History Overview
Subject introduction and importance
Welcome to the Class 12 History Syllabus and Marking Scheme page. This page provides a comprehensive guide to the syllabus, paper design, marking scheme, and chapter-wise weightage for the history subject. Understanding the syllabus and exam pattern is essential for effective preparation. Here, you’ll find detailed insights into the structure of the history paper, including important topics, weightage distribution, and exam preparation strategies.
Class XII History Syllabus and Marking Scheme
|
Class |
Subject Code |
Subject Name |
Theory Marks |
Time (h) |
Internal Assessments Marks |
Total Marks |
Group |
|
12 |
70 |
History |
80 |
3 |
20 |
100 |
Group A1 |
Detailed Syllabus
Complete curriculum breakdown
Syllabus Overview
Class 12 History Syllabus Overview
The Class 12 History syllabus is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of key historical periods and events that shaped India and the world. It covers important themes in ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, as well as global developments like industrialization and decolonization. The syllabus encourages critical thinking and analysis of historical sources, helping students develop a comprehensive perspective on the past. With a focus on major political, social, and economic transformations, the syllabus equips students to perform well in their board exams while fostering a broader understanding of history.
Chapter-wise Breakdown
|
Class XII History Syllabus & Marking Scheme (2025-26) |
||||
|
Unit Name |
Chapter |
Key Concept |
Marks |
Weightage |
|
Themes in Indian History Part—I |
Bricks, Beads And Bones |
Familiarize learners with early urban centers and revision of historical notions. |
25 |
25.00% |
|
Kings, Farmers And Towns |
Familiarize learners with political and economic trends. |
|||
|
Analyze inscriptional evidence. |
||||
|
Kinship, Caste And Class |
Introduce textual analysis to reconstruct social history. |
|||
|
Appraise the condition of women during the Mahabharata age. |
||||
|
Thinkers, Beliefs And Buildings |
Discuss religious developments in early India. |
|||
|
Visual analysis of religious sculptures. |
||||
|
Themes in Indian History Part—II |
Through The Eyes Of Travellers |
Understand social histories through travellers’ accounts |
25 |
25.00% |
|
Bhakti-Sufi Traditions |
Analyze devotional literature and religious developments in medieval India. |
|||
|
An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara |
Acquaint learners with Vijayanagara architecture. |
|||
|
Use architecture to reconstruct history. |
||||
|
Themes in Indian History Part—III |
Peasants, Zamindars And The State |
Discuss agrarian changes during Mughal rule. |
25 |
25.00% |
|
Understand state-agrarian relations. |
||||
|
Colonialism And The Countryside |
Explore the impact of colonialism on peasants and artisans. |
|||
|
Evaluate British revenue systems and official records. |
||||
|
Rebels And The Raj |
Understand the events of the 1857 revolt and its impact. |
|||
|
Mahatma Gandhi And The Nationalist Movement |
Explore the role of Gandhian leadership in the Nationalist Movement. |
|||
|
Framing The Constitution |
Explore the role of Gandhian leadership in the Nationalist Movement. |
|||
|
Map |
5 |
5.00% |
||
|
Project |
20 |
20.00% |
||
|
Total |
100 |
100.00% |
||
|
Map Pointing |
|
|
Topic |
Places/Locations |
|
Mature Harappan Sites |
Harappa, Banawali, Kalibangan, Balakot, Rakhigarhi, Dholavira, Nageshwar, Lothal, Mohenjodaro, Chanhudaro, Kot Diji |
|
Mahajanapadas and Cities |
Vajji, Magadha, Kosala, Kuru, Panchala, Gandhara, Avanti, Rajgir, Ujjain, Taxila, Varanasi |
|
Distribution of Ashokan Inscriptions |
Pillar Inscriptions: Sanchi, Topra, Meerut Pillar, Kaushambi |
|
Kingdoms of Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas |
Chola Kingdom, Chera Kingdom, Pandya Kingdom |
|
Important Kingdoms and Towns |
Kushanas, Shakas, Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Guptas Cities/Towns: Mathura, Kanauj, Puhar, Braghukachchha, Shravasti, Rajgir, Vaishali, Varanasi, Vidisha |
|
Major Buddhist Sites |
Nagarjunakonda, Sanchi, Amaravati, Lumbini, Bharhut, Bodh Gaya, Ajanta |
|
Part II – Map (Vijayanagara Empire) |
Bidar, Golconda, Bijapur, Vijayanagar, Chandragiri, Kanchipuram, Mysore, Thanjavur, Kolar, Tirunelveli |
|
Territories Under Babur, Akbar, Aurangzeb |
Delhi, Agra, Panipat, Amber, Ajmer, Lahore, Goa |
|
Part III – Map (British Control in 1857) |
Punjab, Sindh, Bombay, Madras, Berar, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Surat, Calcutta, Patna, Allahabad |
|
Main Centres of Revolt of 1857 |
Delhi, Meerut, Jhansi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Azamgarh, Calcutta, Benaras, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Agra, Awadh |
|
Important Centres of National Movement |
Champaran, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Benaras, Amritsar, Chauri Chaura, Lahore, Bardoli, Dandi, Bombay (Quit India Resolution), Karachi |
Marking Scheme
Weightage and distribution of marks
Marking Overview
Marking Scheme and Weightage for Class 12 History
The marking scheme provides a breakdown of the marks allocated to each chapter. This allows students to prioritize high-weightage topics and effectively allocate their study time. Here’s the chapter-wise weightage for Class 12 history.
Detailed Marking Scheme
|
Class XII History Marking Scheme & Chapter-wise Weightage (2025-26) |
|||
|
Unit Name |
Chapter |
Marks |
Weightage |
|
Themes in Indian History Part—I |
Bricks, Beads And Bones |
25 |
25.00% |
|
Kings, Farmers And Towns |
|||
|
Kinship, Caste And Class |
|||
|
Thinkers, Beliefs And Buildings |
|||
|
Themes in Indian History Part—II |
Through The Eyes Of Travellers |
25 |
25.00% |
|
Bhakti-Sufi Traditions |
|||
|
An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara |
|||
|
Themes in Indian History Part—III |
Peasants, Zamindars And The State |
25 |
25.00% |
|
Colonialism And The Countryside |
|||
|
Rebels And The Raj |
|||
|
Mahatma Gandhi And The Nationalist Movement |
|||
|
Framing The Constitution |
|||
|
Map |
5 |
5.00% |
|
|
Project |
20 |
20.00% |
|
|
Total |
100 |
100.00% |
|
Typical Mark Distribution
Paper Pattern
Exam structure and question format
Pattern Overview
Exam Pattern Of Class 12 History
The exam pattern for Class 12 history includes a mix of objective, subjective, and analytical questions. Understanding the exam pattern helps students focus on the structure of the exam, including the types of questions, marks distribution, and time allocation. Here’s an overview of the question format and total marks.
Detailed Pattern
|
Class XII History Exam Pattern (2025-26) |
||||
|
Book |
Type of Questions |
No. of Questions |
Marks Per Question |
Total Marks |
|
Themes in Indian History Part—I |
MCQ |
7 |
1 |
25 |
|
short answer type |
2 |
3 |
||
|
case based questions |
1 |
8 |
||
|
long answer type |
1 |
4 |
||
|
Themes in Indian History Part—II |
MCQ |
7 |
1 |
25 |
|
short answer type |
2 |
3 |
||
|
case based questions |
1 |
8 |
||
|
long answer type |
1 |
4 |
||
|
Themes in Indian History Part—III |
MCQ |
7 |
1 |
25 |
|
short answer type |
2 |
3 |
||
|
case based questions |
1 |
8 |
||
|
long answer type |
1 |
4 |
||
|
Map Pointing |
5 |
|||
|
Project |
20 |
|||
|
Total |
100 |
|||
Paper Structure
History Preparation Strategy
Expert tips for effective preparation
General Preparation Tips
- Follow the complete syllabus systematically
- Make comprehensive notes
- Practice with sample papers
- Focus on high-weightage topics
- Regular revision is essential
Additional Information
Important details and guidelines
Benefits of Knowing the Syllabus and Marking Scheme of Class 12 History
Understanding the Class 12 History syllabus and marking scheme is crucial for students preparing for their CBSE board exams. Here are the key benefits:
-
Focused and Structured Learning: The syllabus provides a clear roadmap of all the historical themes, events, and time periods you need to cover. Knowing the syllabus helps you stay organized, ensuring you don't miss any important chapters while preparing.
-
Effective Time Management: With a detailed understanding of the marking scheme, you can prioritize chapters based on their weightage. This allows you to allocate more time to high-mark sections like Ancient and Modern Indian History, ensuring a balanced approach to studying.
-
Better Exam Strategy: The marking scheme outlines the format of the exam, including the distribution of objective, short-answer, and long-answer questions. By understanding how marks are allotted, you can focus on improving specific types of answers and ensure maximum score potential in each section.
-
Confident Revision: The syllabus serves as a checklist during revision, ensuring that you've covered all necessary topics. Meanwhile, the marking scheme helps you revise strategically, concentrating on high-weightage topics that could boost your overall score.
-
Reduced Exam Stress: Being familiar with the syllabus and marking scheme removes uncertainty about what to expect in the exam. This reduces exam anxiety and gives you confidence that you’re thoroughly prepared for every section.
How to Prepare for Class 12 History Effectively
Preparing for Class 12 History requires a blend of systematic reading, understanding timelines, and mastering historical analysis. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare effectively:
-
Study the NCERT Textbook Thoroughly: The NCERT History textbook is your primary resource for the exam. Read every chapter in detail, paying special attention to key events, movements, and figures. The textbook is essential as many questions are directly derived from it.
-
Understand Key Historical Concepts: History isn’t about rote memorization; it’s about understanding causes, events, and consequences. Focus on analyzing events like the Indian Independence Movement, the World Wars, and Ancient Indian dynasties in a comprehensive way.
-
Create Timelines and Summaries: To remember historical events, create timelines that map out key dates and sequences. Summarize important events and periods in short notes, which will help during revision. Visual aids like mind maps and charts can also be useful for retention.
-
Focus on Themes and Trends: History exams often ask for thematic essays and analytical answers. Be sure to study broader historical trends, such as economic changes during colonialism, cultural evolution in ancient India, or the impact of industrialization on society.
-
Practice Answer Writing: History exams require well-structured, detailed answers. Practice writing long-answer questions, ensuring you cover all aspects of the question. Pay attention to structure, starting with an introduction, followed by a well-organized body, and concluding with a summary or analysis.
-
Solve Previous Years' Papers: Solving past board exam papers is one of the best ways to prepare. It helps you understand the type of questions asked and improve your time management. It also gives you a feel for how much detail is required in long answers and essays.
-
Revise Regularly: Regular revision is essential for retaining historical facts, dates, and interpretations. Use your summary notes and timelines for quick revision, especially during the final weeks before the exam.
-
Focus on Presentation and Diagrams: Where applicable, use maps, charts, or diagrams to present your answers more clearly. This can help illustrate points better, especially when discussing territorial changes, historical routes, or dynastic shifts.
-
Stay Consistent and Confident: History has a vast syllabus, but with consistent effort and regular study, you can cover all the essential areas. Keep a positive attitude, stay organized with your preparation schedule, and you’ll be well-prepared for your exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common queries about History syllabus
What are the important chapters in Class 12 History?
+All chapters are important, but focus on high-weightage topics as mentioned in the marking scheme. Practice previous year questions to identify important areas.
How much time should I allocate for History preparation?
+Allocate time based on the subject's weightage and your comfort level. Generally, spend 1-2 hours daily for each subject with regular revision sessions.
Are NCERT books sufficient for History?
+NCERT books are the foundation and cover the complete syllabus. For additional practice, you can refer to sample papers and previous year questions.