Enhancing Academic Success: Chess to be Introduced in Tribal Schools Across the State
Chess Initiative Aims to Boost Academic Performance Among Tribal Students
February 15, 2026 — In a groundbreaking move to enhance educational outcomes for tribal students, the Tribal Welfare Department is set to introduce chess as a learning tool in Government Tribal Residential Schools and Eklavya Model Residential Schools across the state starting next academic year.
The initiative, which aims to integrate chess into classroom learning, is part of a broader strategy to improve cognitive skills and academic engagement among students. To kick off this program, the department has begun training physical education teachers, ensuring they are equipped to teach chess effectively.
Recently, a three-day workshop was held at Madras Christian College, organized in collaboration with FIDE Chess in Education (CIE) and Emmanuel Chess Centre. A total of 42 teachers from tribal schools participated, gaining insights from experts like Women’s International Master Rita Atkins and Senior Lead Instructor Ebinezer Joseph. This follows a successful training session last year, where 22 teachers were introduced to the game.
While the formal introduction of chess is new, some schools have already seen the benefits of the game. M. Thangadurai, a Physical Education Teacher at the Government Tribal Residential School in Arnoothumalai, has been conducting chess classes every Monday evening since the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai in 2022. He noted a marked improvement in students’ concentration and critical thinking skills as a result of their engagement with chess.
“The in-house chess competitions we organized have not only fostered a competitive spirit but also enhanced the students’ ability to strategize and think ahead,” Thangadurai shared.
The Tribal Welfare Department is committed to expanding this initiative in a structured manner. G. Laxmi Priya, Secretary of the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, emphasized the goal of using chess as a tool for learning. “We aim to strengthen chess clubs in these schools and conduct interschool competitions to assess the impact on students’ learning outcomes,” she stated.
As the initiative rolls out, the department hopes to see a significant improvement in academic performance and cognitive abilities among tribal students, paving the way for a brighter future through the strategic game of chess.