The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the Class 12 History syllabus for the academic session 2025-26. The syllabus is structured to enhance analytical thinking, historical interpretation, and source-based learning among students. With a focus on Indian history from the Harappan Civilization to post-independence constitution framing, the syllabus is divided into three major parts, inclusive of map work and project-based assessment. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the CBSE Class 12 History syllabus 2025-26, including marks distribution, themes, competencies, and downloadable PDF details.
CBSE 12th History Syllabus 2025-26 PDF Download
Students can download the official CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-26 in PDF format from the CBSE Academic website or from the link provided below:
Click here to download CBSE 12th History Syllabus 2026 PDF
CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-26: Course Structure
| Part | Theme | Marks |
| Part I | Themes in Indian History – I | 25 |
| Part II | Themes in Indian History – II | 25 |
| Part III | Themes in Indian History – III | 25 |
| Map Work | Based on all three parts | 5 |
| Total Theory Marks | 80 | |
| Project Work | 20 | |
| Grand Total | 100 |
CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-26: Detailed Syllabus
| Part | Theme Title | Key Topics/Focus Areas | Marks |
Part I (Time period covered: Prehistoric to Early Historic India) | Bricks, Beads and Bones | Interpretation of archaeological sources, ASI and historians' viewpoints | 25 |
| Kings, Farmers and Towns | Decoding inscriptional evidence, political and economic processes | ||
| Kinship, Caste and Class | Social norms, scriptures, Mahabharata as a source | ||
| Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings | Early religious developments, interpretation of Buddhist sculptures | ||
Part II (Time period covered: c. 10th to 17th Century) | Through the Eyes of Travellers | Social and economic insights from foreign travelers | 25 |
| Bhakti-Sufi Traditions | Bhakti and Sufi philosophies, spiritual harmony and unity | ||
| An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara | Vijayanagara architecture, administration, water systems | ||
| Peasants, Zamindars and the State | Mughal agrarian structure, 16th–17th century agriculture comparison | ||
Part III (Time period covered: 18th Century to Post-Independence) | Colonialism and the Countryside | British revenue systems, colonial policies, peasant issues | 25 |
| Rebels and the Raj – 1857 Revolt | Spread, coordination, representation of the 1857 revolt | ||
| Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement | Gandhi’s appeal, diaries, letters, newspapers as sources | ||
| Framing the Constitution | Role of Constituent Assembly, debates and discussions | ||
| Map Work | Historical Map Locations | Harappan sites, Mahajanapadas, Ashokan pillars, Vijayanagar, Mughal cities, 1857 revolt centers, Nationalist movement centers | 5 |
CBSE Class 12 History Learning Outcomes & Competencies
Each theme focuses on:
- Investigative and analytical skills
- Historical interpretations and perspectives
- Use of multiple sources (texts, inscriptions, architecture, maps)
- Development of empathy and national pride
Teachers are encouraged to adapt and expand outcomes for a more engaging learning process.
CBSE Class 12 History Exam Pattern 2025-26
| Question Type | Number of Questions | Marks Per Question | Total Marks |
| MCQs | 7 (Each Part) | 1 | 21 |
| Short Answers | 2 (Each Part) | 3 | 18 |
| Long Answers | 1 (Each Part) | 8 | 24 |
| Source-Based | 1 (Each Part) | 4 | 12 |
| Map Work | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Theory Total | - | - | 80 |
| Project Work | - | - | 20 |
| Grand Total | - | - | 100 |
Competency-Wise Weightage
| Competency | Weightage |
| Knowledge & Understanding | 26.25% |
| Application & Analysis | 30% |
| Evaluation & Creation | 15% |
| Map Skills | 6.25% |
| Project Work | 20% |
The CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-26 offers a holistic and engaging curriculum that goes beyond rote learning. It emphasizes understanding over memorization, encouraging students to engage critically with historical events and sources. With a balanced assessment pattern, focus on competencies, and rich thematic content, students can prepare thoroughly for the board exam with confidence and clarity.
