Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal 

Tabla Prarambhik Exam Syllabus 

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Introduction 
Traditionally, classical music has been taught in person, and now-a-days 
through online video conferencing using skype. We enable music students to learn from 
their home using these self paced tutorials. At ​www.tablatutor.com​, we offer tabla lessons 
online, which include pre-recorded, step by step sessions along with notes. The language 
used is easy and can be comprehended by students of all age ranges. The sessions are 
detailed so that students do not miss any critical information necessary to play the tabla. 
We also highlight information that students need to focus on, while practicing offline 
without a teacher being present.  

The Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal (ABGMV) is an 

organization that works for the promotion and propagation of Indian Classical Music and 
Dance forms. Apart from conducting classical music classes through affiliated centers 
throughout the world, it conducts exams for different forms of classical art. These exams 
are conducted twice a year and give a very organised plan for students to learn and grasp 
various concepts.  

The Prarambhik exam conducted by ABGMV for Tabla, is an elementary 

level exam meant to introduce the student to the basics of tabla. It helps the student 
understand concepts like Sam, taal, laya along with basic compositions. 

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Visit w
​ ww.tablatutor.com​ exams section to get the online video lectures for Prarambhik 
exam. 

Syllabus for Tabla Prarambhik exam  

Total Marks: 50, Minimum: 18 

Theory (Oral): 10 marks 

● Matraa 
● Taal 
● Sam 
● Taali 
● Khaali 
● Vibhaag/Khanda 
● Dugun 
● Avartan 

Practical: 40 marks 

1. Explain the various parts of a Tabla and its function. 

2. Recite the following Taals in thaha (single), Dugun (Double) on your hand indicating 
the Taali and Khaali: 
Teentaal 
Jhaptal 
Dadra 
Keherwa 
3. Recite and Play Roopak OR Teevra in the normal tempo 
4. Taal Vistaar (Improvisations/variations) 
One “Tita” & one “Tirakita” kaida with three paltas (variations) and Tihaai 
Minimum one sum- to-sum Tihaai in Teental and Jhaptaal 

 
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