CBSE Class 10 · Board exam 2025 (session 2024-25)

CBSE Class 10 Social Science: 2025 board paper, set 32/3/1

The question paper set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2025, as printed: 37 questions for 80 marks, in sections, with each OR choice shown as an alternative. Try each question first, then open our solution.

Every question here has our step-by-step solution, split into the steps that earn marks. Each one was checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in: https://www.cbse.gov.in/cbsenew/question-paper/2025/X/087_Social_Science.zip (a zip; this paper is the file 32-3-1_Social Science.pdf). Questions are transcribed from that PDF; figures are described in words, so check the official paper for them.

Practise a paper like this, timedMy board paper sets a full paper in this exact format from real board questions, with a timer.Get your written answers markedThe Answer Coach marks a photo of your handwritten answer step by step, like the examiner.

How the paper is set

Section	Questions	What it has
A	1-20	Multiple Choice Questions; includes assertion-reason items at Q7 and Q14
B	21-24	Very Short Answer; answer not to exceed 40 words
C	25-29	Short Answer; answer not to exceed 60 words
D	30-33	Long Answer; answer not to exceed 120 words; internal choice in each question
E	34-36	Case/Source-based with three sub-questions (1, 1, 2 marks)
F	37	Map skill-based: 37(a) History (2 marks), 37(b) Geography (3 marks)

Instructions in brief: All questions are compulsory. Internal choice (OR) is given in Q23, Q25, Q30, Q31, Q32 and Q33. Separate questions are provided for Visually Impaired candidates in lieu of visual/map questions 37(a) and 37(b).

Section A

Multiple Choice Questions; includes assertion-reason items at Q7 and Q14

Q1 · 1 mark · MCQFederalism
Which one of the following languages is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
1. (A)Bhojpuri
2. (B)Magadhi
3. (C)Rajasthani
4. (D)Tamil
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The Eighth Schedule lists 22 languages, and Tamil is one of them. Bhojpuri, Magadhi and Rajasthani are not included.
  1 mark
Answer: (D) Tamil
Where the marks are
- Identifies Tamil (1 mark)
Q2 · 1 mark · MCQGender, Religion and Caste
In which one of the following organs of India are women taking advantage of reservation?
1. (A)Municipality
2. (B)Legislative Council
3. (C)Rajya Sabha
4. (D)Judiciary
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. One-third of seats in local bodies such as municipalities and panchayats are reserved for women. There is no such reservation in the Legislative Council, Rajya Sabha or Judiciary.
  1 mark
Answer: (A) Municipality
Where the marks are
- Identifies Municipality (1 mark)
Q3 · 1 mark · MCQFederalism
Choose the correctly matched pair from the following:
1. (A)Concurrent List – Education
2. (B)Concurrent List – Defence
3. (C)Concurrent List – Police
4. (D)Concurrent List – Trade
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Education is in the Concurrent List. Defence and Trade belong to the Union List and Police to the State List.
  1 mark
Answer: (A) Concurrent List – Education
Where the marks are
- Correct pair identified (1 mark)
Q4 · 1 mark · MCQGender, Religion and Caste
Which of the following statements represent gender equality?
1. (A)The value of women's vote is more than that of men.
2. (B)Restricting women to household chores.
3. (C)Providing more rights to men.
4. (D)Providing voting rights equally to men and women.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Gender equality means equal treatment of men and women, so equal voting rights for both represent it. The other options favour one gender.
  1 mark
Answer: (D)
Where the marks are
- Chooses equal voting rights (1 mark)
Q5 · 1 mark · MCQPolitical Parties
To reform the party system, which of the following tasks have been made compulsory for the political parties? Choose the most appropriate option.
I. It is now compulsory for all the political parties to file income tax returns.
II. It is now compulsory for all parties to have one-third women candidates.
III. It is now compulsory for all the political parties to hold their organisational election.
IV. It is now compulsory for all candidates to disclose information about pending criminal cases against them through affidavit.
1. (A)Only I, II and III are correct.
2. (B)Only I, II and IV are correct.
3. (C)Only I, III and IV are correct.
4. (D)Only II, III and IV are correct.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The reforms made compulsory are filing income tax returns (I), holding organisational elections (III) and candidates disclosing criminal cases through an affidavit (IV). There is no compulsory one-third women candidates rule for parties (II is wrong).
  1 mark
Answer: (C) Only I, III and IV are correct.
Where the marks are
- Rejects II and selects I, III, IV (1 mark)
Q6 · 1 mark · MCQPower-sharing
Which of the following group is in majority in Sri Lanka?
1. (A)Tamil-speakers
2. (B)Sinhala-speakers
3. (C)Telugu-speakers
4. (D)English-speakers
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Sinhala-speakers form about 74% of Sri Lanka's population, so they are the majority.
2. Tamil-speakers are a minority.
  1 mark
Answer: (B) Sinhala-speakers
Where the marks are
- Sinhala-speakers (1 mark)
Q7 · 1 mark · Assertion-reasonCompetency-basedPolitical Parties
Two statements are given below. They are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements and choose the correct option.
Assertion (A): Every party in India has to register with the Election Commission.
Reason (R): The Government provides election symbols to all political parties in India.
1. (A)Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2. (B)Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3. (C)(A) is true, but (R) is false.
4. (D)(A) is false, but (R) is true.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. A is true: every party must register with the Election Commission.
2. R is false: the Election Commission allocates symbols, not the Government, and only to recognised parties.
  1 mark
Answer: (C)
Where the marks are
- A true, R false (1 mark)
Open Q7 on its own page
Q8 · 1 mark · MCQCompetency-basedDevelopment
Data related to an imaginary country is given below. Study these data and answer the question that follows:
Age Total Population Net Attendance
7 and 8 years of age 1200 1000
14 and 15 years of age 1000 800
Total 2200 1800
The attendance percentage of this country of the age group of 14 and 15 years is __________.
1. (A)90 percent
2. (B)80 percent
3. (C)70 percent
4. (D)60 percent
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Attendance % = 800/1000 × 100 = 80%.
  1 mark
Answer: (B) 80 percent
Where the marks are
- Computes 80% (1 mark)
Q9 · 1 mark · MCQSectors of the Indian Economy
Identify the sector on basis of the following characteristics and choose the correct option:
- The objective of this sector is to earn profit.
- This sector is owned by a person or company.
- Tata Iron and Steel is a example of this sector.
1. (A)Cooperative Sector
2. (B)Unorganised Sector
3. (C)Public Sector
4. (D)Private Sector
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. A profit motive, ownership by individuals or companies, and Tata Steel as an example all describe the private sector.
  1 mark
Answer: (D) Private Sector
Where the marks are
- Private sector (1 mark)
Q10 · 1 mark · MCQMoney and Credit
Why is it not easy to get loans from the formal sector? Read the following reasons and choose the most appropriate option:
I. Availability of Banks
II. Availability of Collateral
III. Long and Complicated Loan Process
IV. Awareness of Borrower
1. (A)Only I, II and III are correct.
2. (B)Only II, III and IV are correct.
3. (C)Only I, II and IV are correct.
4. (D)Only I, III and IV are correct.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Loans are hard to get because of the collateral required (II), the long and complicated process (III) and borrowers' lack of awareness (IV). Availability of banks (I) is not the stated reason, so B is correct.
  1 mark
Answer: (B) Only II, III and IV are correct.
Where the marks are
- Selects II, III, IV (1 mark)
Q11 · 1 mark · MCQDevelopment
By which organization is the Human Development Report published?
1. (A)World Trade Organisation
2. (B)Amnesty International
3. (C)United Nations Development Programme
4. (D)World Health Organisation
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The Human Development Report is published by the UNDP every year.
  1 mark
Answer: (C) United Nations Development Programme
Where the marks are
- UNDP (1 mark)
Q12 · 1 mark · MCQSectors of the Indian Economy
Identify the odd one out.
1. (A)Hindustan Computers Limited
2. (B)Bharti Airtel Limited
3. (C)Hindustan Unilever Limited
4. (D)Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. BHEL is a public sector company, while the other three are private sector companies. So BHEL is the odd one out.
  1 mark
Answer: (D) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Where the marks are
- BHEL is public sector (1 mark)
Q13 · 1 mark · MCQGlobalisation and the Indian Economy
Choose the correct option to fill in the blank:
The process of removing barriers on foreign trade and investment by the government is known as _________.
1. (A)Import Tax
2. (B)Export Tax
3. (C)Liberalisation
4. (D)Industrialisation
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Removing government barriers on foreign trade and investment is called liberalisation.
  1 mark
Answer: (C) Liberalisation
Where the marks are
- Liberalisation (1 mark)
Q14 · 1 mark · Assertion-reasonCompetency-basedManufacturing Industries
Two statements are given below. They are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements and choose the correct option.
Assertion (A): Most of the jute industry in India is located in a narrow belt along the banks of Hugli river.
Reason (R): India is the second largest exporter of jute.
1. (A)Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2. (B)Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3. (C)(A) is true, but (R) is false.
4. (D)(A) is false, but (R) is true.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. A is true: the jute mills are concentrated along the Hugli.
2. R is true: India is the second largest producer and a major exporter of jute, but this does not explain the location of mills. So B.
  1 mark
Answer: (B)
Where the marks are
- Both true, R not explanation (1 mark)
Open Q14 on its own page
Q15 · 1 mark · MCQForest and Wildlife Resources
Match Column I with Column II and choose the correct option:
Column I Column II
a. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary i. Uttarakhand
b. Manas Tiger Reserve ii. Rajasthan
c. Periyar Tiger Reserve iii. Assam
d. Corbett National Park iv. Kerala
1. (A)a-i, b-ii, c-iii, d-iv
2. (B)a-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-i
3. (C)a-iv, b-i, c-iii, d-ii
4. (D)a-ii, b-i, c-iv, d-iii
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Sariska is in Rajasthan, Manas in Assam, Periyar in Kerala and Corbett in Uttarakhand: a-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-i.
  1 mark
Answer: (B)
Where the marks are
- Correct matching (1 mark)
Q16 · 1 mark · MCQCompetency-basedAgriculture
Mrs. Monica, along with her family, clears a piece of land and grows grain and other food crops to feed her family. When the soil's fertility decreases, she prepares another piece of land for agriculture. Which of the following methods of agriculture does she use?
1. (A)Plantation farming
2. (B)Slash and burn farming
3. (C)Intensive subsistence farming
4. (D)Commercial farming
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Clearing land, growing food crops, and moving to a new plot when fertility falls is slash and burn (shifting) farming.
  1 mark
Answer: (B) Slash and burn farming
Where the marks are
- Slash and burn farming (1 mark)
Q17 · 1 mark · MCQThe Making of a Global World
The germs of which disease paved the way for Europe's conquest of America in the later half of the sixteenth century?
1. (A)Cholera
2. (B)Smallpox
3. (C)Jaundice
4. (D)Malaria
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Smallpox germs carried by Europeans killed many native Americans who had no immunity, which helped the conquest.
  1 mark
Answer: (B) Smallpox
Where the marks are
- Smallpox (1 mark)
Q18 · 1 mark · MCQThe Rise of Nationalism in Europe
In reference to the Germania allegory the "olive branch around the sword" symbolizes which one of the following?
1. (A)Being freed
2. (B)Heroism and strength
3. (C)Willingness to make peace
4. (D)Beginning of a new era
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. An olive branch symbolises peace, so the olive branch around the sword shows willingness to make peace.
  1 mark
Answer: (C) Willingness to make peace
Where the marks are
- Willingness to make peace (1 mark)
Q19 · 1 mark · MCQNationalism in India
Which among the following newspapers is related to Bal Gangadhar Tilak?
1. (A)Hindustan
2. (B)Bangla Patrika
3. (C)Veer Bhoomi
4. (D)Kesari
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Bal Gangadhar Tilak published the Marathi newspaper Kesari.
  1 mark
Answer: (D) Kesari
Where the marks are
- Kesari (1 mark)
Q20 · 1 mark · MCQNationalism in India
Arrange the following historical events in chronological order and choose the correct option:
I. Bardoli Satyagraha
II. Rowlatt Satyagraha
III. Champaran Satyagraha
IV. Kheda Satyagraha
1. (A)I, II, III, IV
2. (B)III, II, I, IV
3. (C)II, I, IV, III
4. (D)III, IV, II, I
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Champaran (1917), Kheda (1918), Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919), Bardoli (1928): III, IV, II, I.
  1 mark
Answer: (D) III, IV, II, I
Where the marks are
- Correct chronological order (1 mark)

Age	Total Population	Net Attendance
7 and 8 years of age	1200	1000
14 and 15 years of age	1000	800
Total	2200	1800

Column I	Column II
a. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary	i. Uttarakhand
b. Manas Tiger Reserve	ii. Rajasthan
c. Periyar Tiger Reserve	iii. Assam
d. Corbett National Park	iv. Kerala

Section B

Very Short Answer; answer not to exceed 40 words

Q21 · 2 marks · Very short answerNationalism in India
Mention any two economic impacts of the First World War on India.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The war led to a huge rise in defence expenditure, which the government met by taking war loans and raising taxes.
  1 mark
2. Customs duties were raised and income tax was introduced; prices also rose sharply, hurting the common people.
  1 mark
Answer: Higher defence expenditure funded by loans and taxes; higher customs duties and new income tax.
Where the marks are
- First economic impact explained (1 mark)
- Second economic impact explained (1 mark)
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Q22 · 2 marks · Very short answerPower-sharing
Explain the effectiveness of vertical distribution of 'power sharing' in the context of India.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The Constitution clearly divides power among three levels: the Union, State and Local (urban and rural) governments. This reduces conflict because each level knows its powers.
  1 mark
2. It brings governance closer to the people, increases participation at the grassroots in decision-making and helps solve local problems efficiently.
  1 mark
Answer: Vertical power sharing among Union, State and Local governments makes governance efficient and participatory.
Where the marks are
- Power shared among three levels, clearly laid down (1 mark)
- Greater grassroots participation and efficiency (1 mark)
Open Q22 on its own page
Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q23(a) · 2 marks · Very short answerResources and Development
Describe any two features of 'arid soils'.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Arid soils are red to brown in colour, and are generally sandy in texture and saline in nature.
  1 mark
2. Because of the dry climate and high temperature, evaporation is fast, so the soil lacks humus and moisture. Kankar layers in the lower horizons restrict water infiltration.
  1 mark
Answer: Arid soils are reddish-brown, sandy and saline, and lack humus and moisture; kankar forms in the lower layers.
Where the marks are
- One feature explained (1 mark)
- Second feature explained (1 mark)
Open Q23(a) on its own page
OR
Q23(b) · 2 marks · Very short answerResources and Development
Describe any two features of 'forest soils'.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Forest soils are found in hilly and mountainous areas with sufficient rainfall. Their texture varies with the mountain environment: loamy and silty in valley sides, coarse-grained on upper slopes.
  1 mark
2. In snow-covered Himalayan areas they are acidic with low humus content due to denudation, while those in the lower valleys are fertile.
  1 mark
Answer: Forest soils occur in hilly areas, vary in texture, and are acidic with low humus in the upper Himalayas but fertile in the valleys.
Where the marks are
- One feature explained (1 mark)
- Second feature explained (1 mark)
Open Q23(b) on its own page
Q24 · 2 marks · Very short answerGlobalisation and the Indian Economy
Why did the Indian Government restrict foreign trade and foreign investment between 1947 – 1991? Explain.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. After Independence, trade barriers were used to protect domestic producers from foreign competition, since Indian industries were new and could not compete with imports.
  1 mark
2. This was meant to promote the growth and development of indigenous industries and build a self-reliant economy.
  1 mark
Answer: To protect Indian producers from foreign competition and encourage the growth of domestic industries.
Where the marks are
- Protection of producers from foreign competition (1 mark)
- Promotion of indigenous industry growth (1 mark)
Open Q24 on its own page

Section C

Short Answer; answer not to exceed 60 words

Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q25(a) · 3 marks · Short answerNationalism in India
Analyse the impacts of Gandhi-Irwin pact on the Indian freedom struggle.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 1931) led Gandhiji to call off the Civil Disobedience Movement.
  1 mark
2. Gandhiji agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference in London, as the Congress now took part in negotiations.
  1 mark
3. The government agreed to release political prisoners, which eased tension and encouraged nationalists.
  1 mark
Answer: The pact suspended civil disobedience, took Gandhiji to the Second Round Table Conference and freed political prisoners.
Where the marks are
- Movement called off (1 mark)
- Participation in Second Round Table Conference (1 mark)
- Release of political prisoners (1 mark)
Open Q25(a) on its own page
OR
Q25(b) · 3 marks · Short answerNationalism in India
Analyse the role of Alluri Sitaram Raju in the Indian National Movement.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Alluri Sitaram Raju led a militant guerrilla movement in the Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh against colonial forest laws and rule.
  1 mark
2. He claimed special powers, and the rebels, captivated by him, regarded him as an incarnation of God.
  1 mark
3. He admired Gandhiji and urged people to wear khadi and give up drinking, but believed India could be freed only by force, not non-violence.
  1 mark
Answer: Raju led the Gudem Hills guerrilla rebellion, inspired tribals, backed khadi and temperance, but believed in armed struggle.
Where the marks are
- Led guerrilla movement in Gudem Hills (1 mark)
- Seen as divine/special powers by rebels (1 mark)
- Supported Gandhi's programme yet believed in force (1 mark)
Open Q25(b) on its own page
Q26 · 3 marks · Short answerWater Resources
How have industrialisation and urbanisation impacted water supply? Explain.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Industrialisation and urbanisation have put huge pressure on water resources, and fragile water resources are over-exploited.
  1 mark
2. Industries and large urban populations draw heavily on groundwater, causing depletion of groundwater resources.
  1 mark
3. Untreated industrial effluents and urban waste are released into water bodies, increasing toxicity and reducing usable water.
  1 mark
Answer: They have over-exploited and depleted water and polluted it with untreated effluents.
Where the marks are
- Pressure and over-exploitation (1 mark)
- Groundwater depletion (1 mark)
- Pollution by effluents (1 mark)
Open Q26 on its own page
Q27 · 3 marks · Short answerOutcomes of Democracy
How does democracy establish an accountable, responsible and legitimate governance? Explain.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Accountable: people choose their rulers and can control them, and citizens can participate in decision-making so the government answers to them.
  1 mark
2. Responsible: decisions are taken through norms and procedures, so citizens can examine how decisions were made.
  1 mark
3. Legitimate: a democratic government is people's own government; even if slow or less efficient, it is accepted as rightful.
  1 mark
Answer: Democracy makes rulers answerable to people, bases decisions on procedures and is a legitimate people's government.
Where the marks are
- Accountability through choice and control of rulers (1 mark)
- Responsible, procedure-based decisions (1 mark)
- Legitimacy as people's own government (1 mark)
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Q28 · 3 marks · Short answerMoney and Credit
"Reserve Bank of India plays a crucial role in regulating the Indian banks." Justify the statement.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The RBI issues currency on behalf of the Central Government.
  1 mark
2. It supervises the functioning of formal sources of loans and monitors banks to see they maintain the required cash balance.
  1 mark
3. It ensures banks lend not only to profitable businesses and traders but also to small cultivators, small industries and small borrowers.
  1 mark
Answer: RBI issues currency, supervises banks and their cash balances, and ensures loans reach small borrowers.
Where the marks are
- Issues currency (1 mark)
- Supervises banks and cash balance (1 mark)
- Ensures loans to small borrowers (1 mark)
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Q29 · 3 marks · Short answerPower-sharing
"Sharing of power between the Union Government and the State Governments is basic to the structure of the Indian Constitution." Analyse the statement with suitable arguments.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The Constitution adopted federalism, dividing powers between the Centre and the States through the Union, State and Concurrent Lists.
  1 mark
2. The arrangement is not easy to change: Parliament cannot alter it alone. A change needs to be passed by both Houses by a two-thirds majority and ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the States.
  1 mark
3. The judiciary oversees the implementation of constitutional provisions and settles disputes between the Centre and States.
  1 mark
Answer: Power sharing is basic because it is constitutionally fixed, hard to amend and protected by the judiciary.
Where the marks are
- Federal power division (1 mark)
- Difficult amendment procedure (1 mark)
- Role of judiciary (1 mark)
Open Q29 on its own page

Section D

Long Answer; answer not to exceed 120 words; internal choice in each question

Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q30(a) · 5 marks · Long answerPrint Culture and the Modern World
"Not everyone welcomed the printed book." Explain the statement with examples from sixteenth century Europe.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Not everyone welcomed printed books; even those who did had fears about them.
  1 mark
2. Many feared easy access to the printed word and wide circulation of books would pollute people's minds.
  1 mark
3. They feared that without control over what was printed and read, rebellious and irreligious thoughts would spread.
  1 mark
4. This would destroy the authority of 'valuable' literature.
  1 mark
5. Religious authorities, monarchs, writers and artists voiced this anxiety, criticising the new printed literature (e.g. Roman Church's Index of Prohibited Books; Menocchio's trial).
  1 mark
Answer: Religious authorities, rulers and writers feared print would spread rebellious ideas and erode the authority of established literature.
Where the marks are
- Not all welcomed print (1 mark)
- Fear of polluting minds (1 mark)
- Fear of rebellious/irreligious thoughts (1 mark)
- Loss of authority of valuable literature (1 mark)
- Criticism by religious authorities, monarchs, writers (1 mark)
Open Q30(a) on its own page
OR
Q30(b) · 5 marks · Long answerPrint Culture and the Modern World
"By the seventeenth century, the flourishing of urban culture in China also led to diversity in the use of printing." Explain the statement with examples.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. By the seventeenth century, with urban culture blooming in China, the uses of print diversified.
  1 mark
2. Print was no longer used only by scholar-officials; merchants used it daily to collect trade information.
  1 mark
3. Reading became a leisure activity, and the new readers preferred fiction, poetry, autobiographies, anthologies and romantic plays.
  1 mark
4. Rich women began to read, and many published their poetry and plays.
  1 mark
5. Wives of scholar-officials published their works and courtesans wrote about their lives; the new reading culture was accompanied by new technology.
  1 mark
Answer: Urban growth in China broadened print use to merchants, leisure readers and women writers.
Where the marks are
- Print uses diversified (1 mark)
- Merchants' use of print (1 mark)
- Leisure reading and new genres (1 mark)
- Women as readers and writers (1 mark)
- Scholars' wives, courtesans and new technology (1 mark)
Open Q30(b) on its own page
Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q31(a) · 5 marks · Long answerAgriculture
The Government of India has invited some suggestions for institutional reforms in agriculture. Propose any five institutional reforms to the Government for the betterment of agriculture.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Implement the crop insurance scheme effectively against drought, flood, cyclone, fire and disease.
  1 mark
2. Encourage farmers to borrow from Grameen banks, co-operative societies and banks instead of moneylenders.
  1 mark
3. Promote the use of Kisan Credit Cards among farmers.
  1 mark
4. Promote the Personal Accident Insurance Scheme.
  1 mark
5. Ensure Minimum Support Price to protect farmers from middlemen, and spread awareness of weather bulletins and farm programmes on radio and TV.
  1 mark
Answer: Crop insurance, easy institutional credit, Kisan Credit Cards, accident insurance, and MSP with awareness programmes.
Where the marks are
- Crop insurance (1 mark)
- Institutional credit (1 mark)
- Kisan Credit Card (1 mark)
- Personal accident insurance (1 mark)
- MSP/awareness of weather bulletins (1 mark)
Open Q31(a) on its own page
OR
Q31(b) · 5 marks · Long answerAgriculture
Suppose you are a farmer. You want to cultivate rice in India. Describe any three geographical conditions which will be suitable for rice cultivation in India and write the names of two leading rice producing states of India. (3+2=5)
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Rice is a kharif crop that needs high temperature, above 25°C.
  1 mark
2. It needs high humidity.
  1 mark
3. It needs annual rainfall of more than 100 cm; in areas of less rainfall it can be grown with proper irrigation.
  1 mark
4. One leading rice-producing state: West Bengal.
  1 mark
5. Another leading rice-producing state: Punjab/Odisha/Andhra Pradesh (any one).
  1 mark
Answer: Temperature above 25°C, high humidity, rainfall over 100 cm (or irrigation); states: West Bengal and Odisha.
Where the marks are
- Temperature condition (1 mark)
- Humidity (1 mark)
- Rainfall/irrigation (1 mark)
- Two leading states (2 marks)
Open Q31(b) on its own page
Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q32(a) · 5 marks · Long answerGender, Religion and Caste
"Secularism is the very idea of Indian Constitution." Justify the statement.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. India has no official religion; the state does not establish any religion.
  1 mark
2. The Constitution treats all religions equally.
  1 mark
3. It prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
  1 mark
4. It allows the state to intervene in religious matters to ensure equality within communities (e.g. abolishing untouchability).
  1 mark
5. It gives everyone freedom to profess, practise and propagate any religion or none, so secularism is the very idea of the Constitution.
  1 mark
Answer: No state religion, equal treatment, no discrimination, state intervention for equality and religious freedom make secularism central to the Constitution.
Where the marks are
- No official religion (1 mark)
- Equal treatment of religions (1 mark)
- No discrimination (1 mark)
- State intervention for equality (1 mark)
- Freedom to profess, practise, propagate (1 mark)
Open Q32(a) on its own page
OR
Q32(b) · 5 marks · Long answerGender, Religion and Caste
Suggest any five measures to establish the gender equality of labour.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Promote education among women to improve their skills and employability.
  1 mark
2. Provide equal employment opportunities for men and women.
  1 mark
3. Enforce the Equal Remuneration Act 1976: equal wages for equal work.
  1 mark
4. Enhance the political and legal status of women and widen their career opportunities.
  1 mark
5. Encourage women's participation in highly paid and valued jobs.
  1 mark
Answer: Education for women, equal opportunities, equal pay law enforcement, better legal status, and entry into highly paid jobs.
Where the marks are
- Education (1 mark)
- Equal opportunities (1 mark)
- Equal Remuneration Act (1 mark)
- Political and legal status (1 mark)
- Participation in valued jobs (1 mark)
Open Q32(b) on its own page
Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q33(a) · 5 marks · Long answerSectors of the Indian Economy
Distinguish between public and private sector of economy with examples.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Ownership and service delivery: In the public sector the government owns most assets and provides the services. In the private sector assets are owned, and services delivered, by private individuals or companies.
  1 mark
2. Examples: Public sector: Indian Railways, BHEL. Private sector: TISCO, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL).
  1 mark
3. Motive: The public sector aims at public welfare, not only profit. The government raises money through taxes to meet the cost of its services. Private sector activity is guided by the profit motive, so people must pay to get its services.
  1 mark
4. Scale of spending: Roads, bridges, railways, harbours, power generation and dam irrigation need very large sums. These are beyond the private sector's capacity and are undertaken by the government. The private sector cannot spend such sums on these services.
  1 mark
5. Reach: Public sector services are meant for everyone, at reasonable cost. The private sector cannot or will not serve everyone, and does not offer such services at a reasonable price.
  1 mark
Answer: Public sector: government-owned, welfare motive, large-scale services for all (Railways, BHEL). Private sector: privately owned, profit motive, services for payment (TISCO, RIL).
Where the marks are
- Distinguishes ownership of assets and delivery of services (1 mark)
- Gives one example of each sector (1 mark)
- Distinguishes welfare motive and profit motive (1 mark)
- Notes that large-scale spending is done by the public sector (1 mark)
- Notes that public sector services are for everyone, unlike the private sector (1 mark)
Open Q33(a) on its own page
OR
Q33(b) · 5 marks · Long answerCompetency-basedDevelopment
Suppose you are the Sarpanch of your village. What suggestions will you give for creating additional employment in the village, so that the problem of unemployment of the residents of rural areas can be reduced?
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Employment guarantee: As Sarpanch I would press for more working days under MGNREGA 2005, so that villagers get assured paid work.
  1 mark
2. Irrigation: I would arrange irrigation facilities such as wells, canals and tanks. This allows several crops a year and creates more farm work.
  1 mark
3. Credit: I would encourage villagers to borrow from formal sources such as banks and cooperatives at low interest, to start or expand work.
  1 mark
4. Local industries: I would promote small-scale and cottage industries and local industries such as dairy, handicrafts and food processing, using local resources to create jobs.
  1 mark
5. Self-employment and markets: I would form Self-Help Groups, spread awareness of self-employment schemes, and organise local markets and fairs so that villagers can sell their products.
  1 mark
Answer: More MGNREGA days, irrigation, formal credit, cottage and local industries, SHGs and local markets.
Where the marks are
- Increase MGNREGA working days (1 mark)
- Provide irrigation facilities (1 mark)
- Encourage formal loans (1 mark)
- Promote small-scale cottage and local industries (1 mark)
- Promote SHGs, self-employment awareness and local markets (1 mark)
Open Q33(b) on its own page

Section E

Case/Source-based with three sub-questions (1, 1, 2 marks)

Q34 · 4 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedThe Rise of Nationalism in Europe
Read the given source and answer the questions that follow:
The Revolutionaries
During the years following 1815, the fear of repression drove many liberal-nationalists underground. Secret societies sprang up in many European states to train revolutionaries and spread their ideas. To be revolutionary at this time meant a commitment to oppose monarchical forms that had been established after the Vienna Congress, and to fight for liberty and freedom. Most of these revolutionaries also saw the creation of nation-states as a necessary part of this struggle for freedom.
1. (34.1)
  Mention any one political demand of the liberals.
  1 mark
2. (34.2)
  Mention the main cause for the rise of secret societies in European States.
  1 mark
3. (34.3)
  Analyse the reasons for many liberal-nationalists going underground after 1815.
  2 marks
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. (i) A political demand of the liberals: creation of nation-states (also liberty and freedom from monarchical rule).
  1 mark
2. (ii) Secret societies arose to train revolutionaries and spread their ideas of liberty and the nation-state.
  1 mark
3. (iii) Liberal-nationalists went underground because they feared repression by the conservative monarchies that were restored after the Vienna Congress of 1815.
  1 mark
4. (iii) They opposed these monarchical forms, so open opposition was dangerous. They worked secretly for liberty and nation-states.
  1 mark
Answer: (i) Creation of nation-states; (ii) to train revolutionaries and spread their ideas; (iii) fear of repression by monarchies they opposed.
Where the marks are
- States one political demand (1 mark)
- States the cause of secret societies (1 mark)
- Fear of repression (1 mark)
- Opposition to monarchies after Vienna Congress (1 mark)
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Q35 · 4 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedMinerals and Energy Resources
Read the given source and answer the questions that follow:
Iron Ore
Iron ore is the basic mineral and the backbone of industrial development. India is endowed with fairly abundant resources of iron ore. India is rich in good quality iron ores. Magnetite is the finest iron ore with a very high content of iron up to 70 per cent. It has excellent magnetic qualities, especially valuable in the electrical industry. Hematite ore is the most important industrial iron ore in terms of the quantity used, but has a slightly lower iron content than magnetite (50 – 60 per cent). In 2018 – 19, almost the entire production of iron ore (97%) accrued from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Jharkhand. The remaining production (3%) was from other states.
1. (35.1)
  In which iron ore is the maximum iron content found?
  1 mark
2. (35.2)
  Which is the most important industrial iron ore?
  1 mark
3. (35.3)
  "Iron ore is a basic mineral." Support the statement.
  2 marks
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. (i) Magnetite has the maximum iron content, up to 70 per cent.
  1 mark
2. (ii) Hematite is the most important industrial iron ore, in terms of quantity used.
  1 mark
3. (iii) Iron ore is a basic mineral because it is the backbone of industrial development and is the raw material for many industries.
  1 mark
4. (iii) India has abundant, good quality reserves, so it can meet industrial needs.
  1 mark
Answer: (i) Magnetite; (ii) Hematite; (iii) It is the backbone of industry and India has abundant, good quality reserves.
Where the marks are
- Magnetite (1 mark)
- Hematite (1 mark)
- Basic to industrial development (1 mark)
- Abundant, good quality resources in India (1 mark)
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Q36 · 4 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedSectors of the Indian Economy
Read the given source and answer the questions that follow:
Organised Sector
Kanta works in the organised sector. Organised sector covers those enterprises or places of work where the terms of employment are regular and therefore, people have assured work. They are registered by the government and have to follow its rules and regulations which are given in various laws such as the Factories Act, Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Gratuity Act, Shops and Establishments Act, etc. It is called Organised Sector because it has some formal processes and procedures. Some of these people may not be employed by anyone but may work on their own, but they too have to register themselves with the government and follow the rules and regulations.
1. (36.1)
  Mention any one feature of the working conditions of organised sector.
  1 mark
2. (36.2)
  Explain any one benefit provided by the employers to the organised sector employees.
  1 mark
3. (36.3)
  Why is it necessary for all self-employed people to register with the government?
  2 marks
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. (i) A feature of organised sector working conditions: terms of employment are regular and workers have assured work (also fixed working hours).
  1 mark
2. (ii) A benefit from employers: paid leave (also minimum wages, gratuity and other benefits under the laws).
  1 mark
3. (iii) Self-employed people must register so that they follow the government's rules and regulations.
  1 mark
4. (iii) Registration also helps the government maintain a database of such workers and enterprises.
  1 mark
Answer: (i) Regular employment, assured work; (ii) paid leave; (iii) to follow government rules and to let the government keep a database.
Where the marks are
- One working-condition feature (1 mark)
- One employer benefit explained (1 mark)
- Compliance with rules and regulations (1 mark)
- Government database (1 mark)
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Section F

Map skill-based: 37(a) History (2 marks), 37(b) Geography (3 marks)

Q37 · 5 marks · Map workNationalism in India
Map skill-based question (2+3=5).
1. (a)
  Two places 'A' and 'B' have been marked on the given political outline map of India (on page 23). Identify them with the help of the following information and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them:
  A. The place where the session of Indian National Congress was held place in 1927.
  B. The place where Mahatma Gandhi broke the Salt Law.
  2 marks
2. (b)
  On the same political outline map of India, locate and label any three of the following with suitable symbols:
  (i) An international airport of West Bengal
  (ii) A software technology park of Karnataka
  (iii) A nuclear power plant located in Maharashtra
  (iv) A major sea port of Odisha
  3 marks
Figure in the paper: Political outline map of India (printed on page 23 of the paper) with two places marked as 'A' and 'B' for Section F 37(a); students write the names of these places on the lines drawn near them. For 37(b), the same map is used to locate and label the four listed features with suitable symbols (international airport in West Bengal, software technology park in Karnataka, nuclear power plant in Maharashtra, major sea port in Odisha). See it in the official paper.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. (a) A: Madras (Chennai), where the Indian National Congress session of 1927 was held. Write this name on the line near A.
  1 mark
2. (a) B: Dandi, in Gujarat, where Gandhi broke the Salt Law. Write this name on the line near B.
  1 mark
3. (b) Mark and label any three. International airport of West Bengal: Kolkata (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport), on the eastern coast.
  1 mark
4. (b) Software technology park of Karnataka: Bengaluru, in the south. Nuclear power plant of Maharashtra: Tarapur, on the north Maharashtra coast.
  1 mark
5. (b) Major sea port of Odisha: Paradip, on the Odisha coast. Mark each with a suitable symbol (airplane, dot, circle or anchor) and name it.
  1 mark
Answer: A: Madras (Chennai); B: Dandi. (b) Kolkata; Bengaluru; Tarapur; Paradip (any three).
Where the marks are
- A correctly identified as Madras (1 mark)
- B correctly identified as Dandi (1 mark)
- Each of any three features correctly located and labelled (1 mark each)
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Source: official question paper, cbse.gov.in. Chapter tags and solutions are ours. Spotted a transcription error? Write tosupport@questionbuddy.in.