The Grand Finale of the National School Band Competition (NSBC) 7, 2025–26, organised as part of Republic Day Celebrations 2026, was inaugurated today at National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, jointly by Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), and Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Defence. The event highlights the promotion of discipline, teamwork, leadership, and musical excellence among school students nationwide.
This year, 18 school bands from 11 states have qualified for the national finale through State- and Zonal-level competitions. Over 763 teams comprising 18,013 students participated at the State level, with 94 teams shortlisted at the Zonal level, showcasing the wide reach and popularity of the competition.
Addressing the audience, Sanjay Kumar emphasized the importance of co-curricular platforms like NSBC in fostering leadership, discipline, and holistic development among students. He highlighted the Ministry of Education’s commitment to promoting talents beyond the classroom, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He also drew attention to the inspiration drawn from military bands, which historically symbolize valor, unity, and morale, noting that participation at the national stage reflects months of dedication and rigorous practice by students.
Rajesh Kumar Singh appreciated the collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education in institutionalizing the competition as part of Republic Day celebrations. He praised the students for their precision, dedication, and musical excellence, adding that such initiatives instill patriotism and a sense of national service in young learners.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Amarpreet Duggal, Joint Secretary, DoSEL, who acknowledged the efforts of all participating schools, mentors, dignitaries, and organizing teams.
Participating Schools at Grand Finale:
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Chhattisgarh: The Great India Sainik School, Raipur – Pipe Band (Boys)
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Delhi: Govt. Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, New Delhi – Pipe Band (Girls); Govt. Boys Sr. Secondary School, Badli – Pipe Band (Boys)
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Gujarat: Shree Swami Narayan Gurukul Kumar Vidyalaya, Gir Somnath – Pipe Band (Boys)
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Jharkhand: St. Xavier’s High School, Chaibasa – Brass Band (Boys); Kairali School, Ranchi – Pipe Band (Boys); Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Ranchi – Pipe Band (Girls)
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Karnataka: PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya ASC Centre, Bangalore – Pipe Band (Girls); SMT PS Shiva Shankarappa EM Residential School, Davangere – Pipe Band (Boys)
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Kerala: PM Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kasaragod – Brass Band (Boys); Providence Girls Higher Secondary School, Kozhikode – Brass Band (Girls)
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Maharashtra: Sanjivini Sainik School & Junior College, Kopargaon – Brass Band (Boys); Don Bosco High School & Junior College, Mumbai – Brass Band (Girls)
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Rajasthan: PM Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Suratgarh – Pipe Band (Girls)
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Tripura: Holy Cross High School, Karbook – Brass Band (Girls)
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Uttar Pradesh: St. Joseph College, Lucknow – Brass Band (Girls); City Montessori School, Lucknow – Brass Band (Boys)
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Andhra Pradesh: Montosseri Indus Residential School – Brass Band (Boys)
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
