ISC 2026 Indian Music (Hindustani) Improvement Examination Question Paper for Class 12

About this paper

This is ISC Class 12 Indian Music (Hindustani) Paper 1 (Theory), code 872A, from the 2026 Improvement Examination set by CISCE. It carries 70 marks and allows three hours plus fifteen minutes of reading time. Candidates answer all twelve questions from only one of three electives: Instrumental, Vocal or Tabla. Each elective has a 14-mark Section A, seven four-mark questions in Section B and four seven-mark questions in Section C, with internal choices in two Section B questions and one Section C question. One passage is on a Kirana gharana khayal singer; the Tabla elective has a separate passage on a Moradabad tabla player known for his finger technique. Another question asks how social media and music apps can preserve classical music. This copy is questions only.

Exam

ISC Class 12

Subject

Indian Music (Hindustani)

Year

2026

Paper code

872A

Maximum marks

70

Time allowed

3 hours + 15 min reading

Questions

12

Pages

12

Answers included

No, questions only

Paper pattern

• Section A

  14 marks

  Question 1: 14 one-mark parts in the chosen elective — Instrumental, Vocal or Tabla — including true-or-false and multiple choice

• Section B

  28 marks

  Questions 2–8, four marks each, in the chosen elective; internal choice in two questions

• Section C

  28 marks

  Questions 9–12, seven marks each, in the chosen elective; internal choice in one question

Topics covered

• Hindustani and Carnatic systems
• Vikrit swar and shruti
• Ragas Malkauns, Bihag, Kafi and Bhairavi
• Thaats of Pandit Bhatkhande
• Maseetkhani gat and Razakhani gat
• Sankeerna and chhayalag ragas
• Naad, laya, gamak and kan
• Jhala and toda
• Dhamar and the Holi festival
• Kirana gharana
• Tabla taal, rela and tihai
• Tabla in fusion music

Questions from this paper

1. What is naad? Briefly explain the types of naad.
2. What is a sankeerna raga? Give one example.
3. How are the seven shuddha swars placed on the twenty-two shrutis?
4. Compare jhala and toda in instrumental music.
5. Discuss how social media and music apps can help preserve the tradition of classical music in India.
6. Discuss the role and relevance of the tabla in fusion music.