CUET History Syllabus, Important Topics and Books

Author at PW
March 04, 2025
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Are you preparing for the CUET UG 2025 exam with History as your domain subject? The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is an important exam for students who want to study history at top universities in India. If you are preparing for CUET, knowing the syllabus, important topics, and the best books will help you score well. The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate courses in central universities. For subjects like B.A. History (Hons), B.A. Sociology, or B.A. Archaeology, choosing History as your domain subject is essential. The CUET UG History Syllabus covers themes from ancient to modern India, testing your analytical and factual knowledge.

This section will explain the syllabus, important topics, exam pattern, and recommended books in simple terms. 

CUET History Syllabus 2025

The History CUET Syllabus is divided into three parts, each focusing on key themes. Below is a simplified table to help you understand the structure:

Part

Theme

Important Topics

Part I

Theme I

The Story of the First Cities: Harappan Archaeology

 

Theme II

Political and Economic History: How Inscriptions Tell a Story

 

Theme III

Social Histories: Using the Mahabharata

 

Theme IV

A History of Buddhism: Sanchi Stupa

Part II

Theme V

Agrarian Relations: The Ain-i-Akbari

 

Theme VI

New Architecture: Hampi

 

Theme VII

Religious History: The Bhakti-Sufi Tradition

 

Theme VIII

Medieval Society through Traveller’s Accounts

Part III

Theme IX

Colonialism and Rural Society: Evidence from Official Reports

 

Theme X

Representation of 1857

 

Theme XI

Mahatma Gandhi through Contemporary Eyes

 

Theme XII

The Making of the Constitution

CUET History Important Topics

While all themes matter, some topics carry higher weightage based on past exams:

  1. Harappan Archaeology (Part I): Focus on urban planning, artifacts, and trade.

  2. Inscriptions (Part I): Learn about Ashokan edicts and their significance.

  3. Mahabharata (Part I): Understand social hierarchies and gender roles.

  4. Ain-i-Akbari (Part II): Study land revenue systems under Akbar.

  5. Colonialism (Part III): Analyze British policies and their impact on villages.

  6. Making of the Constitution (Part III): Key debates and leaders involved.

Tip: Solve CUET UG previous years’ question papers to spot recurring topics.

CUET 2025 History Exam Pattern

Here’s a quick overview of the exam format:

Aspect

Details

Exam Mode

Online (Computer-Based Test)

Duration

60 minutes

Total Questions

50 (All compulsory)

Marks per Question

+5 for correct, -1 for wrong

Maximum Marks

250

Language

13 languages, including English and Hindi

Note: Time management is crucial. Practice mock tests to improve speed.

Recommended Books for CUET History Preparation

Choosing the right CUET History book is key. Here are some beginner-friendly options:

Book Title

Link

PDF

CUET (UG) History Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank

Link

PDF

CUET UG Humanities Mock Test & Past Year Papers Combined Book

Link

PDF

How to Prepare for CUET History?

  1. Follow the Syllabus: Stick to the History syllabus for CUET to avoid wasting time.

  2. Make Notes: Summarize themes like “Sanchi Stupa” or “1857 Revolt” in your words.

  3. Practice Maps: Questions on Harappan sites or colonial cities are common.

  4. Revise Regularly: Focus on themes with high weightage first.

Also Check, CUET Question Banks

CUET History Exam Pattern

Before you start preparing, you should know the exam pattern.

Section

No. of Questions

Marks

History Section

40 (out of 50)

200

General Test

60

300

Language Test

40

200

Each correct answer gets +5 marks, and each wrong answer has a -1 negative marking.

Preparing for the CUET history syllabus is not difficult if you follow the right strategy. Focus on NCERT books, revise important topics, and solve previous year papers. Use recommended CUET history books for deeper knowledge. Make sure to create proper planning and practice, you can easily score well in the history syllabus for CUET.

Read More: Practicing CUET UG Humanities PYQs for Exam Success

CUET History Syllabus FAQS

1. What is the CUET history syllabus?
The CUET history syllabus covers Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian history, focusing on major events, societies, and cultural developments.

2. What are the most important topics in the CUET history syllabus?

Key topics include the Harappan Civilization, Maurya and Gupta Empires, Mughal rule, British colonization, and India’s freedom struggle.

3. What is the best way to prepare for the CUET UG history syllabus?

Read NCERT books, make notes, practice previous year's papers, and take mock tests for better preparation.

4. Is Modern History more important than Ancient and Medieval History?
Yes, Modern History has more weightage in CUET, so focus more on it while preparing.

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