New Delhi: The Grand Finale of the National School Band Competition (NSBC) 2025–26 was inaugurated on Friday at the National Bal Bhavan in New Delhi, marking a vibrant beginning to one of the most anticipated cultural events of the Republic Day Celebrations 2026.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sanjay Kumar highlighted the critical role of art-integrated education in nurturing well-rounded individuals. He said events like the National School Band Competition play a vital role in strengthening discipline, teamwork, leadership qualities and holistic development among students.
He reiterated the Ministry of Education’s continued commitment to promoting diverse talents beyond academics, in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
18 School Bands Showcase Talent at National Stage
The National School Band Competition 2025–26 brings together 18 outstanding school bands from 11 States and Union Territories, selected after rigorous State- and Zonal-level competitions conducted across the country.
At the State level, as many as 763 school bands comprising over 18,000 students participated, while 94 teams qualified for the Zonal rounds. The finalists now have the honour of performing at a national platform during the Republic Day Celebrations.
Inspired by the Tradition of Armed Forces Bands
Shri Sanjay Kumar noted that the tradition of school bands draws deep inspiration from the armed forces, where music has historically symbolised valour, unity and morale. He recalled that even during the most challenging wartime conditions, military bands have played a crucial role in motivating troops and fostering collective spirit.
He emphasised that reaching the national level itself reflects months of disciplined training, perseverance and teamwork by the participating students.
Defence Ministry Applauds Growing Participation
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary (Defence) Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh appreciated the close collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education in institutionalising the competition as part of the Republic Day Celebrations.
He expressed satisfaction over the steady increase in the number of schools and students participating in the competition over the years, calling it a strong reflection of growing patriotism and civic responsibility among young learners.
Showcasing Unity in Diversity Through Music
The competition features a diverse mix of Pipe Bands and Brass Bands, with participation from boys’ and girls’ teams alike. Schools from states such as Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh are taking part.
Officials noted that the competition serves as a powerful expression of India’s unity in diversity, using music as a universal language to foster national integration.
Holistic Development Under Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI
The Department of School Education and Literacy continues to support holistic student development through financial assistance under schemes such as Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI.
The National School Band Competition has emerged as a flagship initiative under these efforts, blending cultural expression with values of discipline, cooperation and national pride.
Vote of Thanks and Way Forward
Dr Amarpreet Duggal, Joint Secretary, DoSEL, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to dignitaries, participating schools, mentors and organising teams for their contributions to the successful conduct of the event.
As the Republic Day Celebrations 2026 approach, the National School Band Competition continues to inspire young Indians, reinforcing the spirit of service, unity and excellence through music.