CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-26: Download PDF & Full Exam Pattern

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 JEE, NEET, CUET, etc. This year, CBSE has introduced competency-based questions and a revised weightage system to encourage conceptual learning over rote memorization.

BoardCBSE
Class12
Session2025-26
SubjectHistory
Content-TypeSyllabus/Curriculum
Official Websitehttps://cbseacademic.nic.in

CLASS XII HISTORY – COURSE STRUCTURE

Theory Paper (Total Marks: 80)

S.No.PartMarks
1Themes in Indian History – Part I25
2Themes in Indian History – Part II25
3Themes in Indian History – Part III25
4Map Work05
Total80

Detailed Syllabus with Marks Distribution

Themes in Indian History – Part I (25 Marks)

Sr. No.Theme TitleMarks
1Bricks, Beads and Bones – The Harappan Civilisation25
2Kings, Farmers and Towns – Early States and Economies (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)
3Kingship, Caste, and Class – Early Societies (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)
4Thinkers, Beliefs, and Buildings – Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)

Themes in Indian History – Part II (25 Marks)

Sr. No.Theme TitleMarks
5Through the Eyes of Travellers – Perceptions of Society (10th–17th centuries)25
6Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Religious Beliefs & Devotional Texts (8th–18th centuries)
7An Imperial Capital – Vijayanagar (14th–16th centuries)
8Peasants, Zamindars, and the State – Agrarian Society & Mughal Empire (16th–17th centuries)

Themes in Indian History – Part III (25 Marks)

Sr. No.Theme TitleMarks
9Colonialism and the Countryside – Exploring Official Archives25
10Rebels and the Raj – 1857 Revolt and its Representations
11Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement – Civil Disobedience and Beyond
12Framing of the Constitution – The Beginning of a New Era

Map Work (Related Themes) – 5 Marks

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Assessment Breakdown

ComponentMarks
Theory (Parts I–III + Map)80
Project Work20
Total100

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.
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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.ThemeLocations to Identify
1Mature Harappan SitesHarappa, Banawali, Kalibangan, Balakot, Rakhigarhi, Dholavira, Nageshwar, Lothal, Mohenjodaro, Chanhudaro, Kot Diji
2Mahajanapadas & CitiesVajji, Magadha, Kosala, Kuru, Panchala, Gandhara, Avanti, Rajgir, Ujjain, Taxila, Varanasi
3Ashokan InscriptionsPillar Edicts: Sanchi, Topra, Meerut, Kaushambi
Kingdoms: Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas
4Important Kingdoms & Towns (c. 200 BCE–500 CE)Kingdoms: Kushanas, Shakas, Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Guptas
Cities: Mathura, Kanauj, Puhar, Braghukachchha, Shravasti, Rajgir, Vaishali, Varanasi, Vidisha
5Major Buddhist SitesNagarjunakonda, Sanchi, Amaravati, Lumbini, Bharhut, Bodh Gaya, Ajanta

Part II: Medieval India

S.No.ThemeLocations to Identify
6Vijayanagara & Contemporary KingdomsBidar, Golconda, Bijapur, Vijayanagar, Chandragiri, Kanchipuram, Mysore, Thanjavur, Kolar, Tirunelveli
7Mughal Empire (Under Babur, Akbar, Aurangzeb)Delhi, Agra, Panipat, Amber, Ajmer, Lahore, Goa

Part III: Modern India

S.No.ThemeLocations to Identify
8British Territories (1857)Punjab, Sindh, Bombay, Madras, Berar, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Surat, Calcutta, Patna, Allahabad
91857 Revolt CentersDelhi, Meerut, Jhansi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Azamgarh, Calcutta, Benaras, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Agra, Awadh
10Indian National MovementChamparan, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Benaras, Amritsar, Chauri Chaura, Lahore, Bardoli, Dandi, Bombay (Quit India), Karachi

Key Notes for Map Work

  1. Source for Maps: Use the Survey of India or official Government of India websites.
  2. Focus Areas:
    • Ancient India: Harappan cities, Buddhist sites, trade routes.
    • Medieval India: Vijayanagara, Mughal expansion.
    • Modern India: Revolt of 1857, National Movement hotspots.
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CLASS XII HISTORY – QUESTION PAPER DESIGN & WEIGHTAGE

Paper Structure (Total Marks: 100)

ComponentPart IPart IIPart IIIMapProjectTotal
MCQ (1 mark each)7 Qs → 7 Marks7 Qs → 7 Marks7 Qs → 7 Marks21 Marks
Short Answer (3 marks each)2 Qs → 6 Marks2 Qs → 6 Marks2 Qs → 6 Marks18 Marks
Long Answer (8 marks each)1 Q → 8 Marks1 Q → 8 Marks1 Q → 8 Marks24 Marks
Source-Based (4 marks each)1 Q → 4 Marks1 Q → 4 Marks1 Q → 4 Marks12 Marks
Map Work5 Marks5 Marks
Project Work20 Marks20 Marks
Total (Theory + Internal)25 Marks25 Marks25 Marks5 Marks20 Marks100 Marks

Weightage Based on Competencies

CompetencyMarksWeightageDescription
Knowledge & Understanding3948.75%Recall facts, concepts, and demonstrate understanding through descriptions.
Knowledge (Remembering)2126.25%Recall historical facts, terms, and basic concepts.
Understanding1822.50%Interpret, organize, and translate historical ideas.
Application & Analysis2430%Apply knowledge to solve problems; analyze sources and trends.
Evaluation & Creativity1215%Infer, defend opinions, and create arguments using evidence.
Map Skills56.25%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.

📂 Download CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus PDF


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