Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

Class 8 History CBSE Notes - 2025-26

ffImage
banner

Social Science History Notes for Class 8 - FREE PDF Download

Class 8 History Notes are prepared to help students understand historical concepts with ease and clarity. These notes break down key historical events, figures, and periods into clear, digestible points, enhancing comprehension and retention. The Class 8 Social Science Revision Notes contain all important topics, concepts, and terminology straightforwardly, facilitating effective study sessions. Each chapter from the Class 8 History NCERT Textbook is summarised with emphasis on significant details, making these notes perfect for quick revision before exams.

toc-symbolTable of Content
toggle-arrow

CBSE Class 8 History Textbook: A General Overview

The Class 8 History textbook provides an in-depth exploration of India's historical journey from the British East India Company's rise to power through to the struggle for independence. It covers key events, social changes, and significant figures shaping modern India.


  • Chapter 1: Introduction: How, When, and Where: This chapter introduces the basic concepts of history, including how historical events are recorded and studied, and the significance of understanding time and place in history.

  • Chapter 2: From Trade to Territory: The Company Establishes Power: This chapter explores the rise of the British East India Company and its expansion from a trading company to a territorial power in India. It covers key events and strategies used to establish control.

  • Chapter 3: Ruling the Countryside: This chapter examines how the British East India Company administered and controlled rural areas, including the impact on agriculture, land revenue systems, and local governance.

  • Chapter 4: Tribals, Dikus, and the Vision of a Golden Age: This chapter discusses the lives of tribal communities and their interactions with outsiders (Dikus). It highlights their resistance to changes imposed by external forces and their aspirations for a better future.

  • Chapter 5: When People Revolt: 1857 and After This chapter focuses on the Revolt of 1857, its causes, major events, and outcomes. It also covers the repercussions of the revolt and changes in British policies following the uprising.

  • Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation: This chapter explores the British educational policies and their impact on Indian society. It covers the objectives behind these policies and their effects on various sections of society.

  • Women, Caste, and Reform: This chapter deals with social reforms in colonial India, focusing on the roles of women, caste issues, and reform movements aimed at improving social conditions.

  • The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947: This chapter traces the evolution of the Indian national movement from the late 19th century to 1947, including major leaders, events, and the struggle for independence.


Key Features of the Class 8 History Textbook

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Detailed exploration of significant historical events and periods, including British expansion, social reforms, and the national movement.

  • Clear Organization: Structured chapters that present historical facts and narratives in a logical sequence, making it easy to follow and understand.

  • Illustrative Maps and Images: Visual images that enhance comprehension by depicting key events, geographical locations, and historical figures.

  • Focused Topics: In-depth analysis of major themes such as colonial rule, social reforms, and the independence movement, providing a thorough understanding of each subject.

  • Engaging Content: Real-life stories, case studies, and significant historical milestones that make learning history more relatable and interesting.

  • Revision Notes: Key points and summaries at the end of each chapter for quick revision and reinforcement of important concepts.


Overall Important Concepts from Class 8 History

  • Colonial Expansion and Administration: Understanding how the British East India Company expanded its control over India, including the strategies and policies used to establish and maintain power.

  • Impact on Rural and Tribal Communities: The effects of British rule on rural and tribal societies, including changes in land ownership, agricultural practices, and resistance movements.

  • The Revolt of 1857: The causes, events, and consequences of the 1857 uprising against British rule, and its significance in the history of Indian resistance.

  • Social Reforms and Education: The role of British educational policies and social reform movements in shaping modern Indian society, including efforts to address issues related to caste, gender, and social justice.

  • National Movement: The development of the Indian national movement from the late 19th century to independence, including key figures, organisations, and major events leading up to 1947.

  • Cultural and Social Changes: The impact of colonialism on Indian culture and society, including changes in social structures, cultural practices, and national identity.


Benefits of CBSE Class 8 History Notes

  • Class 8 History Notes make complex historical events and ideas easier to understand by breaking them down into simple points.

  • They provide a summary of each topic, so you can quickly review important information before exams.

  • Class 8 History Notes PDF helps you see how different historical events and ideas are connected, making it easier to understand the bigger picture.

  • They highlight the most important facts and concepts, so you can concentrate on what’s most important for your exams.

  • By organising information clearly, Class 8 SST Notes help you remember key details better.

  • Class 8 History Notes save you time by summarising the textbook content, so you don’t have to read everything again.


Exam Preparation Guide for Class 8 History

  • Understand the Syllabus: Review the syllabus to know which chapters and topics will be covered in the exam.

  • Create a Study Schedule: Plan your study time. Allocate specific time slots for each chapter and stick to your schedule.

  • Use Revision Notes: Refer to revision notes for a quick summary of key points, dates, and events.

  • Practise Past Papers: Work on previous years' exam papers or sample questions to familiarise yourself with the exam format.

  • Highlight Key Concepts: Focus on important events, figures, and themes. Understand their significance and connections.

  • Use Visual Aids: Create or refer to maps, timelines, and charts to visualise historical events and their connections.

  • Summarise Each Chapter: Write summaries of each chapter in your own words to consolidate your knowledge.

  • Review and Revise: Regularly review what you have studied to improve learning and confidence.


Class 8 History Notes for all chapters provide a clear and concise summary of key historical events and concepts. These notes simplify complex historical narratives, making it easier for students to understand and remember important details. Ideal for quick revisions and exam preparation, they align with the curriculum and help improve learning. Using these notes effectively can enhance your grasp of history and improve your confidence in exams.


Social Science Notes Class 8 PDF - FREE Download


Important Study Materials for Class 8 Social Science

WhatsApp Banner

FAQs on Class 8 History CBSE Notes - 2025-26

1. What are Class 8 History revision notes and what is their main purpose?

Class 8 History revision notes are concise summaries of each chapter from the NCERT syllabus. Their primary purpose is to provide a quick and effective recap of key concepts, important dates, significant figures, and major events. They are designed to aid in fast revision, reinforce learning, and help students consolidate a large amount of information before exams.

2. How do these revision notes align with the CBSE syllabus for the 2025-26 session?

These notes are meticulously created by subject matter experts to be fully aligned with the latest CBSE Class 8 Social Science syllabus for 2025-26. Every topic and sub-topic prescribed by the NCERT curriculum is covered, ensuring that students are studying relevant and accurate content for their examinations.

3. What is the most effective way to use these summary notes for exam preparation?

For maximum benefit, first, read the chapter thoroughly from your NCERT textbook. Then, use these revision notes to reinforce your understanding and memorise key points. They are especially useful for last-minute revision, allowing you to quickly go through the entire syllabus and refresh your memory on crucial details just before the exam.

4. Which key themes from the Class 8 History syllabus are covered in these notes?

The notes cover the entire Class 8 History syllabus, organised around major historical themes. Key areas include:

  • The establishment of the East India Company's power.
  • Colonial rule's impact on the countryside, tribals, and craft industries.
  • The Great Revolt of 1857 and its aftermath.
  • Changes in education, society, and the caste system during colonial rule.
  • The rise and development of the Indian National Movement until independence.

5. Are these revision notes a substitute for reading the official NCERT textbook?

No, these notes should be seen as a supplement, not a substitute for the NCERT textbook. The textbook provides the detailed context, stories, and in-depth explanations necessary for a strong foundational understanding. The revision notes are best used to consolidate and quickly recall the information you have already studied from the main textbook.

6. How can I use these notes to effectively remember important dates and key events?

Beyond just reading, use the notes as a foundation for active learning. You can create your own study aids, such as a timeline of major events from the establishment of the Company to Independence. You can also make flashcards for key figures and their contributions, or draw mind maps to connect the causes and effects of major events like the Revolt of 1857.

7. What is the advantage of using these notes compared to making my own?

These expert-created notes provide a structured and comprehensive foundation, saving you valuable time. They ensure you don't miss any key points from the syllabus. Making your own handwritten notes is also a powerful study technique. For best results, consider a hybrid approach: use these notes for a complete overview and create your own short notes for topics you find particularly challenging.

8. How do these notes help in understanding the connections between different chapters?

A key feature of these notes is how they highlight the chronological and thematic links across the syllabus. For example, they clarify how British trade policies (Chapter 2) impacted rural life (Chapter 3), which in turn fueled the discontent leading to the 1857 Revolt (Chapter 5). This helps you understand history as an interconnected narrative rather than a series of isolated facts.