100+ Free UPMSP Intermediate Instrumental Music Practice Questions

Prepare for the Uttar Pradesh UPMSP Intermediate (Class 12) Instrumental Music (Vadan Sangeet) — Code 139 exam with instant access — no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: UPMSP Intermediate Instrumental Music Exam

3h 15m

Duration of UPMSP Class 12 Instrumental Music theory exam

UPMSP Official Syllabus

4 Classes

Traditional Vadya categories (Tata, Avanaddha, Sushira, Ghana)

Natya Shastra Classification System

33%

Minimum passing percentage requirement

UPMSP Regulations

100 MCQs

Practice questions provided in this study bank

OpenExamPrep

Prepare for UPMSP Class 12 Instrumental Music (Code 139) with 100 practice MCQs covering instrument classification, Sitar/Tabla tuning, tala structures, Bhatkhande notation, and historical maestros.

Sample UPMSP Intermediate Instrumental Music Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your UPMSP Intermediate Instrumental Music exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1To which of the four traditional categories of Indian musical instruments (Vadya Vargikaran) does the Sitar belong?

A.Tata Vadya (Stringed)

B.Avanaddha Vadya (Percussion)

C.Sushira Vadya (Wind)

D.Ghana Vadya (Solid Idiophone)

Explanation: The Sitar is classified as a Tata Vadya (chordophone) because sound is produced through vibrating stretched strings made of metal or gut. In classical musicology, all stringed instruments played by plucking or bowing fall under the Tata Vadya category.

2Which of the following instruments is classified under Avanaddha Vadya?

A.Santoor

B.Tabla

C.Bansuri

D.Manjira

Explanation: Tabla is an Avanaddha Vadya (membranophone) because its sound is generated by striking a stretched skin head (puri) mounted on a wooden or metallic shell. The black tuning paste (syahi) on the membrane is a distinctive feature of Indian percussion.

3What is the primary characteristic that defines a Sushira Vadya in Indian music?

A.Sound produced by vibrating metal strings

B.Sound produced by striking solid metal cymbals

C.Sound produced by air blown through a tube or reed

D.Sound produced by striking a leather membrane

Explanation: Sushira Vadya (aerophones) generate acoustic tone when air currents are blown through a column or across a reed system, as seen in instruments like Bansuri, Shehnai, and Harmonium.

4Which of the following instruments is an example of a Ghana Vadya (solid idiophone)?

A.Jaltarang

B.Dilruba

C.Pakhawaj

D.Shehnai

Explanation: Jaltarang consists of porcelain bowls filled with varying levels of water struck with wooden sticks. Since resonance comes directly from the solid body of porcelain and water without strings or skins, it is a Ghana Vadya.

5What note is the first main playing string (Baj wire) of a standard Sitar usually tuned to?

A.Madhyam (Ma) of Mandra Saptak

B.Shadja (Sa) of Taar Saptak

C.Pancham (Pa) of Madhya Saptak

D.Gandhar (Ga) of Mandra Saptak

Explanation: The first string of a Sitar, known as the Baj wire (main playing string), is tuned to Madhyam (Ma) in the Mandra (lower) octave. This provides the primary pitch reference for melodic execution across frets.

6Which tool is primarily used by a Tabla player to adjust the wooden pegs (gattas) and braided rim (gajra) during tuning?

A.Tuning Key (Chabi)

B.Heavy Wooden/Metal Hammer (Hathuri)

C.Plectrum (Mizrab)

D.Rosin (Rozin)

Explanation: A heavy tuning hammer (Hathuri) is used to strike the wooden pegs (gattas) downward to increase pitch or upward to decrease pitch, as well as light tapping on the braided rim (gajra) for fine tuning.

7How many total Matras (beats) and Vibhags (divisions) are present in Teental?

A.12 Matras and 6 Vibhags

B.16 Matras and 4 Vibhags

C.10 Matras and 4 Vibhags

D.14 Matras and 4 Vibhags

Explanation: Teental has 16 beats divided equally into 4 vibhags of 4 matras each (4+4+4+4). It is the most standard rhythmic cycle in North Indian classical instrumental music.

8What is the division structure (vibhag division) of Jhaptal?

A.2 + 3 + 2 + 3

B.4 + 4 + 4 + 4

C.3 + 2 + 2

D.2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2

Explanation: Jhaptal consists of 10 matras partitioned into 4 vibhags containing 2, 3, 2, and 3 matras respectively. Clap (tali) occurs on beats 1, 3, and 8, while wave (khali) occurs on beat 6.

9Which unique feature distinguishes Rupak Tala from most other Hindustani Talas?

A.It has no Khali section

B.Its first beat (Sam) is executed as Khali (wave/empty)

C.It is played only on Pakhawaj

D.It contains 16 Matras with 5 Vibhags

Explanation: Unlike almost all other Indian talas where beat 1 is marked by a clap (Sam), Rupak Tala begins with a Khali (wave/empty stroke) on its 1st matra, followed by claps on beats 4 and 6.

10On which beat of Teental does a traditional Masihtkhani Gat begin?

A.1st Beat (Sam)

B.12th Beat

C.9th Beat (Khali)

D.5th Beat

Explanation: A classic Masihtkhani Gat (slow Instrumental composition) in Teental always begins on the 12th matra with the fixed stroke syllable pattern 'Dir Da Dir Da Ra Da Da Ra'.

About the UPMSP Intermediate Instrumental Music Exam

The Uttar Pradesh UPMSP Intermediate (Class 12) Instrumental Music (Vadan Sangeet) — Code 139 examination evaluates students on instrument classification (Tata, Avanaddha, Sushira, Ghana), detailed tuning procedures for Sitar and Tabla, tala notation and Layakari, composition structures (Masihtkhani Gat, Razakhani Gat, Qaida, Tihai), Bhatkhande notation symbols, and historical gharanas. This 100-question practice test provides a comprehensive study resource aligned with UP Board standards.

Assessment

Theory examination evaluating knowledge of Indian musical instrument classification, tuning protocols, tala structures, Bhatkhande notation, classical instrumental compositions (Masihtkhani/Razakhani Gats, Qaidas), and historical gharanas/maestros. Note: This practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed for mastering UPMSP Code 139 concepts.

Time Limit

3 hours 15 minutes (195 minutes)

Passing Score

33% aggregate pass mark

Exam Fee

₹600.75 for institutional (regular) Intermediate candidates and ₹806 for private candidates for the 2026 examination, plus ₹206 per additional subject. UPMSP charges one registration fee per candidate, not per subject paper. (Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP))

UPMSP Intermediate Instrumental Music Exam Content Outline

25%

Classification & Tuning of Instruments

Fourfold classification (Tata, Avanaddha, Sushira, Ghana), structural components, materials, and tuning techniques of Sitar, Tabla, Harmonium, Tanpura, and Flute.

25%

Tala System & Layakari

Theoretical and practical concepts of Matra, Vibhag, Sam, Khali, Tali, major Talas (Teental, Jhaptal, Ektaal, Rupak, Keharwa, Dadra, Dhamar, Chautal), and Layakari (Dugun, Tigun, Chaugun, Aad).

20%

Instrumental Compositions & Performance Forms

Structure of Masihtkhani Gat, Razakhani Gat, Peshkar, Qaida, Rela, Tukda, Tihai, Paran, Chakradar, Alap, Jod, and Jhala across sitar/sarod and percussion genres.

15%

Notation Systems & Theoretical Poetics

Bhatkhande notation system symbols, Svaras (Shuddha, Komal, Teevra), Shrutis (22 Svarasthanas), Saptak, Thaats, Raga principles (Aroh, Avroh, Pakad, Vadi, Samvadi), and Grama-Murchhana.

15%

History, Treatises & Maestros

Historical evolution from Natya Shastra and Sangeet Ratnakar to modern era, major Tabla and Sitar Gharanas, and biographies of legendary instrumentalists.

How to Pass the UPMSP Intermediate Instrumental Music Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 33% aggregate pass mark
Assessment: Theory examination evaluating knowledge of Indian musical instrument classification, tuning protocols, tala structures, Bhatkhande notation, classical instrumental compositions (Masihtkhani/Razakhani Gats, Qaidas), and historical gharanas/maestros. Note: This practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed for mastering UPMSP Code 139 concepts.
Time limit: 3 hours 15 minutes (195 minutes)
Exam fee: ₹600.75 for institutional (regular) Intermediate candidates and ₹806 for private candidates for the 2026 examination, plus ₹206 per additional subject. UPMSP charges one registration fee per candidate, not per subject paper.

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

UPMSP Intermediate Instrumental Music Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master instrument classification: categorize instruments like Sitar, Sarod, Tabla, Pakhawaj, Bansuri, Shehnai, Ghatam, and Manjira into Tata, Avanaddha, Sushira, and Ghana Vadya.

2Understand tuning details: know the specific tuning notes for the 7 main strings of Sitar (Baj, Jodi, Gandhar, Pancham, Chikari) and sympathetic Tarab strings.

3Learn Tala structures thoroughly: memorize beat counts, divisions, Sam, Khali, and Tali positions for Teental (16), Jhaptal (10), Ektaal (12), Rupak (7), Dhamar (14), and Chautal (12).

4Differentiate instrumental composition types: practice stroke notation for Masihtkhani vs Razakhani Gats, and percussion forms like Peshkar, Qaida, Tukda, and Tihai.

5Review Bhatkhande notation symbols: master representations for Komal/Teevra svaras, Mandra/Taar saptaks, Meend, Kan, Avagraha, Sam (X), and Khali (0).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is UPMSP Code 139 Instrumental Music?

Code 139 is the official subject code for Intermediate (Class 12) Instrumental Music (Vadan Sangeet / वादन संगीत) under Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP).

What are the four classical categories of Indian musical instruments?

Instruments are classified into Tata Vadya (stringed), Avanaddha Vadya (membranophone/percussion), Sushira Vadya (wind), and Ghana Vadya (solid idiophones).

What is the difference between Masihtkhani Gat and Razakhani Gat?

Masihtkhani Gat is a slow-tempo (Vilambit) instrumental composition set in Teental starting on the 12th beat with a fixed stroke pattern (Dir Da Dir Da Ra Da Da Ra), whereas Razakhani Gat is a fast-tempo (Drut) composition allowing varied stroke patterns.

How is the Tabla tuned?

The Dayan (right wood drum) is tuned to the tonic (Sa) or dominant/subdominant (Pa/Ma) using a tuning hammer on the wooden pegs (Gattas) and braided rim (Gajra), while the Bayan (left drum) is adjusted for deep bass resonance.

What is the minimum passing score for UPMSP Class 12 Instrumental Music?

Students must achieve at least 33% overall across theory and practical assessments to pass the UPMSP Class 12 board examination.

100+ Free UPMSP Intermediate Instrumental Music Practice Questions

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