CBSE and ISC Music Exams

Who takes these exams

Students at CBSE and CISCE schools take music in Classes X and XII as one subject among several. CBSE students choose Hindustani or Carnatic music and then vocal, melodic instruments or percussion.

CBSE Hindustani and Carnatic music

• The Hindustani vocal course has a written theory paper and a practical exam. The practical carries most of the marks.
• The Class X course also includes internal assessment by the school.
• In the vocal practical, students sing ragas in set forms. They recognize ragas from phrases of swaras. They also recite the thekas of set talas in dugun and chaugun, which are double and four times the speed.

ISC Western Music

• Paper 1 is a theory paper on harmony and prescribed works.
• Paper 2 is practical work with six aural tests. The tests include cadences and modulation.
• To take ISC Western Music, students need Grade 5 theory and Grade 6 practical from ABRSM, Trinity or London College of Music.

What the exams lead to

The practical skills prepare students for music degree entrance tests. Banaras Hindu University holds a practical exam for its Hindustani music degrees. The University of Delhi holds a compulsory audition for its Hindustani, Carnatic and percussion degrees.

How they compare

CBSE music is rooted in Indian classical traditions and tests performance in front of an examiner. ISC Western Music builds on the British graded exams and tests written harmony and aural skills.

Practice on The Music Stem

• CBSE practice is available for Class X Hindustani Vocal, Class X Melodic Instruments, Class XII Hindustani Vocal and Class XII Melodic Instruments.
• ISC Western Music (874) practice covers harmony, the aural tests and figured bass.
• Learn Hindustani music and Tala Clap-Along support the practical exam.