9,920.

The classical tournament accounts for ₹851,000, while the rapid tournament offers ₹100,000.

Classical Main Prizes

Classical Rating & Special Categories

The classical tournament also offers substantial category prizes. For example, the winner of both the 1700-and-below and 1550-and-below categories receives ₹50,000 + Trophy.

The top unrated prize is ₹25,000 + Trophy. Furthermore, the festival offers separate cash prizes for women, players aged 55+, Rajasthan players and Bhilwara players.

Junior categories include U15, U13, U11, U09 and U07 for both boys and girls. Each category winner receives ₹5,000 + Trophy, while second and third place receive trophies.

Rapid Main Prizes

In addition, the rapid tournament includes prizes for the 1750–1551, 1550–1400, unrated, veteran, Rajasthan, Bhilwara and junior categories.

👥 Sections / Groups

The festival combines two separate FIDE-rated competitions.

Players may enter the classical tournament, the rapid tournament or both events.

📅 Schedule

Classical Tournament

Rapid Tournament

📝 Registration

The organizers offer several entry-fee stages.

GM, IM, WGM, WIM and players rated 2400+ receive free entry.

Indian players must also complete their AICF registration for April 2026–March 2027 before submitting the tournament entry.

Festival registration form:
https://forms.gle/4pnPJYXhZyctnCc99

AICF player registration:
http://prs.aicf.in/players

After paying the appropriate entry fee, players should complete the festival registration form and upload proof of payment. Moreover, the organizer advises players to review all information carefully before submitting the form.

👤 Organizer

Organizer Name: Zila Shatranz Sangh, Bhilwara
Contact Person: Ajay Kumar Gupta
Email: dcabhilwara@gmail.com
Phone: +91 94141 12034

📍 Venue

Sri Mahesh Vatika – Near Roadways Bus Stand, Bhilwara, Rajasthan 311001, India

The official prospectus identifies Sri Mahesh Vatika as the tournament venue. Public map listings also place the corresponding Mahesh Garden area on Nehru Marg, near Roadways Bus Stand, R K Colony, Bhilwara.

The venue sits close to Bhilwara’s main intercity bus facilities. Consequently, players staying nearby can reach both the playing hall and local transport services easily.

🚆 How to Get There

By train: Bhilwara Railway Station serves the city and lies roughly 1–2 km from the Roadways Bus Stand area. Therefore, an auto-rickshaw or taxi provides a quick connection from the station to the venue.

By bus: The venue sits beside the Roadways Bus Stand, making intercity bus travel particularly convenient.

By car: Use Sri Mahesh Vatika / Mahesh Garden, Nehru Marg, near Roadways Bus Stand, Bhilwara, Rajasthan 311001 as the destination.

ℹ️ Other Information

The organizer offers shared accommodation directly at the venue on a first-come, first-served basis. The published cost is ₹1,600 per player for the full stay from December 24 after 19:00 until December 30 at 09:00.

Rooms accommodate four players. Therefore, participants who want to share with specific roommates should submit their preference early. Players should also bring their own towels and bath kits.

For venue accommodation, contact:

+91 94141 12034
+91 96104 12034
+91 63501 07710

The prospectus also lists several nearby hotels:

Finally, players should note several competition rules. Electronic devices and all wrist watches must remain outside the playing arena. Moreover, prize winners must attend the prize ceremony unless they have a valid reason, while all participants receive a tournament certificate.