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Maharashtra HSC History Board Paper March 2026 with Answers

Written board papers. Physics and Chemistry: 70 marks, 3 hours. Mathematics & Statistics: 80 marks, 3 hours.

2026, March 180 minutes 80 marks Save WhatsApp

Sections

Q.1 (A) Choose the correct alternatives (6 marks) 6 questions
Q.1 (B) Find the incorrect pair (4 marks) 4 questions
Q.2 (A) Write the names of historical places/persons/events (4 marks) 4 questions
Q.2 (B) Choose the correct reasons and complete the sentences (4 marks) 4 questions
Q.3 (A) Observe the given map and answer the questions (5 marks) 5 questions
Q.3 (B) Complete the concept maps, any four (8 marks) 6 questions
Q.4 (A) Write short notes, any three (6 marks) 5 questions
Q.4 (B) Explain the statements with reasons, any three (9 marks) 5 questions
Q.5 State your opinion, any three (9 marks) 5 questions
Q.6 Answer in detail, any two (10 marks) 3 questions
Q.7 Answer in detail with the help of given points, any three (15 marks) 5 questions

About this paper

This is the Maharashtra State Board (MSBSHSE) HSC (Class 12) History (38) board paper of the February–March 2026 examination. The paper code printed on the question paper is J-276. The questions are transcribed from the board’s own printed question paper published on its website; the map and concept maps are described in words. The answers are original answers written by Doubtly, not the board’s official model answers.

Paper pattern

Maximum marks 80, time 3 hours, seven questions, all compulsory (with internal choice). Q.1 (10 marks): (A) six multiple choice questions and (B) four sets of finding the incorrect pair. Q.2 (8 marks): (A) four names of historical places/persons/events and (B) four questions on choosing the correct reason. Q.3 (13 marks): (A) a map of the 13 American colonies with five questions and (B) concept maps, any four of six (2 marks each). Q.4 (15 marks): (A) short notes, any three of five (2 marks each) and (B) explain with reasons, any three of five (3 marks each). Q.5 (9 marks): state your opinion, any three of five. Q.6 (10 marks): answer in detail, any two of three. Q.7 (15 marks): answer in detail with the help of given points, any three of five. Concept maps are to be drawn with pen.

How to use it

Write the paper in one 3-hour sitting, choosing questions as the paper allows, then compare your answers with the model answers. In 3-mark and 5-mark answers check that each point is supported with a fact, name or date from the textbook.

Chapters covered

Instructions

Solve on paper with a timer, then check against the solutions. Sections: A (MCQ and very short answers), B (short answers, attempt any 8 of 12), C (attempt any 8 of 12), D (long answers with choice).

Q.1 (A) Choose the correct alternatives (6 marks)

  1. Q.1 (A) (1) In 1609 _____ made a modified telescope.

    1. (A) John Key
    2. (B) Copernicus
    3. (C) Galileo
    4. (D) Kepler
    1 mark See answer →

  2. Q.1 (A) (2) The Dutch established their first colony at _____.

    1. (A) Chennai
    2. (B) Machilipatnam
    3. (C) Karikal
    4. (D) Pondicherry
    1 mark See answer →

  3. Q.1 (A) (3) In 1824 _____ seized the government treasury at Bhamburde, Pune.

    1. (A) Santaji Bhosale
    2. (B) Hariya Bhilla
    3. (C) Umaji Naik
    4. (D) Trimbakaji Dengale
    1 mark See answer →

  4. Q.1 (A) (4) The Princely States in India were merged in India mainly through the efforts of _____.

    1. (A) Jayantrao Tilak
    2. (B) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
    3. (C) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
    4. (D) Dr. T. B. Kunha
    1 mark See answer →

  5. Q.1 (A) (5) In 1935 _____ was separated from India.

    1. (A) Myanmar
    2. (B) Sri Lanka
    3. (C) Maldives
    4. (D) Iran
    1 mark See answer →

  6. Q.1 (A) (6) An act similar to ‘Right to Information’ was first applied in _____ in 1776.

    1. (A) Sweden
    2. (B) France
    3. (C) England
    4. (D) India
    1 mark See answer →

Q.1 (B) Find the incorrect pair (4 marks)

  1. Q.1 (B) (1) Find the incorrect pair in group ‘B’ and write the correct one:

    Group ‘A’Group ‘B’
    (i)Thomas JeffersonDeclaration of American Independence
    (ii)Lord CornwallisBritish General
    (iii)King ThibawSikkim
    (iv)Lord Warren HastingsEstablished friendly relationship with Bhutan
    1 mark See answer →

  2. Q.1 (B) (2) Find the incorrect pair in group ‘B’ and write the correct one:

    Group ‘A’Group ‘B’
    (i)Sadashivrao BhauMaratha leader in 3rd battle of Panipat
    (ii)Ahmadshah AbdaliKing of Nepal
    (iii)Ibrahim Khan GardiChief of Maratha artillery
    (iv)Henry RevingtonBritish Officer
    1 mark See answer →

  3. Q.1 (B) (3) Find the incorrect pair in group ‘B’ and write the correct one:

    Group ‘A’Group ‘B’
    (i)Brahmo SamajRaja Ram Mohan Roy
    (ii)Satyashodhak SamajMahatma Jotiba Phule
    (iii)Paramhamsa SabhaMaharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde
    (iv)Ramkrishna MissionSwami Vivekanand
    1 mark See answer →

  4. Q.1 (B) (4) Find the incorrect pair in group ‘B’ and write the correct one:

    Group ‘A’Group ‘B’
    (i)Dr. SukarnoIndia
    (ii)Kwame NkrumahGhana
    (iii)Gamal Abdel NasserEgypt
    (iv)Marshal TitoYugoslavia
    1 mark See answer →

Q.2 (A) Write the names of historical places/persons/events (4 marks)

  1. Q.2 (A) (1) Write the name of the historical person: The first European to arrive in India –

    1 mark See answer →

  2. Q.2 (A) (2) Write the name of the historical person: The one who made the law of free and compulsory primary education in Kolhapur princely state –

    1 mark See answer →

  3. Q.2 (A) (3) Write the name of the historical place: The headquarters of SEATO were located at –

    1 mark See answer →

  4. Q.2 (A) (4) Write the name of the historical person: The player who was awarded the highest title, ‘Bharat Ratna’ –

    1 mark See answer →

Q.2 (B) Choose the correct reasons and complete the sentences (4 marks)

  1. Q.2 (B) (1) Choose the correct reason and complete the sentence: In 15th century commercial revolution started in Europe because _____

    1. (A) discoveries of new lands by European seafarers, the traditional ways of commerce changed radically.
    2. (B) colonies were established in America.
    3. (C) political revolution took place in England.
    4. (D) declaration of Independence was adopted by America.
    1 mark See answer →

  2. Q.2 (B) (2) Choose the correct reason and complete the sentence: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built naval force _____

    1. (A) to levy octroi on British trade.
    2. (B) to protect local salt trade.
    3. (C) to arrest the advances of foreigners’ infiltration in India.
    4. (D) to construct sea forts.
    1 mark See answer →

  3. Q.2 (B) (3) Choose the correct reason and complete the sentence: Raja Ram Mohan Roy published a letter about the evil practice of sati _____

    1. (A) to encourage purdah tradition of women.
    2. (B) was deeply perturbed witnessing his brother’s wife immolating herself on her husband’s funeral pyre.
    3. (C) to launch first weekly in Bengali.
    4. (D) to start Atmiya Sabha.
    1 mark See answer →

  4. Q.2 (B) (4) Choose the correct reason and complete the sentence: Cold war began after Second World War because _____

    1. (A) America opposed the ‘Marshall Plan.’
    2. (B) Soviet Russia adopted communism and America adopted capitalism.
    3. (C) England supported Soviet Russia.
    4. (D) America and Soviet Russia decided to continue the process of Detente.
    1 mark See answer →

Q.3 (A) Observe the given map and answer the questions (5 marks)

  1. Q.3 (A) (1) Observe the given map and answer: In which colony is the city of Boston located?

    [Map: ‘The 13 American Colonies’ — the east coast of North America with the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Great Lakes in the north-west. Index: square = colonies, dot = cities. Colonies from north to south: New Hampshire (Portsmouth), Massachusetts (Boston), Rhode Island (Providence), Connecticut (New Haven), New York (New York City), New Jersey (Trenton), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), Delaware, Maryland (Annapolis), Virginia (Williamsburg), North Carolina (New Bern), South Carolina (Charleston) and Georgia (Savannah). A north arrow and a scale in kilometres are shown.]

    1 mark See answer →

  2. Q.3 (A) (2) Observe the given map and answer: On the coast of which ocean were the American colonies located?

    [Map: ‘The 13 American Colonies’ — the east coast of North America with the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Great Lakes in the north-west. Index: square = colonies, dot = cities. Colonies from north to south: New Hampshire (Portsmouth), Massachusetts (Boston), Rhode Island (Providence), Connecticut (New Haven), New York (New York City), New Jersey (Trenton), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), Delaware, Maryland (Annapolis), Virginia (Williamsburg), North Carolina (New Bern), South Carolina (Charleston) and Georgia (Savannah). A north arrow and a scale in kilometres are shown.]

    1 mark See answer →

  3. Q.3 (A) (3) Observe the given map and answer: Name the city in the colony of Virginia.

    [Map: ‘The 13 American Colonies’ — the east coast of North America with the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Great Lakes in the north-west. Index: square = colonies, dot = cities. Colonies from north to south: New Hampshire (Portsmouth), Massachusetts (Boston), Rhode Island (Providence), Connecticut (New Haven), New York (New York City), New Jersey (Trenton), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), Delaware, Maryland (Annapolis), Virginia (Williamsburg), North Carolina (New Bern), South Carolina (Charleston) and Georgia (Savannah). A north arrow and a scale in kilometres are shown.]

    1 mark See answer →

  4. Q.3 (A) (4) Observe the given map and answer: In which colony is the city of New Bern located?

    [Map: ‘The 13 American Colonies’ — the east coast of North America with the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Great Lakes in the north-west. Index: square = colonies, dot = cities. Colonies from north to south: New Hampshire (Portsmouth), Massachusetts (Boston), Rhode Island (Providence), Connecticut (New Haven), New York (New York City), New Jersey (Trenton), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), Delaware, Maryland (Annapolis), Virginia (Williamsburg), North Carolina (New Bern), South Carolina (Charleston) and Georgia (Savannah). A north arrow and a scale in kilometres are shown.]

    1 mark See answer →

  5. Q.3 (A) (5) Observe the given map and answer: To which topic is the above map related to?

    [Map: ‘The 13 American Colonies’ — the east coast of North America with the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Great Lakes in the north-west. Index: square = colonies, dot = cities. Colonies from north to south: New Hampshire (Portsmouth), Massachusetts (Boston), Rhode Island (Providence), Connecticut (New Haven), New York (New York City), New Jersey (Trenton), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), Delaware, Maryland (Annapolis), Virginia (Williamsburg), North Carolina (New Bern), South Carolina (Charleston) and Georgia (Savannah). A north arrow and a scale in kilometres are shown.]

    1 mark See answer →

Q.3 (B) Complete the concept maps, any four (8 marks)

  1. Q.3 (B) (1) Complete the following table:

    DiscovererGeographical Discovery
    Amerigo Vespucci__________
    __________Course of river Niger
    Marco Polo__________
    __________Landed at the Indian Port Calicut (Kozhikode)
    2 marks See answer →

  2. Q.3 (B) (2) Complete the concept map: [Concept map: central box ‘Alliance of four rulers formed by Nana Phadnavis’ with arrows to four blank boxes.]

    2 marks See answer →

  3. Q.3 (B) (3) Complete the concept map: [Concept map: top box ‘Newspapers published by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’ with lines to four blank boxes.]

    2 marks See answer →

  4. Q.3 (B) (4) Complete the concept map: [Concept map: circle ‘Leaders who participated in Goa liberation movement’ with arrows to four blank boxes and one filled box ‘Gopal Mayekar’.]

    2 marks See answer →

  5. Q.3 (B) (5) Complete the concept map: [Concept map in a six-pointed star: centre ‘Factors of cold war’; boxes at the points: ‘No Direct War’, ‘Ideological Conflict’ and four blank boxes.]

    2 marks See answer →

  6. Q.3 (B) (6) Complete the concept web: [Concept web: central octagon ‘Contributed to environment conservation and preservation’ with four arms. Each arm has two boxes, one filled and one blank: ‘Chipko Movement’ – blank; ‘Medha Patkar’ – blank; ‘Premsagar Mestry’ – blank; ‘Water conservation’ – blank.]

    2 marks See answer →

Q.4 (A) Write short notes, any three (6 marks)

  1. Q.4 (A) (1) Write short note: Consequences of the crusades

    2 marks See answer →

  2. Q.4 (A) (2) Write short note: Azad Hind Sena

    2 marks See answer →

  3. Q.4 (A) (3) Write short note: Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis

    2 marks See answer →

  4. Q.4 (A) (4) Write short note: Atlantic Charter

    2 marks See answer →

  5. Q.4 (A) (5) Write short note: Speed Post

    2 marks See answer →

Q.4 (B) Explain the statements with reasons, any three (9 marks)

  1. Q.4 (B) (1) Explain the following statement with reasons: The industrial revolution gave a momentum to colonialism.

    3 marks See answer →

  2. Q.4 (B) (2) Explain the following statement with reasons: Indian rulers found it difficult to fight the Portuguese.

    3 marks See answer →

  3. Q.4 (B) (3) Explain the following statement with reasons: Mahatma Gandhi ji started non-cooperation movement in 1920.

    3 marks See answer →

  4. Q.4 (B) (4) Explain the following statement with reasons: Pondicherry was declared as a Union Territory.

    3 marks See answer →

  5. Q.4 (B) (5) Explain the following statement with reasons: Rahibai Popere is popularly known as ‘Beejmata’ (Seed mother).

    3 marks See answer →

Q.5 State your opinion, any three (9 marks)

  1. Q.5 (1) State your opinion on the following statement: Indian social reformers called for social and religious reforms.

    3 marks See answer →

  2. Q.5 (2) State your opinion on the following statement: Political integration of the princely states was the biggest challenge faced by the leaders of independent India.

    3 marks See answer →

  3. Q.5 (3) State your opinion on the following statement: Japan surrendered in the Second World War.

    3 marks See answer →

  4. Q.5 (4) State your opinion on the following statement: Joint military practice sessions are beneficial for both participant countries.

    3 marks See answer →

  5. Q.5 (5) State your opinion on the following statement: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is helping to achieve universalisation of education in India.

    3 marks See answer →

Q.6 Answer in detail, any two (10 marks)

  1. Q.6 (1) Answer in detail: Explain the causes and effects of Industrial Revolution in Europe.

    5 marks See answer →

  2. Q.6 (2) Answer in detail: The strongest Maratha rule in India came to an end.

    5 marks See answer →

  3. Q.6 (3) Answer in detail: Explain the meaning and policies of Non-Aligned movement.

    5 marks See answer →

Q.7 Answer in detail with the help of given points, any three (15 marks)

  1. Q.7 (1) Explain the expansion of Portuguese empire in India – (a) Establishment of colonies (b) Administration (c) Policies of Religious Intolerance

    5 marks See answer →

  2. Q.7 (2) Reasons for freedom struggle of 1857 – (a) Discontent of Indian soldiers in the British Army (b) Discontent among rulers of Princely states (c) Unsympathetic outlook of the British

    5 marks See answer →

  3. Q.7 (3) Write the information about the First World War (1914-1918) – (a) Causes of the war (b) Immediate cause (c) Foundation of ‘League of Nations’

    5 marks See answer →

  4. Q.7 (4) Explain Decolonisation in Africa – (a) Causes (b) Bandung Conference (c) Concept of African Unity

    5 marks See answer →

  5. Q.7 (5) Write information about Reorganisation of States in India – (a) Jharkhand (b) Telangana (c) Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh

    5 marks See answer →