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Vande Mataram Made Compulsory in West Bengal Madrasas: What You Need to Know

May 21, 2026
framework as regular schools.

  • It reinforces the status of Vande Mataram as the National Song.

  • It shows that religious minority institutions can also participate in national rituals.

  • It may start a debate about the balance between religious identity and national symbols.

    • Some people support the order. They say singing a national song builds unity. Others may have concerns. But the government has made it clear that all recognised madrasas must comply.

    What Does This Mean for Students?

    For students in madrasas, this means a small change in their daily routine. Morning assembly will now include Vande Mataram. They will learn the song if they do not know it already. The order does not change any religious teaching. It only adds a patriotic practice. Students will continue to study their regular madrasa curriculum as before.

    Exam-Focused Points

    • Date of order:  21 May 2026

    • State:  West Bengal

    • Compulsory song:  Vande Mataram

    • Where:  All recognised madrasas (government model, government-aided, unaided) under the Directorate of Madrasa

    • When:  During morning assembly before classes begin

    • Vande Mataram written by:  Bankim Chandra Chatterjee

    • Year of composition:  1882 (in novel Anandamath)

    • Adopted as National Song:  1950

    • National Anthem of India:  Jana Gana Mana (also adopted 1950)

    • Previous compulsory song in West Bengal schools:  Banglar Mati Banglar Jal

    • Governing body for madrasas in WB:  Directorate of Madrasa

    FAQs

    Q1: When did the West Bengal government make Vande Mataram compulsory in madrasas?
    Ans:  On 21 May 2026.

    Q2: Which madrasas must follow this order?
    Ans:  All recognised madrasas – government model, government-aided, and unaided madrasas under the Directorate of Madrasa.

    Q3: Who wrote Vande Mataram?
    Ans:  Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote Vande Mataram.

    Q4: Is Vande Mataram the National Anthem of India?
    Ans:  No. Vande Mataram is the National Song. The National Anthem is Jana Gana Mana.

    Q5: What was the compulsory song in West Bengal schools before this order?
    Ans:  Banglar Mati Banglar Jal was made compulsory in state schools earlier.

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