CBSE Class 12 Music & Dance Syllabus 2025–26 | NCERT
CBSE Class 12 – Music (Vocal / Instrumental) or Dance Syllabus (2025–26)
Class: XII
Subject: Music (Hindustani Vocal / Carnatic Vocal / Instrumental) OR Dance (Kathak / Bharatnatyam / Odissi / Kuchipudi / Manipuri)
Board: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
📝 CBSE Class 12 Music / Dance – Question Pattern & Marking Scheme (2025–26)
Theory Examination
- Maximum Marks: 30
- Time: 1½ Hours
Practical Examination
- Maximum Marks: 70
Assessment Structure
- Theory: Short/long answer questions on terminology, notation, history, composers/gurus, forms and styles (as per option chosen).
- Practical: Performance, repertoire, technique, tala/laya/abhinaya (as applicable), viva-voce, and record/portfolio.
✔ Practical conducted by internal & external examiners
✔ Portfolio/record and viva-voce are compulsory
✔ Syllabus strictly based on NCERT/CBSE guidelines for the chosen option
🎶 Option A: Music (Vocal / Instrumental) – Syllabus (NCERT 2025–26)
| Unit | Area / Chapter | Learning Outcomes / Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Ragas Prescribed | Detailed study and performance of prescribed ragas with aroh-avroh, pakad and bandish/gat. |
| Unit 2 | Talas Prescribed | Understanding and demonstration of prescribed talas with thekas and layakari basics. |
| Unit 3 | Forms & Styles | Knowledge of khayal/dhrupad/varnam/krithi (as applicable) and stylistic features. |
| Unit 4 | Music Notation & Terminology | Ability to write/read notation and explain key musical terms. |
| Unit 5 | History of Indian Music | Overview of music evolution, gharanas/banis, and important musicians. |
| Unit 6 | Practical Performance | Solo performance on voice/instrument with clarity of swara, laya and expression. |
💃 Option B: Dance – Syllabus (NCERT 2025–26)
| Unit | Area / Chapter | Learning Outcomes / Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Technique & Vocabulary | Mastery of basic technique, terminology and movements of the chosen dance form. |
| Unit 2 | Repertoire | Performance of prescribed items such as alarippu, varnam, thaat, tukras, abhinaya pieces. |
| Unit 3 | Rhythm & Tala | Understanding of talas, layas and rhythmic patterns used in performance. |
| Unit 4 | Abhinaya & Expression | Development of facial expression, body language and storytelling skills. |
| Unit 5 | History & Tradition | Knowledge of origin, evolution, gurus, costumes and musical accompaniment. |
| Unit 6 | Practical Performance | Stage performance, presentation, confidence and aesthetic sensibility. |
🖌️ Practical Examination Components (70 Marks)
- Solo Performance / Repertoire
- Technical Accuracy & Expression
- Viva-Voce / Theory in Practice
- Record File / Portfolio Submission
Assessment strictly follows CBSE & NCERT practical guidelines for the selected subject and form.
🔍 Related Keyphrases
- CBSE Class 12 Music Syllabus 2025–26
- CBSE Class 12 Dance Syllabus 2025–26
- Class 12 Music Practical Exam Pattern
- Class 12 Dance Practical and Viva
- CBSE Music Dance Portfolio Guidelines
❓ FAQs – CBSE Class 12 Music / Dance
Q1. What is the total marks distribution for Music or Dance?
The subject carries 100 marks — 30 marks theory and 70 marks practical.
Q2. Is practical examination compulsory?
Yes, practical performance, viva-voce and record/portfolio are compulsory.
Q3. Can a student choose either Music or Dance?
Yes, students opt for one subject only (Music Vocal/Instrumental or a specific Dance form).
Q4. Is the syllabus based entirely on NCERT?
Yes, CBSE board examinations are strictly based on NCERT textbooks and CBSE guidelines.
Q5. What is evaluated in the practical exam?
Performance quality, technical accuracy, rhythm, expression, presentation, and understanding of theory.
