Preparing for the CBSE Class 12 History board exam can feel overwhelming — but the right practice makes a huge difference. The CBSE Class 12 History Sample Paper 2025–26 is an official practice paper issued by the CBSE Academic Unit to help students understand the exact question pattern, time allocation, and marking expectations. In this post, you’ll find what the sample paper contains, what changed (if anything) for 2025–26, how to download the official PDF, and practical, exam-focused tips to help you convert practice into marks.
What is the CBSE Class 12 History Sample Paper 2025–26 — and who issues it?
The CBSE Sample Question Paper (SQP) is a model question paper published by the CBSE Academics Unit (cbseacademic.nic.in). It shows the structure of the board paper — sections, types of questions (MCQs, very short answers, long answers, map work, etc.), marks distribution, and the total time allowed (3 hours for Class XII History). The board also releases an accompanying marking scheme so students and teachers can see how marks are awarded. These are official reference documents; always prefer the CBSE academic site for downloads.
CBSE, the History syllabus, and the exam format — quick overview
- CBSE’s role: CBSE frames the senior secondary syllabi and issues sample papers and marking schemes to maintain uniform standards across affiliated schools.
- Class 12 History syllabus (structure): Class XII focuses on detailed themes from ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history (as per the 2025–26 syllabus), combining factual knowledge with source-based interpretation and map skills.
- Exam format (2025–26 example): The sample paper shows 5 sections (A–E), a mix of 1-mark MCQs, short-answer and long-answer questions, and map-based items. Maximum marks are 80 and exam duration is 3 hours. The assessment scheme used in 2024–25 continues into 2025–26 per the official note.
Key changes for 2025–26 (what to note)
- Assessment scheme continuity: CBSE’s 2025–26 sample papers state that the assessment scheme of 2024–25 continues in 2025–26 — meaning no major change in structure from the previous session. This is important: study plans and previous-year practice remain highly relevant.
- Emphasis on source-based questions & map skills: Recent patterns reinforce analytical/source-based questions and map work — so practice writing concise source analyses and map labelling under timed conditions.
- Official marking scheme available: CBSE released the marking scheme (MS) alongside the SQP so students can practice with model answers and expected mark distribution. Use the MS to evaluate your answers critically.
Benefits — why solving the official sample paper helps
- Familiarity with the exact layout — knowing sections, marks, and number of questions reduces exam-day anxiety.
- Time management practice — solving the full paper in 3 hours trains you to allocate time across MCQs, short answers, and long answers.
- Marks-focused practice — the marking scheme shows how points are distributed; you learn how to write answers that fetch marks, not just write everything you know.
- Gap identification — comparing your answers with the MS reveals syllabus areas you must revisit.
- Confidence boost — repeated timed practice with official papers builds speed and accuracy.
How to download the CBSE Class 12 History sample paper (step-by-step)
Follow these steps to get the official sample paper and marking scheme from CBSE Academic:
- Go to cbseacademic.nic.in (the CBSE Academics website).
- Navigate to “Sample Question Papers (SQP)” or search for “Class XII Sample Question Paper 2025–26”.
- Click the link for History (Code 027) — Sample Question Paper (Class XII: 2025–26) to download the PDF. The file includes instructions, sections, and question types.
- Download the corresponding Marking Scheme (MS) for History (usually listed right next to the SQP link) to check model answers and marking distribution.
Tip: Save both PDFs on your device and print a practice copy to simulate exam conditions.
Structure breakdown — what you’ll actually see in the question paper
(Use this as a checklist while practicing.)
- Section A: Objective-type questions (MCQs) — 1 mark each.
- Sections B & C: Very short answer (VSA) and short answer (SA) type questions — 1–4 marks.
- Section D: Long answer (LA) questions — 6–8 marks requiring analytical answers and linking events/causes.
- Section E: Map-based questions — identify places/events on the outline map.
- Total: 80 marks; time 3 hours. (Exact distribution and number of items are shown on the official SQP.)
Step-by-step study plan using the sample paper
- Week 1 — Syllabus check & mapping: Read the official syllabus and divide topics week-wise. Keep the sample paper structure visible as your target.
- Week 2–4 — Content mastery: For each theme (ancient, medieval, modern), make concise notes, timelines, and one-line definitions.
- Week 5 — Answer technique: Practice 3–5 mark and 8–10 mark questions using MS to model answers. Focus on introduction, points with dates/examples, and a short concluding line.
- Week 6 — Full timed mock: Solve the full SQP in 3 hours. Mark yourself using the official MS. Note time spent per section.
- Repeat: Work on weaker topics identified from mock tests and re-attempt the sample paper after 10–12 days.
Practical exam preparation tips
- Practice map work weekly. Map questions are low-hanging marks — label clearly and practice neat handwriting.
- Write pointwise answers for 3–4 mark questions. Examiners prefer crisp, numbered points with dates/examples.
- For 8–10 mark answers, follow a structure: short intro, 3–4 developed points with examples, conclusion linking back to the question.
- Use the marking scheme as a checklist. If MS expects three points for full marks, don’t write five unrelated paragraphs — meet the marking expectations.
- Revise primary sources and key dates. History is memory + interpretation; balance both.
- Time allocation (suggested): MCQs + VSA — 30–40 minutes; short answers — 50–60 minutes; long answers & map — 60–70 minutes. Adjust after practising one mock.
- Avoid rote-only answers. Where a source-based question asks for interpretation, briefly explain the source, identify key evidence, and link to broader themes.
- Keep a “one-pager” for each theme. Quick facts, dates, key people, and 2–3 interpretive points — helpful for last-minute revision.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Writing overly long intros for short questions.
- Not numbering answer points — this reduces clarity and may lose marks.
- Skipping the map practice.
- Ignoring the marking scheme — examiners use it as the answer key.
Conclusion
The CBSE Class 12 History Sample Paper 2025–26 is your blueprint for exam success: it tells you exactly what to expect, how marks are allocated, and how to structure answers. Download the official SQP and marking scheme from CBSE’s academic portal, practise under timed conditions, and use targeted revision to strengthen weak areas. With consistent practice, map drills, and MS-based self-evaluation, you’ll convert preparation into higher marks and greater confidence. Good luck — you’ve got this!
