12th National Amateur Chess Championship 2025 – Everything You Need to Know!
The 12th National Amateur Chess Championship 2025 is set to be one of the most prestigious chess events in India, organized by the All Bihar Chess Association (ABCA) under the guidance of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE). This event will bring together chess enthusiasts from across the country to compete at the highest amateur level in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Invitation
The All Bihar Chess Association, in collaboration with the Bihar State Sports Authority and the All India Chess Federation (AICF), invites all State Associations and AICF-affiliated units in India to participate in the 12th National Amateur Chess Championships-2025, which will be held in Bodhgaya, Bihar, from 25th March to 29th March 2025.
Championship Format
The tournament consists of six separate events based on rating categories:
- Below 2300 (Open & Women)
- Below 2000 (Open & Women)
- Below 1700 (Open & Women)
Note: A separate championship for women in each section will be organized only if there are at least 10 participants. Otherwise, the women’s category will be merged with the Open section.
Eligibility Criteria
- Under-2300 Section:
- Must not have a published FIDE rating of 2300 or above for at least one year prior to the event.
- Players must not hold any title above FM (or WFM for Women).
- Under-2000 Section:
- Must not have a published FIDE rating of 2000 or above for at least one year prior to the event.
- Players must not hold any title above CM (or WCM for Women).
- Under-1700 Section:
- Must not have a published FIDE rating of 1700 or above for at least one year prior to the event.
- Players must not hold any title above CM (or WCM for Women).
- If a player’s rating exceeds the limit after the registration deadline, they will be shifted to the upper rating category.
- Players exceeding 2300 after the deadline will not be allowed to participate.
Tournament Schedule
📅 25th March – 29th March 2025
| Particulars | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Inauguration/Managers Meeting | 25/03/2025 | 03:00 PM |
| Round 1 | 25/03/2025 | 03:30 PM |
| Round 2 | 26/03/2025 | 09:00 AM |
| Round 3 | 26/03/2025 | 03:00 PM |
| Round 4 | 27/03/2025 | 09:00 AM |
| Round 5 | 27/03/2025 | 03:00 PM |
| Round 6 | 28/03/2025 | 09:00 AM |
| Round 7 | 28/03/2025 | 03:00 PM |
| Round 8 | 29/03/2025 | 08:00 AM |
| Round 9 | 29/03/2025 | 01:00 PM |
| Prize Distribution | 29/03/2025 | 06:00 PM |
🏆 Tournament Details (12th National Amateur Chess Championship 2025)
📅 Date & Schedule:
- Event Dates: 25th March to 29th March 2025
- Arrival Date: 24th March 2025
- Departure Date: 30th March 2025
- Inauguration Ceremony: 25th March 2025
- Closing & Prize Distribution Ceremony: 29th March 2025
📍 Venue:
📌 Sambodhi Retreat, Bodhgaya, Bihar
Bodhgaya, the sacred land of enlightenment, is set to host this grand chess tournament. Sambodhi Retreat, a luxury resort, will serve as the official venue.
🔢 Tournament Format & Regulations
- Category: National Level Amateur Chess Championship
- Format: Swiss System
- Rounds: 9
- Time Control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move
Entry Fee & Registration
Entry Fee
💰 ₹2,000/- (Two Thousand Only)
- 50% concession for players from North-Eastern States and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Entries will only be accepted online through AICF’s official entry portal.
📌 Required Documents for Registration:
- Attested copy of the original birth certificate (issued by Panchayat/Municipality/Corporation).
📩 For Entry Submission & Queries:
✉️ Email: aicfnationalentries@gmail.com
Late Fee & Registration Deadline
📅 Regular Entry Deadline: 11th March 2025
⚠️ Late Fee: ₹250 per player after 11th March 2025
❌ Final Registration Cutoff: 17th March 2025 (6:00 PM IST)
Prize Fund & Cash Rewards
💰 Total Prize Fund: ₹3,00,000/-
| Event | Below 2300 | Below 2000 | Below 1700 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prize Fund | ₹1,20,000/- | ₹1,00,000/- | ₹80,000/- |
🏆 Breakdown of Cash Prizes (Open & Women’s Sections):
Below 2300
| Rank | Open | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | ₹20,000/- | ₹10,000/- |
| 🥈 2nd | ₹17,000/- | ₹6,000/- |
| 🥉 3rd | ₹14,000/- | ₹5,000/- |
| 4th | ₹10,000/- | ₹4,000/- |
| 5th | ₹8,000/- | ₹3,000/- |
| 6th | ₹6,000/- | ₹2,000/- |
Below 2000
| Rank | Open | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | ₹16,000/- | ₹10,000/- |
| 🥈 2nd | ₹14,000/- | ₹6,000/- |
| 🥉 3rd | ₹10,000/- | ₹5,000/- |
| 4th | ₹8,000/- | ₹4,000/- |
| 5th | ₹6,000/- | ₹3,000/- |
| 6th | ₹5,000/- | ₹2,000/- |
Below 1700
| Rank | Open | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | ₹12,000/- | ₹8,000/- |
| 🥈 2nd | ₹9,000/- | ₹6,000/- |
| 🥉 3rd | ₹7,000/- | ₹5,000/- |
| 4th | ₹6,000/- | ₹4,000/- |
| 5th | ₹5,000/- | ₹3,000/- |
| 6th | ₹4,000/- | ₹2,000/- |
📝 Registration & AICF Player Registration
- All players must be registered with AICF for the year 2024-2025.
- AICF online registration available at www.aicf.in.
- No entry will be accepted without valid AICF Player Registration.
📜 Tournament Rules & Regulations
- Electronic Devices: No mobile phones, smartwatches, or electronic items are allowed inside the tournament hall.
-
Dress Code – Mandatory for All Players
🛑 As per AICF regulations, all players must wear proper uniforms.
✔️ Each State Association must send players in matching uniforms:- T-Shirts/Formal Shirts (Same color & brand)
- State Name Printed on the Back
- State Chess Emblem on the Front Left Side
- Sponsors’ Logos Permitted
👕 Female participants will be provided with appropriate dress guidelines.
🚫 Players without uniforms will not be allowed to play! - Tie Break System: Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger, Direct Encounter, Number of Wins.
- Zero Tolerance Rule: Players must be at their board within 15 minutes of the round start.
System of Play
♟️ The tournament follows FIDE Laws of Chess and will use the Swiss system.
♟️ Each category will play 9 rounds.
📌 Special Rules:
- If a women’s category has less than 10 players, it will be merged with the Open category of the same rating section.
- Same-State Pairing Restriction:
- Players from the same state will not be paired in the final round unless unavoidable.
- They may be paired if no other compatible opponent is available, but only within a 1-point difference in score.
- This rule applies only to the top 50% of players in the second-last round.
Default Time Rule
⏳ Players must arrive within 15 minutes of the game start time.
🚫 Late arrivals beyond 15 minutes will be declared lost.
Time Control
⌛ Each player gets:
🕒 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1.
Chess Clocks
⏱️ Each State Chess Association must provide 1 clock per 2 players from their team.
🔧 Clocks must be in working order before the event.
Tie-Break System
🏆 If two or more players finish with the same points, the following tie-breaks will be applied in order:
1️⃣ Buchholz Cut1 (Total opponents’ scores, lowest score removed)
2️⃣ Buchholz (Total opponents’ scores)
3️⃣ Sonneborn-Berger (Sum of opponents’ scores, weighted by results)
4️⃣ Direct Encounter (If players have played each other, the winner ranks higher)
5️⃣ Most Wins (Including forfeits)
6️⃣ Most Wins with Black Pieces
📌 Cash prizes will not be shared in case of ties.
Draw Agreement
🤝 Players cannot agree to a draw before 30 moves without the arbiter’s approval.
Protest & Appeals
📜 If a player disagrees with the Chief Arbiter’s decision, they can file a protest:
- Protest Fee: ₹3,000/-
- Deadline: Within 1 hour of the incident.
- ✅ If the appeal is upheld, the protest fee will be refunded.
Appeals Committee
⚖️ A 5-member Appeals Committee will be formed before the tournament begins.
- Members will be from different states.
- If a dispute involves a player from a committee member’s state, they cannot vote on that issue.
- Reserve members will step in if needed.
- Decision of the Appeals Committee is final and binding.
Tournament Committee
🏛️ A Tournament Committee will be set up by the organizers to ensure smooth conduct.
Interpretation of Rules
📌 Final authority: Tournament Director
- Any rule clarification or new amendments will be decided by the Tournament Director.
- Any changes will be subject to AICF & TNSCA approval.
- 📢 Any rule changes will be displayed at the tournament venue.
Withdrawal Policy
🚑 If a player withdraws from the last two rounds due to medical reasons, they must:
- Get treatment from a doctor recommended by the tournament committee.
- No refund of the entry fee if a player withdraws after the first-round pairings are published.
Disqualification Rule
🚨 Players must stay until the prize distribution ceremony.
🚫 Leaving early without permission from the Chief Arbiter will result in a 1-year suspension from AICF events.
AICF Registration
✅ All participants must be registered with AICF (All India Chess Federation) for 2024-2025.
📌 Important Notes:
- Online registration is available at www.aicf.in.
- Players who have paid the AICF registration fee but haven’t received the registration card must submit a photocopy of the payment acknowledgment to the tournament organizers or their state chess association.
- No entry will be accepted without a valid AICF Player Registration for 2024-2025.
- All players must complete their AICF registration before the tournament begins.
Electronic Devices Policy
🚫 Strictly prohibited inside the tournament hall:
- Mobile phones (switched ON or OFF).
- Wristwatches (all types, including digital and analog).
- Any other electronic devices.
⚠️ If a player is found in possession of a prohibited device, they will be declared lost.
⚠️ Wearing a watch (any type) during the game will result in an automatic loss.
Venue Details
📍 Venue: Sambodhi Retreat, Bodhgaya, Bihar
🗺️ How to Reach:
🚉 From Gaya Railway Station (Approx. 15 KM)
- Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and e-rickshaws are available.
- Travel time: 30-35 minutes.
- Pre-arranged transport is available through the resort management.
✈️ From Gaya International Airport (Approx. 10 KM)
- Well-connected to Delhi, Kolkata, and Varanasi.
- Taxis and auto-rickshaws available; travel time: 20-25 minutes.
- Pickup/drop-off services can be arranged by the resort management.
🚌 From Gaya Bus Stand (Approx. 13 KM)
- Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and e-rickshaws are available.
- Travel time: 30 minutes.
✈️ From Patna Airport (Approx. 115 KM)
- Best travel option: Taxi or bus.
- Approximate travel time: 3-4 hours.
🚕 Local Transportation (Pachhatti More to Sambodhi Retreat, Approx. 4.5 KM)
- E-rickshaws operate on this route at affordable rates.
- Various hotels near Mahabodhi Temple available for different budgets.
📌 Pickup & Drop Facility by Sambodhi Retreat:
- Players staying at Sambodhi Retreat can request pickup/drop-off services from Gaya Airport, Gaya Railway Station, or other locations (on a paid basis).
🔗 For venue inquiries & assistance:
- 📞 S K Singh: +91 6205788782
- 📞 Gajendra Pratap Singh: +91 9199595791
Accommodation Details
🏨 Players & accompanying persons must arrange their own stay.
📍 Official Tournament Venue: Sambodhi Retreat, Bodhgaya
- More than 50 Deluxe/Premium cottages available.
- Exclusive discounted rates for chess participants.
- Rooms subject to availability – book early!
📌 Special Tariff for Participants:
| Room Type | Bed Occupancy | Tariff (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Cottage | 2 People (Twin/Double Bed) | ₹4500/day |
| Duplex | 4 People (2 Double Beds) | Contact resort for rates |
| Quart | 4 People (2 Double Beds) | Contact resort for rates |
📌 Inclusions:
- All three meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) included.
- Taxes applicable.
🔗 Resort Website: Sambodhi Retreat
📞 For room bookings, contact:
- 📞 Sambodhi Retreat: +91-7488535208 / +91-7488535210
- 📞 General Manager (Mr. Subhash Kumar): +91-75490 72884
🏡 Sambodhi Retreat – A Perfect Blend of Comfort & Serenity
- Surrounded by nature with a peaceful environment.
- Modern amenities for a comfortable stay.
- Ideal location for chess players, tourists, and spiritual seekers.
📌 For urgent hotel booking assistance, contact the resort management.
🏨 Other Hotels Offering Special Chess Rates
| Hotel Name | Contact Person | Phone Number |
| Hotel Delta | Mr. Bhola Singh | 9730116779 |
| Hotel Parvati Garden | Mr. Praveen | 9341772729 |
| Hotel MK Plaza | Mr. Ravi | 9955949424 |
| Hotel Astha | Mr. Tanveer | 7992245102 |
🚗 How to Reach the Venue
| Arrival Point | Distance | Travel Time | Transport Options |
| ✈️ Gaya Airport | 10 KM | 20-25 min | Taxi, Auto-rickshaw |
| 🚉 Gaya Railway Station | 15 KM | 30-35 min | Taxi, Auto-rickshaw, E-rickshaw |
| 🚌 Gaya Bus Stand | 13 KM | 30 min | Auto-rickshaw, Taxi |
| ✈️ Patna Airport | 115 KM | 3-4 hours | Taxi, Bus |
| Pachhatti More | 4.5 KM | 10 min | E-rickshaw |
🌍 Explore Bihar – Chess & Heritage Tourism
📢 Welcome to Bodhgaya! 🎉
We invite all chess players and guests to explore the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Bihar during their visit.
🏛️ Places to Visit in Bodhgaya:
- 🛕 Mahabodhi Temple
- 🏯 Thai Monastery
- 🗿 Great Buddha Statue
- 🌳 Bodhi Tree
- ⛩️ Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple
- 🏰 Royal Bhutan Monastery
- 🏯 Metta Buddharam Temple
- 🏛️ Tibetan Temple
- 🏯 Tergar Monastery
- ⛰️ Dungeshwari Cave Temple
🏛️ Places to Visit in Gaya:
- 🌳 Rajayatna Tree
- 🛕 Vishnupad Temple
- ⛩️ Maa Mangla Gauri Mandir
- ⛰️ Brahmayoni Hills
- 💦 Sita Kund
- 🏛️ Sujata Stupa
- ⛰️ Ramshila Hill
- 🛕 Pret Shila Mandir
🏛️ Places to Visit in Nalanda, Rajgir & Pawapuri:
- 🌏 Vishwa Shanti Stupa – Rajgir
- 🏛️ Nalanda University Ruins
- 💦 Jal Mandir – Pawapuri
- 🌉 Sky Glass Bridge – Rajgir
🔹 Chess & Heritage Tourism – A Unique Experience!
This championship is not just about chess; it’s also a chance to explore the spiritual, historical, and cultural richness of Bihar.
📢 Make the most of your visit! Plan a short trip to explore Bodhgaya, Gaya, Nalanda & Rajgir and experience the magic of these legendary sites! ✨
Best wishes to all participants for a great tournament & a memorable experience! ♟️🏆
📞 Important Contact Information
📌 Administrative Office – All Bihar Chess Association
- 📍 Address: 102, B-6, Lata Kunj, Anand Vihar Colony, Patna-2, Bihar
- 📧 Email: biharchess2018@gmail.com
- 🌐 Website: www.biharchess.org
- 📞 Phone: 9334838341
📌 For Technical Queries:
- IA Swapnil Bansod: 7507402426
- IA V L Anandhbabu: 9894278402
📌 For Local Assistance:
| Name | Phone Number |
| NandKishor | 7091975340 |
| Shashinand Kumar | 8252653545 |
| Pratyush Kumar | 8340718216 |
| Alok Priyadarshi | 8826915876 |
| Shivpriya Bhardwaj | 9430238272 |
| Himanshu Kumar | 9835503685 |
| J P Sinha | 9334851615 |
| Palak Sinha | 9122312545 |
| Vipal Subhashi | 9955497630 |
| Md. Eqbal Alam | 9431046916 |
🎉 Final Words – Welcome to Bodhgaya!
Bodhgaya is all set to host one of the grandest amateur chess events of the year. Whether you are a player, coach, or chess enthusiast, this tournament will be a perfect blend of competition, heritage, and tourism.
Come, compete, and explore the cultural richness of Bihar! 🏆♟️
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