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Free Practice Questions for PSEB Matric Music Instrumental

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Key Facts: PSEB Matric Music Instrumental Exam

45 + 50 + 5

Theory + Practical + Internal Assessment marks (total 100)

PSEB Scheme of Studies Class X — Music (Instrumental) code 31

Code 31

Subject code for Music (Instrumental) elective

PSEB Scheme of Studies 2026–27

33%

Minimum separately in theory, practical, and INA (and aggregate)

PSEB Scheme of Studies 2026–27

3 ragas

Bhupali, Khamaj, and Bhairav in the Class 10 instrumental syllabus

PSEB Music Instrumental / Sangeet Vadan syllabus

3 talas

Ektal, Rupak, and Chautal prescribed for Matric Music Instrumental

PSEB Music Instrumental / Sangeet Vadan syllabus

MCQ study aid

This bank adapts theory to four-option MCQs; official assessment is mixed theory plus practical (not a performance substitute)

OpenExamPrep assessment-format policy for non-pure-MCQ boards

PSEB Matric Music Instrumental (code 31) is Punjab’s Class 10 instrumental music elective: Theory 45 + Practical 50 + INA 5 = 100 marks. Pass at least 33% in theory, practical, and INA separately and in aggregate (confirm circular). Fee as per PSEB notification. This site offers free English MCQ theory practice with explanations—not a full mixed-paper or performance simulation.

Sample PSEB Matric Music Instrumental Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the PSEB Matric Music Instrumental exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In Hindustani music theory used in PSEB Matric Music Instrumental, a saptak is best described as:
A.A set of seven basic swaras spanning one octave register
B.A 16-matra tala cycle only
C.A type of double-reed wind instrument only
D.The written signature of a gharana founder only
Explanation: Saptak is the seven-swara framework (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni) within one octave register. School theory also distinguishes mandra (lower), madhya (middle), and tara (upper) saptaks.
2Chal swaras are notes that:
A.Can take komal or teevra variants relative to their shuddha form
B.Are always fixed and never altered in any raga
C.Exist only in Western major scales
D.Are another name for the full tala theka
Explanation: Chal (movable) swaras can appear as shuddha or vikrit (komal/teevra). Re, Ga, Ma, Dha, and Ni can take variants; Ma’s raised form is teevra Ma.
3Which pair are classically treated as achal (immovable) swaras?
A.Shadja (Sa) and Pancham (Pa)
B.Only komal Re and teevra Ma
C.Only Ga and Ni in every raga
D.Only Dha and Ma in every raga
Explanation: Sa and Pa are achal — they do not take komal/teevra forms in the standard Hindustani system. Other swaras may be shuddha or vikrit depending on raga.
4An alankar in instrumental theory practice is primarily:
A.A patterned ornamental sequence of swaras used for technique and riyaaz
B.A type of folk drum only
C.The empty beat (khali) of every tala
D.A written exam fee receipt only
Explanation: Alankars are swara patterns (often ascending–descending sequences) used to build control, intonation, and speed on the instrument.
5Shruti in school-level Indian music theory refers to:
A.A microtonal pitch interval finer than a full swara step
B.Only a 12-matra tala
C.Only the largest gourd of a sitar
D.Only Western staff notation
Explanation: Shruti is a microtonal pitch unit. Classical texts describe 22 shrutis in an octave; swaras are placed on selected shrutis.
6Thah (or ekgun) laya means presenting a composition or theka:
A.In basic speed — one bol/matra correspondence as the reference tempo
B.Always three times faster than chaugun only
C.Without any rhythmic cycle at all
D.Only on wind instruments exclusively
Explanation: Thah/ekgun is the basic single-speed presentation. Dugun is double speed, tigun triple, chaugun quadruple relative to thah.
7Dugun layakari means the material is presented:
A.At double the speed of thah within the same tala cycle framework
B.At half the speed of thah only
C.With no swaras allowed
D.Only as a silent mime performance
Explanation: In dugun, two units occupy the time of one thah unit, so the material covers the cycle twice as densely/faster relative to thah.
8Vikrit swaras are best defined as:
A.Altered forms of chal swaras — komal (flattened) or teevra (sharpened)
B.Only Sa and Pa in every raga
C.Only Western accidentals with no Indian equivalent
D.The name of a 7-matra tala only
Explanation: Vikrit means altered: komal Re/Ga/Dha/Ni and teevra Ma are the common school-level examples contrasted with shuddha forms.
9In instrumental performance, jhala is best described as:
A.A fast rhythmic section using chikari/drone strokes with dense right-hand patterns
B.Only the slow free-tempo alap without pulse
C.Only a percussion solo on tabla without melody
D.Only writing staff notation in Western keys
Explanation: Jhala is a climactic fast section on melodic instruments (especially sitar/sarod) featuring rapid strokes involving chikari strings with a strong rhythmic drive.
10Sthayi (sthai) in a composition typically refers to:
A.The opening/main section that establishes the raga and often returns as a refrain
B.Only the final silence after a concert
C.Only the empty beat of Rupak
D.Only the sympathetic strings of a sitar
Explanation: Sthayi is the first/main section of a bandish/gat structure. Antara is the contrasting higher-register section that follows.

About the PSEB Matric Music Instrumental Exam

The Punjab PSEB Matric Music (Instrumental) examination is the Class 10 Music Instrumental elective (subject code 31) conducted under the Punjab School Education Board. Full marks are 100: Theory 45 + Practical 50 + Internal Assessment (INA) 5. Theory covers core Hindustani definitions, Bhatkhande's thaat system and notation, sitar structure and technique, gat forms (Maseetkhani/Razakhani), toda and jhala concepts, vadak gun–dosh, Punjab folk instruments, musician biography, and classical introduction to Raag Bhupali, Khamaj, and Bhairav plus Ektal, Rupak, and Chautal. Practical weight is high (50 marks). The official theory paper is mixed written format, not pure multiple-choice. The 100 questions on this page are an English-language MCQ theory study adaptation for concept drills and self-assessment; they do not replace riyaaz or practical credit.

Exam sponsor: Punjab School Education Board (PSEB). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Official: Theory 45 + Practical 50 + INA 5 = 100 marks (elective code 31). Theory Part A: definitions (saptak, chal/achal swar, alankar, shruti, thah, dugun, vikrit swar, jhala, sthai–antara), thaat rules and Bhatkhande's ten thaats, toda (barabar/dugun), sitar history and parts, Bhatkhande swar/tala notation, gat (Maseetkhani/Razakhani), vadak gun–dosh, thaat–raga comparison, Punjab folk instruments, musician biography. Theory Part B: Bhupali, Khamaj, Bhairav (aroha–avaroha, pakad, Razakhani/Maseetkhani gat with notation); Ektal, Rupak, Chautal. Practical: gat with alap and todas in prescribed ragas, tala bols on hand in thah/dugun, dhun in any raga, national anthem on sitar. Local bank: English MCQ theory study adaptation with explanations — not a performance substitute.

Time Limit

As per PSEB Matric timetable for theory; practical per school schedule (elective practicals are conducted at school level as notified)

Passing Score

At least 33% separately in Theory, Practical, and INA, and 33% aggregate (PSEB Scheme of Studies 2026–27 — confirm current circular)

Exam / Certification Fees

As per PSEB annual Matriculation examination fee notification (school/private candidate forms on pseb.ac.in)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Overall Matric pass percentages are published with each PSEB result; no fixed standing subject-wise Music Instrumental pass-rate figure is used here.. Exam sponsor website

Fees, 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.

Theory Part A

Definitions, Sitar, Forms & Culture

Saptak, chal/achal swar, alankar, shruti, thah, dugun, vikrit swar, jhala, sthai–antara; Bhatkhande ten thaats; toda; sitar history/parts; notation; gat forms; vadak gun–dosh; thaat–raga comparison; Punjab folk instruments; musician biography.

Theory Part B

Prescribed Ragas & Talas

Bhupali, Khamaj, and Bhairav: identification, aroha–avaroha, pakad, Razakhani/Maseetkhani gat with swarlipi. Ektal, Rupak, and Chautal: structure and notation.

50 marks practical + 5 INA

Practical & Internal Assessment

Performance of gat with alap and todas, tala bols with hand in thah/dugun, dhun, national anthem on sitar, plus school INA. Not simulated by this MCQ bank and not a performance substitute.

Preparing for the PSEB Matric Music Instrumental Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: At least 33% separately in Theory, Practical, and INA, and 33% aggregate (PSEB Scheme of Studies 2026–27 — confirm current circular)
  • Assessment: Official: Theory 45 + Practical 50 + INA 5 = 100 marks (elective code 31). Theory Part A: definitions (saptak, chal/achal swar, alankar, shruti, thah, dugun, vikrit swar, jhala, sthai–antara), thaat rules and Bhatkhande's ten thaats, toda (barabar/dugun), sitar history and parts, Bhatkhande swar/tala notation, gat (Maseetkhani/Razakhani), vadak gun–dosh, thaat–raga comparison, Punjab folk instruments, musician biography. Theory Part B: Bhupali, Khamaj, Bhairav (aroha–avaroha, pakad, Razakhani/Maseetkhani gat with notation); Ektal, Rupak, Chautal. Practical: gat with alap and todas in prescribed ragas, tala bols on hand in thah/dugun, dhun in any raga, national anthem on sitar. Local bank: English MCQ theory study adaptation with explanations — not a performance substitute.
  • Time limit: As per PSEB Matric timetable for theory; practical per school schedule (elective practicals are conducted at school level as notified)
  • Exam / certification fees: As per PSEB annual Matriculation examination fee notification (school/private candidate forms on pseb.ac.in) 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

PSEB Matric Music Instrumental: Suggested Study Strategy

1Build one-page charts for Bhupali, Khamaj, and Bhairav with thaat, jaati, vadi–samvadi, samay, aroha–avaroha, and pakad before drilling MCQs.
2Clap and count Ektal (12), Rupak (7), and Chautal (12) until sam, taali, and khali positions are automatic on hand in thah and dugun.
3Draw the sitar and label tumba, dand, frets (pardas), tarab, chikari, jawari, and mizrab; practise explaining each part in two short sentences.
4Contrast Maseetkhani (slow/vilambit) vs Razakhani (drut) gats and write one short toda example in barabar and dugun.
5Memorise Bhatkhande's ten thaat names and which prescribed raga belongs to which thaat family (Bhupali–Kalyan line, Khamaj–Khamaj, Bhairav–Bhairav).
6Pair every MCQ set with short riyaaz notes: two alap ideas and two todas per raga, plus one dhun line and national anthem phrases — MCQs build recognition, not the 50 practical marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the official PSEB Matric Music Instrumental exam multiple-choice?

No. Official Music (Instrumental) is Theory 45 + Practical 50 + Internal Assessment (INA) 5 (code 31). Theory is a written paper with definitions, charts, and notation work; practical is performance and viva on the instrument. The 100 questions on this page are an English-language MCQ theory study adaptation only — not a full simulation of the official paper or practical exam, and not a performance substitute.

What is the full marks split for PSEB Music Instrumental?

Full marks are 100: Theory 45 + Practical 50 + Internal Assessment (INA) 5 under the Scheme of Studies for Class X (subject code 31). Confirm the exact timetable and any design updates on pseb.ac.in for your examination year.

What is the passing score for PSEB Matric Music Instrumental?

Under the PSEB Scheme of Studies 2026–27, candidates must obtain at least 33% marks separately in Theory, Practical, and INA, as well as 33% marks in aggregate. Verify the latest Board regulations and circulars for your session.

Which ragas and talas are prescribed for Class 10 Music Instrumental?

Prescribed ragas are Bhupali (Bhopali), Khamaj, and Bhairav. Prescribed talas are Ektal (Iktal), Rupak, and Chautal, including thah and dugun with presentation on hand in practical work. Theory also covers sitar structure, gat forms (Maseetkhani/Razakhani), and related definitions.

How much does the PSEB Matric Music Instrumental exam cost?

Music Instrumental is not separately priced as a standalone fee figure on this page. Pay as per the PSEB annual Matriculation examination fee notification for school or private candidates through forms on pseb.ac.in. Do not rely on unofficial fixed rupee amounts.

How should I use this free MCQ bank for a theory-plus-practical subject?

Use these MCQs for daily concept drills on definitions, thaat, sitar parts/technique, gat forms, raga charts, tala structure, notation, folk instruments, and biography. Also complete full written answers from PSEB-style model items and sustain practical riyaaz (gat with alap–toda, tala on hand, dhun, national anthem on sitar) for the 50-mark practical.

Where can I find the official syllabus?

Use the Punjab School Education Board portal at https://www.pseb.ac.in and the Class 10 Music Instrumental / Sangeet Vadan syllabus materials published by PSEB (see the Class 10 syllabus index). Always prefer the current year’s official PDF over third-party summaries.