CBSE CLASS XII Latest Updates
26 Sep, 2025 CBSE Class 12 Previous Year Papers with solutions PDF are available here for free. Download Here
The syllabus for CBSE Class 12 History for 2025–26 has been released. It has both learning and project work. It has three sections: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History. Students will learn about major events and how to think and conduct research.
- The theory section is for 80 marks, and 20 marks for project work.
- To pass, students must have 33% of the total marks.
- There are 5 marks for map work, in which students will learn about locations such as Harappa, Ashokan inscriptions, and Buddhist sites.
- Some topics have been dropped from the syllabus to make learning simpler and more specific. This will enable students to focus on the key parts
- The examinations would probably be conducted in February–March 2026.
You can download the detailed CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus from the link given below.
Key Summary
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In this article, we have covered the CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus for 2025-2026, including detailed syllabus structure, marking scheme, chapter-wise topics, project work, and deleted syllabus.
- The CBSE Class 12 History syllabus for 2025-26 is categorized into Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India. It emphasizes key events, movements, and cultural developments.
- The examination is worth 100 marks: 80 for theory and 20 for projects.
- Major topics are major civilizations such as the Harappan civilization, the rise and decline of empires, religious movements and cultural movements, the colonial era, freedom struggles, and making modern India.
- A few chapters have been entirely eliminated: The Mughal Court: Reconstructing Histories, Colonialism and Indian Towns, and Partition through Oral Sources.
- A few of the topics in colonial rural society have been partially eliminated.
- The exams will comprise multiple-choice questions, source-based questions, map work, and descriptive answers to assess a thorough understanding of India's history.
Also Read
- What is the CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-2026?
- Chapter-Wise Topics of CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus
2.1 Themes in Indian History Part I
2.2 Themes in Indian History, Part II
2.3 Themes in Indian History, Part III
- CBSE Class 12 History Map Syllabus 2025-26
- CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus Recommended Books
- CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-2026 Marking Scheme
- CBSE Class 12 History Exam Pattern
- CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus for Project Work
7.1 CBSE Class 12 History Project Work Marking Scheme
- CBSE Class 12 History Deleted Syllabus
- CBSE Class 12 History Previous Year Question Papers
- CBSE Class 12 History Sample Papers
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-2026?
The CBSE Class 12 History syllabus for 2025–26 covers Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India, with a focus on important events, culture, and society. It includes both theory and project work to help students learn and apply their knowledge. The table is mentioned below for better understanding.
| Part | Theme |
|---|---|
| Themes in Indian History Part I | |
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| Themes in Indian History, Part II |
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| Themes in Indian History, Part III |
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Chapter-Wise Topics of CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus
The CBSE Class 12 history syllabus is divided into chapters that cover Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India. The table below shows all the chapters and the topics included in them.
Themes in Indian History Part I
This book covers important events and developments from Ancient India. It includes topics like the Harappan Civilization, the Vedic Period, Jainism and Buddhism, the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta Empire, and society and culture during that time.
| Theme | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Bricks, Beads, and Bones | The Harappan Civilization:
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| Kings, Farmers, and Towns: Early States and Economies (c.600 BCE 600 CE) | Political and Economic History from the Mauryan to the Gupta period
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| Kingship, Caste and Class: Early Societies (c. 600 BCE to 600 CE) | Social Histories:
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| Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings: Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE 600 CE) | A History of Buddhism:
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Themes in Indian History, Part II
It covers important topics from Medieval India. It includes the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, political developments, regional cultures, agrarian relations, the economy, and culture during that period.
| Theme | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Through the Eyes of Travelers: Perceptions of Society (c. tenth to seventeenth centuries) | Outlines of social and cultural life as they appear in a traveler’s account:
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| Bhakti-Sufi Traditions: Changes in Religious Beliefs and Devotional Texts (c. eighth to eighteenth centuries) | Outline of religious developments during this period, of saints:
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| An Imperial Capital – Vijayanagar (c. fourteenth to sixteenth centuries) | New Architecture: Hampi
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| Peasants, Zamindars and the States: Agrarian Society and the Mughal Empire (c. sixteenth-seventeenth centuries) | The Ain-i-Akbari
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Themes in Indian History, Part III
This covers the social, economic, and political changes in India from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, including the rise of modern movements, colonial impact, and the struggle for independence.
| Theme | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Colonialism and The Countryside: Exploring Official Archives | Colonialism and Rural Society:
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| Rebels and Raj: 1857 Revolt and its Representations | The Events of 1857-58:
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| Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement: Civil Disobedience and Beyond | The Nationalist Movement, 1918-48:
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| Framing of the Constitution: The Beginning of a New Era | The Making of the Constitution: An Overview
|
CBSE Class 12 History Map Syllabus 2025-26
The CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-26 has a major part of the map that focuses on identifying important historical sites and events on the map. The table below shows all the major sites that are asked in the exam.
| Page No. | Topic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Themes in Indian History Part I | ||
| 2 | Mature Harappan Sites | Harappa, Banawali, Kalibangan, Balakot, Rakhigarhi, Dholavira, Nageshwar, Lothal, Mohenjo-daro, Chanhudaro, Kot Diji |
| 3 | Mahajanapada and Cities | Vajji, Magadha, Kosala, Kuru, Panchala, Gandhara, Avanti, Rajgir, Ujjain, Taxila, Varanasi |
| 33 | Distribution of Ashokan Inscriptions | Pillar inscriptions – Sanchi, Topra, Meerut, Kaushambi; Kingdoms – Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas |
| 43 | Important Kingdoms and Towns | Kingdoms – Kushanas, Shakas, Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Guptas; Cities/Towns – Mathura, Kanauj, Puhar, Braghukachchha, Shravasti, Rajgir, Vaishali, Varanasi, Vidisha |
| 95 | Major Buddhist Sites | Nagarjunakonda, Sanchi, Amaravati, Lumbini, Bharhut, Bodh Gaya, Ajanta |
| Themes in Indian History, Part II | ||
| 174 | Important Sultanate and Vijayanagar Sites | Bidar, Golconda, Bijapur, Vijayanagar, Chandragiri, Kanchipuram, Mysore, Thanjavur, Kolar, Tirunelveli |
| 214 | Territories under Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb | Delhi, Agra, Panipat, Amber, Ajmer, Lahore, Goa |
| Themes in Indian History, Part III | ||
| 287 | Territories/Cities under British Control in 1857 | Punjab, Sindh, Bombay, Madras, Berar, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Surat, Calcutta, Patna, Allahabad |
| 260 | Main Centers of the Revolt of 1857 | Delhi, Meerut, Jhansi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Azamgarh, Calcutta, Benaras, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Agra, Awadh |
| – | Important Centers of the National Movement | Champaran, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Benaras, Amritsar, Chauri Chaura, Lahore, Bardoli, Dandi, Bombay (Quit India Resolution), Karachi |
CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus Recommended Books
The class 12 history books listed below are among the most useful resources for preparing for the History exam 2026. Students are advised to prioritize the Class 12 history NCERT book while studying for the exam.
| Book Name | Publication |
|---|---|
| Themes in Indian History, Part I, Class XII | NCERT |
| Themes in Indian History Part-II, Class XII | NCERT |
| Themes in Indian History, Part-III, Class XII | NCERT |
| Xam Idea History Book Class 12 | Xam Idea |
| CBSE All in One History Class, 12 | Amibh Ranjan, Madumitta Pattrea |
Also Read
Class 12 NCERT BooksCBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-2026 Marking Scheme
The CBSE Class 12 History Marking Scheme shows how marks are distributed across different units. The table below shows the detailed marking scheme for the exam.
| Part | Marks |
|---|---|
| Themes in Indian History Part I | 25 |
| Themes in Indian History, Part II | 25 |
| Themes in Indian History, Part III | 25 |
| Map Work | 05 |
| Total | 80 |
CBSE Class 12 History Exam Pattern
The CBSE Class 12 History Exam Pattern outlines the structure of the question paper, including the types and distribution of questions. The table below shows the number of questions, marks, and types of questions, such as long answer, short answer, and MCQs.
| Part | MCQs | Short Answer | Long Answer | Source Based | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | 7 questions (1 mark each) | 2 questions(3 marks each) | 1 question (8 marks) | 1 question (4 marks) | 25 |
| Part II | 7 questions (1 mark each) | 2 questions(3 marks each) | 1 question (8 marks) | 1 question (4 marks) | 25 |
| Part III | 7 questions (1 mark each) | 2 questions(3 marks each) | 1 question (8 marks) | 1 question (4 marks) | 25 |
| Map Work | – | – | – | – | 5 |
| Project Work | – | – | – | – | 20 |
| Total | 100 | ||||
Also Read
CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus for Project Work
The CBSE Class 12 History project carries a total of 20 marks. It is checked jointly by internal and external examiners. The following are the topics included in the CBSE Class 12 History syllabus for the project:
- The Indus Valley Civilization—Archaeological Excavation
- The History and Legacy of the Mauryan Empire
- “Mahabharata” The Great Epic of India
- History and Culture of the Vedic Period
- Buddha Charita
- A Comprehensive History of Jainism
- Bhakti Movement: Multiple interpretations and commentaries.
- “The Mystical Dimensions of Sufism
- Global legacy of Gandhian ideas
- The Architectural Culture of the Vijayanagar Empire
- Life of women in the Mughal rural society
- Comparative Analysis of the Land Revenue Systems Introduced by the Britishers in India
- The Revolt of 1857- Causes; Planning & Coordination; Leadership, Vision of Unity
- The Philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev
- The Vision of Kabir
- An insight into the Indian Constitution
- Comparative study of Stupas and Pillar edicts
- Comparative study of Mughal and Vijayanagar architecture
CBSE Class 12 History Project Work Marking Scheme
The teacher will evaluate the progress of the project work using the following criteria:
| Assessment Basis | Marks |
|---|---|
| Introduction, Statement of Purpose/Need, and objectives of the study, Hypothesis/Research Question, Review of Literature, Presentation of Evidence, Methodology, Questionnaire, Data Collection | 6 |
| Significance and relevance of the topic; challenges encountered while conducting the research | 5 |
| Content analysis and its relevance in the current scenario. Conclusion, Limitations, Bibliography, Annexures, and Overall Presentation | 5 |
| Final Assessment and VIVA by both Internal and External Examiners | 4 |
| Total | 20 |
CBSE Class 12 History Deleted Syllabus
For the CBSE Class 12th History exam 2025-26, there are no new deletions in the syllabus. The chapters that were removed in 2024-25 remain excluded. The table below shows all the topics that are not part of the syllabus:
| Part | Theme | Topic | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part II: Medieval India | Theme 9 | The Mughal Court: Reconstructing Histories | Fully Deleted |
| Part III: Modern India | Theme 12 | Colonialism and Indian Towns | Fully Deleted |
| Theme 14 | Partition through Oral Sources | Fully Deleted | |
| Theme 10 | Colonialism and Rural Society (Certain topics) | Partially Deleted |
CBSE Class 12 History Previous Year Question Papers
The last 12 years’ CBSE Class 12th History question papers are presented in the table below. This will help students identify the questions that are most frequently repeated in the exams.
| Year | Download Question Papers |
|---|---|
| 2025 | CBSE Class 12 Question Paper |
| 2024 | CBSE Class 12 Question Paper |
| 2023 | CBSE Class 12 Question Paper |
| 2022 | CBSE Class 12 Question Paper |
| 2021 | CBSE Class 12 Question Paper |
| 2020 | CBSE Class 12 Question Paper |
| 2019 | CBSE Class 12 Question Paper |
| 2018 | CBSE Class 12 Question Paper |
| 2017 | CBSE Class 12 Question Paper |
| 2016 | CBSE Class 12 Question Paper |
| 2015 | CBSE Class 12 Question Paper |
| 2014 | CBSE Class 12 Question Paper |
Also Read
CBSE Class 12 History Question Paper with SolutionCBSE Class 12 History Sample Papers
Students should practice many sample papers to understand the exam pattern and manage their time better. The links to download CBSE Class 12 Sample Papers of History for different years are also provided below:
| Year | PDF Link |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Check Here |
| 2024 | Check Here |
| 2023 | Check Here |
| 2022 | Check Here |
| 2021 | Check Here |
| 2020 | Check Here |
| 2019 | Check Here |
| 2018 | Check Here |
| 2017 | Check Here |
Also Read
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: How to download 12th CBSE syllabus 2025–26 in PDF?
Ans: To download the CBSE Class 12 syllabus in PDF:
- Go to https://cbseacademic.nic.in.
- Click on Curriculum at the top.
- Select Senior Secondary Curriculum.
- Find Class 12 and choose the subject you want.
- Click the download button to get the PDF.
Ques: Which chapters are removed from history class 12?
Ans: For the 2025–26 academic year, the CBSE Class 12 History syllabus has undergone certain reductions. The following chapters have been entirely removed:
- Chapter 9: The Mughal Court
- Chapter 12: Colonialism and Indian Towns
- Chapter 14: Partition through Oral Sources
Additionally, in the Maps section, the topics on Deccan and Chittagong have been deleted.
Ques: Is Mughal history removed from NCERT Class 12?
Ans: Yes, chapters on the Mughal Empire have been removed from the CBSE Class 12 History syllabus for the 2025–26 academic year. Specifically, the chapter titled “Kings and Chronicles: The Mughal Courts (16th–17th centuries)” from the book Themes of Indian History – Part II has been excluded.
Ques: How many history books are there in class 12 CBSE?
Ans: There are three history books for the CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus:
- Themes of Indian History – Part I
- Themes of Indian History – Part II
- Themes of Indian History – Part III
Ques: How can I get full marks in history class 12?
Ans: Here is how you can aim for full marks in Class 12 History:
- Focus only on the topics mentioned in the syllabus.
- Read NCERT books carefully and make notes.
- Practice previous years’ question papers.
- Write answers clearly with dates, examples, and points.
- Memorize important facts like dates and events.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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