💭 Decode the Past, Understand the Present — and Ace the Exam with Confidence
History in Class 12 is all about understanding themes, analyzing sources, and writing structured, evidence-backed answers. With the right strategy, you can turn it into a high-scoring subject.
🧾 CBSE Class 12 History Exam Pattern (2025–26)
Theory Paper: 80 Marks
Project Work: 20 Marks
Time: 3 Hours
| Units (Themes) |
Marks |
| Themes in Indian History – Part I (Ancient) |
25 |
| Themes in Indian History – Part II (Medieval) |
25 |
| Themes in Indian History – Part III (Modern) |
30 |
| Total (Theory) |
80 |
| Project Work (as per CBSE) |
20 |
📚 Class 12 History Syllabus – 2026
The syllabus is divided into three parts (themes):
📘 Part I – Themes in Indian History: Ancient (Units 1–4)
| Unit |
Theme |
| 1 |
Bricks, Beads and Bones (Harappan Civilization) |
| 2 |
Kings, Farmers and Towns (Mauryan and Gupta Era) |
| 3 |
Kinship, Caste and Class (Early Societies) |
| 4 |
Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings (Buddhism & Beyond) |
📗 Part II – Medieval India (Units 5–9)
| Unit |
Theme |
| 5 |
Through the Eyes of Travellers (Al-Biruni, Ibn Battuta) |
| 6 |
Bhakti–Sufi Traditions |
| 7 |
An Imperial Capital – Vijayanagara |
| 8 |
Peasants, Zamindars and the State (Mughal India) |
| 9 |
Kings and Chronicles (Mughal Court) |
📙 Part III – Modern India (Units 10–15)
| Unit |
Theme |
| 10 |
Colonialism and the Countryside |
| 11 |
Rebels and the Raj (1857 Revolt) |
| 12 |
Colonial Cities (Urbanization) |
| 13 |
Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement |
| 14 |
Understanding Partition |
| 15 |
Framing the Constitution |
🧾 Project Work (20 Marks)
📌 Source-Based Questions Strategy
✅ Read NCERT text boxes and extracts carefully
✅ Practice interpreting visuals, timelines & quotes
✅ Learn who said what, and why it matters
✅ Always link the source to the bigger historical theme
✅ Avoid over-describing — stick to analytical points
✍️ Answer Writing Tips (Theory + Source)
✅ Use point-form + short paras
✅ Begin with a 1-line context intro
✅ Mention dates, policies, personalities clearly
✅ Highlight changes across time periods
✅ Use keywords: "colonial impact", "social structure", "state policy"
🎯 Top Scoring Tips
-
Practice at least 2 source-based and 2 theory questions weekly
-
Focus on themes with continuity (e.g., caste, trade, religion)
-
Solve previous 5 years’ CBSE questions
-
Use case study boxes from NCERT effectively
-
Develop timelines for visual memory
💻 Practice Better on OnlineSelfTest.com
🧠 Chapter-Wise MCQs + Source-Based Quizzes
📜 Model Answers + Structure Templates
📥 Answer Upload for Instant Review
📊 Time Tracker & Weak Area Insights
💡 Pro Tip:
History rewards perspective as much as memory. Show your understanding — not just facts.
📘 Understand India’s Story. Excel in Every Answer — Only on OnlineSelfTest.com
