CBSE Class 12 History Sample Paper and Marking Scheme 2024-25: Download Free PDF

CBSE Class 12 History Sample Paper 2024-25: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a national level education board for private and public schools in India. It defines appropriate approaches of academic activities to provide stress free, child centered and holistic education to all children without compromising on quality. CBSE has released the latest sample question papers for all the subjects for the students of class 12. We have provided the CBSE Class 12 History Model Paper and marking scheme here. 

Sample question papers are a great way to give a boost to exam preparation. It increases confidence in students and makes them understand their strengths and weaknesses. Students should also check the marking scheme for subjects.  After solving the question papers, students can match their answers with the solutions given in the marking scheme. 

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When students solve sample question papers, they get an idea of how much they have actually understood from what they have learned. Sample papers also help them to understand the typology and level of difficulty of questions that they can expect in the examination. It also helps to develop writing practice and teaches speed and time management.  

Continue reading to download the History Sample Paper Class 12 with marking scheme in pdf format from the direct links provided in this article. You can save and view them on phones, tablets, computers and laptops. 

CBSE Class 12 History Question Paper Instructions 2024-25

1. Question paper comprises five Sections – A, B, C, D and E. There are 34 questions in the question paper. All questions are compulsory.

2. Section A – Question 1 to 21 are MCQs of 1 mark each.

3. Section B – Question no. 22 to 27 are Short Answer Type Questions, carrying 3 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 60-80 words.

4. Section C - Question no 28 to 30 are Long Answer Type Questions, carrying 8 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 300-350 words.

5. Section D – Question no.31 to 33 are Source based questions with three sub questions and are of 4 marks each.

6. Section-E - Question no. 34 is Map based, carrying 5 marks that includes the identification and location of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book.

7. There is no overall choice in the question paper. However, an internal choice has been provided in few questions. Only one of the choices in such questions have to be attempted.

8. In addition to this, separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. 

CBSE Class 12 History Sample Paper 2024-25

Check the questions from CBSE Class 12 History sample question paper 2024-25 below. 

Also Check: NCERT Books for CBSE Class 12 - Latest Edition

SECTION – A

OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS (21 x 1 = 21)

Q1. Which of the following options accurately describes the significance of the Sangam Age in the context of literature?

A. It marked the introduction of Sanskrit literature in South India. 

B. It was a period of decline in literary activities in Tamil Nadu. 

C. It witnessed the flourishing collection of ancient Tamil literature. 

D. It was characterized by the dominance of Greek literature in India.

Q2. To which one of the following dynasties did raja Gotami-puta Siri-Satakani belong? 

A. Vakataka 

B. Satvahana 

C. Kushan 

D. Gupta

Q3. Two statements are given in the question below as Assertion A and Reason R. 

Read the statements and choose the appropriate option. 

Assertion(R): Recovering artefacts is merely the initial step in the archaeological process.

Reason(R): Archaeologists employ various methods such as classification based on material and function, analysis of contextual clues, and reliance on indirect evidence to understand the significance and purpose of artefacts.

Options: 

A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R)is the correct explanation of (A) 

B. Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A) 

C. (A) is correct, but (R) is not correct 

D. (R) is correct, but (A) is not correct.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Buddhism and choose the correct option. 

I. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 

II. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 

III. Bodhisattva achieve nibbana for personal salvation. 

Options 

A. II & III 

B. II &III 

C. I & II 

D. I & III

Q5. Match the column I with column II regarding the archaeologist who worked in the exploration of Indus valley and choose the correct option.

Options

                  (a)         (b)          (c)        (d)

A.             (iii)        (i)           (ii)       (iv)

B.             (iii)       (iv)          (i)          (ii)   

C.             (i)         (ii)          (iii)       (iv)

D.             (i)          (ii)         (iv)        (iii)

Q6. Identify the ruler of the ancient India with the help of following information:

He was a prominent Shaka ruler. 

He rebuilt Sudarshana Lake in the second century CE. 

He showcased his engagement with Sanskritic traditions. 

A. Vikramaditya II 

B. Bhaskaravarman 

C. Bimbisara 

D. Rudradaman

Q7. Identify which of the following options refers to the ancient cave painting given below? 

A. Ajanta Cave Paintings 

B. Bagh Cave Paintings 

C. Sittanavasal Cave Paintings 

D. Ellora Cave Paintings

NOTE: The following question is only for the visually impaired candidate in lieu of Q7 

In which of the following regions is the Kailasha temple located? 

A. Rajasthan 

B. Maharashtra 

C. Madhya Pradesh 

D. Uttar Pradesh 

Also Check: NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 12 - Updated

Q8. Which of the following skills can be identified from Al-Biruni's writings? 

A. Proficiency in diplomacy and political negotiation. 

B. Fluency in multiple languages and a broad intellectual curiosity. 

C. Expertise in military strategy and warfare tactics. 

D. Exceptional talent for storytelling and vivid descriptions.

Q9. Which of the following statements is incorrect about Andal? 

A. Andal was a woman Alvar, the most striking features of her compositions were widely sung.

B. Andal was a woman Nayanar, she incorporated the prevailing caste system in the society. 

C. Andal saw herself as the beloved of Vishnu; her verses express her love for the deity. 

D. Andal saw herself as the beloved of Krishna; her verses express her love for the deity. 

Q10. Imagine you are analysing a historical document from the Vijayanagar Empire. Which of the following documents would be most helpful in understanding the relationship between the empire and religious institutions? 

A. A military chronicle detailing the conquests of a Vijayanagar rulers. 

B. A record of diplomatic exchanges with traders and foreign ambassadors. 

C. A legal code outlining the rights and responsibilities of urban classes. 

D. An imperial decree granting land or privileges to a sacred organization.

Q11. Match the column I with column II regarding the travellers who visited the Vijayanagar empire and choose the correct option:

Options:

              (a)         (b)       (c)      (d)

A.         (iii)        (i)         (ii)      (iv)

B.         (iii)       (iv)       (i)       (ii)

C.         (i)          (ii)       (iii)     (iv)

D.        (ii)         (i)        (iv)      (iii)

Q12. Which of the following developments significantly contributed to the increased flow of silver bullion into India through trade with Europe during the 16th-18th centuries? 

A. The rise of the Ottoman Empire in Asia 

B. The opening of the new world through voyages 

C. The Ming Dynasty's expansion into Southeast Asia 

D. The decline of the Safavid Empire in Asia 

Q13. How did the compilation of the Ain-i Akbari contribute to Emperor Akbar's vision of governance? Choose the best suitable option from the following. 

A. By emphasizing military strategies for territorial expansion. 

B. By documenting religious rituals and practices across the empire. 

C. By providing information on administrative and cultural traditions. 

D. By focusing on trade routes and economic policies.

Q14. What insights did Francois Bernier provide about the economic structure of Mughal India? Choose the best suitable option from the following. 

A. The prevalence of private land ownership and equitable distribution of wealth. 

B. The dominance of state-controlled resources and limitations on private property. 

C. The absence of trade networks and economic isolation from global markets. 

D. The reliance on foreign investments and the absence of indigenous industries

Q15. Compare and contrast the impacts of the American Civil War on cotton production in India and the United States. Choose the best suitable option from the following. 

A. Both countries experienced a decline in cotton production due to the war. 

B. India's cotton production increased while the United States experienced a decline. 

C. The United States saw increased cotton production while India's remained stagnant. 

D. Both countries saw a surge in cotton exports during the war period.

Q16. Why did the rebellion in Awadh become a symbol of resistance against British rule? Choose the best suitable option from the following. 

A. Due to the region's economic prosperity under native rule 

B. Due to the displacement of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and taluqdars 

C. Due to favourable land revenue policies towards the peasantry 

D. Due to Awadh ‘s central position for organizing rebel forces.

Q17. Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of events related to agrarian developments in India during the 19th century? 

I. The Permanent Settlement in Bengal 

II. The Deccan Riots Commission 

III. The Santhal Rebellion 

IV. The Fifth Report by a Select Committee. 

Options: 

A. I, II, III & IV 

B. II, III, IV & I 

C. III, II, I & IV 

D. I,IV,III & II 

Q18. Which one of the following was the Gandhi’s main demands for the peasants in Champaran? 

A. Increase in minimum wages of workers 

B. Freedom to cultivate the crops of their choice. 

C. Reduction in government taxes for social classes 

D. Indian education for all farmers' children

Q19. Complete the following with the correct option regarding the role of leaders in the history of nationalism of their respective countries. 

Ho Chi Minh: Vietnam, George Washington: -------------------- 

A. USA 

B. UK 

C. France 

D. Canada

Q20. Identify the ruler of India in the 1850s from the given options using the provided information.

I. He was the successor to Peshwa Baji Rao II 

II. He was compelled by sepoys and the towns people to join the revolt as their leader from Kanpur.

A. Nana Sahib 

B. Kunwar Singh 

C. Birjis Qadr 

D. Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah

Also Check: CBSE Board Date Sheet 2025 Class 12: Download Official Time Table PDF and Exam Time

Q21. Which of the following were the key ideals associated with the social struggles in India since the nineteenth century?

A. Autonomy, hierarchy, and traditionalism 

B. Democracy, equality, and justice 

C. Imperialism, colonialism, and bureaucracy 

D. Monarchy, privilege, and conservatism 

SECTION B 

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (6 x 3 =18)

Q22. (A) Analyse the layout of Harappan cities to identify features that promoted cleanliness and public health. 

 OR

(B) Examine the challenges historians face in deciphering the Harappan script.

Q23. How does the Mahabharata show the multicultural nature of ancient Indian society? Explain with examples.

Q24. (A) Examine the impact of Bhakti and Sufi poetry on the development of regional languages and literature.

OR

(B) Examine how music and devotional songs in Bhakti and Sufi traditions serve spiritual expression and community unity.

Q25. Explain the term "Little Republics" as applied to villages during the Mughal period.

Q26. Describe the aspirations and objectives of the rebels during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, as reflected in their proclamations and actions.

Q27. Analyse the rise of the Jotedars and their significance in rural Bengal during the late 18th century.

To download the complete sample paper and marking scheme in pdf format, click on the links below:

Tips to Prepare for CBSE Class 12 History Examination

1. Go through the latest syllabus only. Check and analyze the syllabus to see what you have to study for the examination. Accordingly, prepare a study plan. 

2. Read the NCERT prescribed textbook for History carefully. Read the content multiple times and make comprehensive notes that will help you at the time of examination. Focus on dates and important events. 

3. Solve the questions given at the end of the chapters in the textbook. Questions given in the NCERT books are always considered very important as not only do they help you to analyse your understanding of the concepts involved in a chapter but also in preparing for the examinations. 

4. Solve as many sample papers and previous year question papers as you can. This practice will prove beneficial for you in the examination and will give insights about the level of difficulty of questions. Solving the sample question papers will give you a check as to how much you have actually understood from what you have studied. 

Utilise these tips and resources to obtain good scores in the 2025 Board examinations. 

Online Test Series for CBSE Class 12 Students

Class 12 students can prepare effectively for the exams with the help of online test series prepared by the subject matter experts. These test series will help students to check their exam preparation. Refer to the links below:

• CBSE Class 12 Humanities Online Test Series
• CBSE Class 12 Science Online Test Series
• CBSE Class 12 Commerce Online Test Series

Also, check

• CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2024-2025: Download PDF of All Subjects
• CBSE Class 12 Deleted Syllabus 2025
• CBSE Class 12 Sample Papers 2024-2025
• CBSE Class 12 Competency Based Questions 2024-25 PDFs