What Is Badminton's New 3x15 Scoring System Adopted By BWF? EXPLAINED

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) will adopt the Badminton World Federation’s new 3x15 scoring system across India’s domestic circuit from July 2026, starting with the Yonex-Sunrise All India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament at Regional Sports Centre, Ernakulam, from July 7 to 14, 2026.

The format keeps best-of-three games under rally-point scoring, but each game will go to 15 points instead of 21. A two-point lead will still be needed from 14-all, while 21 remains the cap, with the next point deciding a game at 20-all. BAI said the move is meant to help Indian players adjust before the global rollout in January 2027.

BAI said the change will cover Zonal Championships, Ranking Tournaments and National Championships, creating one system across the domestic calendar. It will also apply to technical officials, coaches and players in all age groups. General Secretary Sanjay Mishra said the aim is uniformity, better preparation and a smooth shift when the BWF adopts the system in 2027.

Mishra said, "In order to ensure uniformity in competition, facilitate better preparation, and enable players, coaches, technical officials and all stakeholders to become fully accustomed to the new scoring format well before its proposed implementation by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) from January 2027 onwards, it has been decided to further extend the implementation of the 3x15 scoring system. This decision has been taken to ensure that players across all age groups develop familiarity and competitive adaptability to the revised scoring format, thereby ensuring a smooth transition when the system is adopted internationally."

Match Rules & Domestic Rollout Of New BWF Rule

Under the revised rules, the mid-game interval will come when the leading player or pair reaches eight points. There will be a change of ends in the third game and a 60-second break. The 120-second interval between games stays the same, and the winner of the previous game will serve first.

The 3x15 system will be used from July 2026 across Zonal Championships, domestic ranking events in Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Senior and Masters categories, and National Championships from Under-11 through Senior and Masters. BAI, founded in 1964 and based in New Delhi, is affiliated with the BWF and Badminton Asia and works through 33 State Associations/UTs and four other organisations.

BAI’s Wider Calendar

BAI said the new format will give players and officials time and match exposure before the BWF’s planned January 2027 launch. The body will also host the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi from August 17-23, with India set to stage the event after 17 years.