The Sikh Sacred Music Exams
The world’s first globally recognised Sikh Music and Tabla exams
✓ RECOGNISED GLOBALLY
✓ Structured grading system
✓ A game changer
The Exams
Welcome to the Sikh Sacred Music Exams — a comprehensive and inspiring program dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich tradition of Gurmat Sangeet. Designed for students of all ages, these exams offer a structured path to deepen understanding and practice of Sikh musical heritage, including raag-based kirtan, vocal techniques, and traditional instruments such as the harmonium, dilruba, taus, and tabla.
We are proud to announce the official launch of our Tabla Exams in October 2025, developed by a world-class panel of tabla maestros. This exciting addition reflects our commitment to providing a holistic and authentic musical education rooted in both spiritual discipline and artistic excellence. Whether you are beginning your journey or seeking to refine your skills, our program supports the growth of both technical mastery and devotional expression, ensuring the legacy of Sikh sacred music flourishes for generations to come.
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Learn
Learn the music, the bandishes, the technical exercises
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Practice
Practice for the exams, leave no sequence or bandish to chance
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Exam
Sit the exam online, when you are ready and in your own time.
EXAM Materials
All the books are available for purchase from the MTB website.
Exam books
All exam books are available for purchase from the MTB website
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Detailed guides
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Official syllabus
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Expert Reviewed
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Online purchase
Learner Resource
Dedicated platform offering videos, tutor training, and learner support.
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Video tutorials
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Expert tuition
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Tutor training
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Learner support
Tutor Resource
Tutor support to help teachers grow, develop, and deliver.
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Training programme
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Expand classes
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SSM support
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Skill development
Heritage
Honouring Sikh music, heritage, and tradition.
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Preserve heritage
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Inspire a generation
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Learn skills
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Cultural continuity
Meet the Team
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Our curriculum development committee comprises some of the world’s leading ustads and teachers supported by a wonderful group of volunteers.
Can I study this on my own?
We recommend you search for a good teacher who can guide you through the exams.
Do I have to sit the exam face to face?
No, the exam is sat online through an app. You sit it when you are ready, We recommend you take your teacher’s advise and sit it when the teacher recommends it.
Can I go straight into an upper grade?
Yes, you can jump a grade to whichever level you think you are suitable for. As always, we recommend you follow your teacher’s advice.
Is this exam recognised by UCAS?
Yes, the qualification is recognised by UCAS. Between grades 6-8 you could earn up to 30 UCAS points.
Is the exam globally recognised?
Like all MTB exams, the exam is recognised globally.
What happens if I fail the exam?
You can continue to the next level and begin preparing for the exam at the next level. As always we recommend you follow your teacher’s advice.
Looking for guidance?
Do you want to know more?