The Directorate of Personnel & Training, in collaboration with the Government of NCT Delhi, has announced the All India Civil Services Chess Tournament (Men & Women) for the 2025–26 season. The tournament is scheduled to be held from February 17 to 26, 2026, at Thyagraj Stadium, INA, New Delhi.
Ahead of the national-level event, the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs will conduct selection trials for eligible participants on February 4, 2026. The trials will begin at 8:30 am at the Teacher’s Home near the Income Tax Office on VIP Road.
The tournament aims to provide a competitive platform for central and state government employees, civilian personnel in the Armed Forces, and other eligible officers to showcase their skills in chess. Participants will be selected to represent their respective departments at the national event.
Eligibility for the All India Civil Services Chess Tournament covers a wide range of employees. This includes civilian employees of the Central Government paid from the Consolidated Fund of India and contributing to the General Provident Fund or New Pension Scheme. Civilians serving in Armed Forces Headquarters and in police organizations at the state level, provided they are not part of Police Meets, are also eligible.
Additionally, regular state government employees from departments of the state, excluding semi-government autonomous bodies, state public undertakings, or similar offices, may participate. The Railway Sports Board (RSB) may nominate central government employees under its jurisdiction. Persons employed as Sports Officers or instructors in offices, educational institutions, or physical training institutions are also eligible to compete.
The selection trials will determine the participants who will represent various government departments and institutions in the national-level competition. Chess enthusiasts among government employees are encouraged to participate and prepare for the competitive event, which promises to bring together top talent from across India.
Organizers have emphasized adherence to the eligibility criteria and proper registration prior to the trials. The All India Civil Services Chess Tournament provides a platform not only for fostering sporting talent among civil servants but also for promoting inter-departmental engagement, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
The national tournament, scheduled at Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi, is expected to attract participants from central and state government offices, along with specialized sports officers. The event reflects the government’s continued support for sports and cultural activities among civil servants, aligning with broader objectives of employee engagement and physical fitness.
