CBSE Class 12 Carnatic Vocal Syllabus 2026-27

CARNATIC MUSIC - VOCAL Subject Code – 031 Class- XII (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.

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- XII (2026-27)

<u>Assessment Design</u>

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 Grandhas Sangita
2. Saramrita, Sangita Sampradaya Pradarsini, Svaramelakalanidhi, Raga Vibodha, Brihaddesi.
3. Short life sketch and contributions of the following: Annamacharya, Kshetrajna, Swati Tirunal, Gopalakrishna Bharati, Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer, Patanam Subramanya Iyer. Ramnad Srinivasa Iyenger, Mysore Vasudevachar.
4. A study of musical forms: Kriti, Padam, Javali, Tiruppugazh, Ragamalika.
5. Detailed study of Manodharma Sangita
6. Definition and explanation of the following:- Janaka- Janyaragas, Bhashanga, Upanga, Varja, Vakra ragas, Arudi, Eduppu, Prabandham, Grama, Murchana, Jaati.
7. Lakshanas of the ragas prescribed in practical activity
8. Candidates should be able to write in notation of the kirtana in the prescribed ragas.
9. Brief description of concert instruments, their construction techniques of playing.
10. Classification of Musical Instruments in general.

1. Practical Max. Marks: 50

1. Ragas prescribed: Pantuvarali, Todi, Nata, Goula, Sri, Saveri, Kedaragaula, Purvikalyani, Mohanam, Keeravani, Ritigoula .
2. One varnam in Atatala in two degrees of speed.
3. Alapana of the ragas prescribed.
4. Compositions in authentic tradition atleast one each in the prescribe ragascovering musical forms, kritis, Padams, Javalis, Tillanas and Raga malikas.
5. Niraval and kalpana svaras in Adi, Rupaka, and ChapuTalas inonly firstdegree of speed.
6. One Simple Pallavi (R.T.P) in adi or Khanda Triputa Tala with Trikalamonly.
7. Knowledge of tuning tambura.

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

1. Internal Assessment

Max. Marks: 20

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

GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATION OF PRACTICALS

Practical

Duration: 30 to 45 minutes Per candidate

Max. Marks: 50

General Instructions:

1. Before starting the test, the candidate may be asked to submit a list of what they have been taught from the syllabus.
2. Examiners are expected to ask questions which have direct relevance with the course and syllabus.
3. Award of marks should be in accordance with the marking scheme.

Sr.No Value Point Marks

1. For tuning the Tambura/drone and questions related to it 05
2. One Ata Tala Varnam in two degrees of speed 05
3. One kriti as per the choice of the candidate with all 05 Manodharma aspects
4. One kriti with Manodharma aspects as per the choice of 10 the examiners
5. One post Pallavi item 04
6. Testing the knowledge on prescribed raga lakshanas 04
7. Testing the knowledge of prescribed Talas 04
8. Testing the knowledge of various type of Musical forms 04 learnt
9. Examine the svarajnanam of the candidate. 04
10. Presentation of the Pallavi Learnt. 05 50

Note: 20 marks for internal assessment & Project work. External examiners have to be arranged for 50 marks for the practical examination.