Judging Criteria

Judges will make their assessment based on the following elements:

Time: Participants must strictly follow the time limit set for their category. A warning will be issued two minutes before the end, and another one at the exact time limit. A 30-second grace period will be allowed, after which the participant will be disqualified.

Sur Accuracy: Participants must maintain precise sur (pitch) accuracy throughout their performance. Each note should be rendered true to its position within the raag, reflecting the correct intonation and microtonal nuances. Repeated deviation from the intended pitch will be considered a lapse in sur and may impact the overall evaluation.

Musical Skill: Use of musical skill, such as taans, alaaps, murkis, khatka, kan, ghamak etc., shall be considered and marked accordingly.

Emotional Depth: refers to feeling the music and communicating that feeling to the audience. Participants are expected to reflect a deep internal connection to the music, using voice modulation, phrasing, and expression to convey the appropriate mood.

Coordination with Tabla: Participants must maintain clear and synchronized coordination with the tabla throughout the performance. This includes proper alignment with the taal (rhythmic cycle), smooth interaction during improvisations and smooth transitions of taals in partaals.

Language, Voice and Diction: Participants must demonstrate clarity, control, and consistency in voice production.

Pronunciation of words in Shabads should be clear, with appropriate enunciation and expression. The voice should be steady, well-projected, and free from strain.

Download the Scoring Sheet here.