New Delhi, 05 January (H.S.): The state-level phase of this year’s National School Band Competition, held ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, concluded successfully across the country. Thousands of students participated, and the selected teams will now advance to the zonal round. The grand finale will be held in New Delhi on January 24.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the competition is being conducted at three levels: state, zonal, and national (final). It features four categories: Boys Brass Band, Girls Brass Band, Boys Pipe Band, and Girls Pipe Band.

The Ministry of Education issued guidelines for the competition in October 2025.A total of 824 school band teams from 33 states and union territories registered for the state-level round, with 763 teams comprising 18,013 children participating.

Out of these, 94 teams have been selected for the zonal round. From each zone—eastern, western, northern, and southern—four winning band groups will be chosen. A total of 16 finalist teams will compete in the grand finale in New Delhi on January 24. The performances will be evaluated by a jury appointed by the Ministry of Defence, including members from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The National School Band Competition has been jointly organized by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education since the Republic Day celebrations in 2023. The rhythm of the bands instills enthusiasm, courage, and activity among children and adults alike. It revitalizes patriotism and unity among students and inspires them towards holistic education. In 2025, 709 school band teams registered at the state level, with 568 teams (13,999 children) taking part.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar