CBSE Class 12 History Marking Scheme 2026-27, Marks Distribution & Exam Pattern

The CBSE Class 12 History Marking Scheme 2026-27 gives students a clear view of how marks are divided across the theory paper, map work and project work. As per the Class 12 History syllabus 2026-27, the theory paper carries 80 marks, while project work carries 20 marks. The total assessment is therefore 100 marks.

The syllabus divides the theory paper into three parts. Themes in Indian History Part I, Part II and Part III carry 25 marks each. Map work carries 5 marks. The question paper design also specifies the number and marks of different question types.

CBSE Class 12 History Marks Distribution 2026-27

The theory paper has a total of 80 marks. The CBSE Class 12 History Marks distribution is given below:

Part I includes themes such as:

• Bricks, Beads and Bones

• Kings, Farmers and Towns

• Kinship, Caste and Class

• Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings

Part II includes:

• Through the Eyes of Travellers

• Bhakti-Sufi Traditions

• An Imperial Capital – Vijayanagar

• Peasants, Zamindars and the State

Part III covers:

• Colonialism and the Countryside

• Rebels and the Raj

• Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement

• Framing the Constitution

The map section is linked with the prescribed themes. The History part of CBSE Class 12 Arts syllabus lists locations related to the Harappan civilisation, ancient kingdoms and towns, Buddhist sites, Vijayanagara, Mughal territories, the Revolt of 1857 and the National Movement.

CBSE Class 12 History Exam Pattern 2026-27

The CBSE Class 12 History Exam Pattern 2026-27 includes multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, long-answer questions, source-based questions and map work.

The question paper design shows the following structure:

The three parts of the syllabus have the same question distribution. Each part has 7 MCQs of 1 mark each, 2 short-answer questions of 3 marks each, 1 long-answer question of 8 marks, and 1 source-based question of 4 marks. Each part contributes 25 marks.

The marking scheme for the 2026-27 History examination also shows examples of these question categories. Section A contains multiple-choice questions carrying 1 mark each. Section B contains short-answer questions carrying 3 marks each. Section C contains long-answer questions carrying 8 marks each.

CBSE Class 12 History Weightage 2026-27

The CBSE Class 12 History Weightage 2026-27 can also be understood through the competency-wise distribution given in the syllabus.

Knowledge-based assessment carries 21 marks. It focuses on recalling facts, terms, basic concepts and answers. Understanding carries 18 marks and covers skills such as organising, translating, interpreting, describing and stating main ideas.

Applying and Analysing carry 24 marks. It focuses on applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques and rules. Formulating, Evaluating and Creating skills carry 12 marks. These include examining information, making inferences, finding evidence and presenting or defending opinions. Map skills account for 5 marks.

This distribution shows that the paper is not limited to recalling historical facts. The syllabus also gives weight to understanding, application, analysis and higher-level skills.

Class 12 History Internal Assessment Marks 2026-27

The Class 12 History Internal Assessment Marks are linked to project work. The syllabus assigns 20 marks to the project, while the theory paper carries 80 marks. This makes the total assessment 100 marks.

The project work is assessed through different stages during the academic year. The 20 marks are divided as follows:

During the first stage, students work on the topic, background reading, statement of purpose, objectives, research question, literature review, evidence and methodology.

The second stage covers planning, organisation and data collection. Students also consider the significance and relevance of the topic and record challenges faced during the research.

The third stage focuses on content and data analysis. It also includes interpretation, conclusion, limitations, bibliography, annexures and overall presentation.

The final stage includes assessment and viva by the internal and external examiners. The viva questions are based on the student's research work and project file.

What the Marking Scheme Says About Evaluation

The CBSE Class 12 History marking scheme 2026-27 explains how students’ answers are assessed and how marks are awarded. It also provides guidelines for evaluating answers that use different expressions or demonstrate competencies correctly.

• Value points are guidelines: The marking scheme provides suggested value points for answers. These are guidelines and do not form a complete answer.

• Own expression is allowed: Students can write answers in their own words. If the expression is correct, due marks should be awarded.

• Competency-based answers: Answers are assessed based on the competency demonstrated by the student. A correct answer can receive marks even if it is not worded exactly like the marking scheme.

• Full marks can be awarded: The full scale of marks should be used. If an answer deserves full marks, the evaluator should award full marks.

• Incorrect answers: A completely incorrect answer is marked with a cross (X) and receives zero marks.

• Questions with parts: Marks are awarded separately for each part of a question. The On Screen Marking (OSM) system totals the marks.

• Questions without parts: Marks are awarded in the designated area in the OSM portal.

CBSE 12th History Marking Scheme 2026-27: Key Points

The CBSE 12th History Marking Scheme 2026-27 can be understood through the following points:

• The History assessment carries 100 marks in total.

• The theory paper carries 80 marks.

• Project work carries 20 marks.

• Part I, Part II and Part III each carry 25 marks.

• Map work carries 5 marks.

• The theory paper has MCQs, short-answer questions, long-answer questions, source-based questions and map work.

• MCQs carry 21 marks in total.

• Short-answer questions carry 18 marks.

• Long-answer questions carry 24 marks.

• Source-based questions carry 12 marks.

• Map work carries 5 marks.

• Competency-based assessment includes knowledge, understanding, applying and analysing, and formulating, evaluating and creating skills.

Students should also note that the project is not treated as a separate addition to the 100-mark structure. The syllabus places 20 marks under project work and 80 marks under theory.

The CBSE Class 12 History Marking Scheme 2026-27 divides the assessment into 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for project work. Students should understand the question distribution, competency-wise weightage, map work, and project assessment criteria to plan their preparation effectively.