How to Get Membership for AICF and FIDE for Chess Championships

Chess Players in India: As of 2024, India has over 80 Grandmasters, making it one of the fastest-growing chess nations. The number of rated players in India has also surged, with over 35,000 active FIDE-rated players .

Global Chess Players: Worldwide, there are over 360 million chess players, with approximately 50 million games played online each day. Chess continues to grow in popularity, especially with the rise of online platforms and social media .

Becoming a member of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and the International Chess Federation (FIDE) is a crucial step for any chess enthusiast looking to participate in official tournaments and events.

Steps to get AICF Membership

1. Register Online: Visit the AICF official website (https://aicf.in/) and look for the registration section. Here, you can fill out the membership form online, which requires basic personal information, including name, address, and date of birth.
2. Fee Payment: AICF membership typically requires an annual fee. Payment can be made online through various payment gateways. The membership fee might vary depending on the state association with which you are affiliating.
3. Verification: Once you’ve submitted the form and paid the fee, your application will be verified by the respective state chess association. After successful verification, you’ll receive your AICF membership ID, which is necessary for tournament participation.

FIDE Membership (https://www.fide.com/)

FIDE membership is usually managed through your national chess federation, such as AICF in India.

FIDE ID Application: If you are an AICF member, you can apply for a FIDE ID through the AICF. The federation will handle the submission of your details to FIDE.

Participation in Rated Tournaments: Upon receiving your FIDE ID, you can start participating in FIDE-rated tournaments. Your performance in these tournaments will determine your FIDE rating, which is an important metric for measuring your progress as a player.

Maintaining Active Status: To maintain your FIDE status, continue to play in rated tournaments and renew your AICF membership annually.

By following these steps, you can easily obtain memberships with AICF and FIDE, paving the way for your participation in national and international chess events. These memberships not only validate your status as a recognized chess player but also connect you with a global community of chess enthusiasts.