PRASAR BHARATI

(India’s Public Service Broadcaster)

DIRECTORATE GENERAL : ALL INDIA RADIO

NEW DELHI

CENTRAL MUSIC UNIT

***

GENERAL INFORMATION
AND
GUIDELINES

MUSIC AUDITION SYSTEM

OF
ALL INDIA RADIO

1
 INDEX: Page No.

I. Introduction 3

II. Categories for applying for audition 3

III. Audition Boards 5

IV. Method of Audition 6

V. Duration of items for recording 9

VI. List of Musical Instruments approved for Audition 14

VII. List of Ragas and Talas for Classical Music (Hindustani) 15

VIII. List of Ragas for Classical Music (Carnatic) 16

IX. General Criterion For Assessment Of Candidates 17

X. General Instructions (Including details of Audition fee etc.) 18-19

*******************

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 I- INTRODUCTION

All India Radio has a well established and widely acclaimed Music Audition
System in place for more than half a century for selecting artists, grading them by
professional standards and offer broadcast engagements. It has stood the test of time
and artists all over the country have unflinching faith in it.

There are four grades viz. B, B-High, A & Top awarded to artistes based on the
performance quality adjudged by a Committee of Eminent Musicians/ Experts in the
field. In case of Music Composer, there are three grades viz. Grade-II, Grade-I and
Top.

II- CATEGORIES FOR APPLYING FOR AUDITION

The details of various categories, for which one can apply for audition, are as follows:

i) Classical Music: Hindustani Style and Carnatic Style

Hindustani:

a) Vocal (Khayal, Dhrupad/Dhamar, Haveli Sangeet and Light Classical Vocal viz.
Thumri, Dadra,Thappa, Kajari etc.)

b) Instrumental :

List of Instruments approved for auditions is available at the Annexure – 1.

Carnatic:

a) Vocal

b) Instrumental:

List of Instruments approved for auditions is available at the Annexure – 1.

ii) Light / Devotional Music (Hindustani) :

Geet, Bhajan, Ghazal, Qawwali, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, Atul Prasadi,
Dwijendra Geeti, Raag Pradhan, Shyama Sangeet, Adhunik Geet etc.

iii) Light Music (Carnatic):

a) Bhavageete (Kannada)/Mellisai (Tamil)/Lalita Sangeetam (Telugu)/ Lalita Gaanam

(Malayalam)

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b) Light Instrumental(for both Hindustani & Carnatic):

List of Instruments approved for auditions is available at the Annexure – 1.

c) Devotional Music (Carnatic)/ Namasankeertanam Group.

Devaranamas. Vachanas, Ashtpadi, Tarangam, Annamacharya

Sangeertanam. Bhadrachala Ramdas Kirtans, Adhyatma Ramayana Kritis, Tulasi
Vanam composition. Tiruppukazh. Tevaram, Tiruvachakam, Utsava Sampradaya Kritis
and Divyanam Samkirtanas of Thyagaraja etc.

iii) Music Composer:

a) One with the knowledge of the regional music of the respective language that
he/she applies for.

b Ability to compose music with knowledge of Singing or playing on any

instrument.

a) Ability to read and write the Musical notation.

iv) Folk (Lok)/Tribal (Aadivaasi) Music:

a) Original and authentic Folk/Tribal Music of various regions and areas

representing various languages and dialects of the country. (Can apply as a Party or
Individual)

b) Musical Discourse/Lok Gatha/Harikatha/ Katha Kalakshepam/ Kathakali

Padam etc.

v) Vrindgaan/Choral Music:

A group, not exceeding 20 members, including both Singers and Instrumentalists

and with instrumentalists not exceeding 6 in number can apply for audition for
rendering songs on themes of National Integration, Patriotism, Environment, Nature
etc.

vi) Western Music: For Vocal and Instrumental:

Either as an individual or a group/choir can apply in the categories of Classical,

Country, Jazz, Pop etc.

vii) Fusion Music:

For only Group/Party with a combination of singers and instrumentalists or only

instrumentalists with number of members up to 16. The upper limit may vary
depending upon the variety of singers/instruments and potential of the group/party.

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 III- AUDITION BOARDS

There has been a constant endeavour to improve, simplify and bring more
transparency in the existing system. Accordingly, a 3 Tier structure in the Audition
Boards have been evolved with an idea of de-centralising to an extent.

The three Boards are:

A) Local Audition Board (LAB) – At all Stations (except LRS)

Functions of LAB:

i) Holding ‘LIVE’ auditions and awarding ‘B’ grade in the cases of Light, Devotional,
Folk,Tribal and related categories viz. Geeth, Bhajan, Ghazal, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul
Geeti, Devaranama, Kathakali Padam, Harikatha etc.

ii) In case of Classical Music: Conducting Preliminary Screening through Live auditions and
sending the recordings of successful cases to Central Audition Board (CAB) and in case of
Music Composer, screening of recording and if qualified, recommending to RAB for award of
Grade II or reject at the screening level itself, if not qualified.

B) Regional Audition Board (RAB) – At all Capital Stations of the States

Functions of RAB:

To award B-High grade in case of Light, Devotional, Folk,Tribal and related categories viz.
Geeth, Bhajan, Ghazal, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, Devaranama, Kathakali Padam,
Harikatha etc. and Grade-II in case of Music Composership.

C) Central Audition Board (CAB) – At the Directorate General of AIR

Functions of CAB:

i) To take-up Gradation of all fresh cases & Up-gradation from B grade onwards up
to Top Grade in case of Classical Music,
ii) Up-gradation from BH to A & A to Top in case of Light, Devotional, Folk,Tribal
and related categories viz. Geeth, Bhajan, Ghazal, Rabindra Sangeet,
Nazrul Geeti, Devaranama, Kathakali Padam, Harikatha etc . and awarding
Grade-I and Top grade in case of Music Composership.

D) Zonal Audition Committee (ZAC) only for Western Music - Constituted at Kolkota,
Mumbai, Chennai and Shillong.

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 IV- Method of Audition
A. Classical Music
(i) For Fresh cases Candidates will
i) Apply online in the prescribed pro-forma along with the
Audition Fee.
ii) Will be recorded at the station, if qualified in the live
audition conducted by LAB.
iii) The recording will be placed before CAB with roll
numbers for award of a suitable Grade.
(ii) For Up-gradation Candidates will be recorded at the AIR Station and the
recordings will be sent to the Directorate for audition by
CAB which will award a suitable grade.
(iii) Review System The artistes in B Grade will have to upgrade themselves
within a period of 5 years, failing which they will be weeded
out automatically and removed from the list.

Before such weeding out, the artiste can apply for Up-
gradation. In case, the CAB retains the artiste in the same
grade i.e. “B”, then the artiste will continue for 5 years from
the date of communication of the result by the Station. If
failed, will be weeded out. This process can continue till the
artiste is either up-graded or weeded out by CAB. If weeded
out, the artiste has to apply as a fresh candidate and appear
before LAB.

(ii) In case of B-High/A and Top grade artistes, if the

station feels that there is deterioration in quality of
performance due to age/health and other factors, the station
may send the latest off-broadcast recording of such artist to
CAB with remarks/comments to decide upon
reducing/withholding the bookings.

The decision of the CAB in this regard is final and

irrevocable.

B. Light/Devotional/ Nama Sankeertanan/Kathakalippadam/ Harikatha

(Geeth/Bhajan/Ghazal/Rabindra Sangeet/Nazrul Geeti etc.)
(i) For Fresh cases Candidates will

i) Apply online in the prescribed pro-forma along with

the Audition Fee.

ii) Will be auditioned Live at the station.

D) If qualified, will be awarded ‘B’ grade.

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 iv) Only in exceptional/ meritorious cases on the
recommendation of LAB, the Station will record the
performance of the artiste, immediately and send the
same for audition by RAB for awarding B High. If RAB
finds the performance deserves A grade it can send the
same recording to CAB for audition.
(ii) For Up-gradation For cases of Up-gradation as per existing practice,
candidates will be recorded and the recording will be
sent for B to B High to RAB & for B High to A to CAB.
In exceptional meritorious cases, RAB may
recommend directly for awarding A grade by CAB.
(iii) Review System Same as in Classical Music. However, the review will
be done by RAB for B grade and CAB for other
grades.
C. Folk /Tribal (Aadivaasi & other Candidates will
formats i) Apply in the prescribed pro-forma.
(i)
For Fresh cases ii) No Audition Fee for fresher.

(Note:There is a provision to record iii) Will be auditioned Live at the station.

Aadivaasi/Tribal artistes at their
place of stay/availability, in case they iv) If qualified, will be awarded ‘B’ grade.
are unable to come to studios and
the recording can be placed before v) Only in exceptional/ meritorious cases on the
LAB) recommendation of LAB, the Station will record the
performance of the artiste immediately and send the
same for audition by RAB for awarding B High. If RAB
finds the performance deserves A grade, it can send
the same recording to CAB for audition.
(ii) For Up-gradation For cases of Up-gradation, Candidates will
i) Apply in the prescribed pro-forma along with the
Audition Fee.
ii) As per existing practice, candidates will be recorded
and the recording will be sent for B to B High to RAB &
for B High to A to CAB. In exceptional meritorious
cases, RAB may recommend directly for awarding
higher grade by CAB.

(iii) Review System Same as in Classical Music. However, the review will
be done by RAB for B grade and CAB for other
grades.
D. Music Composer
(i) For Fresh cases Candidates will
i) Apply in the prescribed pro-forma along with the
Audition Fee.
ii) Three compositions depicting different moods and
themes will be recorded at the station. Two items of

7
 candidate’s choice and One item for which the lyric will
be provided by the Station and to be composed by the
Candidate on the spot under the supervision of PEX
(Music) and the notation has to be enclosed and will be
forwarded along with the recording to RAB which will
award Grade-II or reject.
(ii) For Up-gradation Existing graded artists for Up-gradation will
i) Apply online in the prescribed pro-forma along with
the Audition Fee.
ii) As per existing practice, they will be recorded and
the recording will be sent for Grade I to CAB. Recording
of three items will be as in the case of fresher.
(iii) Review system Same as in Classical Music. However, the review will
be done by RAB for B grade and CAB for other
grades.
E. Award of Top grade An A Grade Artist and Grade – I composer can apply
for Top Grade after 10 years in the Grade.
The candidate will apply in the prescribed pro-forma
along with the audition fee as in page no.19.
(i) Review system Same as in Classical Music. However, the review will
be done by RAB for B grade and CAB for other
grades.

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 V- Duration of Items for Recording

A. Carnatic Classical Music

Candidates will submit a list of Total 15 items by selecting 5 ragas/compositions each from Group-A & B
and 5 Ragas from Group-C only for Rag Alaapana. *The list of ragas for selection is enclosed in
Annexure-3 (Reference Page no.17).

(i) Vocal/Instrumental Fresh & B to BHigh Total Duration 30 minutes

(excepting
Percussion
instruments)
Accompaniments: 3 items : 15 Minutes

In the recording, a *I) Item: Shudhamadhyamam (Group A)/

Pratimadhyamam (GroupB) Ragalapana, Kriti
Tanpura & Mridangam with Nerval and Swara Prastharam of
Candidate’s choice.
to be provided by the
Station as per existing *II) Item: Pratimadhyamam (Group B)/
practice. In case of Shudhamadhyamam (Group A)
Nagaswaram, they will
10 Minutes
be auditioned as party Ragalapana + Kriti /Kriti + Swara Prastharam
of 1+ 3 i.e leader with
Otthu, Thavil & Talam * III) Only Raga Alapana from
(as per existing Audava/Shadava (Group C) Ragas 5 Minutes
practice).

(ii) Vocal/Instrumental Upgradation (B High to A) Total Duration 55 minutes

(excepting
Percussion
instruments)
Accompaniments: 3 items :

I)Item:Kriti-Shudhamadhyamam(GroupA)or 30 Minutes
Pratimadhyamam(Group B) with Nerval and
As above. Swara Prastharam -Candidate’s choice

II) Item: Kriti-Shudhamadhyamam or

.Pratimadhyamam

*( if Pratimadhyama item is rendered for 30 15 Minutes

mts. Shudhmadhyama item should be for 15
mts. & vice versa) - Station’s Choice

III) Item: from Audava/Shadava Raga 10 Minutes

alaapana only (Group C) - Station’s Choice

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(iii) Percussion Fresh – A list of 5 Talams to be submitted Duration 40 Minutes
(except Thavil/Dolu) by the candidate.
1) Accompaniment for Adi Tala Varnam 5 mts.

2) Accmpt. for Roopak Tala Kriti/Khanda 5 Minutes

Chapu Tala Kriti

3) One Talam of Candidate’s choice from the 15’(5’acmpt.+ 10’ Solo)

Accompaniments: list.
Any suitable instrument 4) One Talam of Station’s choice from the list. 15’ (5’acmpt. +10’ Solo)
for refrain & a Tanpura
to be provided by the Upgradation – (A list of 5 Talams to be Duration 50 Minutes
Station as per existing submitted by the candidate)
practice.
1)Ata TalaVarnam (Accompaniment) 10 Minutes

2) One Talam of Candidate’s choice from the 20’(10’acmpt.+10’Solo)

list.

3) One Talam of Station’s choice from the list 20’(10’acmpt.+10’Solo)

(iv)Percussion Fresh – A list of 5 Talams to be submitted Duration 40 Minutes

(Thavil/Dolu) by the candidate.

Accompaniments: 1) Accompaniment for Roopak Tala Kriti 5 mts.

Nagaswaram or any 2) Accmpt. for Khanda Chapu Tala Kriti 5 Minutes

suitable instrument to
be provided by the 3) One Talam of Candidate’s choice from the 15’(5’acmpt.+ 10’ Solo)
station for refrain.If list.
candidate can bring
Nagaswaram refrain

4) One Talam of Station’s choice from the list. 15’(5’acmpt.+ 10’ Solo)

Upgradation – (A list of 5 Talams to be Duration 50 Minutes

submitted by the candidate)

1) Accompaniment for Roopak Tala Kriti 5 mts.

2) Accmpt. for Khanda Chapu Tala Kriti 5 Minutes

3) One Talam of Candidate’s choice from the 20’(10’acmpt.+10’ Solo)

list.

4) One Talam of Station’s choice from the list 20’(10’acmpt.+10’Solo)

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 B- Hindustani Classical Music

The list of ragas/talas for selection is enclosed in Annexure-2 (Reference Page no.16).

(i) Vocal/Instrumental Fresh & B to B-High Grade Duration 30 Minutes

(Except Percussion)
Accompaniments: Any two Ragas (One from morning Two items of 15
/Afternoon ragas, the other from Minutes each.
Tanpura and Tabla / Pakhawaj Evening/Night raga)-one artiste’s choice and
will be provided as per existing the other one station’s choice from the list of -
practice. 25 Ragas submitted by the candidate.

(ii) Harmonium Fresh & B to B-High Grade Duration 30 Minutes

Accompaniments: Any two ragas (One from morning /Afternoon Three items of 10
ragas, the other from Evening/Night raga) as Minutes duration each.
Tanpura and Tabla will be above for ten minutes each and One item of
provided as per existing practice ten minutes duration as accompaniment for (First two items as
and a Vocalist is allowed for third Thumri/Vilambhit & Drut Khayal. Solo and the Third
item as per existing practice. item as
accompaniment)

(iii) Vocal/Instrumental B-High to A Grade Duration 60 Minutes

(Except Percussion)

For Vocal :- Harmonium Three items:- Two Ragas (One from 30 Minutes first item
/Sarangi/ Violin/Dilruba will be Morning/Afternoon ragas, the other from (Applicant’s choice)
allowed in addition to Tabla Evening/Night raga)- both artiste’s choice and
/Pakhawaj and Tanpura as per the third item from station’s choice from the 10 Minutes second
existing practice. list of -25 Ragas submitted by the candidate. item(Applicant’s
choice) 20 Minutes
For Instrumental:- (Station’s choice)

Tabla/Pakhawaj& Tanpura will be --do-- ---do---

allowed.

(iv) Harmonium B-High to A Grade Duration 45 Minutes

Tanpura and Tabla will be First two items: - Two Ragas (One from All three items of 15
provided as per existing practice Morning/Afternoon ragas, the other from mts. each.
and a Vocalist is allowed for third Evening/Night raga) - one of artist’s choice
item as per existing practice. and the other from the station’s choice from (First two items as
the list of -25 Ragas submitted by the Solo and the Third
candidate.3rd item accompaniment to Light item as
Classical Music / Vilambhit & Drut Khayal. accompaniment).

(v) Percussion Fresh & B to B-High Grade Duration 45 Minutes

Vocal/Harmonium/Sarangi/ 1) Two Talas (solo performance) – One 15 Minutes duration

Violin/Dilruba for Lehara & artiste’s choice and the other one station’s each 2 items of 7.30

11
Tanpura as per existing practice. choice from the list of – 10 Talas submitted Minutes duration each.
by the candidate.

2) Accompaniment with Vocal/Instrumental

(Masitkhani & Razakhani) (Vilambit and Drut)

(vi) Percussion B-High to A Grade Duration 55 Minutes

Vocal/Harmonium/Sarangi/ Three Talas (all solo performances) – First 30 Minutes duration –

Violin/Dilruba for Lehara & two items - artiste’s choice and the other one 1st item.
Tanpura as per existing practice. station’s choice from the list of – 10 Talas
submitted by the candidate. 10 Minutes duration –
2nd item.

15 Minutes duration –
3rd item.

(vii) Light Classical Music Fresh/Upgradation B to BHigh Duration 30 Minutes

Tanpura and Tabla will be Thumri 15 Minutes
provided as per existing practice. Dadra 10 Minutes
Kajri/Chaiti/Tappa 5 Minutes
(viii) Light Classical Music Upgradation BHigh to A Duration 60 Minutes
Harmonium/Sarangi/ Two Thumri 15 Minutes each (30
Violin/Dilruba will be allowed in mts.)
addition to Tabla and Tanpura as Dadra 10 Minutes
per existing practice. Kajri/Chaiti 10 Minutes
Tappa 10 Minutes
C- Light Music
(i) Light Music Fresh candidates
(Geet/Bhajan/Ghazal/Rabindra 3 songs of 5 Minutes duration each 15 Minutes
Sangeet/Nazrul Geeti etc.)/ (One song of own choice
Devotinal/Choral Two songs of Station’s choice) from the list of
group(Vrindgan) 15 songs submitted by the Candidate.
Harmonium/Sarangi/ Up-gradation: 20 Minutes
Violin/Dilruba will be allowed in 4 Songs of 5 Minutes duration from the list of
addition to Tabla and Tanpura as 15 songs.
per existing practice. 2 songs –own choice
2 songs – Station choice
(ii) Fresh candidates: 30 mts.
Kathakali/Padam/Harikatha/Lok Two items of 15 mts. each from the list of 5
Katha and similar formats. stories.
Up-gradation:
Two items of 30 mts. each from the list of 5 60 mts.
stories.
D- Music Composer
Music Composer Fresh:
Maximum six accompaniments 3 compositions to be recorded for placing 20 Minutes
(including percussion) which are before RAB with Notation.

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duly approved by All India Radio One song- Station choice
will be provided for the Audition. Two songs- Candidate choice
Vocalists will also be provided by
the Station if desired so by the Upgradation: From Grade II to Grade I and 25 Minutes
Candidate. for Top
In case AIR Station, for any 4 compositions to be recorded for placing
reason, is unable to provide the before CAB with Notation.
necessary Singers/ 2 songs – Own choice
Accompanists to the candidate, 2 songs – Station choice
then option is given to the
candidate to bring his/her own
artistes for the auditions.
E- Folk /Tribal Music
Folk Music/Tribal Fresh
3 songs of 5 Minutes duration each 15 Minutes
One song- own choice
Two songs- Station choice
Upgradation: 20 Minutes
4 Songs of 5 Minutes duration
2 songs –own choice
2 songs – Station choice
G-Western Music
Either Solo/Party For Both Fresh & Upgradation:
Or Candidates are required to furnish 10 5 to 8 Minutes
Music Composer items/songs. duration each
Out of which 3 songs are either to be
recorded or performed live for audition by
respective ZAC.
One song-Station’s choice
Two songs- Candidate’s choice
H-Fusion Music
Only for Group/Party Fresh:
The team can be a mixture of 3 compositions to be recorded for placing 7-10 mts. each
Singers and Instrumentalists or before the CAB.
only Instrumentalists. The number The Musical works/compositions should
of participants can be up to 16. have the flavour of Classical
The upper limit may vary Raagas/Taalas of Hindustani/Carnatic
depending upon the variety of Music blended with any other style of 7-10 mts. each
singers/instruments and potential Music (Be it is Western, Folk, Pop etc.)
of the group/party. Upgradation: As above
4 compositions to be recorded for placing
before CAB.

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 Annexure-1

VI- LIST OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PERMITTED FOR USE IN ALL INDIA RADIO
IN CLASSICAL/LIGHT CASSICAL MUSIC PROGRAMMES, LIGHT MUSIC
PROGRAMMES AND AIR MUSIC COMPETITION

1. VEENA
2. CHITRA VEENA
3. VICHITRA VEENA
4. RUDRA-VEENA
5. MUKHA VEENA
6. GOTTU VADYAM
7. SITAR
8. SAROD
9. SURBAHAR
10. RABAB
11. TABLA
12. PAKHAWAJ
13. MRIDANGAM
14. KANJIRA
15. GHATAM
16. MORSING
17. TAVIL
18. TARSHAHNAI
19. VIOLIN
20. VIOLA
21. SARANGI
22. ESRAJ
23. DILRUBA
24. FLUTE
25. CLARIONET
26. SHAHNAI
27. SUNDARI
28. HAWAIN GUITAR
29. ELECTRIC GUITAR
30. SANTOOR
31. SAXOPHONE
32. MANDOLIN
33. JAL TARANG
34. NAGASWARAM
35. BRAHAM VADYA
36. CHELLO
37. TAUS
38. DHOLAK
39. NAKKARA
40. DOTARA
41. ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD (For Carnatic Music only)
42. HARMONIUM

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 Annexure-2
VII - List of Ragas/Talas for Hindustani Music
Candidates are advised to choose the Ragas/Talas for Audition only from the list given below.

Dhrupad, Khayal & Instrumental For Accompaniment alone

1 Bilaskhani Todi 41 Gaud Sarang 1 Kehrwa
2 Malkauns 42 Maru Bihag 2 Dadra
3 komal Rishabh Asavari 43 Rageshari 3 Qawali
4 Bhairav 44 Nat Bharav 4 Dheema Ektaal
5 Jogia 45 Patdeep 5 Chachar
6 Ramkali 46 Puriya Kalyan 6 Deepchandi
7 Lalit 47 Jog Kauns 7 Jhumra
8 Main ki Todi 48 Chandra Kauns 8 Pakhawaj
9 Multani 49 Jog 9 Tilwada
10 Bihag 50 Hansadhwani 10 Dheema Teentaal
11 Alaiya Bilawal 51 Gaud Malhar
12 Desi 52 Gurjari Todi
13 Asavari 53 Megh Malhar
14 Jaunpuri 54 Abhogi Percussion
(Tabla, Dholak &
15 Darbari 55 Devgiri Bilawal
Pakhawaj)
16 Bageshari 56 Ahir Bhairav
17 Bhimplasi 57 Vibhas 1 Teentaal
18 Mian Ki Malhar 58 Nand 2 Jhaptaal
19 Bahar 59 Vrindabani Sarang 3 Roopak
20 Marwa 60 Kausi Kanhra 4 Adachautaal
21 Puriya Thumri/ Dadra 5 Savari of 15 Beats
22 Basant 1 Gara 6 Dhammar
23 Shree 2 Kafi 7 Chautaal
24 Puriya Dhanshari 3 Bhairavi 8 Sooltaal
25 Poorvi 4 Piloo 9 Laxmitaal
26 Shankara 5 Khamaj 10 Teevra
27 Shudha Kalyan 6 Sindura 11 Ektaal
28 Yeman 7 Tilang
29 Bhoopali 8 Maand
30 Deshkar 9 Tilak Kamod
31 Sham Kalyan 10 Pahadi
32 Chhayanat 11 Manjh Khamaj
33 Kedar 12 ShivRanjani
34 Kamod 13 Kirwani
35 Jai Jaiwanti
36 Jhinjhoti
37 Des
38 Shudh Sarang
39 Adana
40 Bairagi

15
 Annexure-3

VIII - Carnatic Music – Indicative list of Ragas for performance:

GROUP – A GROUP-B GROUP-C

(Suddha Madhyama) (Prathi Madhyama) (Audava Shadava)
(Major Raagas) (Major Raagas) (Minor Raagas)
1 Begada 1 Dharmavati 1 Abhogi
2 Bhairavi 2 Hamir Kalyani 2 Amrita Varshini
3 Bilahari 3 Hamsanandi 3 Anandabhairavi
4 Chakravakam 4 Kalyani 4 Arabhi
5 Charukesi 5 Pantuvarali 5 Athana
6 Dhanyasi 6 Purvi Kalyani 6 Bahudari
7 Gouri Manohari 7 Ramapriya 7 Hamsanadam
8 Hari Kambhoji 8 Ranjani 8 Hamsadhwani
9 Kambhoji 9 Rishabhapriya 9 Hindola
10 Kanada 10 Shanmukhapriya 10 Janaranjani
11 Kapi 11 Simhendramadhyamam 11 Kalyana Vasanta
12 Keeravani 12 Subhapantuvarali 12 Kannada
13 Kharaharapriya 13 Vachaspati 13 Kedargoula
14 Mayamalavagowla 14 Varali 14 Khamas
15 Natabhairavi 15 Latangi 15 Madhyamavati
16 Natakapriya 16 Mandari
17 Natakuranji 17 Mohanam
18 Saveri 18 Mukhari
19 Shankarabharanam 19 Reetigoula
20 Sarasangi 20 Sahana
21 Thodi. 21 Sama
22 Saraswathi
23 Sriranajani
24 Suddhadhanyasi
25 Surati
26 Vasantha
27 Yedukula Kambhoji

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 IX GENERAL CRITERION FOR ASSESSMENT OF CANDIDATES

Assessment will be made by the Audition Boards primarily based on three

parameters i.e. Swar (Melody), Taal (Rhythm) and Sahitya (Lyric/Composition).

SWAR (Melody):

1) Raag Swarup (the grammar of the Raag)/Purity of Raaga/Tradition (Gharana).

2) Voice quality/tonal quality of instrument/Pitch alignment.
3) Ability to develop the Raag form in its entirety.
4) Aesthetic quality and Style of presentation.

TAAL (Rhythm)

1) Control/Command on Rhythm/Laya/Tempo.
2) Systematic improvisation while presenting Percussion Solo.
3) Ability to perform with variety of patterns in different Taalas.
4) In case of Percussion Solo - ability to provide accompaniment with proper
understanding of composition and with grace and finesse.

SAHITYA (Lyric/Composition)

1) Purity of the composition (literary content) with Bhava and correct pronunciation.
2) Ability to perform the composition in its entirety.
3) For instrumental music, presentation of the complete composition/Gat in its entirety.
4) Ability to develop the Gat form with decorative and musical phraseology.

Recording quality- As per existing norms no audition recording will be done using any kind
of feedback/ reverb/echo effect for fresh/up- gradation. While recording percussion
instruments level of lehra instrument may not be very high. The balancing aspect of such
recordings needs to be taken care of. OUTSIDE STUDIO RECORDING WILL NOT BE
ENTERTAINED.

17
 X. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

1) If stations do not have Staff artists for providing refrain/percussion accompaniment, they may
book casual graded artists with minimum B-High grade from their zone. Tanpura may be
booked irrespective of the grade.
However, a candidate if desires to bring his/her own accompanists, he/she can do so provided
the accompanists are graded at least “B High” by AIR. No TA/DA or any other payment will be
made in this regard.
In case of Audition for Music Composer, if the respective AIR Station, for any reason, is
unable to provide the necessary Singers/ Accompanists to the candidate, then option is
given to the candidate to bring his/her own artistes for the auditions. However, no
payment will be made to them in this regard.

2) Audition fee:

S.No. Category Fee

I) Freshers Rs. 1000/-
II) All upgradation (B to B-High/B-High to A) Rs. 2000/-
III) A to Top (all Categories) Rs. 5000/-
IV) Folk /Tribal Music applying as Fresher Nil
V) Folk /Tribal Music Artistes: For Up-gradation Rs. 2000/-
(B to B High/B-High to A)
VI) Divyaang, Senior Citizens and Nil
Staff/Staff Artists of AIR & Doordarshan
VII) SC/ST candidates 25% exemption in the fee

3) Applying for re-audition/Up-gradation:

No Waiting period for re-appearing for audition or appearing for up-gradation, except for Top
grade.

(i) Waiting period for Top Grade audition:

a) An artiste in “A” grade for 10 years is eligible to apply for ‘Top grade audition.

b) In an attempt to get “TOP” grade, if an artiste fails, would be eligible to apply again only after
a gap of one year from the date of his/her earlier attempt (Ex: Applied in 2016 will be eligible to
apply again only in 2018).

4) 2nd Final LAB exemption: Freshers, in the category of Classical music, who do not qualify in
getting B grade in their first attempt from CAB, if apply again for audition will get only one
chance of exemption from appearing before LAB, provided they apply within one year from
the date of communication of the result completing all formalities, failing which they have to
appear afresh again before LAB for screening.

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5) Provision for candidates applying for audition in a discipline that is not available at the AIR
Station of their residential jurisdiction:-
If any candidate wants to get a gradation and perform over AIR in a discipline which is
not available at the particular AIR Station where one resides then they may apply for audition in
the particular discipline at the nearest AIR Station available completing all formalities, clearly
mentioning about his address with proof. No TA, DA will be paid for attending the audition.
However, on selection and subsequent booking for broadcast they will be paid TA, DA as per
rules. In such cases, the station while offering bookings to them should keep provision for
recording an extra programme of the artiste for a future broadcast also in addition to their
scheduled broadcast in order to minimize the expenses on TA, DA payable to the artiste.

6) The decision of LAB, RAB and CAB will be final, binding and irrevocable. Since performance
quality of the Artist is the only criteria, RAB and CAB have got the power to weed out the artist
or reduce the frequency of the booking if the performance quality is not up to the desired
standard.

7) DG, AIR will be the final authority in case of all disputes pertaining to LAB/RAB/CAB.

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