Every judge at a Kerala school kalolsavam scores against the same thing: the evaluation criteria printed in the Kerala School Kalolsavam Manual. Each item has its own short list of criteria, and each criterion carries fixed marks that add up to 100. This page sets out those criteria item by item, so you can build a proper kalolsavam judgement sheet for any item instead of handing judges ruled paper and asking for “marks out of 100”.
The criteria below are transcribed from the evaluation-criteria chapters (15–17) of the manual issued by the General Education Department, with the Malayalam term kept in brackets where the manual uses one. The manual is re-issued each year, so check your current circular for changes before the festival.
Jump to: Speech & writing · Vocal music · Instruments & ensembles · Classical dance & classical theatre · Folk & group dance · Drama & acting · Drawing & art
How to turn a row into a judgement sheet
Take the row for your item and lay it out with a blank marks column, a total and a signature line — one sheet per entry per judge. Here is Prasangam (speech) as a ready-to-print example:
| Criterion | Max | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking without stage fear | 20 | |
| Clarity of diction (Aksharasphudatha) | 20 | |
| Language accuracy (Bhashashuddhi) | 15 | |
| Clarity of ideas (Aashayasphudatha) | 15 | |
| Fluency | 15 | |
| Voice control to suit the moment | 15 | |
| Total | 100 |
The total converts to a grade: A at 80% and above (5 points), B at 70–79% (3 points) and C at 60–69% (1 point). The full grading and level rules are in the Kerala School Kalolsavam Manual 2026 summary, and the time limit for every item is in the kalolsavam item list.
Speech & writing
| Item | Criteria and marks (out of 100) |
|---|---|
| Prasangam (speech) | Speaking without stage fear — 20 Clarity of diction (Aksharasphudatha) — 20 Language accuracy (Bhashashuddhi) — 15 Clarity of ideas (Aashayasphudatha) — 15 Fluency — 15 Voice control to suit the moment — 15 |
| Padyam Chollal (verse recitation) | Memorisation (Manapaadam) — 25 Clarity of diction (Aksharasphudatha) — 25 Restrained expression and voice — 25 Bringing out meaning and ideas — 25 |
| Upanyasam (essay writing) | Simple, graceful language — 20 Arrangement of facts — 20 Style of presentation (Avatharanareethi) — 20 Knowledge of the subject — 20 Use of references — 20 |
| Katharachana (story writing) | Language (Bhasha) — 20 Creativity — 20 Mode of expression — 20 Aesthetic quality — 20 Treatment of the subject — 20 |
| Kavitharachana (poetry writing) | Language (Bhasha) — 20 Creativity — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Aesthetic quality — 20 Treatment of the subject — 20 |
Vocal music
| Item | Criteria and marks (out of 100) |
|---|---|
| Lalithaganam (light music) | Voice quality (Shareeram) — 20 Pitch and tempo (Sruthilayam) — 20 Musical knowledge (Jnanabhavam) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Clarity of lyrics (Sahithyashuddhi) — 20 |
| Sasthreeya Sangeetham (classical music) | Voice quality (Shareeram) — 15 Pitch and tempo (Sruthilayam) — 15 Musical knowledge (Jnanabhavam) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Clarity of lyrics (Sahithyashuddhi) — 15 Improvisation (Manodharmam) — 15 |
| Mappilappattu | Literary content (Sahithyam) — 25 Mappila tradition — 25 Rhythm (Thalam) — 25 Pitch and tempo (Sruthilayam) — 25 |
| Sangha Ganam (group song) | Pitch (Sruthi) — 35 Rhythm (Thalam) — 35 Coordination between singers — 30 |
| Desabhakthiganam (patriotic song) | Pitch accuracy (Sruthishuddhi) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Singing together in one tune — 20 Clarity of diction (Aksharasphudatha) — 20 Feeling (Bhavam) — 20 |
| Kathakali Sangeetham | Voice quality (Shareeram) — 20 Pitch and tempo (Sruthilayam) — 20 Musical knowledge (Jnanabhavam) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Clarity of lyrics (Sahithyashuddhi) — 20 |
| Vanchipattu | Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Pitch (Sruthi) — 20 Singers in unison — 20 Language accuracy (Bhashashuddhi) — 20 Vaythari — 20 |
| Nadanpattu (folk song) | Literary content (Sahithyam) — 20 Rhythm and tune — 20 Pronunciation (Ucharanam) — 20 Chorus coordination — 20 Instruments (Upakaranam) — 20 |
Instruments & ensembles
| Item | Criteria and marks (out of 100) |
|---|---|
| Veena / Vichithraveena | Tone (Nadam) — 20 Raga expression (Ragabhavam) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Bowing — 20 Plucking (Meettu) — 20 |
| Violin (Western) | Tone (Nadam) — 20 Raga expression (Ragabhavam) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Bowing — 20 Plucking (Meettu) — 20 |
| Violin (Oriental) | Tone (Nadam) — 20 Raga expression (Ragabhavam) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Bowing — 20 Plucking (Meettu) — 20 |
| Odakuzhal (flute) | Tone (Nadam) — 20 Raga expression (Ragabhavam) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Improvisation (Manodharmam) — 20 Pitch and tempo (Sruthilayam) — 20 |
| Nadaswaram | Tone (Nadam) — 20 Raga expression (Ragabhavam) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Improvisation (Manodharmam) — 20 Pitch and tempo (Sruthilayam) — 20 |
| Chenda / Thayambaka | Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Practice (Sadhakam) — 20 Melam — 20 Tone (Nadam) — 20 Completeness (Poornatha) — 20 |
| Guitar (Western) | Tone (Nadam) — 20 Raga expression (Ragabhavam) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Bowing — 20 Plucking (Meettu) — 20 |
| Thabala | Tone (Nadam) — 20 Fingering — 20 Tempo (Layam) — 20 Improvisation (Manodharmam) — 20 Clarity of syllables (Cholshuddham) — 20 |
| Mridangam / Ganchira / Ghadam | Tone (Nadam) — 20 Fingering — 20 Tempo (Layam) — 20 Improvisation (Manodharmam) — 20 Clarity of syllables (Cholshuddham) — 20 |
| Madhalam | Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Practice (Sadhakam) — 20 Melam — 20 Tone (Nadam) — 20 Completeness (Poornatha) — 20 |
| Clarinet / Bugle | Tone (Nadam) — 20 Raga expression (Ragabhavam) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Improvisation (Manodharmam) — 20 Pitch and tempo (Sruthilayam) — 20 |
| Triple / Jazz (Western) | Tone (Nadam) — 20 Fingering — 20 Tempo (Layam) — 20 Improvisation (Manodharmam) — 20 Clarity of syllables (Cholshuddham) — 20 |
| Chendamelam | Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Clean playing (Shuddhi) — 20 Ensemble coordination — 20 Tone (Nadam) — 20 Completeness (Poornatha) — 20 |
| Panchavadyam | Improvisation (Manodharmam) — 20 Tempo (Layam) — 20 Coordination of instruments — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Tone (Nadam) — 20 |
| Vrunda Vadyam (ensemble) | Blend of instruments — 20 Tempo (Layam) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Handling the instruments — 20 Tone (Nadam) — 20 |
| Bandmelam | Turnout — 20 Marching and formation — 20 Standing play — 20 Use of instruments — 20 National anthem — 20 |
Classical dance & classical theatre
| Item | Criteria and marks (out of 100) |
|---|---|
| Bharathanatyam | Physical grace (Aakarasaukshmatha) — 15 Costume (Vesham) — 15 Expression (Bhavaprakatanam) — 20 Completeness of mudras — 15 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Footwork (Chuvaduveppu) — 15 |
| Mohiniyattam | Physical grace (Aakarasaukshmatha) — 15 Costume (Vesham) — 15 Expression (Bhavaprakatanam) — 20 Completeness of mudras — 15 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Footwork (Chuvaduveppu) — 15 |
| Kuchipudi | Physical grace (Aakarasaukshmatha) — 15 Costume (Vesham) — 15 Expression (Bhavaprakatanam) — 20 Mudras — 15 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Footwork (Chuvaduveppu) — 15 |
| Kerala Nadanam | Physical elegance (Aakarasushama) — 20 Footwork (Chuvaduveppu) — 20 Clarity of mudras — 20 Sense of rhythm (Thalabodham) — 20 Style of presentation (Avatharanareethi) — 20 |
| Kathakali | Make-up and costume (Aaharyam) — 30 Enactment (Cholliyattam) — 40 Classical knowledge — 30 |
| Ottanthullal | Costume elegance (Veshabhangi) — 20 Music and lyrics — 20 Pronunciation (Ucharanam) — 20 Acting (Abhinayam) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 |
| Chakyarkoothu | Costume elegance (Veshabhangi) — 20 Humour (Phalitham) — 20 Clarity of diction (Aksharasphudatha) — 20 Literary beauty — 20 Presentation skill — 20 |
| Nangiar Koothu | Costume elegance (Veshabhangi) — 20 Body discipline — 20 Mudras — 20 Richness of rasa (Rasapushti) — 20 Stage presentation — 10 Sense of rhythm (Thalabodham) — 10 |
| Yakshaganam | Make-up and costume (Aaharyam) — 20 Costume (Vesham) — 20 Presentation (Avatharanam) — 20 Story (Kathavasthu) — 20 Footwork (Chuvaduveppu) — 20 |
Folk & group dance
| Item | Criteria and marks (out of 100) |
|---|---|
| Nadodi Nrutham (folk dance) | Physical elegance (Aakarasushama) — 20 Costume (Vesham) — 20 Expression (Bhavaprakatanam) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Grace of movement — 20 |
| Sangha Nrutham (group dance) | Coordination between dancers — 20 Costume design and match — 20 Movement (Chalanam) — 20 Rhythm (Thalam) — 20 Presentation (Avatharanam) — 20 |
| Thiruvathira | Traditional costume — 25 Movement (Chalanam) — 25 Rhythm (Thalam) — 25 Steps (Chuvadu) — 25 |
| Oppana | Oppana song melody (Ishal) — 20 Song lyrics — 20 Rhythm and clapping in unison — 20 Pitch, tempo and voice quality — 20 Traditional presentation — 20 |
| Kolkali | Traditional song — 20 Rhythm and stick control — 25 Body rhythm (Meythalam) — 15 Footwork (Chuvaduveppu) — 25 Traditional presentation — 15 |
| Poorakkali | Mudras — 20 Rhythm and footwork — 20 Coordination between players — 20 Link between song and dance — 20 Costume design (Veshavidhanam) — 20 |
| Parichamuttu | Suitable costume — 25 Devotion (Bhakthibhavam) — 25 Rhythm (Thalam) — 25 Pitch and tempo (Sruthilayam) — 25 |
Drama & acting
| Item | Criteria and marks (out of 100) |
|---|---|
| Mono act | Clarity of diction (Aksharasphudatha) — 25 Clarity of ideas (Aashayasphudatha) — 25 Expressive acting (Bhavabhinayam) — 15 Dialogue (Sambhashanam) — 20 Theme and characterisation — 15 |
| Mookabhinayam (mime) | Theme (Prameyam) — 25 Acting (Abhinayam) — 25 Presentation (Avatharanam) — 30 Visual language — 20 |
| Nadakam (drama) | Plot — 25 Presentation (Avatharanam) — 25 Communication (Samvedanam) — 25 Acting (Abhinayam) — 25 |
| Skit | Theme (Prameyam) — 25 Acting (Abhinayam) — 25 Presentation (Avatharanam) — 30 Language accuracy (Bhashashuddhi) — 20 |
| Kathaprasangam | Pronunciation accuracy (Ucharanashuddhi) — 20 Language accuracy (Bhashashuddhi) — 20 Presentation of ideas (Aashayavishkaranam) — 20 Expression (Bhavaprakatanam) — 20 Match of lyrics and music — 20 |
| Chavittu Nadakam | Steps (Chuvadu) — 30 Song and rhythm — 20 Costume (Vesham) — 20 Acting (Abhinayam) — 15 Presentation (Avatharanam) — 15 |
Drawing & art
| Item | Criteria and marks (out of 100) |
|---|---|
| Chithra Rachana – pencil | Relevance to the given topic — 20 Composition — 20 Technique (Prayoga samarthyam) — 20 Line work and light and shade — 20 Completeness (Poornatha) — 20 |
| Chithra Rachana – water colour (Jalachayam) | Relevance to the given topic — 20 Composition — 20 Watercolour technique — 20 Style (Shaili) — 20 Completeness (Poornatha) — 20 |
| Chithra Rachana – oil colour | Relevance to the given topic — 20 Composition — 20 Oil colour technique — 20 Style (Shaili) — 20 Completeness (Poornatha) — 20 |
| Cartoon | Relevance to the given topic — 20 Drawing style (Rachanashaili) — 20 Satire and social comment — 20 Composition — 20 Sense of humour — 20 |
| Collage | Relevance to the given topic — 20 Combination — 20 Technique (Prayogareethi) — 20 Blend of media — 20 Completeness (Poornatha) — 20 |
Items not on this page, and why
- Items the manual gives no criteria for — for example Kadamkatha, Kavyakeli and the tribal dance items added after this edition. Agree the criteria with your judges and publish them before the event.
- Items whose marks do not add up to 100 — Margamkali and Urdu Ghazal, whose printed marks total 82 and 101, and Mimicry, which totals 95 in our copy. We have left them out rather than guess a correction; check your current circular for the exact marks.
- Language-stream criteria that differ from the main programme, such as the separate Urdu criteria.
Skip the printing: these criteria are already in the kalolsavam template
eTalenter’s ready-made Kerala School Kalolsavam template installs these criteria along with the categories, items and grade bands. Judges score each criterion on their phone, the total and grade are worked out for them, and results go straight to tabulation, so there are no paper sheets to collect and add up. Install the kalolsavam template in one click, or open a live kalolsavam demo and log in as a demo judge to see a scoring screen (no sign-up).
Frequently asked questions
Where do kalolsavam judging criteria come from?
From the evaluation-criteria chapters of the Kerala School Kalolsavam Manual issued by the General Education Department. Each item lists its own criteria with fixed marks totalling 100, and judges score against those, not against a common sheet for every item.
Is there a kalolsavam score sheet PDF?
The official manual is published as a PDF by the department. To print a sheet for one item, copy that item’s row from this page into the three-column layout shown above, or use the blank judges’ score sheet template and fill in the criteria.
Are the same criteria used at school, sub-district and district level?
These are the criteria the manual sets for each item. If your school runs its own school-level round, using the same list means candidates are judged the same way before they go up to the sub-district — and nobody is surprised by the marking later.
Running a kalolsavam this season? Message us on WhatsApp (WhatsApp only — no phone calls) or email support@etalenter.com and we will set up your items and criteria with you.
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