69th NSCC Shotgun (National Shooting Championship) 2026: Complete Schedule, Venue, MQS & Competitor Guide

The 69th National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC) in Shotgun Events represents the pinnacle of competitive clay target shooting in India. Organized by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) under the governance of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), this prestigious national championship convenes the country's finest Olympic trap and skeet marksmen, World Cup medalists, emerging junior prodigies, and qualified state champions under one sky.

Hosted at the iconic Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges (DKSSR) in Tughlakabad, New Delhi, the 69th edition of the Shotgun Nationals runs from November 12 through December 12, 2026. This intensive month-long championship serves as the definitive selection ground for the Indian National Shotgun Squad, international selection trials (T1 to T4), World Cups, the Asian Shooting Championships, and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic preparatory cycle.

Whether you are preparing to achieve your first National Minimum Qualifying Score (MQS) in Trap or Skeet, fine-tuning second-barrel reaction times, or following the national championship series alongside our companion guides to the 69th NSCC Pistol in Bhopal and the 69th NSCC Rifle in Balewadi, Pune, this comprehensive guide delivers verified circular updates, day-wise schedules, technical range adaptations, ammunition regulations, and championship match strategies.

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Championship At A Glance: Key Facts & Venue Overview

Before exploring individual disciplines and regulatory standards, review this consolidated summary of the 69th NSCC Shotgun parameters:

Parameter	Official Specification
Championship Title	69th National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC) in Shotgun Events
Governing Federation	National Rifle Association of India (NRAI)
Technical Regulations	ISSF Official Statutes & Rules / NRAI Match Book Regulations
Championship Duration	November 12 – December 12, 2026 (31 Days)
Competition Venue	Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges (DKSSR), Tughlakabad, New Delhi
Target Infrastructure	Combined Olympic Trap & Skeet layouts with acoustic phonopull release systems
Key Disciplines	Olympic Trap, Olympic Skeet, Trap Mixed Team, Skeet Mixed Team
Age & Athlete Tiers	Senior (Men/Women), Junior, Youth, Masters, Senior Masters, Super Masters, Deaf
Entry & Relay Booking	Online submission via official NRAI portal (thenrai.org) & squad allocation lists

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Participating Disciplines & Technical Match Formats

Shotgun disciplines test dynamic spatial awareness, binocular visual tracking, and explosive reflex execution. The 69th NSCC Shotgun program features Olympic Trap and Skeet across individual and team categories:

1. Olympic Trap (Men & Women, Juniors, Youth, Masters & Super Masters)

Olympic Trap is widely considered the ultimate test of instinctive clay target shooting. Athletes rotate through five shooting stations positioned 15 metres behind a submerged trench housing 15 multi-directional clay throwing machines:

• Target Dynamics: Targets emerge at speeds exceeding 100 km/h, flying at random horizontal angles up to 45 degrees left or right and varying vertical heights from 1.5 to 3.5 metres above ground level, traveling a total distance of 76 metres (±1m).
• Qualification Format: Competitors fire 125 qualification targets spread across five rounds of 25 targets each. In the qualification phase, shooters are permitted two shots per clay target. Hitting the target with either the first or second barrel counts as a successful hit ("one").
• The Olympic Final: The top six qualifiers advance to a high-intensity 50-target final. Unlike qualification, finalists are restricted to a single shot per target. After 25 targets, progressive eliminations begin at each 5-shot interval until Gold and Silver are decided at the 50th clay.

2. Olympic Skeet (Men & Women, Juniors, Youth, Masters & Super Masters)

Olympic Skeet tests rotational swing rhythm, lead calculation, and consistent gun mounting across an 8-station semi-circular layout:

• Target Trajectory: Clays are launched from two fixed houses: the High House (3.05m above ground on the left) and the Low House (1.07m above ground on the right). Targets cross at a central marker point at fixed speeds and heights.
• Low Gun Position: Shooters must maintain their shotgun in a ready position—with the toe of the gun stock resting below an official yellow marker ribbon affixed to their shooting vest—until the target is visible in the air.
• Acoustic Delay: Targets are released via an acoustic phonopull timer with an intentional random delay between 0.0 and 3.0 seconds after the athlete calls "Pull."
• Doubles & Singles: Competitors shoot both single targets and simultaneous doubles (regular and reverse doubles), firing 125 qualification targets. The top six shooters advance to a 60-target progressive elimination final.

3. Trap Mixed Team & Skeet Mixed Team

Mixed pairs competition has emerged as a marquee Olympic medal event. Comprising one male and one female marksman from the same state association or governing unit, each shooter completes 75 targets (150 combined targets). The top four squads progress to the medal shoot-offs, competing head-to-head in direct single-target rotations to claim Bronze and Gold.

4. Note on Double Trap Removal

Following official directives from the NRAI Governing Body and alignment with ISSF Olympic cycles, Double Trap has been discontinued as an official NSCC discipline. Shooters holding historical MQS scores or Renowned Shooter status in Double Trap have been granted transition permissions to register in Trap or Skeet events.

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Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges: Range Characteristics & Delhi Climate

Set against the scenic Aravalli hills in southern New Delhi, the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Complex is one of the premier clay shooting facilities in Asia. However, competing in New Delhi during November and December requires technical adjustments:

1. Visual Contrast and Background Berms

DKSSR features expansive green acoustic earth berms behind the shotgun layouts.

• Target Visibility in Winter Smog/Mist: Late autumn and early winter in Delhi frequently bring early morning haze or reduced atmospheric transparency. Under overcast or hazy skies, standard dark sunglasses can obscure the initial flash of the orange clay.
• Lens Filtration Strategy: Carry a multi-lens kit. Use high-contrast vermilion, light purple, or optical orange lenses for early morning relays to maximize separation between the fluorescent target and the green berm. Switch to bronze or polarized grey lenses as mid-afternoon sunlight brightens the sky.

2. Temperature Fluctuations and Muscle Viscosity

Morning relays at DKSSR often commence in brisk temperatures around 12°C to 15°C, warming up to 26°C by early afternoon.

• Shooting Vest Layering: Cold muscles contract and slow down rotational swing speed through the waist and hips. Wear lightweight, thermal compression layers beneath your shooting vest rather than bulky jackets that restrict gun mount consistency. Keep your hands warm with pocket warmers between station rotations.

3. Aravalli Wind Currents

Wind currents sweeping across the ridge behind DKSSR can disrupt clay trajectories. A sudden headwind will force trap targets to balloon upwards, while a tailwind can push targets downward, causing them to dip rapidly before the second barrel can be triggered.

• Tactical Tip: Observe the preceding squad's clays carefully from the spectator gallery. If clays are floating high, discipline yourself to shoot slightly higher on your follow-through.

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ISSF Equipment Control: Shotgun Dimensions, Cartridges & Marker Ribbons

Before stepping onto the shooting layout, all firearms, ammunition, and shooting apparel must pass inspection at the NRAI Equipment Control Office.

1. Shotgun Specifications and Mechanics

• Bore and Calibre: 12-gauge is the maximum permitted bore size. 20-gauge and 28-gauge shotguns are permitted, though virtually all competitors use 12-gauge over-and-under shotguns for pattern density.
• Barrel Length: No strict restriction under ISSF rules (typically 28 to 32 inches).
• Semi-Automatic Ejection: Semi-automatic shotguns are permitted provided they are fitted with a shell catcher or deflector preventing spent hulls from hitting adjacent competitors.

2. Strict Ammunition Regulations (24-Gram Rule)

Ammunition compliance is strictly enforced under ISSF Rule 9.4:

• Maximum Shot Charge: Shot loads must not exceed 24.0 grams (with a narrow technical tolerance of +0.5g).
• Lead Pellet Diameter: Pellets must not exceed 2.6mm in diameter (standard English No. 7.5 for Trap, No. 9 for Skeet).
• Pellet Composition: Pure lead or lead alloy only. Tracer cartridges or non-standard shot compositions are strictly prohibited.
• Random Ammunition Testing: The Equipment Control Jury conducts random cartridge sampling during qualification rounds. Cartridges are dismantled, and pellets are weighed on certified electronic scales. Exceeding 24.5 grams results in immediate disqualification.

3. Skeet Marker Ribbon Calibration

In Olympic Skeet, the location of the yellow marker ribbon on the shooting vest is critical:

• While the competitor stands upright with the shooting vest fastened and arms hanging naturally at the sides, official jury members measure exactly 250mm vertically downward from the top tip of the shoulder acromion process to the upper edge of the ribbon.
• The ribbon is permanently sealed with an official NRAI holographic inspection stamp. Mounting the gun above this marker before the clay emerges incurs a formal warning on the first occurrence and target deductions for subsequent infractions.

4. Mandatory Safety Gear

• Eye Protection: Shatterproof shooting glasses are mandatory for all competitors on the range.
• Hearing Protection: Earplugs or acoustic earmuffs must be worn at all times on the firing line.

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Phased Event Schedule & Program Breakdown

With hundreds of squads competing across Trap and Skeet, the 69th NSCC Shotgun program is organized into dedicated phases:

Phase 1: Trap Official Training & Equipment Scrutiny (Mid-November)

• Activities: Registration confirmation, equipment control inspections, cartridge weight testing, and pre-event training rounds on designated competition layouts.
• Focus: Athletes calibrate their timing to the DKSSR phonopull acoustic release units and review trench flight profiles.

Phase 2: Olympic Trap Individual Events (Mid-November – Late November)

• Events: Trap Men, Junior Men, Women, Junior Women, Youth, and Masters.
• Structure: Competitors shoot 50 targets (Rounds 1 & 2) on Day 1, 50 targets (Rounds 3 & 4) on Day 2, and 25 targets (Round 5) plus shoot-offs and Olympic Finals on Day 3.

Phase 3: Trap Mixed Team Competitions (Late November)

• Events: Trap Mixed Team qualification (75 targets per shooter) and medal shoot-offs.
• Focus: Decides national state championship team points and podium finishes.

Phase 4: Skeet Official Training & Marker Ribbon Checks (Early December)

• Activities: Official Skeet training rounds and vest marker ribbon inspections by the technical jury.

Phase 5: Olympic Skeet Individual Events (Early December)

• Events: Skeet Men, Junior Men, Women, Junior Women, Youth, and Masters.
• Structure: Spread over three competition days following the 50-50-25 qualification format, culminating in the 60-target decimal final.

Phase 6: Skeet Mixed Team & Grand Victory Ceremonies (Mid-December)

• Events: Skeet Mixed Team competition, concluding medal presentations, and National Ranking Squad awards.

(Note: Athletes must verify their squad numbers and assigned layout timings on the official NRAI start lists published at thenrai.in.)

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Minimum Qualifying Scores (MQS) & Eligibility Standards

To earn official National Shooter status and maintain eligibility for National Selection Trials, competitors must achieve the designated Minimum Qualifying Score (MQS) under NRAI Match Book Regulations (Rule 17.6).

The table below outlines official MQS targets across Shotgun disciplines:

Event Code	Discipline	Men / Senior	Junior Men	Youth Men	Women / Senior	Junior Women	Youth Women	Masters	Super Masters
S-1	Olympic Trap (Hits / 125)	105	95	85	90	80	70	85	75
S-2	Olympic Skeet (Hits / 125)	105	95	85	90	80	70	85	75

Consequences of a DNQ (Did Not Qualify)

Athletes who score below the designated MQS receive a "Did Not Qualify" (DNQ) notation. A DNQ pre-empts participation in the upcoming National Selection Trials (Trial 1 to Trial 4) and requires shooters to re-qualify through state championships or Zonal Pre-Nationals before entering the next national championship.

To review qualifying criteria, age cut-offs, and historical benchmarking data, visit our comprehensive Official MQS Tables & Qualifying Standards.

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Registration Procedures, Entry Fees & Financial Tariffs

Registrations for the 69th NSCC must be submitted electronically through affiliated State Rifle Associations or governing sports boards (such as Services, Police, or Railways). Direct individual registrations are not entertained by NRAI.

Official Financial Schedule

• Individual Match Entry Fee: Set as per the official NRAI championship notification per event entered.
• Mixed Team Entry Fee: Rs. 1,500 plus 18% GST (Total: Rs. 1,770 per team).
• State / Unit Forwarding Fee: Life or Annual members of NRAI who are non-members of their submitting state rifle association may be assessed a forwarding fee equal to the event entry fee, strictly capped at a maximum of Rs. 5,000.
• Replacement Competitor Card: Reissued at the competition office upon payment of Rs. 200 plus 18% GST (Total: Rs. 236).
• Official Protests & Appeals:
• Formal protest to the Competition Jury regarding scoring or referee calls: Rs. 200 plus 18% GST (Total: Rs. 236).
• Formal appeal to the National Jury of Appeal: Rs. 500 plus 18% GST (Total: Rs. 590). Deposits are refunded in full if the protest or appeal is sustained.

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Weapon Transport, Cartridge Sourcing & Travel Logistics

Transporting competition shotguns and heavy ammunition requires meticulous logistical planning under Indian statutory guidelines:

Air Travel Compliance (DGCA & Airlines)

1. Advance Firearm Booking: Notify your airline (IndiGo, Air India, etc.) at least 48 to 72 hours prior to flight departure. Provide your arms license number, gun serial number, and championship circular.
2. Four Physical Document Copies: Carry four physical sets containing your Original Arms License with All-India permit, NRAI Shooter ID, Confirmed 69th NSCC Competitor Card, and Official Circular.
3. The 5kg Ammunition Dilemma:
4. DGCA regulations limit ammunition to 5 kg gross weight per passenger.
5. A full 125-target match plus training and shoot-offs requires approximately 200 to 250 cartridges. A standard box of 250 shotgun cartridges weighs approximately 10 to 11 kg, easily exceeding airline baggage limits.
6. Shooter Strategy: Most traveling competitors carry only a minimal emergency supply by air and pre-purchase their primary match ammunition directly at the NRAI DKSSR ammunition store in Tughlakabad upon arrival.
7. Airline Handling Charges: Domestic Indian carriers charge an escort and verification fee of approximately Rs. 5,000 plus taxes per weapon container.
8. Airport Reporting: Report to the airport terminal at least 150 minutes prior to departure for security inspection.

Range Armory Protocol at DKSSR

Upon arrival in New Delhi, proceed directly to the central armory at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges. Arms are deposited into secure armory vaults under 24-hour armed security and checked out exclusively against your verified accreditation token for training and competition rounds.

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Technical Match Preparation: Precision, Stance & Mental Focus

Mastering clay target shooting requires consistent gun mount, smooth rotational tracking, and mental discipline on the station:

1. Consistent Gun Mount and Comb Pressure

In both Trap and Skeet, shooting accuracy begins with your cheek weld. If your eye is not aligned down the center of the rib, your shot pattern will drift:

• The Check: Mount the gun with your eyes closed. Open your eyes. The front sight bead should align perfectly with the mid-bead in a figure-eight configuration without tilting your head downward.

2. Visual Hold Point vs. Gun Hold Point

Never point your gun directly at the trap trench or skeet window:

• Trap: Rest your gun barrels on the lip of the trap house roof, but keep your visual gaze soft and focused 15 to 20 metres downrange over the green berm. When the target emerges, your eyes lock onto the clay before the gun moves.
• Skeet: Hold your gun halfway between the window and the crossing point, keeping your vision anchored inside the window opening to identify target emergence instantly.

3. Managing Station-to-Station Transitions

A clay shooting round consists of 25 independent events:

• Never carry the frustration of a missed target to the next station.
• Execute a calm exhalation as you step into the shooting station. Verify your foot placement, establish your natural stance, mount smoothly, call firmly with a clear voice, and track through the target after pulling the trigger.

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Elevate Your Training with Targets.Click

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With Targets.Click Electronic Scoring & Shot Tracking, shotgun athletes and coaches unlock comprehensive diagnostic tools:

• Clay Target Tracking: Log round-by-round scores, hit/miss distributions, and second-barrel conversion percentages in Trap.
• Station-by-Station Analytics: Identify challenging angles (such as hard left crossers or high-house station 4 doubles in Skeet) to focus your practice rounds.
• MQS Readiness Benchmarking: Compare your current tournament average against official national qualifying standards to monitor qualification readiness.
• Offline-Ready Range App: Works seamlessly without cellular reception on the range layout, automatically syncing training telemetry when you reconnect.

Explore our athlete tiers and coaching tools on our Pricing Plans Page, or start tracking your rounds today by creating your Free Targets.Click Account. For rulebook consultations and technical guidelines, visit our Shooting Support & Help Center.

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Final Pre-Championship Checklist for Shotgun Competitors

Before traveling to New Delhi for the 69th NSCC, review this operational checklist:

• [ ] Official NRAI Competitor Entry Card downloaded and printed (multiple sets).
• [ ] Original Arms License valid with All-India transport endorsement.
• [ ] Shotgun cartridges verified under 24.0 grams lead weight (max 2.6mm pellet diameter).
• [ ] Skeet shooting vest marker ribbon measured at 250mm below shoulder apex and stamped.
• [ ] Shatterproof shooting glasses and certified hearing protection packed.
• [ ] Multi-tint lens set (orange, vermilion, purple) prepared for Delhi winter light.
• [ ] Airline firearm carriage booked 48 hours in advance (or DKSSR ammunition pre-booked).
• [ ] Hotel accommodation booked within convenient commuting distance of Tughlakabad, New Delhi.
• [ ] Baseline practice sessions logged on Targets.Click for pre-match reference.

Best of luck to all marksmen competing at the 69th National Shooting Championship Competitions (Shotgun). Swing smooth, stay composed, and let every clay turn to dust!