CBSE Class 11 Carnatic Vocal Syllabus 2026-27

CARNATIC MUSIC - VOCAL Subject Code – 031 Class- XI (2026-27)

Introduction

The course in Carnatic Melodic Instruments at Secondary and Senior Secondary level, is being offered for the students, who develop an aptitude and creative ability in the art of playing melodic instruments and carry forward their capabilities in music through education. The syllabus offered in this course envisages the holistic development of the students by introducing to them, the intangible values and rich cultural heritage of our country, which have been in coexistence with music and art forms practiced through ages. The ethos and philosophical concepts that are mirrored in the ancient system of Indian music, can be appreciated by the students who learn this course. Along with the intricacies of music, this course induces a historical consciousness among the students who wish to pursue higher studies in Music. To some extent this course may even be considered as a stepping stone to vocational studies

Objectives

• To introduce to students, an understanding of certain principles related to the origin and development of Indian music through ages and to familiarize students with the rich history and diversity of Carnatic music.

<math>\blacktriangle</math> To not only introduce a vital aspect of Indian culture but also develop skills and qualities that benefit overall growth and personality development.

• To inculcate curiosity about the formation of grama, moorchana, jaati, and further development to the raga system and intricate tala system etc.

Music is very closely associated with many Science and Arts disciplines. One of the objectives is to make the students focus on the interdisciplinary approaches in various musical concepts.

To develop an aptitude for singing and groominf the students to become professional singers.

To motivate students to take up music as a career as well as to open avenues for different careers in related fields.

Learning Outcomes

By learning this course, students;

Will be able to understand the concepts of Carnatic Music

Will be able to understand the ragas and talas in Carnatic music

Will be able to learn raga delineation and other creative aspects of Carnatic music

• Will be able to assimilate musical concepts with other disciplines
• Will be able to develop a scientific approach in all aspects through the systematic training opportunities offered during teaching – learning process
• Will be able to appreciate music as a career oriented subject

CARNATIC MUSIC - VOCAL Subject Code – 031 Class- XI (2026-27)

Assessment Design

Sr.no Component Marks

Α Theory 30

В Practical 50

C Internal Assessment 20

Curriculum & Examination Structure

(A)Theory

Max. Marks: 30

Time: 2 Hours

History and Theory of Indian Music

1. An Outline knowledge of the following Lakshana Grantha- Natyasastra and Chaturdandi Prakasika.
2. Short Life-sketchand of the following composers- Purandaradasa, Tyagaraja, Muthuswamy Dikshitar, Syama Sastri, and Swati Tirunal.
3. A Study of the lakshanas of musical forms: Varnam, kriti, Kirtana, Swarajati,
4. Definition and explanation of the following terms: Nada, shruti, vadi:- samvadi:- vivadi:- Anuvadi:- Amsa, Nyasa, jaati, raga,tala, jati, yati, Dhatu, Matu
5. Candidate should be able to write in notation of the Varnams in the prescribed ragas
6. Brief lakshanas of the ragas prescribed. Excluding Dhanyasi, Bhairavi & Kambhoji.
7. Brief introduction to Manodharma Sangitam
8. Talas Prescribed: Adi, Roopaka, Mishra & Khanda chapu

1. Practical

Max. Marks: 50

Practical Activites Marks

1. Ragas prescribed for composition: Sankarabharanam, Kharaharapriya, Kalyani, Mohanam, Bilahari, Madhyamavati, 14 Arabhi, Anandabhairavi, Kanada, Vasanta & Simhendra Madhyamam.
2. Varnams (at least 2) in Aditala in two degrees of speed. 10
3. Kriti / Kirtana in the prescribed ragas covering the main talas Adi, 10 Rupakam.
4. Brief alapana of the ragas prescribed. 8
5. Kalpana Swaras in Adi and Rupaka tala rendered in two 8 degrees of speed

Total 50

*Teachers will refer to the distribution of Marks while examining the candidate for practical examination.

(C) Internal Assessment

Max. Marks: 20

1. Project -File

(05 Marks)

Writing in notation the musical compositions of all Ragas prescribed in the syllabus.

<math>\blacktriangle</math> Identifying the Tala of musical compositions.

Drawing and labelling the various parts of any percussion instrument.

Identifying and interviewing any neighborhood Artists.

2. Project work

(05 Marks)

Analyse the style of any two contemporary musicians in classical music concert.

1. Periodic practical Test, restricted to three in an Academic year. (10 Marks) Average of best two tests to be taken for final marks submission. Each test will examine a candidate for one Raga from the syllabus, one Varnam and a Kriti.