• Competition: Battle of Bands – Grand Finale
• Location: Main Stage, Sangeetam 2026
• Prize Pool: Rs. 50,000 + Recording Deal Opportunities

1. Registration & Confirmation

Confirmation Fee: Selected bands must pay a Final Round Confirmation Fee of Rs. 4,500 within 48 hours upon selection to lock their slot. Failure to pay by the deadline will result in the slot being passed to the next waitlisted band.

Inclusions: This fee covers the band’s competition entry and [All-Access Passes for band members to attend the fest].

2. On-Stage Rules & Timing

• Reporting Time: Bands must report backstage 60 minutes before their slot.
• Performance Duration: Total slot is 15 Minutes (10 Minutes Performance + 5 Minutes Setup/Line Check).
• The “Hard Stop” Rule: A warning signal will be given at 8 minutes. At 10 minutes, the sound system will be muted to ensure the schedule runs on time.
• Team Members: You must perform with the same members registered in the prelims. Emergency substitutions require organizer approval 24 hours prior.

3. Equipment & Technical Guidelines

• What We Provide (House Gear):
  • Professional PA System (L-Acoustics/d&b Audiotechnik).
  • Standard 5-piece Drum Kit (Kick, Toms, Floor Tom, Hardware).
  • Bass Amp & Guitar Amps.
  • Vocal Microphones & Monitors.
• What You Must Bring:
  • Guitars, Bass, Keyboards/Synths.
  • Drummers: You must play the House Kit. You are allowed to swap Snare, Cymbals, and Kick Pedal ONLY. changing rack toms or hardware is strictly prohibited to save time.
  • Effect Processors/Pedals & your own patch cables.
• Sound Check: Due to tight scheduling, there will be Line Check Only. Plug in, check levels, and play. (Note: You will be playing on a pro-grade setup used by headliner Nikhil D’Souza, so the sound quality will be top-tier).
• Any other requests must be consulted with the organising team 72 hours prior.

4. Conduct & Content

• Bands may perform original compositions and/or cover songs
• If covers are performed, significant originality or arrangement is encouraged
• Prohibited Content: No hate speech, political propaganda, or extreme profanity. Violation leads to immediate disqualification.
• Behavior: Unruly behavior, damaging stage property, or being under the influence of alcohol/substances backstage will result in disqualification and liability for damages.
• Backing Tracks: Strictly prohibited. All music must be performed live.

5. Judging Criteria (100 Points)

• Musicality & Tightness: Synchronization and technical skill.
• Originality/Arrangement: Unique sound or creative cover arrangement.
• Stage Presence: Confidence and energy.
• Crowd Interaction: Ability to engage the audience.
• Time Management : Adhering to the 15-minute slot.

The final divide up and if any changes will be informed to you 72 hours before the competition.

6. Prizes

• Winner: Cash Prize (Part of 50k Pool) + Trophy + Certificates + Career Perks.
• Runner-Up: Cash Prize + Certificates + Trophy.
• Best Guitarist and Drummer: Cash Prize + Certificates
• Judges’ Decision: The decision of the judges is final and binding. No arguments will be entertained regarding scores.

7. Conduct & Professionalism

• Respect judges, organizers, other bands, and audience
• No abusive language, aggression, or on-stage damage
• No alcohol or substance use on stage
• Any misconduct may lead to immediate disqualification

8. Setup & Changeover

• Bands must complete setup and teardown within the allotted time
• Delays caused by the band will result in time deduction
• Organizers are not responsible for instrument damage or loss

9. Technical Issues

• Technical problems due to organizer equipment will be handled by the event team
• Issues caused by band’s own gear are band’s responsibility
• No re-performance unless approved by judges

10. Organizer Rights

• Organizers reserve the right to:
  • Modify rules and schedule
  • Disqualify bands for rule violations
  • Use performance photos/videos for promotional purposes
• Participation implies full acceptance of all rules