Updated CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus for 2025-26 – Get the latest chapter-wise syllabus, marking scheme, and study tips. Download the official PDF at the end!
Overview of CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-26
The Class 12 CBSE syllabus for History plays a crucial role in board exams and competitive exams like CUET. This year, CBSE has introduced competency-based questions and a revised weightage system to encourage conceptual learning over rote memorization.
| Board | CBSE |
| Class | 12 |
| Session | 2025-26 |
| Subject | History |
| Content-Type | Syllabus/Curriculum |
| Official Website | https://cbseacademic.nic.in |
CLASS XII HISTORY – COURSE STRUCTURE
Theory Paper (Total Marks: 80)
| S.No. | Part | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Themes in Indian History – Part I | 25 |
| 2 | Themes in Indian History – Part II | 25 |
| 3 | Themes in Indian History – Part III | 25 |
| 4 | Map Work | 05 |
| Total | 80 |
Detailed Syllabus with Marks Distribution
Themes in Indian History – Part I (25 Marks)
| Sr. No. | Theme Title | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bricks, Beads and Bones – The Harappan Civilisation | 25 |
| 2 | Kings, Farmers and Towns – Early States and Economies (c. 600 BCE–600 CE) | |
| 3 | Kingship, Caste, and Class – Early Societies (c. 600 BCE–600 CE) | |
| 4 | Thinkers, Beliefs, and Buildings – Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE–600 CE) |
Themes in Indian History – Part II (25 Marks)
| Sr. No. | Theme Title | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Through the Eyes of Travellers – Perceptions of Society (10th–17th centuries) | 25 |
| 6 | Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Religious Beliefs & Devotional Texts (8th–18th centuries) | |
| 7 | An Imperial Capital – Vijayanagar (14th–16th centuries) | |
| 8 | Peasants, Zamindars, and the State – Agrarian Society & Mughal Empire (16th–17th centuries) |
Themes in Indian History – Part III (25 Marks)
| Sr. No. | Theme Title | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Colonialism and the Countryside – Exploring Official Archives | 25 |
| 10 | Rebels and the Raj – 1857 Revolt and its Representations | |
| 11 | Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement – Civil Disobedience and Beyond | |
| 12 | Framing of the Constitution – The Beginning of a New Era |
Map Work (Related Themes) – 5 Marks
Assessment Breakdown
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Theory (Parts I–III + Map) | 80 |
| Project Work | 20 |
| Total | 100 |
CLASS XII HISTORY – COURSE CONTENT
Themes in Indian History – Part I
1. Bricks, Beads, and Bones: The Harappan Civilisation
Learning Outcomes & Competencies:
- Investigate and interpret early urban centers and social institutions.
- Analyze the multilateral aspects of the Harappan civilization.
- Examine historical sources and viewpoints (ASI & historians) on Harappa.
2. Kings, Farmers, and Towns: Early States and Economies (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)
Learning Outcomes & Competencies:
- Evaluate political and economic trends in ancient India.
- Decode and analyze inscriptional evidence.
- Understand how inscriptions shape historical interpretations.
3. Kinship, Caste, and Class: Early Societies (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)
Learning Outcomes & Competencies:
- Examine social history and norms from ancient scriptures.
- Analyze the dynamic perspectives in the Mahabharata.
4. Thinkers, Beliefs, and Buildings: Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)
Learning Outcomes & Competencies:
- Compare major religious developments in early India.
- Interpret religious sculptures and their hidden narratives.
- Create a visual album of Buddhist sculptures.
Themes in Indian History – Part II
5. Through the Eyes of Travellers: Perceptions of Society (10th–17th Centuries)
Learning Outcomes & Competencies:
- Analyze accounts of foreign travelers to understand medieval society.
- Apply historical insights to real-life contexts.
6. Bhakti-Sufi Traditions: Religious Beliefs & Devotional Texts (8th–18th Centuries)
Learning Outcomes & Competencies:
- Summarize philosophies of Bhakti and Sufi saints.
- Understand religious movements promoting unity and harmony.
7. An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara (14th–16th Centuries)
Learning Outcomes & Competencies:
- Examine Vijayanagara’s architecture and cultural richness.
- Analyze foreign travelers' accounts on its political and social life.
- Assess city planning, water management, and administration.
8. Peasants, Zamindars, and the State: Agrarian Society & Mughal Empire (16th–17th Centuries)
Learning Outcomes & Competencies:
- Understand agrarian developments under Mughal rule.
- Compare changes in agriculture during the 16th–17th centuries.
- Create a comparative table on agrarian systems.
Themes in Indian History – Part III
9. Colonialism and the Countryside: Exploring Official Archives
Learning Outcomes & Competencies:
- Evaluate British revenue systems and their economic impact.
- Analyze colonial records to understand conflicting interests.
- Discuss solutions to protect peasants and artisans today.
10. Rebels and the Raj: 1857 Revolt and its Representations
Learning Outcomes & Competencies:
- Examine the causes, spread, and impact of the 1857 Revolt.
- Analyze visual and textual sources to understand perspectives.
- Assess how the revolt fostered Indian unity.
11. Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement
Learning Outcomes & Competencies:
- Chronologically map key events of the freedom struggle.
- Debate Gandhi’s leadership and mass appeal.
- Interpret historical sources (newspapers, letters, autobiographies).
12. Framing the Constitution: The Beginning of a New Era
Learning Outcomes & Competencies:
- Analyze the Constituent Assembly’s role in drafting the Constitution.
- Examine key debates that shaped India’s democratic framework.
CLASS XII HISTORY – MAP WORK
Part I: Ancient India
| S.No. | Theme | Locations to Identify |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mature Harappan Sites | Harappa, Banawali, Kalibangan, Balakot, Rakhigarhi, Dholavira, Nageshwar, Lothal, Mohenjodaro, Chanhudaro, Kot Diji |
| 2 | Mahajanapadas & Cities | Vajji, Magadha, Kosala, Kuru, Panchala, Gandhara, Avanti, Rajgir, Ujjain, Taxila, Varanasi |
| 3 | Ashokan Inscriptions | Pillar Edicts: Sanchi, Topra, Meerut, Kaushambi Kingdoms: Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas |
| 4 | Important Kingdoms & Towns (c. 200 BCE–500 CE) | Kingdoms: Kushanas, Shakas, Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Guptas Cities: Mathura, Kanauj, Puhar, Braghukachchha, Shravasti, Rajgir, Vaishali, Varanasi, Vidisha |
| 5 | Major Buddhist Sites | Nagarjunakonda, Sanchi, Amaravati, Lumbini, Bharhut, Bodh Gaya, Ajanta |
Part II: Medieval India
| S.No. | Theme | Locations to Identify |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Vijayanagara & Contemporary Kingdoms | Bidar, Golconda, Bijapur, Vijayanagar, Chandragiri, Kanchipuram, Mysore, Thanjavur, Kolar, Tirunelveli |
| 7 | Mughal Empire (Under Babur, Akbar, Aurangzeb) | Delhi, Agra, Panipat, Amber, Ajmer, Lahore, Goa |
Part III: Modern India
| S.No. | Theme | Locations to Identify |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | British Territories (1857) | Punjab, Sindh, Bombay, Madras, Berar, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Surat, Calcutta, Patna, Allahabad |
| 9 | 1857 Revolt Centers | Delhi, Meerut, Jhansi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Azamgarh, Calcutta, Benaras, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Agra, Awadh |
| 10 | Indian National Movement | Champaran, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Benaras, Amritsar, Chauri Chaura, Lahore, Bardoli, Dandi, Bombay (Quit India), Karachi |
Key Notes for Map Work
- Source for Maps: Use the Survey of India or official Government of India websites.
- Focus Areas:
- Ancient India: Harappan cities, Buddhist sites, trade routes.
- Medieval India: Vijayanagara, Mughal expansion.
- Modern India: Revolt of 1857, National Movement hotspots.
CLASS XII HISTORY – QUESTION PAPER DESIGN & WEIGHTAGE
Paper Structure (Total Marks: 100)
| Component | Part I | Part II | Part III | Map | Project | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ (1 mark each) | 7 Qs → 7 Marks | 7 Qs → 7 Marks | 7 Qs → 7 Marks | – | – | 21 Marks |
| Short Answer (3 marks each) | 2 Qs → 6 Marks | 2 Qs → 6 Marks | 2 Qs → 6 Marks | – | – | 18 Marks |
| Long Answer (8 marks each) | 1 Q → 8 Marks | 1 Q → 8 Marks | 1 Q → 8 Marks | – | – | 24 Marks |
| Source-Based (4 marks each) | 1 Q → 4 Marks | 1 Q → 4 Marks | 1 Q → 4 Marks | – | – | 12 Marks |
| Map Work | – | – | – | 5 Marks | – | 5 Marks |
| Project Work | – | – | – | – | 20 Marks | 20 Marks |
| Total (Theory + Internal) | 25 Marks | 25 Marks | 25 Marks | 5 Marks | 20 Marks | 100 Marks |
Weightage Based on Competencies
| Competency | Marks | Weightage | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge & Understanding | 39 | 48.75% | Recall facts, concepts, and demonstrate understanding through descriptions. |
| - Knowledge (Remembering) | 21 | 26.25% | Recall historical facts, terms, and basic concepts. |
| - Understanding | 18 | 22.50% | Interpret, organize, and translate historical ideas. |
| Application & Analysis | 24 | 30% | Apply knowledge to solve problems; analyze sources and trends. |
| Evaluation & Creativity | 12 | 15% | Infer, defend opinions, and create arguments using evidence. |
| Map Skills | 5 | 6.25% | Locate and label historical sites/kingdoms accurately. |
Download CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-26 PDF
Click the button below to download the official CBSE syllabus PDF for 2025-26.
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Can I take PCM in science in class 11 while I take basic mathematics in class 10
Yes /No
No, if you took Basic Mathematics (241) in Class 10, you are NOT eligible to take Mathematics (041) in Class 11 — which is required for PCM.
You can take Applied Mathematics (241) (not suitable for PCM/Engineering).