Hindustani Music — Syllabus & Chapters

The complete syllabus for Hindustani Music — every chapter you need to study, and how the exam paper is structured.

What you will study (chapters)

Chapter 1: Vocal Music Theory Terms and Detailed Topics
Chapter 2: Class IX and X Ragas: Description and Identification
Chapter 3: Class IX and X Taals: Notation and Layakari
Chapter 4: Bhatkhande Notation and Vocal Compositions
Chapter 5: Vocal Music Personalities and Tanpura
Chapter 6: Vocal Music Practical Performance
Chapter 7: Instrumental Music Theory Terms and Detailed Topics
Chapter 8: Instrument Origin, Handling, Tuning and Diagram
Chapter 9: Class IX and X Ragas for Instrumental Music
Chapter 10: Class IX and X Taals for Instrumental Music
Chapter 11: Instrumental Notation, Gats and Raga Identification
Chapter 12: Instrumental Music Personalities and Practical Performance
Chapter 13: Tabla Theory Terms and Detailed Topics
Chapter 14: Tabla Varnas, Taal Jaati System, Solo and Sangat
Chapter 15: Tabla Taals: Notation, Layakari and Identification
Chapter 16: Tabla Parts, Tuning and Eminent Percussionists
Chapter 17: Tabla Practical Technique and Taal Development
Chapter 18: Tabla Padhant and Accompaniment
Chapter 19: Practical Work in Music
Chapter 20: Performance Assessment and Viva Preparation

Frequently asked questions

How many chapters are there in Hindustani Music?

The Hindustani Music syllabus has 20 chapters, listed in full above. Cover the high-weightage chapters first using the exam pattern as a guide.

How do I know which Hindustani Music chapters carry the most marks?

Compare the chapter list above with the exam pattern and the last few years of question papers — the topics that appear most often and the units with the highest marks are where to focus first. Always confirm weightage against the official syllabus for your exam year.

Has the Hindustani Music syllabus changed this year?

Boards occasionally revise the syllabus or remove topics for a session. Always download the official syllabus for your exact exam year from the official ICSE & ISC portal rather than relying on an older copy or a social-media list.

How can I prepare for Hindustani Music faster?

Begin with the most-frequently-asked topics and the last few years of question papers, then test yourself under timed conditions. If you want guided help, you can use the free AI study tutor for Hindustani Music — practise past-paper questions and get instant feedback — or a focused Hindustani Music study guide that condenses the syllabus into the topics that matter most — both are free to start.