Exam boards
Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Exams in Hindustani Music
The Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal runs graded exams in Hindustani music. It holds exams at hundreds of centers across India and at centers in other countries.
Who takes these exams
Students of Hindustani vocal and instrumental music take these exams to measure their training level by level. Students outside India can take them at foreign centers in Canada, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, the UK and the US. An online center serves students with no center nearby.
What the levels cover
Each level has a theory exam and a practical exam. The levels run in this order:
- Prarambhik
- Praveshika Pratham and Praveshika Poorna
- Madhyama Pratham and Madhyama Poorna
- Visharad Pratham and Visharad Poorna
- Alankar
Theory covers ragas, talas, swaras, song forms, layakari and the lives of musicians. The higher levels add shrutis, instruments and the classical treatises.
What the levels lead to
The levels give a record of Hindustani training from first steps to an advanced stage. Visharad and Alankar are the advanced levels. The theory and practical skills also prepare students for the practical tests that Indian universities hold for music degrees.
How it compares with other exams
Gandharva exams follow one tradition in depth over many years. CBSE Hindustani music is a school subject taken in Classes X and XII. ABRSM and Trinity follow Western notation and harmony.
Practice on The Music Stem
- Theory practice covers Praveshika Poorna, Madhyama Pratham and Madhyama Poorna.
- Learn Hindustani music, ragas and talas build the practical side.
The Music Stem is independent of the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal. Our practice papers are our own. Check the syllabus and centers on the Mandal's site.