India Crosses 92 Chess Grandmasters in 2026: A New Era of Indian Chess Excellence
By Home Academy – Current Affairs for Competitive Exams
India has emerged as one of the strongest chess nations in the world, producing a rapidly growing number of elite players. As of January 2026, India has crossed the remarkable milestone of 92 Chess Grandmasters (GMs), reflecting the country’s rising dominance in international chess.
The latest addition to this prestigious list is Aaryan Varshney, who became India’s 92nd Grandmaster on 15 January 2026. Earlier, Raahul V S achieved the title in November 2025, becoming the 91st Grandmaster. The continuous rise in Grandmasters highlights India’s strong chess culture, improved training systems, and growing youth participation.
Journey of Indian Chess: From First GM to Global Power
India’s Grandmaster journey began in 1987, when legendary chess player Viswanathan Anand became the country’s first Grandmaster. His success inspired generations of young players and laid the foundation for India’s modern chess revolution.
Today, India produces Grandmasters at an unprecedented pace, with teenagers achieving international recognition at a very young age. Notably, Gukesh D holds the distinction of being India’s youngest Grandmaster, achieving the title at just 16 years of age.
Recent Additions to India’s Grandmaster List (2025–2026)
| GM Number | Player | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 92nd | Aaryan Varshney | January 2026 |
| 91st | Raahul V S | November 2025 |
| 90th | Illamparthi A R | Oct/Nov 2025 |
| 89th | S Rohith Krishna | August 2025 |
| 88th | Divya Deshmukh | July 2025 |
| 86th | Srihari LR | May 2025 |
The consistent addition of new Grandmasters shows India’s expanding talent pool and structured grassroots development.
Top Indian Chess Players (Highest Rated – 2025)
India currently boasts several world-class players competing at the highest level:
Arjun Erigaisi
R Praggnanandhaa
Gukesh D
Viswanathan Anand
Vidit Gujrathi
These players regularly compete in elite international tournaments and contribute to India’s global chess reputation.
Top Women Grandmasters of India
Indian women have also achieved remarkable success in chess:
Koneru Humpy
Divya Deshmukh
Harika Dronavalli
Vaishali Rameshbabu
Their achievements have strengthened India’s presence in global women’s chess championships.
State with Highest Number of Grandmasters
The southern state of Tamil Nadu has produced the highest number of Grandmasters in India. Cities like Chennai have become major chess training hubs due to strong coaching infrastructure and institutional support.
Why India is Producing More Grandmasters
Several factors have contributed to this rapid growth:
Inspiration from pioneers like Viswanathan Anand
Expansion of chess academies and online training platforms
Increased international exposure for young players
Government and private sponsorship support
Popularity of online chess after digital transformation
India’s rise in chess indicates a shift toward intellectual sports excellence and global competitiveness.
MCQs for Competitive Exams
1. Who became India’s 92nd Chess Grandmaster in January 2026?
A. Raahul V S
B. Aaryan Varshney
C. Gukesh D
D. Arjun Erigaisi
Answer: B. Aaryan Varshney
2. India’s first Chess Grandmaster was:
A. Vidit Gujrathi
B. Praggnanandhaa
C. Viswanathan Anand
D. Koneru Humpy
Answer: C. Viswanathan Anand
3. In which year did Viswanathan Anand become India’s first GM?
A. 1985
B. 1987
C. 1990
D. 1992
Answer: B. 1987
4. Who is India’s youngest Grandmaster?
A. Arjun Erigaisi
B. Gukesh D
C. Vidit Gujrathi
D. Praggnanandhaa
Answer: B. Gukesh D
5. Raahul V S became India’s which numbered Grandmaster?
A. 89th
B. 90th
C. 91st
D. 92nd
Answer: C. 91st
6. Which state has produced the highest number of Chess Grandmasters in India?
A. Maharashtra
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Gujarat
D. Karnataka
Answer: B. Tamil Nadu
7. Divya Deshmukh achieved Grandmaster title in:
A. 2024
B. June 2025
C. July 2025
D. January 2026
Answer: C. July 2025
8. Which of the following is a top Indian woman Grandmaster?
A. Harika Dronavalli
B. Mithali Raj
C. Saina Nehwal
D. Mary Kom
Answer: A. Harika Dronavalli
9. Arjun Erigaisi is associated with which sport?
A. Cricket
B. Chess
C. Badminton
D. Tennis
Answer: B. Chess
10. The rapid increase in Indian Grandmasters indicates:
A. Decline in chess popularity
B. Growth of intellectual sports culture
C. Reduction in youth participation
D. Limited international exposure
Answer: B. Growth of intellectual sports culture