CBSE Class 12 History Previous Year Papers with Solution

Want to know how CBSE frames the Class 12 History Board Exam Question Paper? Solving Previous Year Papers helps you know the question typology, important questions, and the mark breakdown CBSE follows. 

PYQs are the best study material for board exam preparation, as practising them helps students understand how source-based and map-based questions are asked. If you're preparing for the 2027 board exam, this page will help you practise better. 

This page provides direct download links to CBSE History Previous Year Papers from 2026 to 2013, along with marking schemes, paper analysis, and easy preparation tips.

Download CBSE Class 12 History Previous Year Question Papers 

Access previous years' papers from the 2025-26 to 2018-19 session. Attempt a full PYQ paper independently, compare your answers with the marking scheme, and revise weak topics.

CBSE Class 12 Biology Previous Year Papers 2026

CBSE Class 12 Biology Previous Year Papers 2025

CBSE Class 12 Biology Previous Year Papers 2024

CBSE Class 12 Biology Previous Year Papers 2023

CBSE Class 12 Biology Previous Year Papers 2022

CBSE Class 12 Biology Previous Year Papers 2020

CBSE Class 12 Biology Previous Year Papers 2019

‍Notes: In 2021, CBSE cancelled the Class 12 board exams. The 2022 exams were taken in two terms. Themes from older papers may not be included in the syllabus and may follow an earlier paper pattern. Always refer to the current Class 12 history syllabus 2026-27 before attempting PYQ papers.

CBSE Class 12 History Previous Year Papers Analysis

Practising PYQs will not only help you understand how CBSE has framed the History question paper over the years. It shows which question types are easy to score and where students are losing marks.

In previous years, the CBSE Class 12 History exam has generally been balanced and moderate in difficulty. If students revise the NCERT book properly and solve a wide variety of questions, the paper doesn't get too difficult. Questions are based on the prescribed syllabus and NCERT Themes in Indian History textbooks.

Section-wise Analysis of the Question Typology

Based on CBSE Class 12 History Previous Year Papers, the table below provides a section-wise breakdown of question types and the marks allotted to each section.

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Chapter & Unit-Wise Weightage

CBSE marks are awarded on a part basis and not on a theme basis. The syllabus consists of 12 themes divided into three parts of NCERT's Themes in Indian History, each providing 25 marks. Map work is worth 5 additional marks.

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Mark split: The total 25 marks for each part are divided across 7 MCQs (7 marks), 2 short answers (6 marks), 1 long answer (8 marks) and 1 source-based question (4 marks).

Why Solve CBSE Class 12 History Previous Year Papers

History requires both understanding and good answer writing, and CBSE Class 12 Previous Year Papers help you with both.

• Understand the pattern: You understand how MCQs, source-based questions, long answers, and map questions are asked.
• Follow word limits: Short answers require 60-80 words, and long answers need 300-350 words. By practising PYQs, you will be trained to write within these limits.
• Practice source-based Qs: You learn how to read a passage and answer questions based on the evidence in it.
• Practice map Qs: Regular practice makes the 5-mark map questions easy to score.
• Identify recurring questions: You detect which themes and types of questions recur in each part.
• Enhance time management: Solving a full PYQ paper within 3 hours shows how much time each section needs.
• Check your answers thoroughly: The marking scheme indicates the key points and keywords that are needed to earn marks.

Strategy to Score High in History Board Exam

The best practice is to start with the syllabus, NCERT books, and Class 12 History Previous Year Papers for exam-oriented practice. Here are some quick tips to achieve a good score in final board examinations:

1. Complete the syllabus: Read through the full CBSE-prescribed Class 12 History Syllabus 2026-27 and the map work list to build the basic concept foundation.
2. Practice NCERT: Practice questions from the NCERT textbook Class 12 Themes in Indian History Part I, II and III to grasp key concepts, revise important topics, and prepare effectively for exams.
3. Allocate equal time: Each part carries 25 marks in the board exam, so give equal attention to all three parts.
4. Solve source-based questions: Read the passage twice and answer using points from it. To make it easy, relate it to NCERT concepts.
5. Practise maps regularly: Revise the map locations for each part and practise marking and labelling them on the outline map.
6. Structure long answers: Write an introduction, 4-5 clearly presented points with examples and a short conclusion within 300–350 words.
7. Solve Sample papers: Attempt a full CBSE Class 12 History SQP 2026-27 in a timed setting, review your answers against the solution and marking scheme, and then move to PYQs.

FAQs

‍Q1. How to get Class 12 History Previous Year Papers?

Ans. CBSE Class 12 History Papers from 2019 to 2026 are provided in the table on this page to download. You will also get marking schemes/solutions for each paper to verify your answers after practising.

Q2. Are CBSE Class 12 History previous year papers difficult?

Ans. The Class 12 History Board Exams are typically balanced and moderate. The MCQs may be a bit tricky and require careful reading, while the map and source-based questions are generally straightforward.

Q3. Is the CBSE Class 12 History syllabus based on NCERT books?

Ans. Yes, the NCERT Class 12 History textbook (Themes in Indian History) is tailored as per the CBSE-aligned Class 12 Syllabus 2026-27. This makes careful NCERT reading the base of your preparation. 

Q4. What is the question pattern for the CBSE Class 12 History exam?

Ans. The theory paper carries 80 marks and consists of 34 compulsory questions divided into 5 sections. These include 21 MCQs, 6 short answers, 3 long answers, 3 source-based questions and 1 map question. The remaining 20 marks are allotted to project work.

Q5. Is practising only previous year papers enough to get good marks in Class 12 History?

Ans. While PYQs can be very helpful, they aren't the only resource to use. Prioritise the NCERT textbook, then CBSE sample papers and regular map practice to cover the entire syllabus.