Karnataka 2nd PUC Hindustani Music Annual Exam Question Paper 2026 with Model Answers PDF

Karnataka 2nd PUC Hindustani Music Annual Exam Question Paper 2026 with Model Answers PDF: Students can download the Karnataka 2nd PUC Hindustani Music Annual Examination 2026 Question Paper along with its corresponding Scheme of Evaluation. These documents help students understand the examination pattern, revise important music theory, practise Raga and Tala notation, study renowned musicians and prepare for upcoming examinations.

The 2026 II PUC Annual Examination (Exam-1) Hindustani Music question paper carries 40 marks, contains 23 numbered questions and has a duration of 2 hours 15 minutes. The examination was scheduled for 17 March 2026 (Tuesday), from 10:00 AM to 12:15 PM. The question paper applies to Vocal, Tabla and Sitar students and includes Kannada and English versions. A separate two-page Scheme of Evaluation provides objective answers and marking guidance.

Karnataka 2nd PUC Hindustani Music Annual Exam 2026 – Overview

Particulars	Details
Board	Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB)
Examination	Karnataka 2nd PUC (Class 12)
Examination Type	2026 Annual Examination (Exam-1)
Subject	Hindustani Music (ಹಿಂದುಸ್ತಾನಿ ಸಂಗೀತ)
Subject Code	26 (NS)
Exam Date	17 March 2026 (Tuesday)
Exam Time	10:00 AM to 12:15 PM
Maximum Marks	40
Duration	2 Hours 15 Minutes
Total Numbered Questions	23
Main Parts	Part A and Part B
Applicable Students	Vocal, Tabla and Sitar
Question Paper Languages	Kannada and English
Scheme of Evaluation Language	Kannada
Question Paper Pages	8
Scheme of Evaluation Pages	2
Document Format	PDF

Download Hindustani Music Annual Exam Question Paper 2026 with Model Answers PDF

Students can download the original 2026 Hindustani Music question paper and its Scheme of Evaluation separately using the following PDF links.

Document	Download PDF
Hindustani Music Annual Question Paper 2026 8 Pages | 40 Marks | Exam-1	Download Question Paper
Hindustani Music Annual Model Answers 2026 Scheme of Evaluation | 2 Pages	Download Model Answers

Download Note: These links open Google Drive PDF copies supplied for this article. The Scheme of Evaluation provides correct objective answers and criteria for awarding marks in descriptive questions; it does not contain fully written sample essays for every question.

Hindustani Music Annual Exam 2026 Question Paper Pattern

The 2026 Hindustani Music examination is organised into two main parts and seven numbered sections. Part A contains 15 marks of objective questions, while Part B carries 25 marks through music theory, notation, musician biographies and Tala composition.

Part / Section	Question Pattern	Marks
Part A – I	Five multiple-choice questions (Q1–Q5)	5
Part A – II	Five fill-in-the-blanks (Q6–Q10)	5
Part A – III	Five questions with two answer choices (Q11–Q15)	5
Part B – IV	Write a short note on any one topic (Q16–Q17)	5
Part B – V	Raga notation or Dadra Tala notation; attempt one (Q18–Q19)	5
Part B – VI	Write about any one musician (Q20–Q22)	5
Part B – VII	Taal Rachana Siddhant (Q23)	10
Total		40

Important: The paper states that Section V is compulsory, with a choice between Questions 18 and 19. Question 23 is the separate ten-mark question in Section VII. Students should answer one option where the paper provides internal choices.

Part A – Hindustani Music Objective Questions

Part A carries 15 marks and tests understanding of music history, Saptak, Shruti, Swara, Raga, Tala and traditional musical terminology.

Multiple-Choice Questions – Q1 to Q5

The original 2026 question paper contains questions about:

• The famous Sarod player from Karnataka.
• Chanting a mantra using a single Swara.
• The historical popularity of the Dhamar singing style.
• The number of Shrutis in a Saptak.
• The number of Thaats referred to in the question on Carnatic music.

Selected Multiple-Choice Answers

Question	Answer in Scheme of Evaluation
1	Pt. Rajeev Taranath
2	Aarchik
3	18th century
4	22 Shrutis
5	72

The responses above reproduce the answers supplied in the 2026 examination scheme. They should be used in the context of the corresponding questions rather than as general statements about every tradition of Indian music.

Fill-in-the-Blanks – Q6 to Q10

Questions 6 to 10 examine historical musical instruments and important theoretical terms.

The question paper covers:

• Two varieties of Veena associated with the Ramayana period.
• The number of Moorchanas derived from Madhyama Grama.
• The literary work associated with Jayadeva.
• The meaning of Grama.
• The term for Swaras not used in a Raga, according to the prescribed answer scheme.

The corresponding Scheme of Evaluation supplies the reference answers, including seven Moorchanas, Gita Govinda and the terminology prescribed for the remaining questions.

Choose the Correct Answer – Q11 to Q15

Questions 11 to 15 ask students to select one correct answer from two given choices.

Question	Topic	Reference Answer
11	Language of the word Peshkar	Pharsi (Persian)
12	Number of Matras in Choutal	12
13	Period of Sadarang and Adarang	18th century
14	Raga presentation in Hindustani Music	Time-dependent
15	Musical tradition using the term Thaat	Hindustani Music

Preparation Tip: Students should revise important musicians, musical instruments, Shruti and Swara concepts, historical periods and Tala structures. These topics form the foundation for both objective and descriptive questions.

Part B – Short Notes on Tappa and Light Music

Section IV provides Questions 16 and 17. Students must write a short note on any one topic for five marks.

Question 16 – Tappa

Question 16 asks students to write about Tappa, a style within the Hindustani musical tradition.

For preparation, students should revise the definition of the style, its history and origin, characteristic musical features and its place within Hindustani vocal music.

Question 17 – Light Music

Question 17 asks students to write a short note on Light Music.

The Scheme of Evaluation highlights the importance of describing the singing style, its literary and emotional qualities and the kinds of Light Music practised today.

Students should write an organised answer using appropriate musical terminology and examples from the prescribed curriculum.

Five-Mark Short Note Evaluation

The Scheme of Evaluation allocates marks to the relevant definition, origin, historical background, musical characteristics and supporting explanation. Students should therefore avoid writing only a one-line definition.

Section V – Raga and Tala Notation Questions

Section V is compulsory, but students may choose between Question 18 and Question 19. Each option carries five marks.

Question 18 – Raga Parichaya and Swara Lipi

Question 18 asks students to write a Chotakhyal or Rajakhani Gat with Raga introduction using Swara Lipi notation.

The paper provides two Raga options:

• Jeevanpuri, as named in the question paper.
• Madhumad Sarang.

The five-mark allocation is:

Evaluation Component	Marks
Raga introduction (Raga Parichaya)	2
Chotakhyal or Rajakhani Gat	2
Correct Swara Lipi notation	1
Total	5

Students should practise the prescribed Raga details and the corresponding musical notation carefully. The notation should be clear and consistent with the method taught in the syllabus.

Question 19 – Dadra Tala

Question 19 asks students to introduce Dadra Tala and write two Badal Thekas using Tala Lipi notation.

The evaluation scheme allocates:

Evaluation Component	Marks
Description of Tala and construction of two Badal Thekas	3
Correct Tala Lipi notation	2
Total	5

Preparation Tip: Students selecting the Tala option should practise showing the correct arrangement of Matras, Vibhags and Bols using the prescribed notation system.

Section VI – Important Hindustani Musicians

Section VI contains three five-mark biographical questions. Students must write about any one of the following musicians.

Question	Musician
20	Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur
21	Pandit Nikhil Banarji, as spelled in the question paper
22	Pandit Sheshagiri Hanagal

How to Prepare the Five-Mark Biography Answer

The Scheme of Evaluation identifies three important areas:

• Life and Background – 2 Marks: Relevant biographical details, musical training, teachers and family background.
• Musical Achievements – 2 Marks: Important accomplishments, contributions and innovations in music.
• Disciples and Musical Tradition – 1 Mark: The artist's disciples and contribution to preserving the musical tradition.

Students should prepare a structured biography of each prescribed musician. For examination writing, it is important to use accurate information about the artist and describe the significance of their contribution to Hindustani Music.

Question 23 – Taal Rachana Siddhant

Question 23 carries ten marks and asks students to write about Taal Rachana Siddhant, or the principles of Tala composition.

This is the highest-mark question in the 2026 Hindustani Music theory paper and deserves special attention during revision.

Ten-Mark Evaluation Scheme

Evaluation Component	Marks
Introduction to Tala composition principles	2
Importance of Vibhag in Tala	3
Importance or method of assigning Khali and arrangement of Bols	3
Conclusion	2
Total	10

The Scheme of Evaluation assigns separate marks to these components. Students should therefore develop a complete answer, rather than writing only the definition of Tala.

Important Concepts for Revision

• Tala: The rhythmic cycle that organises musical time.
• Matra: A rhythmic count or unit within a Tala.
• Vibhag: A division or grouping of Matras within a rhythmic cycle.
• Sam: The principal starting or meeting point of a Tala cycle.
• Khali: The unaccented division identified in traditional Tala notation.
• Bol: The syllables used to represent percussion strokes.
• Theka: The characteristic arrangement of Bols used to express a Tala.

Students should practise explaining how Vibhag, Khali and Bol arrangements contribute to a structured Tala composition, using examples appropriate to their prescribed syllabus.

What Is Included in the Hindustani Music Model Answers 2026?

The two-page Scheme of Evaluation accompanying the Hindustani Music Annual Examination 2026 provides the answer key for objective questions and the marking criteria for descriptive questions.

It covers:

• Correct responses to five multiple-choice questions.
• Answers to five fill-in-the-blank questions.
• Correct selections for Questions 11 to 15.
• Marking guidance for Tappa and Light Music short notes.
• Marks allocation for Raga introduction and Swara Lipi.
• Marking guidance for Dadra Tala and Tala Lipi.
• Components expected in musician biographies.
• Detailed ten-mark distribution for Taal Rachana Siddhant.

Important Clarification: The Scheme of Evaluation is not a complete collection of fully written descriptive answers. For the longer questions, it primarily identifies the areas and components for which marks should be awarded.

Important Hindustani Music Topics for Revision

Based on the 2026 Annual Examination, students should revise:

• Music History: Historical periods, musical styles and contributions of notable musicians.
• Music Theory: Shruti, Swara, Saptak, Grama and Moorchana.
• Raga Theory: Raga Parichaya, time of performance and prescribed Raga structures.
• Vocal Music: Tappa, Light Music and Chotakhyal.
• Instrumental Music: Rajakhani Gat and instrumental notation.
• Tala Theory: Dadra, Choutal, Matras, Vibhags and Thekas.
• Musical Notation: Swara Lipi and Tala Lipi.
• Musician Biographies: Mallikarjun Mansur, Nikhil Banarji and Sheshagiri Hanagal.
• Tala Composition: Taal Rachana Siddhant, Khali and Bol arrangement.

These topics were identified from the 2026 question paper and should not be treated as predictions of future examination questions.

How to Practise the 2026 Hindustani Music Question Paper

1. Download the eight-page Hindustani Music Annual Exam Question Paper 2026.
2. Select the Kannada or English version and read the instructions.
3. Revise musical terminology, artists and important historical facts.
4. Practise the objective questions without checking the answer key.
5. Prepare short notes on Tappa and Light Music.
6. Practise the prescribed Raga notation and Dadra Tala notation.
7. Revise the biographies and musical contributions of the three specified artists.
8. Prepare a complete ten-mark answer on Taal Rachana Siddhant.
9. Complete the paper within 2 hours 15 minutes.
10. Compare the answers with the Scheme of Evaluation and revise weak areas.

Study Tip: Pay particular attention to the five-mark musical-notation section and the ten-mark Tala-composition question. Together they account for 15 of the 40 marks in this examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the subject code for Karnataka 2nd PUC Hindustani Music?

The subject code printed on the 2026 Annual Examination question paper is 26 (NS).

How many questions are there in the 2026 Hindustani Music paper?

The paper contains 23 numbered questions, including groups providing internal choices.

What are the maximum marks and exam duration?

The examination carries 40 marks and has a duration of 2 hours 15 minutes.

Is the same question paper used for Vocal, Tabla and Sitar students?

Yes. The original question paper states that it applies to Vocal, Tabla and Sitar students.

Which section is compulsory in the paper?

The instructions specifically identify Section V as compulsory. Students choose one of Questions 18 and 19 within that section. Question 23 is the ten-mark question in Section VII.

Are Hindustani Music Model Answers available for 2026?

Yes. The corresponding two-page Scheme of Evaluation provides objective answers and marks-allocation guidance for the descriptive sections.

Is the Scheme of Evaluation available in English?

The supplied Scheme of Evaluation is in Kannada, although it contains some English headings and terminology. The question paper itself includes both Kannada and English versions.

Is this the Hindustani Music Model Question Paper 2026–27?

No. This article provides the 2026 Annual Examination (Exam-1) question paper and its evaluation scheme. The 2026–27 model question papers are separate preparation resources.

More Karnataka 2nd PUC Practice Papers

Students can also download the Karnataka 2nd PUC Hindustani Music Model Question Papers 2026–27 – MQP 1 to 5.

For subject-wise preparation resources, visit the Karnataka 2nd PUC Model Question Papers 2027 – All Subjects collection.

Students can also practise the Sanskrit Annual Exam Question Paper 2026 with Model Answers.

For language subjects, visit the Optional Kannada Annual Exam Question Paper 2026 with Model Answers.

Students can also download the Business Studies Annual Exam Question Paper 2026 with Model Answers.

Official KSEAB Examination Information

For official examination notifications, question papers, model answers, timetables and corrections, students should refer to the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board.

Visit the Official KSEAB Website

Students should refer to the board's original documents for authoritative examination instructions, syllabus details and updates.

Source Note: The subject details, question pattern, marks distribution and study topics are based on the supplied KSEAB Hindustani Music Annual Examination 2026 Question Paper and Scheme of Evaluation. The examination date follows the KSEAB-issued 2026 Exam-1 final timetable. The separate PDF download links are Google Drive copies supplied for this article.

Disclaimer: PediaWikiBlog is an independent educational information website and is not affiliated with the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB). This article is intended for educational and examination-preparation purposes. Students should verify official instructions, notifications and corrections through the KSEAB website.