New Delhi: The Grand Finale of the National School Band Competition (NSBC) 7, 2025–26, organised as part of the Republic Day Celebrations (RDC) 2026, was inaugurated today at National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), along with Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Defence.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Kumar highlighted that the National School Band Competition plays a vital role in strengthening discipline, teamwork, leadership qualities and holistic development among students. He emphasised that such art-integrated initiatives align with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes learning beyond classrooms.
The competition, supported under Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI Scheme, brings together 18 school bands from 11 States and Union Territories, providing young students a prestigious national platform to showcase musical excellence as part of the Republic Day celebrations.
Large-Scale Participation Across Levels
This year’s competition witnessed massive participation nationwide:
- • 763 school band teams comprising 18,013 students participated at the State level
- • 94 teams were shortlisted at the Zonal level
- • 18 teams qualified for the National Grand Finale
Sanjay Kumar noted that the tradition of school bands is inspired by the Indian Armed Forces, where music symbolizes unity, courage and morale, even in challenging wartime conditions. He added that reaching the national stage itself reflects months of rigorous practice and dedication by students.
MoD–MoE Collaboration Praised
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Defence, appreciated the collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education in institutionalising the competition as part of the Republic Day Celebrations. He lauded the growing number of participating schools and students and stated that such initiatives instil patriotism, discipline and a spirit of national service among young learners.
Dr. Amarpreet Duggal, Joint Secretary, DoSEL, presented the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participating schools, mentors and organising teams for making the event a grand success.
Participating Teams at National School Band Competition Grand Finale
State-wise List of Participating Schools
Chhattisgarh
- • The Great India Sainik School, Raipur – Pipe Band (Boys)
Delhi
- • Govt. Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Palam – Pipe Band (Girls)
- • Govt. Boys Sr. Secondary School, Badli – Pipe Band (Boys)
Gujarat
- • Shree Swami Narayan Gurukul Kumar Vidyalaya, Gir Somnath – Pipe Band (Boys)
Jharkhand
- • St. Xavier’s High School, Chaibasa – Brass Band (Boys)
- • Kairali School, Ranchi – Pipe Band (Boys)
- • Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Ranchi – Pipe Band (Girls)
Karnataka
- • PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya ASC Centre, Bengaluru – Pipe Band (Girls)
- • SMT. PS Shiva Shankarappa EM Residential School, Davangere – Pipe Band (Boys)
Kerala
- • PM Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kasaragod – Brass Band (Boys)
- • Providence Girls HSS, Kozhikode – Brass Band (Girls)
Maharashtra
- • Sanjivini Sainik School, Kopargaon – Brass Band (Boys)
- • Don Bosco High School, Mumbai – Brass Band (Girls)
Rajasthan
- • PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Suratgarh – Pipe Band (Girls)
Tripura
- • Holy Cross High School, Gomati – Brass Band (Girls)
Uttar Pradesh
- • St. Joseph College, Lucknow – Brass Band (Girls)
- • City Montessori School, Lucknow – Brass Band (Boys)
Andhra Pradesh
- • Montessori Indus Residential School – Brass Band (Boys)
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