In order to evoke a feeling of oneness, belonging and pride in children, towards their school and country, the National School Band Competition 2025-26, organised as part of Republic Day Celebrations (RDC) 2026, got successfully completed at the state level and witnessed enthusiastic participation from across the nation. 

The Competition consists of three levels [State Level, Zonal Level, & National Level (final)] in four categories (Boys Brass Band, Girls Brass Band, Boys Pipe Band and Girls Pipe Band). The guidelines for the National School Band Competition 2025-26 were issued by Ministry of Education in October 2025. 

A total of 824 school band teams from 33 States/UTs got registered at State Level out, of which 763 teams comprising of 18,013 children participated. 94 teams have been shortlisted for the Zonal level competition. The four winner band groups from each Zone (Eastern, Western, Northern & Southern Zone) i.e. total 16 finalist band teams will compete in the grand finale of the Competition to be held in New Delhi on January 24, 2026. Their performances will be evaluated by the Jury appointed by Ministry of Defence including members from each wing of the Defence Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force). 

From RDC 2023 onwards, the National School Band Competition is being jointly conducted by Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education. The rhythm of a band rouses passion, courage and action in children and adults alike. This helps to rejuvenate and rekindle the spirit of patriotism and unity amongst children in schools throughout the country and motivate them on the path of holistic education. Last year during the RDC-2025, 709 school band teams were registered for the Competition at State Level out of which 568 teams (13,999 children) had participated.

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