How to Get a FIDE Rating in India
A step-by-step guide to earning your first international chess rating through the Indian chess system.
Published 2026-02-01 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Professor Archer says: Getting your first FIDE rating is a milestone that every serious chess player remembers. It is your first official number on the international stage, and it represents a commitment to competitive chess that casual play does not. Treat the process with respect and prepare properly.
What Is a FIDE Rating?
FIDE, the World Chess Federation, maintains an international rating system that ranks chess players worldwide. Your FIDE rating is a number that reflects your playing strength based on your results against other rated players. The higher the number, the stronger the player.
For context, a beginning tournament player might be rated around 1000 to 1200. A strong club player is typically 1600 to 1800. National masters are around 2200, international masters around 2400, and grandmasters are 2500 and above.
Having a FIDE rating allows you to participate in international tournaments, track your progress on a global scale, and work toward official titles like Candidate Master, FIDE Master, International Master, and Grandmaster.
Steps to Get Your First FIDE Rating
- Register with your state chess association and the AICF - Before you can play in FIDE-rated tournaments, you need to be registered with the All India Chess Federation through your state association. This involves filling out a registration form, paying a modest annual fee, and providing identification. The process can usually be completed online or at the state association office.
- Obtain a FIDE ID - Once registered with the AICF, you can apply for a FIDE ID, which is your unique identification number in the international system. This ID is required for your results to be submitted to FIDE for rating calculation. Your state association or tournament organizer can help with this process.
- Play in FIDE-rated tournaments - Look for tournaments marked as FIDE-rated in the AICF calendar. These events submit results to FIDE for rating calculation. You typically need to play at least one FIDE-rated tournament with a minimum number of games against rated opponents to receive your initial rating.
- Track your rating - After your results are submitted, you can check your rating on the FIDE website. Ratings are updated monthly. Your initial rating may take one to two rating periods to appear, depending on when your tournament results are processed.
Preparing for FIDE-Rated Play
FIDE-rated tournaments are typically more serious than casual club events. Time controls are longer, rules are enforced strictly, and the overall atmosphere is more competitive. Prepare yourself by playing in a few non-rated or nationally-rated tournaments first to get comfortable with the tournament environment.
Make sure you understand the touch-move rule, clock procedures, and how to properly record your moves on a scoresheet. These are standard requirements in FIDE-rated events, and unfamiliarity with them can cost you time and concentration.
Go into your first rated tournament with realistic expectations. The goal is not to achieve a high initial rating but to gain experience, play your best chess, and begin building your competitive record.
Questions About FIDE Ratings in India
How many games do I need to play to get a FIDE rating?
You need to score at least one point in a minimum number of games against FIDE-rated opponents, typically in a single tournament or across a few events within a specific period. The exact requirements can vary, so check the latest FIDE regulations or consult your state association.
How much do FIDE-rated tournaments cost?
Entry fees for FIDE-rated tournaments in India range from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees, depending on the event level and prize fund. There are also annual registration fees for your state association and AICF membership. The total cost of participating is quite accessible.
Can I get a FIDE rating by playing online?
Currently, standard FIDE ratings can only be earned through over-the-board play. FIDE does have an online rating system, but it is separate from the classical rating. Over-the-board tournament participation remains the path to your official FIDE rating.
Professor Archer says: Your first FIDE rating will almost certainly not reflect your true strength. It takes about thirty rated games for the number to stabilize. Be patient, keep playing, and let the rating find its level.
Quick Quiz
What is the first step toward earning a FIDE rating in India?
- Play one thousand games on an online chess platform - Online ratings are separate from FIDE ratings. You need to register with the official chess bodies and play over-the-board rated tournaments.
- Register with your state chess association and the AICF (Correct) - Correct. Registration with the state association and the All India Chess Federation is the necessary first step, as it enables you to obtain a FIDE ID and participate in rated events.
- Defeat a titled player in a casual game - Casual games do not count toward FIDE ratings regardless of the opponent's strength. Only results from officially rated tournaments are submitted to FIDE.
- Memorize one hundred opening variations - Opening preparation is useful but has nothing to do with the administrative process of obtaining a FIDE rating. Registration and tournament play are what matter.