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Key Facts: PSEB SS Music Tabla Exam

038

PSEB Senior Secondary Music (Tabla) subject code

Punjab School Education Board Scheme of Studies Class XII

45 + 50 + 5

Theory + Practical + INA marks (total 100)

PSEB Scheme of Studies — Music (Tabla) code 038

33%

Minimum pass separately in Theory, Practical, and INA, and in aggregate

PSEB Scheme of Studies pass rules

6 prescribed taals

Rupak, Jhap, Ek, Deepchandi, Teen, Punjabi Theka with ekgun–chaugun

PSEB Class 12 Music Tabla syllabus Part-B 2025–26

4 biographies

Kanthe Maharaj, Shamta Prasad, Zakir Hussain, Laxman Singh Seen

PSEB Class 12 Music Tabla written syllabus Part-A

MCQ study aid

This bank adapts Tabla theory to four-option MCQs; official subject is mixed theory plus heavy practical

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

PSEB Senior Secondary Music Tabla is a Class 12 public-exam subject with Theory 45 + Practical 50 + INA 05 (code 038) and 33% pass separately in theory, practical, INA, and aggregate — not a pure MCQ board paper. This free 2026 bank is an English MCQ study adaptation for PSEB-focused Class 12 Tabla theory (taals, bols, gharanas, biographies).

Sample PSEB SS Music Tabla Practice Questions

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

1In PSEB Class 12 Tabla theory, what is a tehai (tihai)?
A.A rhythmic phrase repeated three times so that its final stroke lands on sam
B.A free raga alap without any pulse
C.Only the wooden shell of the dayan drum
D.A Western time signature with three flats
Explanation: A tehai is a cadential device: the same bol phrase is played three times so the last stroke resolves on sam (the first beat of the cycle).
2What does the term uthan typically describe in Tabla solo vocabulary?
A.An opening flourish or introductory composition that establishes the solo and often ends with a tihai on sam
B.Only the empty space of khali with no strokes
C.A tuning hammer used on the gatta
D.A raga’s aroha–avroha scale outline
Explanation: Uthan is an opening/introductory Tabla piece that launches the presentation and commonly concludes with a tihai on sam.
3In classical Tabla solo practice, peshkar is best described as:
A.An opening thematic composition developed through variations before denser forms such as kayda and rela
B.A fixed light-music laggi used only in film songs
C.The metal syahi disc alone
D.A notation symbol for khali
Explanation: Peshkar (peshkara) opens a Tabla solo as an expandable theme; later sections often move into kayda, rela, tukra, and paran material.
4A paran in Tabla/pakhawaj repertoire is generally:
A.A powerful, often pakhawaj-influenced composed piece with open/resonant bols, frequently ending in a tihai
B.Only a single soft na stroke on the kinar
C.A raga’s time-of-day rule
D.The written name of the bayan’s goat-skin only
Explanation: Paran is a composed, forceful piece (historically linked with pakhawaj language) that commonly closes with a tihai on sam.
5What does rela typically emphasise compared with a slow kayda?
A.Fast, flowing, densely articulated bol streams suitable for speed and continuity
B.Only long silence without any bols
C.Exclusive use of melodic gamak on sitar
D.A complete absence of tala cycle
Explanation: Rela is a high-speed, flowing composition type with dense bol articulation, contrasting the more deliberate expansion style of many kaydas.
6In accompaniment contexts, nagma (lehra) refers to:
A.A repeating melodic cycle (often on harmonium or sarangi) that outlines the tala for the Tabla player
B.Only the syahi paste recipe
C.A type of pure silence between avartans
D.A Western brass fanfare
Explanation: Nagma/lehra is a cyclic melodic outline of the tala that supports Tabla solo or accompaniment by keeping the cycle clear.
7Duppali (do-palli) in layakari vocabulary most nearly means:
A.A two-fold (duplex) grouping or dual-layer presentation of bol material relative to the base pulse
B.Exactly sixteen empty beats with no strokes
C.Only the left-hand bayan drum name
D.A raga classification of morning melas
Explanation: Duppali refers to two-fold/duplex organisation of bols or phrases against the tala pulse—related to multi-layer layakari thinking.
8Tippali (ti-palli) in Tabla theory refers to:
A.A three-fold (triple) grouping or tripartite presentation of bol material within the rhythmic design
B.Only tuning the dayan to Pa
C.A dance mudra of Kathak alone
D.The metal ring called gajra
Explanation: Tippali indicates three-fold/triple organisation of phrases—part of the advanced layakari and composition vocabulary prescribed for Class 12 definitions.
9A kayda (kaida) is best defined as:
A.A thematic composition expanded systematically through variations (paltas) and typically resolved with a tihai
B.An unmetered free chant without tala
C.Only the written biography of a gharana founder
D.A pure melody without rhythm
Explanation: Kayda provides a theme that is developed through paltas (variations) and commonly ends with a tihai landing on sam.
10A tukra (tukda) in Tabla repertoire is:
A.A relatively short, fixed composition that typically ends with a tihai on sam
B.An endless free improvisation with no cadence
C.Only the Bhatkhande notation staff name
D.A melodic meend on sitar
Explanation: Tukra is a compact composed piece, often brilliant or showy, designed to finish with a tihai meeting sam.

About the PSEB SS Music Tabla Exam

Punjab Senior Secondary Music Tabla under PSEB is the Class 12 Music (Tabla) elective (subject code 038). Official assessment is Theory 45 + Practical 50 + INA 05 (total 100). Theory covers advanced definitions and composition forms, principles of taal formation, importance of laya/taal/tabla, Tabla versus Pakhawaj, the ten pranas of tala, Tabla gharanas, solo vadan principles, prescribed biographies (Kanthe Maharaj, Shamta Prasad, Zakir Hussain, Laxman Singh Seen), and Part-B work on Rupak, Jhaptal, Ektal, Deepchandi, Teen Taal, and Punjabi Theka with ekgun–chaugun layakari, comparison pairs, composition notation, bol recognition, and nagma. Practical emphasises solo thekas, laggis, recognition, tuning, harmonium nagma, and padhant. Pass requires 33% separately in Theory, Practical, and INA and 33% aggregate. This free local bank provides English four-option MCQs for theory concept revision; pair it with official syllabus PDFs, written answers, and daily practical work via pseb.ac.in.

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

PSEB Senior Secondary Music (Tabla) is a Class 12 subject under the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (subject code 038) with Theory 45 + Practical 50 + INA 05 = 100. Theory Part-A: definitions (uthan, peshkar, paran, tehai, duppali, tippali, rela, nagma); principles of formation of taal; importance of laya and taal and of Tabla; comparative Tabla and Pakhawaj vadan; taal and its ten pranas; Tabla gharanas; principles of Tabla solo vadan; biographies of Pt. Kanthe Maharaj, Pt. Shamta Prasad, Ustad Zakir Hussain, and Ustad Laxman Singh Seen. Theory Part-B: introduction/notation of Rupak, Jhap, Ek, Deepchandi, Teen, and Punjabi Theka (Chhota Teen) with ikgun–chougun; comparisons Teen–Punjabi Theka, Deepchandi–Dhamar, Rupak–Tivra; notation of peshkar, kayda, tehai, paran, rela, and tukra in Teen/Jhap/Rupak; bol recognition of named taals; nagma notation. Practical: system solo in Ek/Teen/Teevra/Rupak; laggis in Rupak; thekas in ekgun/dugun for Deepchandi, Teen, Chhota Teen, Rupak, Jhap, Ek; recognition; tuning; nagma on harmonium; padhant with tali/khali. Local bank: English MCQ theory study adaptation with explanations — not a full mixed-paper or practical simulation.

Time Limit

As notified on the PSEB Senior Secondary date sheet for Music (Tabla) theory; practical held separately

Passing Score

33% separately in Theory, Practical, and INA, and 33% in aggregate

Exam / Certification Fees

As notified by PSEB and paid through affiliated schools for regular and compartment/improvement sittings (no single fixed public subject fee for all categories).

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.

~20% of this local bank

Definitions & Composition Forms

Uthan, peshkar, paran, tehai, duppali, tippali, rela, nagma, kayda, tukra, and core tala vocabulary.

~28% of this local bank

Prescribed Talas & Comparisons

Rupak, Jhap, Ek, Deepchandi, Teen, Punjabi Theka; Dhamar/Tivra pairs; bol recognition; nagma.

~12% of this local bank

Layakari

Ekgun, dugun, tigun, chaugun applied to prescribed taals and cadences.

~15% of this local bank

Gharanas, History & Principles

Gharanas, taal formation, ten pranas, Tabla–Pakhawaj, solo principles, importance essays.

~15% of this local bank

Biographies

Kanthe Maharaj, Shamta Prasad, Zakir Hussain, Laxman Singh Seen short notes.

~10% of this local bank

Exam Scheme & Instrument

Code 038 45+50+5 scheme, 33% pass, instrument parts, practical-skill awareness. Practical is 50 marks officially and is not simulated by this MCQ bank.

Preparing for the PSEB SS Music Tabla Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 33% separately in Theory, Practical, and INA, and 33% in aggregate
  • Assessment: PSEB Senior Secondary Music (Tabla) is a Class 12 subject under the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (subject code 038) with Theory 45 + Practical 50 + INA 05 = 100. Theory Part-A: definitions (uthan, peshkar, paran, tehai, duppali, tippali, rela, nagma); principles of formation of taal; importance of laya and taal and of Tabla; comparative Tabla and Pakhawaj vadan; taal and its ten pranas; Tabla gharanas; principles of Tabla solo vadan; biographies of Pt. Kanthe Maharaj, Pt. Shamta Prasad, Ustad Zakir Hussain, and Ustad Laxman Singh Seen. Theory Part-B: introduction/notation of Rupak, Jhap, Ek, Deepchandi, Teen, and Punjabi Theka (Chhota Teen) with ikgun–chougun; comparisons Teen–Punjabi Theka, Deepchandi–Dhamar, Rupak–Tivra; notation of peshkar, kayda, tehai, paran, rela, and tukra in Teen/Jhap/Rupak; bol recognition of named taals; nagma notation. Practical: system solo in Ek/Teen/Teevra/Rupak; laggis in Rupak; thekas in ekgun/dugun for Deepchandi, Teen, Chhota Teen, Rupak, Jhap, Ek; recognition; tuning; nagma on harmonium; padhant with tali/khali. Local bank: English MCQ theory study adaptation with explanations — not a full mixed-paper or practical simulation.
  • Time limit: As notified on the PSEB Senior Secondary date sheet for Music (Tabla) theory; practical held separately
  • Exam / certification fees: As notified by PSEB and paid through affiliated schools for regular and compartment/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

PSEB SS Music Tabla: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorise one-line definitions for uthan, peshkar, paran, tehai, duppali, tippali, rela, and nagma before writing longer essays.
2Write thekas of Rupak (7), Jhaptal (10), Ektal (12), Deepchandi (14), Teen Taal (16), and Punjabi Theka in ekgun and dugun daily; clap tali/khali in padhant.
3Prepare three comparison tables: Teen Taal vs Punjabi Theka, Deepchandi vs Dhamar, Rupak vs Tivra (matras, vibhags, theka feel, usage).
4Build identity cards for Kanthe Maharaj, Shamta Prasad (Gudai Maharaj), Zakir Hussain, and Laxman Singh Seen (gharana/lineage + one contribution each).
5After MCQ revision, complete written theory answers under time pressure and schedule regular practical practice — MCQs alone cannot replace the 50-mark practical component.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the official PSEB Senior Secondary Music Tabla exam multiple-choice?

No. The official PSEB Class 12 Music (Tabla) code 038 assessment is Theory 45 marks (mixed written), Practical 50 marks, and Internal Assessment 5 marks. The 100 questions on this page are an English-language MCQ study adaptation for theory concepts only — they are not a full simulation of the official theory paper or the practical exam.

What is the full marks split for PSEB Music Tabla code 038?

Full marks are 100: Theory 45 + Practical 50 + Internal Assessment (INA) 5, as listed for Senior Secondary Music (Tabla) subject code 038. Confirm the exact timetable on pseb.ac.in for your examination year.

What is the passing score for PSEB Class 12 Music Tabla?

Under the official Scheme of Studies language, candidates must secure at least 33% separately in Theory, Practical, and INA, and at least 33% in aggregate. Verify the latest Board regulations and circulars for your session on pseb.ac.in.

Which topics does PSEB Class 12 Music Tabla theory cover?

Per the 2025–26 PSEB Class 12 Tabla syllabus: Part-A definitions (uthan, peshkar, paran, tehai, duppali, tippali, rela, nagma), principles of taal formation, importance of laya/taal/tabla, Tabla vs Pakhawaj, ten pranas of taal, Tabla gharanas, solo vadan principles, and biographies of Pt. Kanthe Maharaj, Pt. Shamta Prasad, Ustad Zakir Hussain, and Ustad Laxman Singh Seen; Part-B prescribed taals (Rupak, Jhap, Ek, Deepchandi, Teen, Punjabi Theka) with ekgun–chaugun, comparison pairs (Teen–Punjabi Theka, Deepchandi–Dhamar, Rupak–Tivra), composition notation, bol recognition, and nagma notation.

How much does the PSEB Senior Secondary Music Tabla exam cost?

Music Tabla is not separately priced as a standalone marketplace fee on this page. Pay as per the PSEB annual 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 mixed theory-plus-practical subject?

Use these MCQs for daily concept drills on definitions, prescribed taals, layakari, gharanas, and biographies. Also practise written short answers from PSEB-style model work and daily practical padhant and playing — MCQs build recognition, not hand technique or viva/padhant delivery.

Where can I find the official syllabus and scheme of studies?

Use the Punjab School Education Board portal at https://www.pseb.ac.in and the Class 12 Music Tabla syllabus PDF published under PSEB’s static media catalog (for example https://static.pseb.ac.in/media/1743589652_12th%20Tabla%20Syllabus%202025-26.pdf). Always prefer the current year’s official PDFs over third-party summaries.