PSEB SS Gurmat Sangeet exam-day guide
PSEB SS Gurmat Sangeet · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admit card / hall ticket
Print a physical copy and keep it in a clear plastic folder. PSEB may require a printed copy; confirm with the provider whether a digital copy is accepted.
Government-issued photo ID
Carry the original ID (Aadhaar, passport, school ID if specified). Photocopies are usually not accepted. Confirm the exact accepted ID list with the provider.
Your own instrument (taus, sarangi, dilruba, or harmonium as applicable)
Label the case and bring your own instrument if the provider allows it. Confirm with the provider whether instruments are provided or you must bring your own, and whether a tanpura drone is available.
Instrument accessories and spares
Strings, reeds, rosin, tuning key, small screwdriver, and a spare set. Pack them in a small pouch so nothing rolls away during setup.
Tanpura / drone source
If you use an electronic tanpura, carry it with fresh batteries and a charger. Confirm with the provider whether electronic drones are permitted in the exam room.
Notation or composition sheets (if permitted)
Bring clean, legible copies of the shabad or composition you will perform. Confirm with the provider whether written notes may be placed on the music stand during the practical.
Water bottle and throat lozenges
Room-temperature water only; avoid cold drinks before singing. Keep lozenges unwrapped and quiet to open.
Simple, modest clothing
Wear clothing that lets you sit cross-legged comfortably and does not restrict arm movement. Avoid loose sleeves that can catch strings.
Arrive-early plan
Note the reporting time and the exact venue, and plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes early. Confirm reporting time and venue with the provider; do not rely on second-hand messages.
Backup transport and contact number
Save the exam centre contact and a local emergency contact. Have a backup route in case of traffic or transport disruption.
Physical warm-up routine written down
Carry a small card with your warm-up sequence (breathing, sargam, palte) so you can run it quietly before your turn.
Provider instructions on recording devices
Confirm with the provider whether phones, smartwatches, or recording devices must be switched off or surrendered at the door. Do not assume they are allowed.
Plan the day
Run two full mock practicals under timed conditions: enter, tune, announce the raag and taal, perform, and stop. Record yourself and listen back once, noting only two or three fixes. Do not try to learn new material at this stage.
Confirm logistics in writing: venue, reporting time, instrument policy, ID requirements, and whether a tanpura or drone is provided. If any answer is unclear, confirm with the provider rather than guessing.
Service your instrument: replace old strings, check pegs and bridges, test the electronic tanpura and batteries. Play each scale you will use so tuning is quick on the day.
Do a light practice only: slow sargam, long tones, and one run-through of each piece at performance tempo. Stop singing or playing at least several hours before bedtime to protect your voice and hands.
Pack the instrument case and accessory pouch, print the admit card and ID copies, and lay out clothing. Charge phone and any electronic drone; pack a power bank if permitted.
Eat normally, avoid very spicy or cold food, and get a full night's sleep. Do not practise late into the night.
Eat a light, familiar breakfast and hydrate gradually. Do 10–15 minutes of gentle breathing and humming, then a short sargam warm-up - enough to wake the voice, not enough to tire it.
Re-check the instrument, spare strings, and drone batteries. Leave with buffer time; aim to reach the venue area early rather than exactly at reporting time.
On entering, greet the examiners respectfully, place your instrument, and tune calmly. Announce the raag, taal, and composition briefly if the format expects it. If you make a mistake, keep the laya steady and continue; do not restart unless asked.
Follow the examiners' instructions exactly - they may ask for a specific ang, a particular sthai, or a section again. Keep answers about theory short and precise, and demonstrate rather than lecture when asked to show something.
At the end, thank the examiners, pack your instrument carefully, and leave quietly without discussing your performance with other candidates in the corridor.
Rules to check
Carry the original photo ID and printed admit card; the name and details must match your application. If you are unsure which IDs are accepted, confirm with the provider before the exam day.
Arrive by the reporting time stated on your admit card. Late entry, rescheduling, and re-examination policies vary; confirm with the provider rather than assuming you will be admitted late.
Mobile phones, smartwatches, and recording devices are commonly restricted in exam halls. Confirm with the provider what must be switched off or deposited, and follow the invigilator's instruction.
Perform only the raags, taals, and compositions permitted by the syllabus or instructed by the examiners. Do not substitute a piece you have not prepared according to the prescribed format.
Maintain respectful conduct with examiners, invigilators, and other candidates. Do not prompt, signal, or discuss performed material with candidates who have not yet appeared.
If you need water, a brief rest, or a toilet break, ask the invigilator quietly. Break rules differ by centre; confirm with the provider whether breaks are allowed during the practical.
Marks are awarded by the examiners against the published practical criteria for the grade. Do not ask examiners to reveal marks or re-evaluate during the session; result and rechecking procedures must be confirmed with the provider.
Follow the provider's instructions on instrument setup and room arrangement. If you require any accommodation, request it in advance; on-the-day requests may not be possible.