Chess Class Fees in India (2026): The Digital Chessboard vs Madras School of Chess, VBS and Kingdom of Chess
Fees are the first thing parents compare, but monthly prices hide differences in classes per month and billing length. Here is a fair chess class fee comparison for India (2026) using each academy's own published prices, converted to cost per class.
Competitor fees were read from each academy's own website on 1 October 2026 and can change. We compare published starting prices only. We do not judge other academies' teaching, and several of them are excellent. If you spot an out-of-date figure, email [email protected] and we will correct it quickly.
The numbers at a glance
| Academy | Published fee | Classes | Approx. per class |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Digital Chessboard, 2 classes a week | Rs 1,599 a month (6-month billing); Rs 2,199 (monthly billing) | about 8 a month | about Rs 200 to Rs 275 |
| The Digital Chessboard, 1 class a week | Rs 999 a month (6-month billing); Rs 1,499 (monthly billing) | about 4 a month | about Rs 250 to Rs 375 |
| Madras School of Chess | Rs 2,999 for 1 month; Rs 6,675 for 3 months; Rs 11,700 for 6 months | 8, 24 and 48 classes | about Rs 375, Rs 278 and Rs 244 |
| VBS Chess Academy (Chennai) | Rs 6,000 for the Beginner course | 8 sessions, 2 a week | about Rs 750 |
| Kingdom of Chess | "Rs 3,000/month" on its website | twice a week in its 12-month package | about Rs 375 |
Reading the table fairly
- Like for like (about 8 classes a month): our Rs 1,599 on 6-month billing compares with Madras School of Chess at about Rs 1,950 a month on its 6-month plan, so ours is roughly 18% lower. On monthly billing, our Rs 2,199 compares with their Rs 2,999, roughly 27% lower.
- Against VBS Chess Academy: Rs 6,000 for 8 beginner sessions works out to about Rs 750 a class, so ours is around 60% to 70% lower per class. VBS also runs physical branches in Chennai, which some families value.
- Against Kingdom of Chess: Rs 3,000 a month for about 8 sessions is roughly Rs 375 a class, compared with our Rs 200 to Rs 275.
What the price does not show
Price is not the whole story. Madras School of Chess and Kingdom of Chess describe Grandmaster-led teaching, and that can justify a higher fee for families who want it. Our approach is different: certified, FIDE-rated coaches, small batches of 6–7, a structured level path with certificates, weekly tournaments, a Parent Portal and a 7-day money-back guarantee, at a lower monthly cost. Class length and batch size also differ, so ask each academy for both in writing.
Our verdict on price
Among the academies above that publish their fees, The Digital Chessboard has the lowest starting monthly price, from Rs 999 a month, and on our 2-classes-a-week plan the lowest cost per class. The best test is still a trial: book a free demo class and compare how your child feels after it.
More: affordable online chess classes in India and the 10-question checklist.
How we calculated cost per class
We took each academy's published fee and divided it by the number of classes it covers. For plans billed over several months, we show the effective monthly price. Because academies differ in class length and group size, the figures are a guide to cost, not a measure of quality. We list only academies that publish their fees on their own websites, and we cannot include those that do not.
Why billing length changes the monthly price
Most academies, including us, offer a lower monthly price for longer commitments. For example, our 6-month billing gives the lowest monthly price, while monthly billing offers the most flexibility. Read the full explanation in monthly, quarterly or half-yearly chess fees.
What else to compare besides price
- Coach credentials: see who teaches your child's class.
- Class size and length.
- Parent reporting and progress tracking.
- Trial class and refund policy.
Keeping the numbers current
Prices change. If you notice a figure that is out of date, email [email protected] and we will update it. For other academies that do not publish fees, see our comparison of online chess academies.
Frequently asked questions
Which chess academy in India is the most affordable?
Among academies that publish their prices, The Digital Chessboard has the lowest starting fee: Rs 999 a month for 1 class a week and Rs 1,599 a month for 2 classes a week on 6-month billing (checked 1 October 2026).
How do I compare chess class fees fairly?
Divide the total fee by the number of classes to get cost per class, and compare plans of the same length and classes per week.
How much does Madras School of Chess cost?
Its website lists Rs 2,999 for 1 month (8 classes), Rs 6,675 for 3 months (24 classes) and Rs 11,700 for 6 months (48 classes), as read on 1 October 2026.
How much does VBS Chess Academy cost?
Its website lists Rs 6,000 for the Beginner course of 8 sessions, as read on 1 October 2026.
Why do some academies not publish their fees?
Some prefer to discuss plans after a trial class. Ask them for the full fee in writing before you decide.
Does a lower fee mean lower quality?
Not necessarily. Compare coach credentials, class size, curriculum and reporting alongside price, and try a demo class.
Explore The Digital Chessboard Academy
- Courses: Beginner Explorer to Champion Track
- Pricing and plans
- Meet our coaches
- The Parent Portal
- Free FIDE rating calculator
- Chess learning options compared
- Online chess academies compared
- All chess articles
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