Many parents ask how their child can get a FIDE rating. A FIDE rating is the international number that measures playing strength, and it opens the door to rated tournaments, state selections and national events. Here is the path most of our students follow, step by step.
In short
- A FIDE rating comes from results in FIDE-rated tournaments against rated players.
- In India, players must be registered with the AICF to play rated events.
- Ratings currently start from 1400.
- Most children take 1 to 3 years from their first lesson to their first rating.
In this article
- What is a FIDE rating?
- Step 1: Build strong basics
- Steps 2 and 3: Practice games and local events
- Step 4: AICF registration
- Steps 5 and 6: Rated tournaments and your first rating
- Choosing the right rated tournaments
- Step 7: What comes after the first rating
- Tips for parents
- Frequently asked questions
What is a FIDE rating?
FIDE is the International Chess Federation. It publishes ratings for players around the world based on their results in rated tournaments. The number goes up when you score better than expected and down when you score worse. It is the same system used for grandmasters and for beginners.
FIDE publishes separate ratings for standard (classical), rapid and blitz games. When people say “FIDE rating” they usually mean the standard rating. Read more in chess ratings explained.
The road to a first FIDE rating
Learn the basics
All the rules, basic checkmates, common tactics, notation and the clock. Usually 3 to 12 months.
Play lots of practice games
Academy games and internal tournaments build stamina and confidence.
Try local tournaments
District and open events around Ratnagiri teach tournament routine without rating pressure.
Register with the AICF
Needed for rated events in India. The FIDE ID comes through the national federation.
Play FIDE-rated events
Your results against rated opponents are counted.
Get your first rating
Once you have enough results against rated players, FIDE publishes your rating.
Keep improving
State age-group championships, national events and higher ratings.
Step 1: Build strong basics
Before playing rated chess, a child should be comfortable with everything a tournament requires. Rushing this step often leads to a low first rating that takes time to raise.
Ready for rated chess?
Steps 2 and 3: Practice games and local events
Children need experience of long games before playing rated events. Academy games, internal tournaments and unrated local events teach them to sit for a full game, use the clock, and handle nerves.
Step 4: AICF registration
In India, players who take part in rated tournaments must be registered with the All India Chess Federation. Registration is usually renewed every year. Your FIDE ID is issued through the national federation, typically when you first play a FIDE-rated event. The exact process and fees can change, so check the AICF website or ask your coach.
Practical tip: Complete registration well before the tournament’s entry deadline. Last-minute registrations sometimes get delayed.
Steps 5 and 6: Rated tournaments and your first rating
In a FIDE-rated tournament, only games against rated opponents count towards your first rating. Once a player has enough rated games (currently at least five against rated opponents), FIDE calculates and publishes a first rating. Under current FIDE rules, the lowest published rating is 1400.
FIDE updates its rating regulations from time to time. Check the latest rules or ask your coach before planning a season.
Choosing the right rated tournaments
- Pick events with plenty of rated players, so your games count.
- Standard (longer) time controls are best for learning.
- Mix one or two rated events with local unrated ones.
- Plan around school exams and holidays.
Step 7: What comes after the first rating
A first rating is a starting point, not the finish line. From here, many students aim for district and state age-group championships in Maharashtra, national age-group events, and steadily higher ratings. Young players’ ratings move faster than adults’ because FIDE uses a larger adjustment (called the K-factor) for juniors, so good results show up quickly.
Common next goals
| Goal | What it usually takes |
|---|---|
| First rating | Strong basics, 5+ rated games |
| District medal | Regular tournaments, solid tactics and endgames |
| State selection | Consistent results, opening preparation, game analysis |
| National events | A serious training plan, coach guidance, tournament experience |
Tips for parents
- Don’t rush into rated events. A few more months of preparation often means a stronger first rating.
- Judge progress over a season, not one event.
- Keep scoresheets and review games with the coach.
- Celebrate improvement in play, not only rating points.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is there an age limit for getting a FIDE rating?
No. Children and adults of any age can earn a rating.
Q. Does a Chess.com or Lichess rating count?
No. Only results from FIDE-rated over-the-board tournaments count.
Q. What if my child loses all rated games?
A first rating needs some points against rated players. Losses still give valuable experience; more preparation helps before trying again.
Q. How often is the rating updated?
FIDE publishes new rating lists every month.
Q. Do you help with AICF registration?
Yes. We guide our students through registration and tournament selection.
See how our students are doing on the achievements page.
Keep reading
We guide students from their first lesson to their first rating.
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