Preparing for the CBSE Class 12 History exam becomes much more effective when students practice with the official CBSE sample papers. That’s why in this post, I am sharing the CBSE Class 12 History Sample Papers with Solutions in PDF format – completely free to download.
As a teacher, I have always felt that the official CBSE sample papers are the best and most reliable source for exam preparation. They are designed by the CBSE experts strictly in line with the latest exam pattern and marking scheme, which makes them a must-practice resource for every student serious about scoring well.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | History |
| Class | 12 (XII) |
| Board | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Academic Session | 2025-26 |
| Type | Sample Question Papers with Solutions |
| Official Source | CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) |
| Formats Available | PDF Download (Free) |
Why Solving Sample Papers is Important
Most students hear from their teachers, parents, and even friends that practicing sample papers is essential – and this is absolutely true. Some of the biggest benefits are:
- Familiarity with the latest exam pattern and marking scheme
- Improved time management skills
- Practice of answer writing as expected in board exams
- Boosted confidence before the actual exam
However, many students delay practicing sample papers until after finishing the full syllabus – and often they run out of time.
My Advice: How to Use Sample Papers Effectively
Over the years, I’ve seen one major mistake students make – they wait too long to start with sample papers. By the time they finish the syllabus, there isn’t enough time left to practice properly.
My recommendation: Use the sample papers alongside your chapter-wise preparation.
- The moment you finish a chapter, go to the sample paper and attempt only those questions related to that chapter.
- This way, you are not only reading the textbook but also training yourself to write exam-oriented answers from the beginning.
- By the time the syllabus is complete, you’ll already be comfortable with most of the sample paper questions.
This approach saves time and gives students the dual benefit of completing the syllabus and building exam confidence side by side.
I find the syllabus huge and overwhelming. How can I even start with sample papers?
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Sample papers might seem intimidating at first, but remember, you don’t have to do them all at once. The trick is to break down your preparation—practice sample questions chapter-wise as soon as you finish each topic. This not only makes the syllabus manageable but builds your confidence gradually instead of waiting till the end and stressing out.
Sometimes I don’t understand how to answer the questions exactly as expected in the exam. How do sample papers help with this?
Many students face this confusion. Sample papers are your window into the exam board’s expectations. By practicing them, you learn the style, phrasing, and depth of answers expected. Plus, the solutions included show you how to structure your answers perfectly. Think of sample papers as your exam “dress rehearsal” — practicing the performance helps you deliver it confidently on the real day.
I often feel guilty or lazy because I’m not solving enough sample papers. How much is enough?
Feeling guilty is common but unproductive. Quantity is not as important as focused practice. It’s better to solve fewer papers with full attention, understand mistakes, and improve, than to rush through many without learning. Set small achievable goals—like solving one or two questions daily from sample papers—so you don’t get overwhelmed and stay consistent.
I started late and now I’m very behind. Can sample papers still help me score well?
Starting late is tough but not a dead end. Smart practice can still boost your scores. Focus on the most important chapters and solve related sample paper questions for those first. Use the solutions to correct your answers. Even limited practice, if done regularly and correctly, can drastically improve your performance.
How do I manage the fear of not finishing the paper on time, especially with long answer questions?
Fear of time pressure affects many students. The key is practice under timed conditions. Use sample papers to simulate exam scenarios—allocate fixed time limits per section and train your speed. Also, prioritize answering questions you’re confident about first, then move to tougher ones. This strategy helps manage time and anxiety simultaneously.
CBSE Class 12 History Question Paper Pattern (2025-26)
Subject: History
Code: 027
Class: XII
Time Allowed: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- The paper is divided into five sections – A, B, C, D and E.
- The question paper has 34 questions in total, all are compulsory.
- Internal choices are provided in some questions, but overall choice is not available.
- Follow the word limit for each type of question as instructed.
- For the Map-based Question, attach the map provided with the answer book.
Marks Distribution Summary
| Section | Question Numbers | Type of Questions | Marks per Question | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1–21 | MCQs | 1 | 21 | 21 |
| B | 22–27 | Short Answer | 3 | 6 | 18 |
| C | 28–30 | Long Answer | 8 | 3 | 24 |
| D | 31–33 | Source-Based | 4 | 3 | 12 |
| E | 34 | Map-Based | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 1–34 | — | — | 34 | 80 |
CBSE Class 12 History Sample Papers (With Solutions)
Below are the official CBSE Class 12 History sample papers with solutions in PDF format. You can download them free of cost and start practicing right away:
| Year | Sample Paper | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Download | Download |
| 2024-25 | Download | Download |
| 2023-24 | Download | Download |
| 2022-23 | Download | Download |
| 2021-22 Term 1 | Download | Download |
| 2021-22 Term 2 | Download | Download |
| 2020-21 | Download | Download |
| 2019-20 | Download | Download |
| 2018-19 | Download | Download |
| 2017-18 | Download | Download |
| 2016-17 | Download | Download |
Also See: CBSE Class 12 History Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions PDF
I get confused between different types of questions—MCQs, short answers, long answers, source-based. How do I prepare for these different formats?
Sample papers break down your practice by question type, helping you get comfortable with all formats. By practicing section-wise with sample papers, you master how to approach MCQs quickly, frame concise short answers, organize detailed long answers, and analyze sources effectively. They teach you the ‘language’ of each question type so you can answer confidently.
Sometimes, parents and teachers say sample papers are necessary, but I don’t know how to use them effectively. What’s the best way?
This is a very common dilemma. The best way is not to treat sample papers as a last-minute task but as an ongoing learning tool. Practice selective questions after each chapter, review the answers carefully, and use them to identify your weak points. This integrated method turns sample papers from stressful homework into a powerful study aid.
I’m worried about my performance if I get questions that are different from sample papers. How realistic is it to rely only on them?
While sample papers can’t predict every question, they give you the clearest idea of the exam’s style, trends, and important topics. They act as a guide to your preparation. Along with textbooks and revision notes, regular sample paper practice builds exam temperament and confidence to tackle any question without panic.
Recommended Books for Class 12 History Sample Papers
To complement your practice with official CBSE sample papers, here are some of the best books that provide additional sample papers, detailed solutions, and study material for Class 12 History. These books are highly rated by teachers and students alike:
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