CBSE Class 10 Sample Paper 2026 for Carnatic Music Instrumental, Percussion, Vocal

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SAMPLE
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2026

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CARNATIC MUSIC - MELODIC INSTRUMENT CODE-032
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER*
CLASS X (2025-26)

Time allowed: 2 hrs. Maximum Marks: 30
General Instructions
● Section-A
Attempt all Questions (Each Question carries 1 mark)
● Section-B
Attempt all Questions (Each Question carries 2 Marks)
● Section-C
Attempt all Questions (Each Question carries 6 Marks)

S.N SECTION-A Marks
o.

1. Which variety of Raga has omitted certain swaras in its scale? 1
A. Varjya
B. Vakra
C. Janaka
D. Janya

2. Identify a Bhashanga Raga from the following: 1
A. Kambhoji
B. Nata
C. Saveri
D. Abhogi

3. How is Bhashanga Swara in indicated in writing notation? 1
A. By putting one dot below
B. By putting one star sign above
C. By putting one dot above
D. By putting two dots below

1

4. Select the ninth chakra from the following: 1
A. Vasu
B. Aditya
C. Rudra
D. Barhmam

5. Select the musical form which has only swaras: 1
A. Geetam
B. Varnam
C. Jati Swaram
D. Keertanam

6. Choose the correct statement: 1
I. A raga with unsystematic progression is known as varjya raga.
II. Veena has 9 strings in total.
III. Lalgudi Jayaraman was a prominent violinist.
IV. Flute is made with bamboo.

A. I & II
B. I & III
C. III & IV
D. II & IV

7. Match List I with List II 1

List I List II

a. Violin i Rajaratnam Pillai
b. Flute. ii. M.S Gopala Krishnam
c. Veena. iii. T.R Mahalingam
d. Nagaswaram. iv. S. Balachandar

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. a-iv, b-ii, c-i, d-iii
B. a-i, b-ii, c-iii, d-iv
C. a-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-i
D. a-iv, b-iii, c-ii, d-i

2

8. Statement I: Govindacharya made the scheme of 72 melakarta as we 1
find it today.
Statement II: 72 melakartas are the scale out of which many other ragas
have been derived.

Choose the correct option:

A. Statement I & II are both true
B. Statement I & II are both false
C. Statement I is true but II is false
D. Statement I is false but II is true

SECTION-B

9 A. Define Vakra raga with suitable example. 2
(OR)
B. Write the swarasthanas of Sriranjani

10. A. Define Muktayi swaram. 2
(OR)
B. Explain Bhashanga swaram.

11. A. Describe ‘Katapayadi’ formula briefly. 2
(OR)
B. What is the difference between Pada Varnam and Tana Varnam?

12. A. Explain the term ‘Sangati’ 2
(OR)
B. Write the Anga of Rupaka Tala with Akshara Kala.

13. A. On which swaras are the strings of the Tanpura tuned? 2
(OR)
B. Differentiate between raga Harikambhoji and Kambhoji .

SECTION-C

14. A. Write Raga Lakshana of Hindolam in 50-100 words 6
(OR)
B. Write the notation of uttaranga of any Adi Tala Varnam of your choice

3

15. A. Describe the arrangement of 72 Mela Karta Scheme in brief. 6
(OR)
B. “Melodic instruments are those which connect the swaras and ragas in
Carnatic music, which express the beauty of music through melody. The
instruments are mainly Tata and Sushira varieties of musical instruments.
Each instrument has got its own speciality in developing and resonating
the sound, which is produced through strings, reads, holes, etc.
India has got the highest variety of melody instruments in the world.”

After reading the above passage, write the construction and playing
technique of any musical instrument of your choice with suitable Sanchara
of your choice of Raga in 50-100 words.

4

CARNATIC MUSIC - PERCUSSION – Code No. 033
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER*
CLASS X (2025-26)

Time allowed: 2 hrs. Maximum Marks: 30

General Instructions
 Section-A
Attempt all Questions (Each Question carries 1 mark)
 Section-B
Attempt all Questions (Each Question carries 2 Marks)
 Section-C
Attempt all Questions (Each Question carries 6 Marks)

S.No. SECTION-A Marks

1. As its name suggests, a Mridangam is made of which of the following:- 1
A. Metal
B. Wood
C. Clay
D. Rubber

2. The black paste on the right side of a Mridangam is known as:- 1
A. Putti
B. Karanai
C. Mavu
D. Kittan

3. What is the Akshara kala of the anga- ‘Guru’? 1
A. 4
B. 16
C. 8
D. 32

4. How many Jaati and Gati are there? 1
A. Three
B. Four
C. Five
D. Six

1

5. What is Aakshara Kala of Mishra Jati Triputa Tala? 1
A. Eight
B. Nine
C. Ten
D. Eleven

6. Choose the correct statement. 1
I. The Mridangam used for male pitch is longer and broader
II. The left head of Mridangam is tuned to tonic note of the Performer
III. Stone used to insert in the strap of Mridangam to increase the Pitch.
IV. Minor adjustments in the pitch is made by applying water on the trunk
of mridangam

A. I & II only
B. I & III only
C. II & III only
D. III & IV only

7. Match List I with List II 1

List I List II
a. Laghu i. 1
b. Drutam ii. 12
c. Anudrutam iii. 4
d. Plutam iv. 2
Choose
A. the correct answer from the options given below:

A. a-ii, b-iii, c-i, d-iv
B. a-iii, b-iv, c-i, d-ii
C. a-iv, b-iii, c-ii, d-i
D. a-iii, b-iv, c-ii, d-i

2

8. Statement I: Palghat Mani Iyer has started the Tanjavur School of 1
Mridangam Playing
Statement II: Pudukotai Dakshina moorthy Pillai introduced Kanjira

Choose the correct option:
A. Statement I & II are both true
B. Statement I & II are both false
C. Statement I is true but II is false
D. Statement I is false but II is true
SECTION-B
9. 2
A. Define Pharan briefly
(OR)
B. Mention the name of Shadangas

10. 2
A. Define the Term “Tattakaram”.
(OR)
B. Explain the term Konnakkol.

11. 2
A. What is Varu ?
(OR)
B. Write a brief note on Kappi Mridangam.

12. A. Explain the term- “Chapu” in a sentence or two. 2
(OR)
B. Enumerate different schools of Mridangam.

13. 2
A. Define the term “Tani-Avartanam.”
(OR)
B. Which are the different skins used for Maridangam- making?.

3

SECTION-C
14. 6
A. With the help of a diagram, explain the construction of the instrument you
have opted for.
(OR)
B. Notate a simple Korvai set to Adi Tala.
15. 6
A. Write briefly about the life sketch and contribution of Palghat Mani Iyer.
(OR)
B. “Mridagam is belived to be an ancient instrument in music and continued
to play in Carnatic music.There are several other Percussive
instruments used in Carnatic music, but Maridagam is considered to be
the prime accompaniment in the concert Platform.”
After reading the above passage, write a creative note describing “How
mridagam reigns supreme in a Carnatic music concert”.

4

CARNATIC MUSIC – VOCAL - Code No. 031
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER*
CLASS X (2025-26)

Time allowed: 2 hrs. Maximum Marks: 30

General Instructions:
 Section-A
Attempt all Questions (Each Question carries 1 mark)
 Section-B
Attempt all Questions (Each Question carries 2 Marks)
 Section-C
Attempt all Questions (Each Question carries 6 Marks)

S.No. SECTION-A Marks

1. Select the Shadava raga from the following: 1
A. Suddha Dhanyasi
B. Sri Ranjani
C. Suddha Saveri
D. Ananda Bhairavi

2. Select the musical form which comes in both Abhyasa gana and Sabha 1
gana:
A. Padam
B. Varnam
C. Kriti
D. Geetam
3. To increase speed of a phrase, which of the following is used in notation: 1
A. Put dot over the notes
B. Put dot below the notes
C. Put a line over the notes
D. Put a line below the notes

4. Select the decorative Anga which has jati: 1
A. Muktayi Swaram
B. Solketlu Swaram
C. Chitta Swaram
D. Swara Sahityam

1

5. Who is known as Tamil Tyagaraga? 1
A. Koteeshwara Iyer
B. G. N. Balasubramaniam
C. Gopalakrishna Bharati
D. Papanasam Sivan

6. Choose the correct statement: 1
I. 72 mela karta has got 16 chakras.
II. Dhanyasi is a upanga raga.
III. Varnam is performed in the middle of a musical concert.
IV. Koteeshwara Iyer Composed in Tamil language.
A. I & IV
B. II & III
C. II & IV
D. III & IV

7. Match List I with List II 1

List I List II
a. Chakra i. Sri
b. Boota Samkhya ii. Vanaspati
c. Asampurna mela iii. Veda
d. Sampurna mela iv. Rasa manjari

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. a-iv, b-ii, c-i, d-iii
B. a-iii, b-i, c-iv, d-ii
C. a-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-i
D. a-iv, b-iii, c-ii, d-i

2

8. Statement I: Kanda ganamutam is a set of composition on Lord Muruga. 1
Statement II: G.N. Balasubramaniam is a Pre-Trinity composer
Choose the correct option:

A. Statement I & II are both true
B. Statement I & II are both false
C. Statement I is true but II is false
D. Statement I is false but II is true

SECTION-B
9. A. Define Vakra Raga with example. 2

(OR)
B. Explain Bhashanga Raga with suitable example.

10. 2
A. Describe Bhuta Sankhya of 72 mela karta scheme.
(OR)
B. Mention the names of chakras of 72 melakarta.

11. 2
A. Explain the classification of Geetam.
(OR)
B. Write the angas of Adi Tala.

12. 2
A. Define Janya raga with example.
(OR)
B. Write the classification of varnam with example.

13. 2
A. Explain the term “Mudra” with example.
(OR)
B. Write Swarasthanas of keeravani.

3

SECTION-C
14. A. Write the Raga Lakshana of Kambhoji. 6

(OR)
B. Write the notation of Purvanga of any Varnam of your choice

15. A. Write the life sketch and contribution of Koteesvara Iyer in 50-100 words. 6

(OR)

B. “Kriti is the most prominent musical form in Carnatic music, which comes
under pure music category and the angas like Pallavi, Anupallavi and
Charana. Apart from this Pallavi, Anupallavi and Charana, Kriti admit
several decorative angas like Chittaswaram, Swarasahitya etc. It is the
finest musical composition that a composer can depict with lot of
embellishmnets which consider as supreme in Kalpita Sangita.”

After reading this passage, candidate has to write a critical appreciation
of any kriti that they have learnt.

.

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Study Materials
Notes

Model Papers Class 6 Notes

Sample Papers Class 7 Notes
Half Yearly Sample Papers Class 8 Notes

Class 9 Notes
Important Resources
Class 10 Notes
Periodic Table
Class 11 Notes
Writing Skills / Formats

Maps of India / World Class 12 Notes

Books and Solutions

NCERT Books
NCERT Book Solutions
HC Verma Chapter Wise Solutions
RD Sharma Solutions
CGBSE Solutions