MUMBAI: All India Radio (AIR) is organising its annual music competition to identify and encourage new talent in the field of music. While the preliminary rounds of the competition will be held in the respective AIR stations, the second round of competitions for Carnatic music and Hindustani music will be held at AIR, Chennai and AIR, New Delhi respectively, a press release from AIR, Mangalore has stated.

Youth above 16 years and below 24 years as on June 30, 2008, are eligible to participate in the competition. Graded artistes, who have already undergone voice test with AIR and are giving performances there, are not eligible to participate. Competitions will be held in singing - Carnatic classical, light music and folk music; Hindustani classical, and Hindustani; and light music categories.Competitions will also be held in Carnatic and Hindustani instrumental music and chorus category. The preliminary rounds will be conducted from August 11 up to August 29. Application forms are available at the nearest AIR station. The completed application forms should be submitted to the respective AIR stations on or before June 30, the release added.