CBSE Class 10 Social Science: sample paper 2026-27

1. Censorship after 1815 aimed to curb the liberal ideas of liberty and freedom spread through newspapers and books, so (c) is correct. Controlling what was written about rulers and their policies, (a), is also a purpose.

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2. (b) and (d) are unrelated to the censorship laws. So the answer is 'Only a and c', option B.

Answer: B

1. The photograph shows a huge, dense crowd marching in a procession, which matches the mass participation of the Quit India Movement (1942) in the NCERT textbook.

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Answer: D, Quit India Movement

1. The silk routes are a good example of old trade and cultural links between distant regions, so Statement I is correct.

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2. The name 'silk routes' comes from the Chinese silk carried west, so Statement II is also correct.

Answer: C

1. Gutenberg invented the press (about 1430s), then Luther's writings began the Reformation (1517), then Menocchio reinterpreted the Bible (late 16th century), and finally print culture created the conditions for the French Revolution (18th century). Order: IV, II, III, I.

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Answer: D

1. The Spanish conquerors' most powerful weapon was disease, not guns. They carried germs such as smallpox, which spread deep into the continent even before any European reached those areas.

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2. The original inhabitants of America had no immunity against these diseases from Europe. Whole communities were wiped out, which made conquest easy. This 'biological warfare' of the mid-sixteenth century let the Spanish overpower the Americans.

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Answer: Germs (especially smallpox) spread ahead of the conquerors, and Americans had no immunity, so disease wiped out communities and made conquest easy.

1. Artists of 19th-century Europe wanted to personify the nation, so they showed nations as female figures. The figure was not a real woman. It was an abstract idea that gave the nation a concrete form.

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2. Example 1: France was represented by Marianne, a popular Christian name. Her features, the red cap, the tricolour and the cockade, were drawn from Liberty and the Republic.

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3. Example 2: Germania became the allegory of the German nation. She wore a crown of oak leaves, because the oak stands for heroism.

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Answer: Nations were personified as female figures, e.g. Marianne for France and Germania for Germany.

1. Greece had been part of the Ottoman Empire since the fifteenth century. The growth of revolutionary nationalism in Europe sparked a Greek struggle for independence that began in 1821.

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2. Greek nationalists were supported by Greeks in exile and by many West Europeans who admired ancient Greek culture. Poets and artists praised Greece as the cradle of European civilisation and mobilised public opinion against a Muslim empire. The English poet Lord Byron raised funds and fought in the war, dying of fever in 1824.

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3. The Treaty of Constantinople (1832) recognised Greece as an independent nation. This strengthened nationalist feeling among educated Europeans.

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Answer: The Greek struggle (1821 onwards) aroused sympathy among educated Europeans, was backed by poets such as Byron, and ended with recognition of independent Greece in 1832.

1. The effects of the movement were more dramatic on the economic front. Foreign goods were boycotted, liquor shops were picketed and foreign cloth was burnt in huge bonfires.

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2. The import of foreign cloth halved between 1921 and 1922, its value falling from Rs 102 crore to Rs 57 crore. This was a direct loss to colonial trade.

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3. In many places merchants and traders refused to trade in foreign goods or to finance foreign trade.

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4. As the boycott spread, people discarded imported clothes and wore only Indian ones.

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5. Production of Indian textile mills and handlooms rose, and making and wearing khadi became very popular. This reduced dependence on British goods.

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Answer: The movement hit British economic interests: foreign cloth imports fell from Rs 102 crore to Rs 57 crore, while Indian mills, handlooms and khadi grew.

1. During the First World War, Indian merchants and industrialists made huge profits and became powerful. They wanted to expand their business and so reacted against colonial policies that restricted it.

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2. They wanted protection against imports and a rupee-sterling exchange ratio that would discourage imports.

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3. To organise their interests they formed the Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress (1920) and FICCI (1927). Led by Purshottamdas Thakurdas and G.D. Birla, they attacked colonial control of the economy and supported the Civil Disobedience Movement when it was launched.

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4. Forms of support: they gave financial assistance and refused to buy or sell imported goods. They saw swaraj as a time when colonial restrictions would end and trade and industry would flourish.

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5. After the failure of the Round Table Conference their enthusiasm waned. They feared militant activities, prolonged disruption of business and the growing influence of socialism among young Congressmen.

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Answer: Industrialists backed the movement with money and a boycott of imports, hoping swaraj would free trade from colonial limits, but became hesitant after the Round Table Conference.

1. 8.1 The Bengal Gazette began English newspaper printing in India.

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2. 8.2 James Augustus Hickey published it as a private weekly that claimed to be open to all and free from colonial authorities' influence.

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3. 8.3 Early printing spread knowledge because books and religious texts were printed in regional languages such as Konkani, Tamil and Malayalam. Written material thus became accessible to local people.

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4. It also circulated ideas widely, well before English newspapers rose. For example, about 50 Konkani and Kanara books by 1674, and 32 Dutch-printed Tamil texts by 1710.

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Answer: 8.1 Bengal Gazette; 8.2 a private weekly claiming independence from colonial influence; 8.3 printing in regional languages made books accessible and spread ideas.

1. A: The massacre of 13 April 1919 took place at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar (Punjab). Write 'Amritsar' on line A.

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2. B: Gandhiji led the indigo planters' peasants at Champaran (Bihar). Write 'Champaran' on line B.

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Answer: A - Amritsar; B - Champaran

1. A resource that exists but cannot be used for now, for lack of technology, is a potential resource.

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Answer: C, Potential resource

1. Equitable distribution prevents concentration of resources in a few hands (1-Y). Sustainable existence ensures long-term survival of life forms (2-X). Resource planning balances present development with conservation for the future (3-Z).

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Answer: A, 1-Y, 2-X, 3-Z

1. Placer deposits form when running water deposits minerals in valley floors and at the base of hills, and they hold minerals such as gold and platinum. They do not hold minerals that dissolve in water, so (b) is wrong. The correct statements are (a), (c) and (d).

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Answer: D

1. The Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt has very high-grade hematite, which has excellent physical properties, so it suits quality steel production.

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Answer: C

1. Weaving is decentralised, in the handloom and powerloom sectors, so high-quality yarn is little used and the fabric quality is lower.

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Answer: B

1. Assertion is true: Bengaluru is a leading IT and electronics centre.

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2. Reason is false: Bengaluru is inland and not close to ports. Its growth owes to the pleasant climate, skilled manpower and infrastructure.

Answer: C

1. Rooftop rainwater harvesting: rain from roofs is stored in tanks for domestic use. This reduces dependence on surface and groundwater in dry periods.

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2. Johads or khadins: these structures store rainwater and let it seep into the ground. They recharge groundwater and support irrigation in water-scarce areas.

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Answer: Rooftop rainwater harvesting and johads/khadins.

1. Rainfall: tea needs high rainfall spread through the year, whereas coffee prefers seasonal rainfall.

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2. Climate: tea needs a frost-free climate and suits tropical and sub-tropical regions.

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3. Coffee (Arabica) needs moderate temperatures and well-drained slopes, as in the Western Ghats.

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4. Labour: tea plantations need abundant labour, while coffee needs comparatively less.

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5. Area: coffee cultivation is more geographically restricted, while tea can be grown in several regions.

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Answer: Tea needs year-round heavy rain, a frost-free climate and much labour. Coffee suits seasonal rain, moderate temperatures and well-drained slopes, and is more limited in area.

1. Farmers should opt for wheat, since the conditions of moderate rainfall, cool winters and assured irrigation match wheat's needs.

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2. Wheat grows well in cool temperatures during its growing season, while rice needs hot, humid conditions.

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3. Moderate rainfall suits wheat, which needs 50-75 cm. Rice needs heavy rainfall of over 100 cm.

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4. Wheat needs bright sunshine at ripening, which is common in winter.

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5. Irrigation supports wheat where rainfall is limited, and wheat is traditionally grown in north and north-western India.

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Answer: Wheat should be chosen, as it suits cool winters, 50-75 cm rainfall, irrigation and bright sunshine at ripening.

1. 18.1 One objective is to protect and sustainably use forest resources by involving local communities.

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2. 18.2 Local communities have traditional knowledge of forests, which helps in sustainable management. They also feel ownership and responsibility, which prevents over-exploitation.

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3. Examples: Joint Forest Management, where communities and government manage forests together. The Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri and Navdanya show that diversified crops can be grown without chemicals.

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4. 18.3 The movement is the Chipko Movement.

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Answer: 18.1 Protection and sustainable use of forests with community involvement; 18.2 traditional knowledge and ownership, e.g. JFM and Beej Bachao Andolan; 18.3 Chipko Movement

1. I(a) Mark and label the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada in Gujarat. I(b) Mark and label the Bhakra Nangal Dam on the Sutlej in Punjab/Himachal Pradesh.

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2. II Any two: Salem (iron and steel plant, Tamil Nadu); Mumbai (cotton textile industry, capital of Maharashtra); Chennai (Meenambakkam international airport).

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Answer: I(a) Sardar Sarovar Dam; I(b) Bhakra Nangal Dam; II any two of Salem, Mumbai, Chennai

1. Parties, pressure groups and movements do control and influence those in power, so A is true.

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2. This keeps power from being concentrated in one hand, so R is true and explains A.

Answer: A

1. The prudential argument is about gains: power sharing reduces conflict and the chance of social unrest. Options A and B are moral arguments.

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Answer: C

1. The same leaders hold power for decades and a small group takes the decisions, even though elections are held. This shows a lack of internal democracy.

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Answer: B

1. The cartoon shows one man with a small share of the world's wealth and another with a very large portion. This is the NCERT cartoon showing that the rich, developed countries use most of the world's resources.

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Answer: C

1. The Constitution requires equal numbers of Dutch- and French-speaking ministers in the central government.

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2. Many central powers were given to state governments of the two regions, which are not subordinate to the Centre. Brussels has a separate government in which both communities have equal representation.

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Answer: Belgium shares power through equal ministers, powerful state governments and a separate, equally represented Brussels government.

1. In a democracy the people are the ultimate source of political power. They have the right and opportunity to take part in governing themselves through institutions of self-government.

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2. Citizens participate actively, get representation and take part in decisions. Democracy also makes government accountable and transparent, reduces conflict between groups and gives legitimacy and stability.

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Answer: Democracy makes people the source of power, involves them through participation and representation, and keeps government accountable.

1. No parliamentary constituency has a clear majority of one caste. Every candidate and party must win the trust of more than one caste or community.

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2. No party wins all the votes of a caste. A 'vote bank' only means a large share of that caste votes for the party. Parties may field candidates of the same caste, so some voters have several candidates of their caste and others have none.

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3. The ruling party and sitting MPs or MLAs often lose elections. This could not happen if castes were frozen in their preferences, so other factors such as performance also matter.

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Answer: Elections are not only about caste because no caste is a majority, castes do not vote as one block, and ruling parties often lose.

1. Regular elections to local government bodies are now constitutionally mandatory.

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2. Seats are reserved in elected bodies and in executive heads for SCs, STs and OBCs.

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3. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.

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4. An independent State Election Commission in each State conducts panchayat and municipal elections.

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5. State governments must share some powers and revenue with local bodies; the nature of sharing varies from State to State.

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Answer: Mandatory regular elections, reservation for SC/ST/OBC, one-third for women, State Election Commission, and sharing of powers and revenue.

1. Division of powers: the Constitution divides powers between the Union and the States through the Union, State and Concurrent Lists. Each level works independently in its own sphere.

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2. India has a written and supreme Constitution, and all governments must work within its limits.

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3. It is rigid: the division of powers cannot be changed easily. Amendments affecting federal structure need approval of Parliament and State Legislatures.

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4. An independent judiciary, headed by the Supreme Court, settles Centre-State disputes and protects the Constitution.

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5. There are two levels of government, the Union and the States, and States have their own revenue sources, though some taxes are shared with the Centre.

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Answer: India is federal because of the three-list division of powers, a written supreme and rigid Constitution, an independent judiciary, two-level government and financial autonomy.

1. 28.1 Without parties every candidate would be independent, so no one could promise major policy changes to voters. A government might be formed, but its stability and usefulness would stay uncertain, because representatives would answer only to their own constituencies. Hence democracy needs parties.

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2. 28.2 Function 1: Contesting elections. Parties choose candidates and fight elections, offering voters different choices.

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3. Function 2: Forming and running governments. The majority party forms the government and carries out its agenda. (Other accepted functions: making laws, acting as the opposition, shaping public opinion, framing policies, giving access to welfare schemes.)

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4. 28.3 India has great social and geographical diversity of religions, languages, cultures and regions. One or two parties cannot represent all of it, so a multi-party system gives wider representation to different interests and stops power from being concentrated in one group.

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Answer: 28.1 Without parties there would be no policy promises and no stable, accountable government. 28.2 Contesting elections; forming and running governments. 28.3 Diversity needs wider representation, which a multi-party system gives.

1. People live in different conditions, so their needs and goals differ, and they see national development differently.

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Answer: A

1. Farming and mining are primary activities. Garment manufacturing is secondary and relies on raw materials from the primary sector. This is option C.

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Answer: C

1. Secondary = 900 − 300 − 400 = ₹200 crore.

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2. The tertiary sector, at ₹400 crore, is the largest.

Answer: A, ₹200 crore, tertiary sector

1. Money is a medium of exchange because people accept it in return for goods and services, which removes the need for a double coincidence of wants and makes trade easier.

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Answer: B

1. The terms of credit are the interest rate, collateral, documentation and mode of repayment. The inflation rate is a general economic indicator and not part of them.

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Answer: D, Inflation rate

1. MNCs set up production in different countries and export goods and components between them. This links production and markets, so R explains A.

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Answer: A

1. Reason: This is disguised unemployment. More workers are on the farm than it needs, so some add nothing to output. It arises because agriculture has too much labour, there are few other jobs in villages, and population pressure and lack of skills keep people on the land.

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2. Way 1: Diversify rural activities by setting up small-scale industries, dairy, poultry and similar work, so surplus labour finds productive jobs.

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3. Way 2: Give skill training and education so that surplus workers can take non-farm jobs in towns and industries. Land consolidation and irrigation also help.

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Answer: Disguised unemployment; remedies are rural non-farm jobs such as small industries, dairy and poultry, and skill development.

1. Members are collectively responsible for repayment, so the bank has an assurance of repayment even without collateral.

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2. The group monitors each member's use of the loan and follows up on overdue repayments, which lowers the chance of default.

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3. Regular savings and organised meetings show discipline and reliability, so banks are confident about lending at reasonable interest.

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Answer: SHGs reduce banks' risk through group responsibility for repayment, peer monitoring and follow-up, and the discipline shown by regular savings.

1. Technology: advances in transport, telecom and the Internet let goods, services and information move quickly and cheaply across countries, so distance matters less.

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2. Liberalisation: removing trade barriers (taxes, quotas) and allowing foreign investment makes it easier for firms to trade and produce abroad, for example through MNCs.

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3. Evaluation: acting together they link markets, raise trade and investment, and make countries more interdependent. Technology makes globalisation possible and liberalisation allows it, so each speeds up the other.

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Answer: Technology makes fast movement across borders possible and liberalisation removes barriers to it, so together they integrate markets and accelerate globalisation.

1. Analysis: K is the best on all three indicators: IMR 6, literacy 94%, attendance 94%. B is the weakest: literacy 62%, attendance 69%, and IMR 27. H is in between: literacy 82% and attendance 73%, but its IMR of 28 is the highest of the three.

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2. Inference 1: Higher literacy goes with better health. K has high literacy and very low IMR, while B has low literacy and a high IMR.

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3. Inference 2: K's long-term investment in education and health has paid off. The wide gaps among the three show uneven development across states, which depends on policies and resources.

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4. Focus for H and B: H should improve maternal and child healthcare and nutrition to cut IMR, and keep improving education. B should expand literacy and secondary schooling and also improve basic health facilities.

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5. Focus for K: K should maintain and strengthen its existing education and health systems and improve quality further.

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Answer: K is the most developed, B the least, and H is in between with a high IMR. Higher literacy goes with lower IMR. H needs better health care, B needs both education and health, and K needs to sustain its progress.

1. State K is likely to have the better human development standard.

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2. Reason 1: K has a very low IMR of 6, against 28 for H and 27 for B. This shows good healthcare, nutrition and life expectancy.

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3. Reason 2: K has a high literacy rate of 94% and a secondary net attendance ratio of 94%, far above H (82%, 73%) and B (62%, 69%). This shows better education and social development.

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4. Importance of IMR: Fewer infant deaths mean healthier children and a stronger, more productive population.

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5. Importance of literacy and attendance: Education empowers people, improves awareness of health, jobs and civic duties, and raises incomes, so it leads to overall development.

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Answer: State K, because of its low IMR (6) and high literacy (94%) and attendance (94%). These indicators matter because they reflect health and education, the basis of development.