Free Practice Questions for Maharashtra HSC Instrumental Music
Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.
Loading practice questions...
Explore More Maharashtra HSC (MSBSHSE Class 12)
Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.
Key Facts: Maharashtra HSC Instrumental Music Exam
Subject code 68
Official MSBSHSE HSC subject code for Instrumental Music (Instruments Music)
MSBSHSE HSC general subject codes (mahahsscboard.org/hscsub.htm)
100 marks
Each Indian Music subject (including code 68) is commonly treated as a full 100-mark unit
MSBSHSE Indian Music syllabus choice notes
35%
Common minimum passing floor per HSC subject under MSBSHSE
Maharashtra HSC pass-mark practice (~35% each subject)
Practical / performance
Official Instrumental Music assessment is performance-centred, not pure MCQ
MSBSHSE Indian Music practical subject scheme
Code 65 pairing
History & Development of Indian Music often required with practical music papers
MSBSHSE Indian Music choice-of-subject notes
English MCQ adaptation
This free local bank is not the official Higher Secondary practical format
OpenExamPrep practice policy
Maharashtra MSBSHSE HSC Instrumental Music (code 68) is a Class 12 Indian Music practical subject focused on Hindustani instrumental performance and supporting theory, with ~35% pass floor — not a pure MCQ board paper. This free 2026 bank is an English MCQ study adaptation for gat, alap–jor–jhala, raga, tala, and instrument classification knowledge only.
Sample Maharashtra HSC Instrumental Music Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Maharashtra HSC Instrumental Music exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1In Hindustani classical music, the seven basic notes of the scale are collectively called:
2Which two swaras are traditionally treated as immovable (achala) in the Hindustani scale?
3A swara lowered by a semitone from its shuddha form is called:
4In Hindustani theory, tivra Madhyam (tivra Ma) is:
5Vikrit swaras in Hindustani music refer to:
6An alankar in classical instrumental training is best described as:
7A thaat in Bhatkhande’s system is:
8In raga theory, the ascending sequence of notes is called:
9The most important note of a raga, emphasised in development, is the:
10In tala theory, a matra is:
About the Maharashtra HSC Instrumental Music Exam
Maharashtra HSC Instrumental Music (Instruments Music) under MSBSHSE is the Class 12 Indian Music practical subject for Hindustani classical instrumental training, aligned to board subject code 68. It is distinct from Vocal Classical Music (67), Vocal Light Music (66), and Percussion (69). Core theory supporting the practical includes swara (shuddha and vikrit), alankar, thaat, raga grammar (aroha–avaroha, vadi–samvadi, jati, pakad, gansamay), prescribed ragas across Std XI–XII (e.g. Khamaj, Durga, Kafi, Bihag, Bhairavi, Alhaiya Bilawal, Yaman, Bhoopali, Bhimpalas; Kedar, Bhairav, Jaunpuri, Bageshree, Shankara, Tilak Kamod, Deskar, Malkauns, Vrindavani Sarang), tala theory (Trital, Ektal, Zaptal, Kerwa, Dadra, Rupak/Roopak, Dhumali, Zumra, Tilwada, Addha and related terms), Masitkhani and Razakhani gat, alap–jor–jhala presentation concepts, instrumental ornamentation (meend, kan, taan, toda, jhala), instrument families (tat, vitat, sushir, avanaddha, ghana) and technique knowledge for common melodic instruments (sitar, flute/bansuri, violin, harmonium, santoor, and related), notation writing, and board logistics. Official assessment is performance-centred with internal/record-book work — not a pure MCQ board paper. This free local bank provides English four-option MCQs for theory revision; pair it with daily instrument riyaz, notation practice, and official papers/circulars via mahahsscboard.in.
Exam sponsor: Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE), Pune. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Assessment
Maharashtra Higher Secondary Instrumental Music is an HSC (Class 12) Indian Music practical subject under MSBSHSE, Pune (subject code 68). Official logistics emphasise practical presentation of swara/alankar work, prescribed ragas, talas with theka demonstration knowledge, Masitkhani and Razakhani (Rajakhani) gat with alap/taan and jor/jhala concepts as taught, instrument classification and playing technique, notation writing, and a practical record book, with internal assessment as notified. Each Indian Music subject is commonly treated as a 100-mark unit; syllabus choice notes often require History & Development of Indian Music (code 65) when taking practical papers (66/67/68). Qualifying typically requires about 35% in the subject. This practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation for theory fluency only. Confirm current syllabus and circulars on mahahsscboard.in.
Time Limit
As notified (practical / board session)
Passing Score
35%
Exam / Certification Fees
As notified by MSBSHSE and paid through affiliated junior colleges for regular and private/improvement sittings (no single fixed public subject fee for all categories).
Exam sponsor websiteFees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Swara and Instrumental Technique Theory
Shuddha/vikrit swaras, komal/tivra, saptak, and pitch production on instruments.
Alankar and Pattern Practice
Alankar patterns and sargam ascent–descent training logic for instruments.
Thaat System
Ten parent thaats and raga–thaat mapping.
Raga Theory and Terminology
Vadi–samvadi, jati, pakad, gansamay, aroha–avaroha rules.
Prescribed Ragas
Std XI–XII raga facts used in instrumental presentation.
Tala Theory for Instrumentalists
Matra structure, common talas, and theka vocabulary for gat accompaniment.
Gat Types and Presentation Forms
Masitkhani, Razakhani/Rajakhani gat, mukhra, taan, and toda.
Alap, Jor, Jhala and Ornamentation
Alap–jor–jhala sequence and instrumental ornaments.
Instrument Classification and Technique
Tat/vitat/sushir/avanaddha/ghana and common melodic instruments.
Board Structure and Notation
Subject codes 65–69, pairing rules, and notation ideas.
Preparing for the Maharashtra HSC Instrumental Music Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 35%
- Assessment: Maharashtra Higher Secondary Instrumental Music is an HSC (Class 12) Indian Music practical subject under MSBSHSE, Pune (subject code 68). Official logistics emphasise practical presentation of swara/alankar work, prescribed ragas, talas with theka demonstration knowledge, Masitkhani and Razakhani (Rajakhani) gat with alap/taan and jor/jhala concepts as taught, instrument classification and playing technique, notation writing, and a practical record book, with internal assessment as notified. Each Indian Music subject is commonly treated as a 100-mark unit; syllabus choice notes often require History & Development of Indian Music (code 65) when taking practical papers (66/67/68). Qualifying typically requires about 35% in the subject. This practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation for theory fluency only. Confirm current syllabus and circulars on mahahsscboard.in.
- Time limit: As notified (practical / board session)
- Exam / certification fees: As notified by MSBSHSE and paid through affiliated junior colleges for regular and private/improvement sittings (no single fixed public subject fee for all categories). Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Maharashtra HSC Instrumental Music: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Maharashtra HSC Instrumental Music officially examined?
Instrumental Music (Instruments Music) is examined under the Maharashtra Higher Secondary Certificate Examination as a Class 12 Indian Music practical subject (MSBSHSE subject code 68). Assessment is primarily performance-based: presentation of prescribed material (swara/alankar, ragas with gat, alap/jor/jhala as taught, tala knowledge, instrument technique, notation, record book) with internal components as notified. Candidates generally need about 35% in the subject to pass. Confirm the year’s syllabus, practical design, and circulars on mahahsscboard.in.
Is this practice bank the same format as the official HSC Instrumental Music assessment?
No. Official MSBSHSE Instrumental Music assessment is practical/performance-centred (with internal/record-book work). This bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation for Hindustani instrumental theory only — not an official practical blueprint, performance exam, or instrument substitute.
What syllabus does this bank follow?
It is aligned to Maharashtra HSC Instrumental Music under MSBSHSE subject code 68 and the Indian Music practical curriculum themes for Std XI–XII: swara, alankar, theory of prescribed ragas, talas, presentation forms (Masitkhani and Razakhani gat, alap/jor/jhala concepts), instrument classification and playing technique, technical definitions (raga and tala anga), notation writing, and related presentation judgment. Always confirm the current MSBSHSE syllabus for your year.
What is the pass mark for Maharashtra HSC Instrumental Music?
MSBSHSE commonly requires a minimum of about 35% in each subject (including Instrumental Music) out of the full 100-mark total with practical and internal components as applicable. Always verify the current Higher Secondary notification for your sitting.
What is the official subject code for HSC Instrumental Music?
MSBSHSE lists Instrumental Music / Instruments Music as subject code 68 in the HSC general subject codes scheme (see mahahsscboard.org/hscsub.htm). Related Indian Music codes include History & Development of Indian Music (65), Vocal Light Music (66), Vocal Classical Music (67), and Percussion (69). Confirm against your college subject registration and admit card.
Do I need History & Development of Indian Music with this subject?
Syllabus choice notes for Indian Music commonly state that when choosing a practical paper (Vocal Light, Vocal Classical, or Instrumental), the theory subject History & Development of Indian Music (code 65) is compulsory, while code 65 may also be taken independently. Confirm the current scheme with your junior college and year circulars.
How is Instrumental Music different from Vocal Classical Music or Percussion?
Instrumental Music (code 68) is the melodic-instrument practical stream (sitar, flute/bansuri, violin, harmonium, santoor, and related). Vocal Classical Music (67) is Hindustani vocal khyal/bandish performance. Percussion (69) is Tabla/Pakhawaj and tala-performance focused. All three share raga/tala vocabulary but differ in presentation forms (gat vs khyal vs theka/kayda).
Where should I check official syllabus, papers, and results?
Use the MSBSHSE site at mahahsscboard.in for circulars and materials, mahahsscboard.org/hscsub.htm for subject codes and syllabus links, Balbharati digital resources where available, and your divisional board portals for results and hall tickets.