The CBSE Class 12th history syllabus 2025-26 is designed to give you a deeper understanding of India’s past, from ancient to modern times. It covers important themes like the Harappan civilisation, Mughal agrarian society, Bhakti-Sufi traditions, colonialism, the 1857 revolt, Gandhian movements, and the framing of the Constitution.
The course focuses on evidence, sources, and debates that shaped historical knowledge. In this blog, we provide the complete syllabus of class 12 history subject, including unit-wise details, marks distribution, exam pattern, project guidelines, prescribed books, and preparation tips to help you prepare effectively for your board exams.
Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-26: Overview
Find the overview of class XII history syllabus for CBSE:
| Part | Themes | Marks |
| Part I – Themes in Indian History (Ancient India) | 1. Bricks, Beads and Bones: Harappan Civilisation 2. Kings, Farmers and Towns: Early States & Economies (c. 600 BCE–600 CE) 3. Kinship, Caste and Class: Early Societies (c. 600 BCE–600 CE) 4. Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings: Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE–600 CE) | 25 |
| Part II – Themes in Indian History (Medieval India) | 5. Through the Eyes of Travellers: Perceptions of Society (c. 10th–17th centuries) 6. Bhakti: Sufi Traditions (c. 8th–18th centuries) 7. An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagar (c. 14th–16th centuries) 8. Peasants, Zamindars and the State: Agrarian Society & Mughal Empire (c. 16th–17th centuries) | 25 |
| Part III – Themes in Indian History (Modern India) | 9. Colonialism and the Countryside: Official Archives 10. Rebels and the Raj: 1857 Revolt 11. Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movemen: Civil Disobedience and Beyond 12. Framing the Constitution: The Beginning of a New Era | 25 |
| Map Work (Related Themes) | — | 5 |
| Total (Theory) | — | 80 |
| Project Work / Internal Assessment | — | 20 |
| Grand Total | — | 100 |
📥 Download Class 12 History Syllabus PDF
Get the official document of the class 12th history syllabus for CBSE with complete unit-wise topics, marks distribution, exam pattern, and project guidelines.
Class 12th History Syllabus 2025-26: Part I
Part I – Themes in Indian History (Ancient India)
Theme 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones – The Harappan Civilisation
This theme in the class 12th history syllabus explores the Harappan civilisation through archaeology. It highlights urban planning, trade, craft production, social structure, and religious practices.
Students learn how excavations and artefacts help reconstruct early societies and the debates around decline.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Harappan Settlements | Cities, town planning, and lifestyle. |
| Agriculture & Trade | Farming methods, craft, and long-distance trade. |
| Social & Religious Life | Social classes, rituals, and practices. |
| Archaeological Sources | Excavations and artefacts revealing Harappan life. |
Theme 2: Kings, Farmers and Towns – Early States and Economies (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)
This theme in the history syllabus of class 12th studies political and economic trends in ancient India. It covers the Mahajanapadas, Mauryan Empire, inscriptions, and urban centres. Students analyze how states and economies evolved during this period.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Mahajanapadas | Early states and republics. |
| Mauryan Empire | Administration and Ashoka’s policies. |
| Inscriptions | Sources of political & economic history. |
| Towns and Trade | Growth of cities and commerce. |
Theme 3: Kinship, Caste and Class – Early Societies (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)
This unit in the syllabus of class 12th history looks into social history through texts like the Mahabharata. It examines family, kinship patterns, caste divisions, and debates on varna and jati.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Kinship Patterns | Family, lineage, and social ties. |
| Caste & Varna | Hierarchies and social divisions. |
| Mahabharata | Text as a source for social history. |
Theme 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings – Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)
This theme in CBSE class 12th history syllabus covers religious and cultural transformations, especially Buddhism, Jainism, and early Hinduism. It highlights philosophical debates, art, architecture, and monuments.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Buddhism & Jainism | Teachings and spread of new religions. |
| Hindu Traditions | Vedic beliefs and transformations. |
| Religious Architecture | Stupas, temples, and sculptures. |
| Philosophical Debates | Diverse schools of thought. |
More Important Resources for CBSE Exam:
| CBSE Board: All details | CBSE Class 11 Commerce Subjects |
| CBSE Full Form | All about CBSE Class 11th |
| Class 11th Hornbill Syllabus |
Class 12th History Syllabus 2025-26: Part II
Part II – Themes in Indian History (Medieval India)
Theme 5: Through the Eyes of Travellers – Perceptions of Society (c. 10th–17th centuries)
This unit in history syllabus of class 12th explores accounts of travellers like Al-Biruni, Ibn Battuta, and Francois Bernier. Their writings reveal social, cultural, and political life of medieval India.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Al-Biruni | Insights on Indian culture and science. |
| Ibn Battuta | Observations on urban life and trade. |
| Bernier | Views on Mughal society and state. |
Theme 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions (c. 8th–18th centuries)
This theme in the CBSE class XII history syllabus studies religious movements that emphasized devotion, love, and unity. Students explore saints like Kabir, Guru Nanak, and Sufi mystics, and their impact on society.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Bhakti Movement | Saints and devotional paths. |
| Sufi Traditions | Teachings of Sufi mystics. |
| Social Impact | Unity, harmony, and reforms. |
Theme 7: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagar (c. 14th–16th centuries)
It examines Vijayanagar as a political and cultural hub. Architecture, city planning, and accounts of travellers like Domingo Paes reveal its grandeur.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| City Planning | Layout, administration, water management. |
| Architecture | Temples, palaces, and art. |
| Traveller Accounts | Observations of Vijayanagar’s life. |
Theme 8: Peasants, Zamindars and the State – Agrarian Society and the Mughal Empire (c. 16th–17th centuries)
This theme studies Mughal agrarian policies, land revenue systems, and social relations between peasants, zamindars, and the state.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Agrarian Economy | Farming and rural life. |
| Revenue Systems | Land tax and Mughal administration. |
| State–Peasant Relations | Roles of zamindars and farmers. |
Class 12th History Syllabus: Part III
Part III – Themes in Indian History (Modern India)
Theme 9: Colonialism and the Countryside – Exploring Official Archives
This unit in the syllabus of class 12th histry analyzes British agrarian policies, revenue systems, and their impact on peasants and artisans through colonial records.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| British Policies | Land revenue systems (Ryotwari, Zamindari). |
| Peasant Struggles | Resistance and hardships. |
| Official Records | Colonial sources and their biases. |
Theme 10: Rebels and the Raj – The Revolt of 1857
It examines the causes, spread, and representation of the Revolt of 1857. Students interpret visual images and documents to understand its significance.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Causes of Revolt | Political, social, and economic factors. |
| Spread of Revolt | Centres and leadership. |
| British & Indian Views | Differing perspectives on 1857. |
Theme 11: Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement – Civil Disobedience and Beyond
This theme focuses on Gandhi’s role in India’s freedom struggle. It covers movements, ideologies, and his impact on Indian nationalism.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Gandhian Movements | Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India. |
| Gandhian Ideology | Ahimsa and satyagraha. |
| Role of Masses | Participation of peasants, women, and workers. |
Theme 12: Framing the Constitution – The Beginning of a New Era
This theme highlights the debates and discussions of the Constituent Assembly, showing how India’s Constitution was framed.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Constituent Assembly | Role and debates. |
| Drafting Process | Stages of Constitution-making. |
| Key Issues | Rights, federalism, minorities, and democracy. |
Check the latest CBSE Class 11 syllabus for all subjects below:
| Class 11th History Syllabus | Class 11th Chemistry Syllabus |
| Class 11th Legal Studies Syllabus | Class 11th Biology Syllabus |
| Class 11th Accountancy Syllabus | Class 11th Psychology Syllabus |
| Class 11th Entrepreneurship Syllabus | Class 11th Fine Arts Syllabus |
| Class 11th Business Studies Syllabus | Class 11th Sociology Syllabus |
| Class 11th Maths Syllabus | Class 11th Economics Syllabus |
| Class 11th Political Science Syllabus | Class 11th English Syllabus |
| Class 11th Physics Syllabus | Class 11th Hindi Syllabus |
| Class 11th Geography Syllabus | Class 11th Computer Science Syllabus |
| Class 11th Informatics Practices Syllabus | Class 11th Physical Education Syllabus |
| Class 11th Home Science Syllabus | Class 11th Sanskrit Syllabus |
Class 12 History Syllabus: Question Paper Design
| Part / Section | MCQ (1 mark) | Short Answer (3 marks) | Long Answer (8 marks) | Source-Based (4 marks) | Map Work | Total Marks |
| Part I – Themes in Indian History (Ancient) | 7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | 25 |
| Part II – Themes in Indian History (Medieval) | 7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | 25 |
| Part III – Themes in Indian History (Modern) | 7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | 25 |
| Map Work (Related Themes) | — | — | — | — | 1 × 5 = 5 | 5 |
| Total (Theory) | 21 × 1 = 21 | 6 × 3 = 18 | 3 × 8 = 24 | 3 × 4 = 12 | 5 | 80 |
Internal Assessment (Project Work) – 20 Marks
| Component | Marks |
| Project File | 12 |
| Viva Voce | 8 |
| Total | 20 |
Prescribed Books for CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus
- Themes in Indian History: Part I (NCERT Publication)
- Themes in Indian History: Part II (NCERT Publication)
- Themes in Indian History: Part III (NCERT Publication)
These three NCERT books are the core texts for the class 12th history syllabus for CBSE. They cover all 12 prescribed themes, along with maps, source-based case studies, and debates. Since board exam questions are based directly on these books, students should prioritize them for preparation.
Reference Books for CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus
- Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Class 12 History: Includes past year papers, sample questions, and NCERT-based summaries.
- Together With History Class 12: Provides chapter-wise notes, practice questions, and source-based exercises.
- Xam Idea History Class 12: Focuses on competency-based questions, maps, and exam-oriented preparation.
- Arihant All in One History Class 12: Covers all NCERT themes with detailed explanations, practice sets, and model test papers.
- Educart CBSE Sample Papers Class 12 History: Best for practicing the latest exam pattern with solved and unsolved sample papers.
Objectives of CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-26
- Deepen Knowledge of Indian History: To provide a detailed study of ancient, medieval, and modern India through selected themes.
- Understand Historical Sources: To train students in using inscriptions, artefacts, architecture, texts, and archival material to reconstruct history.
- Develop Analytical and Critical Skills: To encourage questioning, comparing viewpoints, and analyzing historical debates rather than memorizing facts.
- Relate Past to Present: To help students connect India’s historical processes with present-day institutions, culture, and governance.
- Appreciate Diversity: To develop respect for India’s diverse traditions, religions, and social systems through historical study.
- Strengthen Research and Inquiry Skills: To build abilities in project work, source analysis, map study, and presentation of evidence.
- Promote Constitutional and Democratic Values: To make students understand how struggles for freedom, rights, and justice shaped modern India and the Constitution.
- Prepare for Higher Studies and Careers: To provide a foundation for competitive exams like CUET, UPSC (foundation), law entrances, and humanities studies.
Tips to Prepare for CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus
1. Prioritize NCERT Textbooks
The NCERT Themes in Indian History (Parts I–III) are the backbone of the class 12th history syllabus for CBSE. Read every theme thoroughly, underline keywords, and practice the “In-text” questions provided.
2. Focus on Source-Based Questions
Boards test your ability to interpret extracts, inscriptions, or travellers’ accounts. Practice writing answers that summarize the source, explain its context, and link it to the theme.
3. Create Timelines and Flowcharts
Prepare chronological timelines for major events like Harappan civilisation, Mughal rule, Gandhian movements, etc. Flowcharts help in visualizing cause-effect relations, such as the reasons behind the Revolt of 1857 and its outcomes.
4. Practice Map Work Regularly
Map questions (5 marks) are often straightforward but scoring. Practice identifying Harappan sites, Mughal centres, revolt regions, and Gandhian movement places. Repeated practice ensures accuracy.
5. Use Case Studies and Debates
Many themes include historians’ debates (e.g., decline of Harappa, Gandhian strategies, framing of the Constitution). Including these debates in answers adds depth and shows conceptual clarity.
6. Prepare Short Notes for Revision
After reading each theme, summarize it in 2–3 pages. Use bullet points, tables, and key terms. These notes are invaluable for quick revision before exams.
7. Solve Previous Year Papers and Sample Papers
Go through CBSE past year papers and sample papers. This helps in understanding question patterns, managing time, and practicing structured answers.
8. Link History with Competitive Exams
Studying the syllabus of class 12 history subject builds a foundation for CUET, UPSC (foundation), and law entrances. For example, topics like the Constitution, Gandhian movements, and colonialism are directly relevant for competitive exams.
Suggested Project Topics for CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus
Ancient India
- Indus Valley Civilization: Archaeological excavations and new perspectives.
- Mauryan Empire: Administration, economy, and Ashoka’s Dhamma.
- Mahabharata as a Source of History: Kinship, caste, and social life.
- Vedic Culture: Philosophy, rituals, and society.
- Buddhism and Jainism :Teachings, spread, and impact.
Medieval India
- Bhakti Movement: Saints, philosophy, and influence on Indian society.
- Sufism in India: Spiritual dimensions and social harmony.
- Vijayanagar Empire: Architecture, administration, and cultural significance.
- Mughal Agrarian System: Peasants, zamindars, and revenue policies.
- Travellers’ Accounts: Al-Biruni, Ibn Battuta, Bernier and their perceptions of India.
Modern India
- Colonial Agrarian Policies: Zamindari, Ryotwari, Mahalwari systems.
- The Revolt of 1857: Causes, leadership, and representations.
- Mahatma Gandhi: His role in Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India.
- Constitution-Making: Debates in the Constituent Assembly.
- Women in National Movement: Role of women leaders in India’s struggle for freedom.
Read the chapter-wise summaries of Class 11 English here:
FAQs About Class 12th History Syllabus
The subject code for the class 12th history syllabus for CBSE is 027.
The exam is of 100 marks: 80 for theory and 20 for project work.
There are 12 themes, grouped across the three parts of Indian history.
Yes, map work based on related themes carries 5 marks.
Yes, project work is compulsory and carries 20 marks (12 for project file and 8 for viva voce).
MCQs, short answer questions, long answer questions, source-based questions, and map work.
You must explain the source, identify its context, and relate it to the theme. Each carries 4 marks.
Gandhi and National Movement, Revolt of 1857, Bhakti-Sufi Traditions, and Constitution-making are highly important.
Focus on NCERT books, prepare timelines, practice map work, and solve CBSE sample papers.
Yes, it is directly relevant for CUET Humanities domain, as questions are NCERT-based.
Yes, the class 12th history syllabus builds a strong foundation for UPSC prelims and mains (History optional and General Studies).
It is scoring if you prepare systematically, write analytical answers, and use maps and debates.
Find detailed questions and answers from all chapters of English Class 11 now:
Discover CLAT exam resources that can help you get started early:
Explore CLAT coaching centers across different cities: