CBSE Class 12 History Exam Review: Check Paper Analysis Based on Teachers’ & Students’ Feedback

The CBSE Class 12 History exam for the 2025 academic year has now concluded. The exam was conducted from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM in a single shift across multiple exam centres nationwide. As per CBSE guidelines, students were required to carry their admit cards and school ID to ensure a smooth examination process. Additionally, students were given 15 minutes before the start of the exam to read the question paper carefully.

CBSE Class 12 History Exam Pattern 2025

The Class 12 History exam followed the prescribed CBSE format and consisted of a total of 37 questions. These were divided into multiple sections:

• The first section included multiple-choice questions (MCQs), which tested students on key historical concepts and facts.
• The second section comprised short-answer questions, requiring students to provide concise yet detailed responses.
• The third section contained long-answer questions, assessing students’ ability to explain and analyse historical events and themes in depth.
• The fourth section featured source-based questions, where students had to interpret historical sources and answer related questions.
• The final section was a map-based question, evaluating students’ knowledge of geographical locations relevant to historical events.

Teachers who reviewed the Class 12 History paper found it to be well-structured and in line with the CBSE syllabus. Most of the questions were directly based on the NCERT textbooks, making it accessible to students who had studied thoroughly.

While a significant portion of the exam consisted of straightforward questions, some sections required critical thinking and a deeper understanding of historical contexts. The source-based and long-answer questions particularly tested students’ analytical skills.

Ms Chinmaya Chauhan, PGT History, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad, shared her views on the exam. She said, "The Class XII History board exam conducted today was set well. It was a mix of easy and moderately difficult questions. Many questions were along expected lines. There were several application-based questions. The section on source-based questions included questions that required students to have an in-depth understanding of the concepts and were a little time-consuming. Students who studied regularly throughout the year, read the NCERT textbooks thoroughly and insisted on conceptual clarity, are sure to come out with flying colours."

Students’ Reactions

Initial reactions from students indicate that the exam was manageable for those who had prepared well. Many students found the MCQs and short-answer questions to be direct and similar to previous years’ patterns.

The long-answer questions also received mixed reactions. While some students felt confident in their responses, others found them time-consuming. Those who had practised writing structured answers during their preparation found it easier to complete the paper within the given time.