CBSE Class XII Music Tips: “30 minutes of daily riyaz can make a significant difference”

As the CBSE Board Examinations draw closer, Class 12 students appearing for Music (Hindustani) need a smart, practice-led approach that balances theory, practical performance and viva preparation. Based on an exclusive interaction with Dr. Mamta Sharma, H.O.D. Music, Apeejay School, Noida, here is a focused CBSE Class 12 board exam strategy to help students perform confidently in both written and practical exams.

Understand, Don’t Memorise Ragās

According to Dr. Sharma, students should avoid blind memorisation. “First understand the thaat, jaati, vadi–samvadi, and aroh–avaroh of the raga,” she explains. She advises breaking notations into small phrases of swaras and learning them step by step. Writing the notation daily from memory and self-correcting is one of the most effective last minute revision CBSE Class 12 techniques for Music.

Daily Riyaz Is Non-Negotiable

For students preparing for board exams, 30 minutes of daily riyaz can make a significant difference. Dr. Sharma recommends:

• 3 minutes of Shadaj sadhana in aakar
• 5 minutes of alankars in swar and aakar
• 10–15 minutes of one syllabus raga, including aalap, taans, chhota and bada khayal
• Practice of Dhrupad/Dhamar with layakari
• One taal daily on hand with taali and khali

“This routine helps in both theory and practical exams,” she says—making it part of the best revision plan for CBSE Class 12 exams.

Smart Viva Preparation

For viva, Dr. Sharma stresses clarity and confidence. Students must revise all syllabus ragas in detail—pakad, nyas swar, time of singing, and jaati. They should also practise recognising ragas and talas, performing thekas with dugun and chaugun, and using correct musical terminology. “Take a breath before answering and speak calmly,” she advises.

Focus on High-Scoring Areas

In practical exams, raga presentation carries maximum weightage. Correct pronunciation, staying within the raga, and confident singing are crucial. “One clean, expressive raga scores more than a complex but incorrect one,” Dr. Sharma notes. Talas are compulsory and scoring—master them well. These areas also appear in theory papers, making them vital CBSE exam day strategy tips.

Avoid Common Theory Mistakes

Students often lose marks due to poor presentation and time management. Dr. Sharma cautions against incorrect symbols, untidy answers and overwriting. “Write definitions with examples, manage time wisely, and never leave an answer blank,” she says—key advice on how to attempt the CBSE board exam paper effectively.

With disciplined practice, clear concepts and confident presentation, students can turn Music into a high-scoring subject in the CBSE board exams.