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India's National School Chess League — Onboarding Now Underway for 2026

by Rasika Ratnaparkhi - 12/03/2026

The National School Chess League (NSCL) 2026 is now open for schools across India. This is a free program that offers a digital platform for chess learning, practice, and competitions. Participating students will receive interactive lessons, assessments, and leaderboards. They can take part in a national competition at the end of the cycle. Schools can join online without extra costs, and optional advanced training is available for interested institutions. There is also an option for students to participate individually. The program is headed by World Champion Gukesh, structured by Vishnu Prasanna and IM Soumya Swaminathan, and presented by CircleChess. Check out the article to know more. Photos: CircleChess

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Free chess program for schools

The National School Chess League (NSCL) 2026 has opened onboarding for schools across India. The initiative aims to provide structured chess education to students at no cost to participating schools. The program is headed by World Champion Gukesh, structured by coach Vishnu Prasanna and International Master Soumya Swaminathan, and presented by CircleChess. It is designed as a structured digital league model for schools across India.

Students participating in NSCL have access to:

  • Curriculum-based interactive chess lessons

  • Assignments and monthly assessments

  • School and national leaderboards

  • Competitive exposure through school, inter-school, state, and national levels

  • Official completion certificates signed by Gukesh

The program will conclude with a national competition for students who complete the structured cycle.

A quick walkthrough of the National School Chess League (NSCL) program. | Video: CircleChess

Learning dashboard

Step-by-step chess training with IM Soumya Swaminathan.

Interactive chess practice for beginners.

Players can review and analyze their games directly on the platform.

School Onboarding

Schools can join by submitting basic details and a student list on the NSCL website. The NSCL team handles login credentials, dashboard activation, and program setup. The system is entirely digital, requiring no additional faculty, infrastructure changes, or cost for schools. Schools that have already onboarded confirm that the setup is simple and time-efficient.

Optional Advanced Training

Schools interested in additional support can request:

  • Live online classes

  • Group training sessions

  • Advanced preparation for competitions

  • Pathways for high-performing students

Expansion and Participation

Onboarding is open on a rolling basis. Schools that register early get the full benefit of the structured learning cycle from day one. The programe is open to CBSE, ICSE, and state-board schools. Schools can apply at NSCL 2026 School Partnership. For coordination, they can contact nscl@circlechess.com.

Students can register individually at Student Registration.

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