Class 12 Humanities Syllabus 2025–26 (CBSE & ISC) – Complete Guide

If you are a Class 12 Humanities (Arts) student, understanding the latest syllabus is the first and most important step toward scoring well in board examinations and preparing for competitive exams like CUET UG.

To help you save time and avoid confusion, this guide provides the updated and structured Class 12 Humanities syllabus for CBSE and ISC (CISCE), including subject-wise marks distribution and assessment patterns.

Whether you are preparing for Board Exams 2026 or planning ahead for CUET UG, this page will help you stay focused, organised, and exam-ready.

CBSE Class 12 Humanities Syllabus 2025–26

CBSE has released the revised academic syllabus for Class 12 Humanities for the 2025–26 session. Most subjects follow a 100-mark scheme, divided into theory and internal assessment/project work.

CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus

Total Marks: 100

• Theory Exam: 80 Marks

• Project Work: 20 Marks

Major Areas of Study

The syllabus is organised under Themes in Indian History (Parts I, II & III), covering ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history.

1.) Themes in Indian History – Part I

• Harappan Archaeology

• Inscriptions and Political History

• Social Histories: The Mahabharata

• Buddhism and the Sanchi Stupa

2.) Themes in Indian History – Part II

• Medieval Society

• Bhakti–Sufi Traditions

• Architecture at Hampi

• Ain-i-Akbari and the Mughal Court

3.) Themes in Indian History – Part III

• Colonialism and Rural Society

• Revolt of 1857

• Colonial Cities

• Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement

• Partition and Constitution Making

Map Work: Included in theory paper (5 Marks)

Students are advised to follow the latest CBSE academic PDF and NCERT textbooks for updated content and rationalised portions.

CBSE Class 12 Geography Syllabus

Total Marks: 100

• Theory: 70 Marks

• Practical: 30 Marks

Paper Structure

1.) Part A: Fundamentals of Human Geography

• Human Geography

• People and Human Activities

• Human Settlements

• Map Work

2.) Part B: India – People and Economy

• Population

• Resources and Development

• Human Settlements

• Geographical Issues

• Map Work

3.) Part C: Practical Work

• Written Practical Examination: 25 Marks

• Practical File: 2 Marks

• Viva Voce: 3 Marks

CBSE Class 12 Political Science Syllabus

Total Marks: 100

• Theory: 80 Marks

• Project Work: 20 Marks

1.) Part A: Contemporary World Politics

• The End of Bipolarity

• Contemporary Centres of Power

• Contemporary South Asia

• International Organisations

• Security in the Contemporary World

• Environment and Natural Resources

• Globalisation

2.) Part B: Politics in India Since Independence

• Nation-Building and Planned Development

• India’s Foreign Policy

• Party System in India

• Democratic Resurgence

• Recent Developments in Indian Politics

CBSE Class 12 Sociology Syllabus

Total Marks: 100

• Theory: 80 Marks

• Internal Assessment: 20 Marks

1.) Part A: Indian Society

• Demographic Structure of Indian Society

• Social Institutions

• Social Inequality and Exclusion

• Cultural Diversity

2.) Part B: Social Change and Development in India

• Structural and Cultural Change

• Rural and Industrial Society

• Social Movements

CBSE Class 12 English Core Syllabus

Total Marks: 80 (Board Exam)

English assesses reading, writing, and literature skills through objective and subjective questions.

Section A: Reading & Literature MCQs

• Reading Comprehension

• Literature (Flamingo & Vistas)

Section B: Writing & Literature

• Notice, Letter, Article, Report Writing

• Short and Long Answer Questions from Literature

CBSE Class 12 Humanities Optional Subjects

Students may choose from the following optional subjects (as per school availability):

• Economics

• Psychology

• Mathematics

• Physical Education

• Legal Studies

• Entrepreneurship

• Home Science

• Fine Arts

• Hindi Core

 Class 12 Humanities Syllabus ISC (CISCE) 2025–26

Important:
ICSE is the Class 10 examination.
Class 12 under CISCE is called ISC (Indian School Certificate).

ISC Humanities subjects generally follow a Theory + Project assessment pattern.

ISC Class 12 History Syllabus

Total Marks: 100

• Paper I (Theory): 80 Marks

• Paper II (Project): 20 Marks

Areas of Study

• Indian History: Independence, Constitution, Democracy, Foreign Policy

• World History: World War II, Cold War, Decolonisation, Protest Movements

ISC Class 12 Geography Syllabus

Total Marks: 100

• Theory: 70 Marks

• Practical: 30 Marks

Topics include:

• Physical Environment

• Population

• Resources

• Industries

• Regional Development

• Map and Practical Work

ISC Class 12 English Syllabus

Total Marks: 100

• Paper I (Language): 80 Marks

• Paper II (Project): 20 Marks

Includes:

• Composition and Directed Writing

• Proposal Writing

• Grammar and Comprehension

• Communication-based Projects

ISC Optional Humanities Subjects

• Sociology

• Psychology

• Political Science

• Economics

• Mathematics

• Physical Education

• Home Science

• Mass Media & Communication

Why Download the Latest Class 12 Humanities Syllabus?

• Understand updated curriculum and assessment pattern

• Plan Board + CUET UG preparation together

• Focus on high-weightage topics

• Improve time management and exam strategy

FAQs – Class 12 Humanities Syllabus 2025–26

1. Where can I download the official syllabus PDF?

You can download the official CBSE and ISC Class 12 Humanities syllabus PDFs from their respective academic portals. Subject-wise details help in easy reference.

2. Has the CBSE Class 12 Humanities syllabus changed for 2025–26?

Yes. CBSE has released an updated syllabus for the 2025–26 academic session, including revised topics and assessment patterns.

3. What subjects are included in Class 12 Humanities?

Core subjects include History, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, and English, along with optional subjects such as Economics, Psychology, Legal Studies, Fine Arts, and more.

4. Is this syllabus useful for CUET UG preparation?

Yes. The CBSE and ISC Humanities syllabus forms the academic foundation for CUET UG domain subjects, making it essential for integrated preparation.

5. How many marks are allotted for internal assessment?

In most Humanities subjects, 20 marks are reserved for internal assessment or project work, with the remaining marks allotted to theory exams.

Conclusion

The Class 12 Humanities syllabus 2025–26 acts as your official roadmap for board exams and competitive entrances. Download the latest CBSE and ISC PDFs, align your study plan accordingly, and begin preparation with clarity and confidence.