Indian Music (Hindustani) — Syllabus & Chapters

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

What you will study (chapters)

Chapter 1: Introduction to Musical Terms
Chapter 2: Forms of Composition: Khayal
Chapter 3: Introduction to Ragas: Yaman, Bhupali, Khamaj, Bhairav and Desh
Chapter 4: Taal and Taal-lipi: Teentaal, Dadra, Kaharwa and Jhaptaal
Chapter 5: Swarlipi of Chota Khayal
Chapter 6: Eminent Musicians of Hindustani Music
Chapter 7: Topics of General Interest Related to Music
Chapter 8: Vocal Practical: Raga Demonstration, Taal Recitation, Alankars and Song
Chapter 9: Introduction to Musical Terms
Chapter 10: Types and Techniques of String Instruments
Chapter 11: Introduction to Ragas: Yaman, Bhupali, Khamaj, Bhairav and Desh
Chapter 12: Taal and Taal-lipi: Teentaal, Dadra, Kaharwa and Jhaptaal
Chapter 13: Swarlipi of Razakhani or Drut Gat
Chapter 14: Eminent Musicians of Hindustani Music
Chapter 15: Topics of General Interest Related to Music
Chapter 16: Instrumental Practical: Raga Demonstration, Taal Recitation, Alankars and Dhun
Chapter 17: Eminent Musicians of Hindustani Music
Chapter 18: Terms Related to Tabla
Chapter 19: Taal and Taal-lipi: Teentaal, Ektaal, Chaartaal, Rupak and Tivra
Chapter 20: Five Pranas of Taal
Chapter 21: Syllables of Tabla
Chapter 22: Topics of General Interest Related to Music
Chapter 23: Tabla Practical: Talas, Compositions, Syllables, Accompaniment and Lehra

Frequently asked questions

How many chapters are there in Indian Music (Hindustani)?

The Indian Music (Hindustani) syllabus has 23 chapters, listed in full above. Cover the high-weightage chapters first using the exam pattern as a guide.

How do I know which Indian Music (Hindustani) 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 Indian Music (Hindustani) 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 Indian Music (Hindustani) 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 Indian Music (Hindustani) — practise past-paper questions and get instant feedback — or a focused Indian Music (Hindustani) study guide that condenses the syllabus into the topics that matter most — both are free to start.