Guides · Talentino Live team · Updated 12 Oct 2026
The Road to the National Finals, Explained
On Talentino Live, performers start in a city, district or 'Rest of state' contest, the top performers are promoted to one of six zonal rounds, and zonal winners advance to the National Finals. Each stage has its own deadline, and finalists can perform live online for the judges.
Stage 1: city contests
Most journeys begin locally. Talentino runs contests for individual cities and districts, and 'Rest of state' contests so that people outside big cities have a contest of their own. Each contest has a category, an age band and a deadline. Your profile city decides which local contests you qualify for, and all-India contests are open too.
Every entry is scored out of 10: 50% judges on Technique, Creativity, Expression and Impact, and 50% audience votes, ratings and watch-through. After voting closes, the top entries are shortlisted for judges and the top five finalists can perform in a live online finale.
Stage 2: zonal rounds
Top performers from city contests are promoted to a zonal round. India is divided into six zones, so a singer from Chennai might meet winners from other southern cities, while a dancer from Delhi meets others from the north. Zonal rounds use the same scoring formula, with fresh judging.
Stage 3: National Finals
Zonal winners advance to the National Finals in their category. National finalists can perform live online, with a short voting window for viewers during the live show alongside judge scores. The national champion in each category is decided on the same transparent formula.
Deadlines and progress
Each stage has its own dates, shown on the city-to-national path page and in the contest calendar. Your profile includes a progress tracker that shows which stage you have reached — entered, shortlisted, finalist or champion.
Weekly challenges and wildcards
Alongside regular contests, weekly all-India challenges offer a badge and wildcard opportunities. Judges' Pick and People's Choice wildcards can also carry a performer forward who did not finish in the top places, so there is more than one route to the next stage.
Preparing for each step
Use your scorecard feedback after each stage. Many performers improve noticeably between city and zonal rounds by working on the criteria where they lost marks. The Talentino Academy offers contest-prep coaching if you want structured help.
Junior performers
Junior contests follow their own path with the same safety rules: verified parental consent, moderation before anything appears, and no junior content in search listings.
Frequently asked questions
How many zones are there?
Six zones across India.
Do I have to win my city to reach nationals?
Top city performers are promoted, and wildcards offer other routes.
Is the scoring the same at every stage?
Yes: 50% judges and 50% audience at every stage.
Where can I see the deadlines?
On the city-to-national path page and the contest calendar.