The National School Band Competition organised as part of the Republic Day Celebrations 2026 has culminated at the zonal level. Now, sixteen teams will perform in the grand finale at the National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, on the 24th of January.

 

The Defence Ministry said that shortlisted teams include four from each zone, East, West, North and South across four categories. These 16 teams will compete in the grand finale, which is being organised to rejuvenate and rekindle the spirit of patriotism and unity among schoolchildren across the country.

 

The top three teams in each category will be awarded cash prizes of 51 thousand rupees for first place, 31 thousand rupees for second place and 21 thousand rupees for third place, along with trophies and certificates. A consolation cash prize of 11 thousand rupees will also be given to the remaining team in each category.

 

The competition is being jointly conducted by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education. The Ministry has said that, building on the success of last year’s competition, the enthusiasm and level of participation increased significantly this year. A total of 763 school band teams participated at the state level, out of which 94 teams were shortlisted for the zonal level.