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Exam Review

Key Facts: PSEB SS Music Vocal Exam

45 + 50 + 5

PSEB Senior Secondary Music Vocal Theory + Practical + Project/INA mark split

PSEB Class 12 Scheme of Studies 2026–27

Code 036

Music (Vocal) subject code on PSEB Senior Secondary materials

PSEB Scheme of Studies / syllabus

33%

Separate pass floor in Theory, Practical, INA, and aggregate

PSEB Class 12 Scheme of Studies 2026–27

4 ragas

Prescribed Class 12 vocal ragas: Bhairav, Bhimpalasi, Malkauns, Khamaj

PSEB Class 12 Music Vocal syllabus 2025–26

English MCQ adaptation

This free local bank is not the official Senior Secondary paper or practical format

OpenExamPrep practice policy

PSEB Senior Secondary Music (Vocal) is a Class 12 public-exam subject with Theory 45 + Practical 50 + INA 05 (code 036) 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 Music Vocal theory only; it does not simulate practical performance.

Sample PSEB SS Music Vocal Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the PSEB SS Music Vocal 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, varna primarily means:
A.A fixed pattern of note movement used as a building block of melody
B.Only the name of a tabla theka
C.Only a Western key signature
D.Only the school attendance register
Explanation: Varna refers to the basic patterns of swara movement (sthayi, arohi, avarohi, sanchari) from which alankars and phrases are built.
2Kan (sparsh) in vocal music is best described as:
A.Only the bass drum of a Western kit
B.A light grace-note touch of a neighbouring swara before the main note
C.A full 16-matra tala cycle only
D.A complete bandish with two antaras only
Explanation: Kan is a brief ornamental touch of an adjacent note that colours the main swara without becoming an independent phrase.
3Khatka is typically characterised as:
A.Only a tala khali clap pattern
B.Only a written exam essay title
C.A rapid cluster of several notes delivered as a single ornamental stroke
D.Only a slow sustained drone on Sa
Explanation: Khatka is a sharp, quick multi-note ornament that flashes through neighbouring swaras as one articulated gesture.
4Murki is best understood as:
A.Only the first beat (sam) of every tala
B.Only a thaat name in Bhatkhande’s list
C.Only a folk dance step from Punjab
D.A light, quick turning ornament of a few notes, lighter than a heavy gamak
Explanation: Murki is a delicate, rapid turn of notes used as grace; it is lighter and more playful than heavy gamak oscillation.
5Gamak in classical singing primarily refers to:
A.A forceful oscillatory shaking of a note or phrase for weight and intensity
B.Only silent counting of matras without bols
C.Only the left-hand bass drum skin name
D.Only a Western staccato mark
Explanation: Gamak is a heavy, deliberate oscillation that gives a note or phrase strength and gravity, especially in dhrupad- and khayal-style delivery.
6In syllabus terminology, gayak means:
A.Only a raga’s ascending scale
B.A singer (vocal performer)
C.Only a tabla player
D.Only a tala cycle of 7 matras
Explanation: Gayak is the singer; related terms include gayaki (the singing style/approach) and discussion of gun–dosh (merits and faults) of a singer.
7Gayaki most accurately means:
A.Only the bols of Dhamar tala
B.Only the name of thaat Bhairav
C.A singer’s overall style, approach, and manner of presenting music
D.Only the metal keys of a harmonium
Explanation: Gayaki is the distinctive way a singer shapes phrases, ornaments, layakari, and emotion—essentially the art of singing style.
8A shuddha (shudh) raga is one that:
A.Must always use only teevra Madhyam
B.Is defined only by having 5 notes in both ascent and descent
C.Can only be sung after midnight
D.Keeps a pure, independent identity without mixing the colour of another raga
Explanation: Shuddha raga means a pure raga whose chalan does not intentionally borrow another raga’s distinctive colour (contrast chhayalag and sankirna).
9A chhayalag (chhayalaga) raga is best described as:
A.A raga that shows the shadow/influence of another raga while remaining distinct
B.A raga that uses no komal swaras at all
C.Only a tala with khali on the first beat
D.Only an instrumental solo form without voice
Explanation: Chhayalag ragas carry the ‘shadow’ (chhaya) of another raga’s colour in their phraseology while still holding their own identity.
10A sankirna (sankiran) raga is one that:
A.Must be performed only with dhrupad bols
B.Is mixed/compound in nature, combining features of more than one raga source
C.Always has exactly 7 notes and no ornaments
D.Is identical to a thaat scale with no performance rules
Explanation: Sankirna ragas are compound/mixed forms that weave characteristics of multiple ragas, as taught opposite pure (shuddha) identity.

About the PSEB SS Music Vocal Exam

Punjab Senior Secondary Music (Vocal) under PSEB covers Class 12 Hindustani vocal theory and practical under subject code 036. Core theory includes modern music history, tabla and harmonium knowledge, time theory of ragas, musical terminology, gayak qualities and faults, Bhatkhande’s ten thaats, classical gayaki styles, contributions of major vocalists and scholars, Punjab folk singers, alankars, and prescribed ragas Bhairav, Bhimpalasi, Malkauns, and Khamaj with talas Rupak, Ektal, Jhaptal, Sultal, Tilwara, and Dhamar. Official assessment is Theory 45 + Practical 50 + Project work/INA 05. Pass requires 33% separately in Theory, Practical, and INA and 33% aggregate per the Scheme of Studies 2026–27. This free local bank provides English four-option MCQs for theory revision and recognition drills; pair it with official syllabus PDFs, written notation practice, and riyaaz for the 50-mark practical 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 (Vocal) is a Class 12 subject under the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (subject code 036) with Theory 45 + Practical 50 + Project work/INA 05 = 100. Theory Part A: modern Hindustani history, tabla and harmonium, time theory, definitions (varna, kan, khatka, murki, gamak, gayak, gayaki, shuddha/chhayalag/sankirna raga, lakshan geet), gayak gun–dosh, Bhatkhande thaat system, essays on tala/fine arts, scholar contributions, classical styles (dhrupad, dhamar, tarana, thumri, khayal, tappa), and Punjab folk singers. Theory Part B: alankars; drut khayal notation in Bhairav, Bhimpalasi, Malkauns, Khamaj; notation of Rupak, Ektal, Jhaptal, Sultal, Tilwara, Dhamar; raga recognition from swar sangatis; raga descriptions. Practical: drut khayal with alap–taan, vilambit khayal, tarana (sthayi–antara), tala bols in ekgun/dugun on hand, patriotic song, raga recognition, tabla/harmonium structure, and 10 alankars. English, Punjabi, and Hindi media may be available; this practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation. Confirm the current syllabus PDF, Scheme of Studies, and circulars on pseb.ac.in.

Time Limit

As per PSEB Senior Secondary timetable for theory; practical per school/board schedule

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.

~18% of this local bank

Musical Definitions & Terminology

Varna, ornaments (kan, khatka, murki, gamak), gayak/gayaki, raga purity classes, and lakshan geet.

~10% of this local bank

Thaat System (Bhatkhande)

Thaat definition, characteristics, ten thaats, and raga–thaat comparison.

~8% of this local bank

Time Theory of Ragas

Samay theory ideas used in school Hindustani pedagogy.

~25% of this local bank

Prescribed Ragas

Bhairav, Bhimpalasi, Malkauns, and Khamaj charts and recognition.

~15% of this local bank

Prescribed Talas

Rupak, Ektal, Jhaptal, Sultal, Tilwara, and Dhamar structure.

~10% of this local bank

Gayaki Styles

Dhrupad, dhamar, tarana, thumri, khayal, and tappa.

~10% of this local bank

Scholars, History & Punjab Folk

Modern period notes, listed scholars, and Punjab folk singers.

~4% of this local bank

Tabla, Harmonium, Alankar & Singer Qualities

Instrument structure, alankar concept, and gayak gun–dosh theory.

Preparing for the PSEB SS Music Vocal Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 33% separately in Theory, Practical, and INA, and 33% in aggregate
  • Assessment: PSEB Senior Secondary Music (Vocal) is a Class 12 subject under the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (subject code 036) with Theory 45 + Practical 50 + Project work/INA 05 = 100. Theory Part A: modern Hindustani history, tabla and harmonium, time theory, definitions (varna, kan, khatka, murki, gamak, gayak, gayaki, shuddha/chhayalag/sankirna raga, lakshan geet), gayak gun–dosh, Bhatkhande thaat system, essays on tala/fine arts, scholar contributions, classical styles (dhrupad, dhamar, tarana, thumri, khayal, tappa), and Punjab folk singers. Theory Part B: alankars; drut khayal notation in Bhairav, Bhimpalasi, Malkauns, Khamaj; notation of Rupak, Ektal, Jhaptal, Sultal, Tilwara, Dhamar; raga recognition from swar sangatis; raga descriptions. Practical: drut khayal with alap–taan, vilambit khayal, tarana (sthayi–antara), tala bols in ekgun/dugun on hand, patriotic song, raga recognition, tabla/harmonium structure, and 10 alankars. English, Punjabi, and Hindi media may be available; this practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation. Confirm the current syllabus PDF, Scheme of Studies, and circulars on pseb.ac.in.
  • Time limit: As per PSEB Senior Secondary timetable for theory; practical per school/board schedule
  • 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 Vocal: Suggested Study Strategy

1Build one chart per prescribed raga: thaat, jaati, vadi–samvadi, samay, aroha–avaroha, and pakad before drilling MCQs.
2Write tala theka bols with vibhag, taali, and khali marked for Rupak, Ektal, Jhaptal, Sultal, Tilwara, and Dhamar.
3Memorise definition pairs that are often confused: kan vs murki vs khatka; shuddha vs chhayalag vs sankirna raga; thaat vs raga.
4Link each scholar and Punjab folk singer to one signature contribution rather than memorising long biographies alone.
5Do not neglect Practical (50) and Project/INA (5) — pass requires 33% in each component as well as aggregate.
6Use current PSEB Class 12 Music Vocal syllabus and Scheme of Studies materials from pseb.ac.in to balance objective drills with written notation and riyaaz.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is PSEB Senior Secondary Music (Vocal) officially examined?

Music (Vocal) is examined under the Punjab Senior Secondary Certificate Examination as a Class 12 subject with Theory 45 marks, Practical 50 marks, and Project work/Internal Assessment (INA) 05 marks (total 100). Subject code is 036. Confirm the year’s syllabus PDF, Scheme of Studies, date sheet, and circulars on pseb.ac.in.

Is this practice bank the same format as the official Senior Secondary Music Vocal paper?

No. Official PSEB Class 12 Music Vocal theory papers are mixed written format (definitions, charts, notation, short/long answers), plus a separate practical performance/viva and project/INA. This bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation for theory and recognition-level knowledge only — not an official translation, blueprint replica, performance simulation, or full written-paper simulation.

What syllabus does this bank follow?

It is aligned to the PSEB Senior Secondary (Class 12) Music – Vocal 2025–26 syllabus: modern Hindustani history; tabla and harmonium; time theory; listed terminology; gayak gun–dosh; Bhatkhande thaats; scholars Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Bhimsen Joshi, Prof. Baldev Sharan Narang, and Faiyaz Khan; styles dhrupad, dhamar, tarana, thumri, khayal, and tappa; Punjab folk singers; alankars; prescribed ragas Bhairav, Bhimpalasi, Malkauns, and Khamaj; and talas Rupak, Ektal, Jhaptal, Sultal, Tilwara, and Dhamar.

What is the pass mark for PSEB Senior Secondary Music Vocal?

Per the PSEB Class 12 Scheme of Studies 2026–27, candidates must secure 33% separately in Theory, Practical, and INA (project/internal), and 33% in the aggregate. Always verify the current PSEB Senior Secondary notification for exact criteria for your sitting.

Which ragas and talas are prescribed for Class 12 Music Vocal?

Per the PSEB Class 12 Music Vocal syllabus, prescribed ragas are Bhairav, Bhimpalasi (Bheemplasi), Malkauns, and Khamaj. Prescribed talas for notation/demonstration include Rupak, Ektal, Jhaptal, Sultal, Tilwara, and Dhamar (with ekgun and dugun on hand in practical work).

Where should I check official syllabus and date sheets?

Use the Punjab School Education Board website at pseb.ac.in for Class 12 syllabus entries (including Music Vocal code 036), Scheme of Studies, date sheets, and exam circulars. Music Vocal syllabus PDFs are published under PSEB static media for the session; the Board also references the prescribed book Sangeet Gayan-12.

What languages are used for PSEB Class 12 Music Vocal?

PSEB may offer English, Punjabi, and Hindi media depending on school offerings. This free practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation only.