Guidelines

The National Talent Festival 2026 is designed to discover and celebrate authentic creative talent across five vibrant domains.

All five domains feed into a unified national talent pool. Participants may enter one or multiple categories (separate registration of ₹100 applies per category).

Key Submission Guidelines for All Domains

• Eligibility: Open to students currently studying in Classes 1 through 5 from any recognized school across India.

• Submission Deadline (Stage 1 Screening): December 20, 2026 (11:59 PM IST).

• Originality Policy: All work must be the child’s independent, unassisted effort. Adult intervention, artificial enhancement (filters, auto-tuning, AI tools), or pre-recorded studio dubbing will result in disqualification.

• File Naming Format: Name your uploaded file as StudentName_Class_Category (e.g., Aarav_Class3_Drawing.jpg).

  1. Visual Arts & Drawing

  Give shape to your imagination through colors, lines, and creative storytelling on paper.

  • Eligibility: Classes 1 to 5

  • Surface & Size: Standard A4 or A3 drawing sheet / chart paper.

  • Permitted Mediums: Wax crayons, oil pastels, colored pencils, sketch pens, poster colors, watercolors, or acrylics (or mixed media).

  • Submission Requirements:

    1. One high-resolution, well-lit photo or clean scan of the completed artwork (JPEG, PNG, or PDF; max 15MB).

    2. One clear photograph of the child holding their finished artwork (for identity verification).

  • Evaluation Criteria:

    • Originality & Creative Concept (30%)

    • Color Harmony & Composition (30%)

    • Neatness & Overall Visual Impact (40%)

  2. Speech, Storytelling & Recitation (Solo)

  Step up to the mic and express your thoughts with poise, voice modulation, and confidence.

  • Eligibility: Classes 1 to 5

  • Time Duration: 90 seconds to 3 minutes (minimum 1.5 minutes, maximum 3 minutes).

  • Languages Permitted: English or Hindi.

  • Content: Can be an original speech, a classic story, a moral fable, or poem recitation.

  • Recording Guidelines:

    • Record in landscape (horizontal) mode using a smartphone or camera.

    • Keep the camera in a stable, fixed position at eye level showing the child from the waist up.

    • Single, continuous take without cuts, edits, background music, or text overlays.

  • Evaluation Criteria:

    • Voice Clarity, Diction & Pronunciation (30%)

    • Memory & Flow of Speech (30%)

    • Facial Expressions, Confidence & Stage Presence (40%)

  3. Solo Dance

  Showcase rhythm, energy, and storytelling through movement.

  • Eligibility: Classes 1 to 5

  • Time Duration: 90 seconds to 3 minutes.

  • Dance Forms Allowed: Open genre — Classical (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, etc.), Semi-Classical, Folk, Bollywood, Contemporary, Freestyle, or Hip-Hop.

  • Costumes: Decent, age-appropriate dance attire or costume matching the performance style.

  • Recording Guidelines:

    • Record in landscape (horizontal) mode.

    • Ensure full-body framing throughout the entire duration so footwork and hand movements are fully visible.

    • Ensure good lighting and that the backing track audio is clearly audible over the ambient room sound.

    • One single continuous take; no special effects or video cuts.

  • Evaluation Criteria:

    • Rhythm, Beat Sense & Timing (30%)

    • Expressions (Abhinaya) & Grace (30%)

    • Choreography, Energy & Confidence (40%)

  4. Solo Vocal Music (Singing)

  Let your voice shine across melody, pitch, and emotion.

  • Eligibility: Classes 1 to 5

  • Time Duration: 90 seconds to 3 minutes.

  • Genres Permitted: Indian Classical, Semi-Classical, Devotional/Bhajan, Folk, Light Music, Bollywood, Patriotic, Western, or Regional songs.

  • Accompaniment & Backing:

    • Tanpura / Shruti box, acoustic instrument accompaniment, or a simple karaoke backing track is permitted.

    • Strict Rule: The child’s vocal track must be 100% live and raw during recording. Pre-recorded vocals, studio autotune, lip-syncing, or reverb-heavy processing are strictly prohibited.

  • Recording Guidelines:

    • Record in landscape (horizontal) mode in a quiet room with minimal echo.

    • Frame the student clearly from the chest up.

  • Evaluation Criteria:

    • Pitch Precision & Melody (Sur) (35%)

    • Rhythmic Control & Tempo (Taal) (35%)

    • Diction, Breath Control & Expression (30%)

  5. Solo Instrumental Music

  Demonstrate your instrumental technique, tempo control, and musicality.

  • Eligibility: Classes 1 to 5

  • Time Duration: 90 seconds to 3 minutes.

  • Instruments Permitted: Any acoustic or electronic instrument, including Keyboard/Piano, Guitar, Violin, Flute, Drums, Tabla, Harmonium, Ukulele, etc.

  • Performance Pieces: Classical raga, Western piece, popular song melody, or rhythmic composition (for percussion).

  • Recording Guidelines:

    • Record in landscape (horizontal) mode with camera positioned to show both the child’s hands on the instrument and their face clearly.

    • Live acoustic performance only—no pre-programmed automated rhythm tracks or MIDI playback.

  • Evaluation Criteria:

    • Technique, Hand Posture & Fingering (35%)

    • Rhythm, Timing & Tempo Consistency (35%)

    • Expressive Execution & Musicality (30%)

  How to Submit Your Entry

  1. Complete your registration at ntf.blueberrylearn.com to receive your unique Participant ID.

  2. Prepare your artwork scan/photo or record your performance video following the rules above.

  3. Access the Submission Portal link provided on your registration confirmation (or via the official WhatsApp coordination desk) and upload your file on or before December 20, 2026.