CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2026-27, Chapter-wise Topics, PDF & Exam Pattern

CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2026-27 Highlights

Particular

Details

Board

CBSE

Class

12

Subject

History

Subject Code

027

Academic Session

2026-27

Theory Marks

80

Project Work

20

Total Marks

100

Number of Themes

12

Map Work

5 Marks

Exam Mode

Offline

Question Types

MCQs, Short Answer, Long Answer, Source-Based & Map Questions

CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2026-27: Chapter-wise Course 

Theme No.

Chapter Name

Key Learning Outcomes

Theme 1

Bricks, Beads and Bones: The Harappan Civilisation

Investigate early urban centres and social institutions, understand the key features of the Harappan Civilisation, and analyse archaeological evidence along with the interpretations of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and historians.

Theme 2

Kings, Farmers and Towns: Early States and Economies (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)

Evaluate political and economic developments in ancient India, interpret inscriptional evidence, and understand how inscriptions help reconstruct historical events and administrative systems.

Theme 3

Kinship, Caste and Class: Early Societies (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)

Examine social structures, analyse caste and kinship systems, understand social norms through ancient scriptures, and study the historical significance of the Mahabharata.

Theme 4

Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings: Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)

Compare major religious traditions, understand the spread of Buddhism and Jainism, analyse Buddhist architecture and sculptures, and explore India's rich cultural heritage.

Theme 5

Through the Eyes of Travellers: Perceptions of Society (10th–17th Centuries)

Understand medieval Indian society through the writings of foreign travellers, analyse their observations, and interpret the social, political, and economic conditions of the period.

Theme 6

Bhakti-Sufi Traditions: Changes in Religious Beliefs and Devotional Texts (8th–18th Centuries)

Study the Bhakti and Sufi movements, understand the teachings of prominent saints, and examine their role in promoting peace, harmony, equality, and religious tolerance.

Theme 7

An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara (14th–16th Centuries)

Explore the architecture, administration, city planning, water management system, and cultural achievements of the Vijayanagara Empire through historical evidence and travellers' accounts.

Theme 8

Peasants, Zamindars and the State: Agrarian Society and the Mughal Empire (16th–17th Centuries)

Understand Mughal agrarian policies, analyse the relationship between peasants, zamindars, and the state, and compare agricultural developments during the Mughal period.

Theme 9

Colonialism and the Countryside: Exploring Official Archives

Evaluate British land revenue systems, analyse official colonial records, understand their impact on Indian farmers and artisans, and examine the economic effects of colonial rule.

Theme 10

Rebels and the Raj: The Revolt of 1857 and its Representations

Examine the causes, spread, leadership, and consequences of the Revolt of 1857, analyse its role in fostering national unity, and interpret visual and written historical sources.

Theme 11

Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement: Civil Disobedience and Beyond

Study the Indian nationalist movement under Gandhi, analyse major movements, evaluate Gandhi's contribution to India's freedom struggle, and interpret historical sources such as newspapers, letters, and autobiographies.

Theme 12

Framing the Constitution: The Beginning of a New Era

Understand the role of the Constituent Assembly, analyse constitutional debates, and examine how discussions during the drafting process shaped the Constitution of India.

Class 12 History Map Work Syllabus 2026-27

Part

Map Topics

Important Locations

Part I

Harappan Civilisation Sites

Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Dholavira, Lothal, Kalibangan, Banawali, Rakhigarhi, Chanhudaro, Balakot, Kot Diji, Nageshwar

Mahajanapadas & Ancient Cities

Vajji, Magadha, Kosala, Kuru, Panchala, Gandhara, Avanti, Rajgir, Ujjain, Taxila, Varanasi

Ashokan Inscriptions

Sanchi, Topra, Meerut Pillar, Kaushambi

Ancient Kingdoms & Cities

Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas, Kushanas, Shakas, Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Guptas, Mathura, Kanauj, Puhar, Bharukachchha, Shravasti, Rajgir, Vaishali, Varanasi, Vidisha

Major Buddhist Sites

Nagarjunakonda, Sanchi, Amaravati, Lumbini, Bharhut, Bodh Gaya, Ajanta

Part II

Vijayanagara & Medieval India

Bidar, Golconda, Bijapur, Vijayanagara, Chandragiri, Kanchipuram, Mysore, Thanjavur, Kolar, Tirunelveli

Mughal Territories

Delhi, Agra, Panipat, Amber, Ajmer, Lahore, Goa

Part III

British Territories (1857)

Punjab, Sindh, Bombay, Madras, Berar, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Surat, Calcutta, Patna, Allahabad

Centres of the Revolt of 1857

Delhi, Meerut, Jhansi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Azamgarh, Calcutta, Benaras, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Agra, Awadh

National Movement Centres

Champaran, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Benaras, Amritsar, Chauri Chaura, Lahore, Bardoli, Dandi, Bombay (Quit India Resolution), Karachi

CBSE Class 12 History Exam Pattern 2026

Component

Marks

Ancient Indian History

25

Medieval Indian History

25

Modern Indian History

25

Map Work

5

Theory Total

80

Project Work

20

Grand Total

100