HPBOSE 12th Exam Pattern for Humanities 2026 - Know Marking Scheme, Type of Questions Asked, Difficulty Level

Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education 12th 2025 ( HPBOSE 12th )

Updated on Aug 27, 2025 11:54 IST

HP Board 12th exam pattern for Humanities 2026 shares the marking scheme, the types of questions asked in the exam, the difficulty level, and more for all subjects included in the stream. Students must read the complete article to know more and to plan their preparation...

HPBOSE 12th Exam Pattern for Humanities 2026 - Students preparing for HP Board 12th Arts exam 2026 must go through the HPBOSE Class 12 exam pattern 2026 for Humanities and know the syllabus well. This will help ensure that they perform well in exams. The Himachal Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (HPBOSE) released the HPBOSE 12th exam pattern for Humanities 2026 on the official website. Students can find the same below. 

HP Board is expected to conduct the HPBOSE 12th exams 2026 in March 2026 in pen and paper format. HPBOSE conducts Class 12 board exams for Science, Humanities, and Commerce streams. The HPBOSE Class 12 Humanities stream includes subjects like English, Hindi, Sanskrit, History, Political Science, Sociology, Geography, Psychology, etc. For the Humanities stream, English is a compulsory subject, and students must select four elective subjects from the list of options provided in the table below. Each paper carries 100 marks.

Knowledge of HPBOSE 12th syllabus 2026 and exam pattern is crucial to prepare for the board exams and gives an extra edge to students. The syllabus shares all the chapters and topics to study to score well. After finishing with the syllabus, students must also solve and practice HPBOSE 12th sample papers and previous years’ questions papers to have a clear understanding of the exam pattern. This article discusses the exam pattern and the marks distribution for HPBOSE Class 12 for Humanities.

Table of content
  • HPBOSE 12th Exam Pattern and Grading for Humanities stream
  • HPBOSE Class 12 History Marking Scheme 2026
  • HPBOSE 12th Psychology Marking Scheme 2026
  • HPBOSE Class 12 Political Science Marking Scheme 2026
  • HPBOSE 12th Geography Marking Scheme 2025
  • HPBOSE 12th Economics Marking Scheme 2026
  • HPBOSE Class 12 Sociology Exam Pattern 2026
  • HP Board 12th 2026 Scheme of Examination
View More

HPBOSE 12th Exam Pattern and Grading for Humanities stream

According to the HP Board 12th exam pattern, the duration of each examination is three hours. The marks distribution among different chapters in History, Political Science, Geography, Economics, Sociology, and Psychology is given below: 

Q:   Is HPBOSE Class 12th Board exam checking strict?
A:

For Class 12th, it is considered to be strict. However, it is said that the checking done by evaluators is linient in comparison to the checking done by them in Class 9, 11 in their schools.

So, if u have covered the entire HPBOSE 12th syllabus and your preparation is on point, then you must not worry about the strict checking.

Q:   Can I cheat in HPBOSE 12th board exam?
A:

HPBOSE board is strictly against the practise of using any unfair means during the examinations. The board is actively working to prevent and discourage any malpractice during board examinations every year. 

So, you are advised to go through the HP Board 12th syllabus and solve as many previous years question papers and sample papers to avoid cheating during the HPBOSE 12th board exams.

Q:   Will we get sufficient time to prepare for the HPBOSE 12th exams 2025 once they begin?
A:

Yes, the board gives sufficient preparation leaves to students for the exams. The HP board exams 2025 were held between March 4 and 29,  2025 with ample number of prep leaves in between every subject. The HPBOSE 12th date sheet 2025 was released on Dec 30, 2024. Students can check it by clicking on the link provided. However, students are advised to finish the HPBOSE 12th syllabus, and know the exam pattern before the exams begin. They must also solve, analyse and practice the previous years question papers and HPBOSE 12th sample papers 2025 to be better prepared for the exams. Make notes of all important points while studying and get all the doubts cleared with your friends, teachers etc. This will ensure that you're prepared ahead of time and will help reduce the exam anxiety.

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HPBOSE Class 12 History Marking Scheme 2026 

The total marks allocated for HPBOSE Class 12 History examination are 100 of which 85 marks are for the theory paper and 15 marks are for the internal assessment. The unit-wise break of marks is tabulated below: 

Unit

Topics

Marks

 

Part I

25

Unit 1

The Story of the First Cities: Harappan Archaeology

5

Unit 2

Political and Economic History: How Inscriptions Tell a Story

8

Unit 3

Social Histories: Using the Mahabharata

3

Unit 4

A History of Buddhism: Sanchi Stupa

5

 

Part II

 

Unit 5

Agrarian Relations: The Ain-i-Akbari

4

Unit 6

The Mughal Court: Reconstructing Histories through Chronicles

8

Unit 7

New Architecture: Hampi

5

Unit 8

Religious Histories: The Bhakti-Sufi Tradition

5

Unit 9

Medieval Society through Travellers’ Accounts

4

 

Part III

 

Unit 10

Colonialism and Rural Society: Evidence from Official Reports

3

Unit 11

Representations of 1857

8

Unit 12

Colonialism and Indian Towns: Town Plans and Municipal Reports

5

Unit 13

Mahatma Gandhi through Contemporary Eyes

8

Unit 14

Partition through Oral Sources

4

Unit 15

The Making of the Constitution

5

 

Part IV

 

Unit 16

Map work on units 1-15

5

 

Total

85

Also read: HPBOSE 12th Date Sheet 2026

Q:   How can I prepare for HPBOSE exams using HP Board 12th date sheet 2025?
A:

Students appearing for HP Board 12th Board Exam 2025 must understand the strategy to utilize HPBOSE 12th date sheet 2025 for preparation of HP Board Exams 2025. HPBOSE 12th Board Exam 2025 were held between March 4 and 29, 2025. Now, let us understand ways to use HPBOSE date sheet to commence CBSE Class 12 preparation 2025.  

Prepare a subject-wise list for HP Board Class 10, 12

List down all the subjects of HPBOSE Class 12 Board Exam 2025. Students appearing for HPBOSE Class 12 Board Exam 2025 will commonly be appearing for English, Mathematics, Physics/Accounts/History etc.

List down HPBOSE Class 10, 12 syllabus and list of topics to cover

Students are advised to cover the complete HP Board 12th syllabus 2025. It is important for students to cover the whole syllabus to score well in board exams. Students must also not forget to make note of important topics to cover to avoid last minute hassles.

Know your subject-wise strengths and weakness

Prioritize the subjects you think you are weak in. Try to cover the whole syllabus using time management. It is important to cover weak subjects before the ones you feel confident about. Use the HPBOSE 12th timetable to know the number of preparatory days allotted to each subject. Try and cover lengthy subjects much prior to any other subjects.

Make Notes for Revision

While preparing for HP Board Exams 2025 Class 12, students are advised to make notes for all the subjects. The short notes prepared during the preparation process will help students in last-minute revisions.

Don't forget to test yourself!

 While preparing for HP Board Class 12 Board Exam 2025, students are advised to keep testing themselves. Practice as many CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper 2025. Use previous year question papers to revise and practice for HPBOSE board exams 2025. Practicing sample papers will not only help students understand their preparation level but also teach them time management while making under the HP Board 12th exam pattern.

Q:   How to pass HPBOSE 12th exam without studying?
A:

Almost every student must had this thought of passing the HP Board exams without studying, however, one should understand that HPBOSE 12th board exams are a turning point for their future. While there is no shortcut to pass the 10th board exams without studying, students can follow the points listed below and try their best to pass HPBOSE board exams.

  • Use Mind Maps And Visual Aids
  • Compile All The Notes
  • Practice Regular Summarisation
  • Quiz Yourself
  • Review Course Notes
  • Use Online Resources
  • Using A Tutor Or Study Group
  • Use Mnemonics
  • Stay Positive And Confident
  • Prioritise Sleep and Nutrition  
Q:   How can I prepare for HPBOSE 12th exams 2025 in such a short time?
A:

HPBOSE Class 12 exams 2025 were held between March 4 and 29, 2025. Considering not much time is left for certain subjects, students must read the tips below to score well in Class 12 exams 2025. 

Complete the whole syllabus: The Board has already released the whole HPBOSE 12th syllabus 2025 online. Students must note that nothing will come out of syllabus HP Board exam 2025. Covering every bit of the syllabus will help student get through the tricky questions asked during the HPBOSE Class 12 board exams 2025. Focusing on one marker because those questions are the key to score 100 and being regular with your studies. Do your best and prepare in advance so you don't panic in exams. 

Do at least one revision. Also, do at least the last three years' board question papers per subject to score well in HPBOSE board exams.

Cover NCERT Books thoroughly: One of the best ways to excel in the HP Board Exam 2025 Class 12 is to focus on NCERT instead of any other books. Make proper notes of all subjects, especially English, Maths. 

Utilise HPBOSE 12th date sheet 2025: Students prepping to appear for HP Board Exam 2025 Class 12 must note that HPBOSE 12th date sheet 2025 will be out soon. Students are advised to use the official schedule for the HP board exam to make a strategic plan and timetable for HP board exam preparation 2025. 

Focus on Revision: Once the syllabus is over, all you need to do is revise your syllabus and solve as many sample papers as you can. However, you can always go back to the basics for a quick run-through. Emphasize on revision and practice sample papers as it boosts confidence when you test yourself. 

Practice HPBOSE 12th Sample Papers 2025: Students prepping up for HPBOSE Class 12 Board Exam 2025 must note that HP Board 12th Sample Paper 2025 are available online at cbse.gov.in. These will make you familiar with the marking scheme, exam pattern, the types of questions asked in the exam etc. 

HPBOSE 12th Psychology Marking Scheme 2026

The total marks allocated for HPBOSE Class 12 Psychology examination is 100 of which 60 marks for the theory paper, 25 marks for the practical assessment, and 15 marks for the internal assessment.

Unit

Topics

Marks

Unit 1

Variation in Psychological Attributes

7

Unit 2

Self and Personality

8

Unit 3

Meeting Life Challenges

6

Unit 4

Psychological Disorders

7

Unit 5

Therapeutic Approaches

6

Unit 6

Attitude and Science Cognition

7

Unit 7

Social Influence and Group Processes

6

Unit 8

Psychology and Life

7

Unit 9

Developing Psychological Skills

6

 

Total

60

Practical assessments Psychological Testing (Profile)

Students will be required to prepare one case profile and conduct five practical assessments related to the topics covered in the course. The case profile will include the development history of the subject, using both qualitative (observation, interview, rating scale, etc.) and quantitative (Psychological Testing) approaches. Practical assessments would involve using standardised psychological assessment devices in different domains (intelligence, personality, aptitude, adjustment, attitude, self-concept, and anxiety).

Marks Distribution

  • Reporting file including case profile: Four Marks
  • Viva Voice: Five Marks
  • Two practical assessments of eight marks; four marks each for accurate conduct and reporting

Also read: HPBOSE Class 10, 12 Board Exams 2026: Himachal Board To Conduct Exams Twice a Year, Proposes Flexible Improvement Policy

HPBOSE Class 12 Political Science Marking Scheme 2026

The total marks allocated for the HPBOSE Class 12 Political Science examination are 100. Out of the total, 85 marks are for the theory paper and 15 marks are for the internal assessment. The distribution of marks among various units is shared below:

Unit

Topics

Marks

 

PART A: POLITICS IN INDIA SINCE INDEPENDENCE

 

Unit 1

Era of one-party dominance

5

Unit 2

Nation-Building and its problems

8

Unit 3

Politics of Planned Development

Unit 4

India's External relations

5

Unit 5

Challenges to and Restoration of Congress System

4

Unit 6

Crisis of the Constitutional order

6

Unit 7

Regional aspirations and conflicts

4

Unit 8

Rise of New Social Movements

5

Unit 9

Democratic upsurge and coalition parties

4

Unit 10

Recent issues and challenges

4

 

Total

45

 

PART B: CONTEMPORARY WORLD-POLITICS

 

Unit 11

Cold War Era in World Politics

8

Unit 12

Disintegration of the Second World and the Collapse of Bipolarity

10

Unit 13

US Dominance in World Politics

Unit 14

Alternative centres of Economic and Political Power

8

Unit 15

South Asia in the Post-Cold War Era

Unit 16

International organisations in a unipolar world

4

Unit 17

Security in Contemporary World

4

Unit 18

Globalisation and its Critics

6

 

Total

40

 

Grand Total

85

HPBOSE 12th Geography Marking Scheme 2025

In HPBOSE Class 12, the Geography subject is common with Science as well as Humanities stream. The total marks allocated for HPBOSE Class 12 Geography examination is 100 — 60 marks for the theory paper, 25 marks for the practical assessment and 15 marks for the internal assessment. Check the unit-wise break of marks for Class 12 Geography exam.

Unit

Topics

Marks

 

A. FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

30

Unit 1

Human Geography

02

Unit 2

People

04

Unit 3

Human Activities

09

Unit 4

Transport, Communication and Trade

09

Unit 5

Human Settlements

04

Unit 6

Map work

02

 

B. INDIAN: PEOPLE AND ECONOMY

30

Unit 7

People

04

Unit 8

Human Settlements

04

Unit 9

Resources and Development

12

Unit 10

Transport, Communication and International Trade

06

Unit 11

Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and problems

02

Unit 12

Map Work

02

 

Total

60

 

C. PRACTICAL WORK     

 

Unit 1

Processing of data and Thematic Mapping

17

Unit 2

Field study of Spatial Information Technology

08

HPBOSE 12th Economics Marking Scheme 2026 

In HPBOSE Class 12, the Economics subject is common with Commerce and Humanities streams. The total marks allocated for HPBOSE Class 12 Economics examination is 100 — 85 marks for the theory paper and 15 marks for the internal assessment. The table below provides unit-wise weightage for Class 12 Economics:

Unit

Title

Marks

 

PART A: INTRODUCTORY MICROECONOMICS

 

Unit 1

Introduction

3

Unit 2

Consumer Behaviour and Demand

12

Unit 3

Producer Behaviour and Supply

20

Unit 4

Forms of Market and Price Determination

8

Unit 5

Simple Applications of Tools of Demand and Supply Curves

-

 

PART B: INTRODUCTORY MACROECONOMICS

 

Unit 6

National Income and Related Aggregates

12

Unit 7

Determination of Income and Employment

10

Unit 8

Money and Banking

7

Unit 9

Government Budget and the Economy

7

Unit 10

Balance of Payments

6

 

Total

85

 HPBOSE Class 12 Sociology Exam Pattern 2026

The total marks allocated for HPBOSE Class 12 Sociology examination is 100 — 85 marks for the theory paper and 15 marks for the internal assessment. The unit-wise distribution of weightage is tabulated below:

Unit

Topics

Marks

 

INDIAN SOCIETY

 

Unit 1

Structure of Indian Society

7

Unit 2

Social Institutions: Continuity & Change

12

Unit 3

Social inequality & Exclusion

12

Unit 4

The Challenges of Unity in Diversity

12

 

CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA

 

Unit 5

Process of Social Change in India

8

Unit 6

Social Change and the Polity

8

Unit 7

Social Change & the Economy

10

Unit 8

New Areas of Social Change

8

Unit 9

Social Movements

8

 Now that the students are well aware of the HP Board 12th syllabus and exam pattern, it is important that they also download and practice the HPBOSE 12th question papers of previous years’. They should also go through the HPBOSE 12th preparation tips for effective preparation for the Class 12 board exams.

HP Board 12th 2026 Scheme of Examination

The scheme of examination for the HPBOSE Class 12 Humanities Group is as follows

Subject

Theory Marks

Practical Marks

Internal Assessment
Marks

English

85

-

15

A combination of four subjects to be offered from the options below:

Modern Indian Language (Any one of the following)

 

 

 

Hindi

85

-

15

Urdu

Mathematics

85

-

15

Human Ecology and Family Science

60

25

15

Any one of the following:

 

 

 

i) Computer Science

60

25

15

ii) Yoga

iii) Phy. Education

Geography

60

25

15

Economics

85

-

15

History

85

-

15

Political Science

85

-

15

Psychology

60

25

15

Sociology

85

 

15

Public Administration

85

-

15

Sanskrit

85

-

15

Music (Any one)

25

60

15

i) Hindustani Vocal

ii) Hindustani Instru. Melodic

iii) Hindustani Instru. Percussion

Dance (Any one)

25

60

15

i) Kathak

ii) Bharat Natyam

Philosophy

85

-

15

Fine Art

25

60

15

French

85

-

15

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About the Author
With a degree in MBA from ICFAI University and work experience in all sectors of education, Jasleen wishes to guide students to choose a perfect academic course in accordance to their personality to build a bright f Read Full Bio
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