The wait is over for competitive BGMI teams across the country. BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers have officially started today, January 8, 2026. This stage is the biggest open gateway into BGMI India Series 2026, giving thousands of registered squads a fair chance to enter the main competition.
Teams now move from registration and verification to real action inside the game. Performance here will decide who moves forward and who gets knocked out early.
BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers Dates and Timeline
The In-Game Qualifiers run from January 8 to January 14, 2026. This phase comes right after the registration window closed on January 4 and the verification process wrapped up between January 5 and 7.
There are no fixed lobby timings in this stage. Teams can play matches at their own pace within the given dates. Once the window closes, results will be finalized, and qualified teams will advance to Round 1, which begins on January 26.
Who Can Play the BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers
To be eligible, teams must follow some basic rules set by Krafton:
- Each squad must have 4 to 6 players
- All players must be Level 30 or above
- Minimum rank required is Platinum I or higher
- All players must be Indian citizens
- Valid government ID like Aadhaar or Passport is mandatory
Only the team captain can manage roster details. Once verification is complete, team lineups are locked. Krafton employees are not allowed to participate. Player names must follow the correct team format and should not include any offensive words.
BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers Match Format
Teams will play a total of 15 matches during the qualifiers. All matches are played in TPP Classic Ranked mode on only two maps:
- Erangel
- Miramar
Out of the 15 matches, only the best 10 matches are counted for the final ranking. This system rewards consistency rather than just playing more games.
At the end of this stage, around 1,016 teams will qualify for Round 1. In some cases, this number may extend slightly if teams drop out.
BGIS 2026 IGQ Points System Explained
Scoring in the qualifiers is simple and balanced:
- 1st place – 10 points
- 2nd place – 6 points
- 3rd place – 5 points
- 4th place – 4 points
- 5th place – 3 points
- 6th place – 2 points
- 7th–8th place – 1 point each
Each kill gives 1 extra point. This makes survival and smart rotations just as important as aggressive gameplay. Past BGIS trends show that teams with steady top finishes and around 4 to 6 strong wins usually stay safe.
Important Rules Teams Must Follow
Every match must be recorded using the in-game recorder. Along with gameplay, teams must also record handcam footage. These recordings need to be uploaded as unlisted YouTube links or shared Drive links within 8 hours of daily play.
- Late submission results in a 2-point deduction per match.
- Third-party recording apps, emulators, or external devices are not allowed.
- Any rule violation can lead to disqualification.
Teams should regularly check official Krafton updates to avoid mistakes.
BGIS 2026 Qualification Path After IGQ
Teams that qualify will move into Round 1, where 1,024 squads are divided into 64 groups. Each group plays 6 matches. The top 7 teams from each group, along with the best overall performers, advance further.
This leads to later stages, including The Grind and finally the LAN Grand Finals in March, featuring a massive ₹2 crore prize pool. A strong IGQ performance gives teams a huge confidence boost going forward.
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