Master the CBSE Class 10 Social Science syllabus 2026-27 with this complete guide covering History, Geography, Civics (Political Science), and Economics. This comprehensive syllabus breakdown includes detailed chapter topics, exam pattern, marking scheme, study strategies, and scoring tips to help you score 95+ marks in your board examinations.

Course Structure & Marking Scheme

Total Marks Distribution:

Subject-wise Marks Distribution (Theory - 80 Marks)

Complete Syllabus - All Chapters & Topics

Section A: History - India and the Contemporary World - II (20 Marks)

Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

•        French Revolution and the idea of the nation

•        Making of Nationalism in Europe: Aristocracy, new middle class, and liberals

•        Age of Revolutions: 1830s and 1848 - Revolution of the Liberals

•        Making of Germany and Italy: Unification movements

•        Visualizing the Nation: Allegory, symbols, and personification

•        Nationalism and Imperialism: Impact on Europe and colonies

Chapter 2: Nationalism in India

•        First World War, Khilafat Movement, and Non-Cooperation

•        Differing strands within the movement: Impact on various groups

•        Civil Disobedience Movement: Salt Satyagraha and Dandi March

•        Sense of Collective Belonging: United struggle, role of folklore, songs, symbols

•        Role of Mahatma Gandhi in Indian freedom struggle

•        Quit India Movement and path to independence

Chapter 3: The Making of a Global World

•        Pre-modern world: Silk routes, food travels, and conquest

•        Nineteenth-century world: Economic transformation and colonialism

•        Making of a Global Economy: Role of technology and trade

•        Great Depression: Causes, impact, and India's response

•        Rebuilding World Economy: Post-war era and Bretton Woods institutions

•        Decolonization and emergence of new nations

Chapter 4: The Age of Industrialization

•        Before Industrial Revolution: Proto-industrialization in England and India

•        Hand Labor and Steam Power: Technological innovations

•        Industrialization in the colonies: Impact on Indian industries

•        Factories Come Up: Growth of factory system

•        Market for Goods: Advertising, brands, and consumer culture

•        Condition of workers in factories and mills

Chapter 5: Print Culture and the Modern World

•        First Printed Books: History of print in East Asia and Europe

•        Print Revolution and its impact on society

•        Reading Mania: Growth of literacy and reading culture

•        Print Culture in India: Religious reform, vernacular press

•        Role of print in nationalist movement and social reforms

•        Censorship and control of print media

Section B: Geography - Contemporary India - II (20 Marks)

Chapter 1: Resources and Development

•        Types of Resources: Natural, human-made, human resources

•        Resource Planning in India: Importance and conservation

•        Land Resources: Land use pattern, land degradation, conservation measures

•        Soil as a Resource: Types of soils (Alluvial, Black, Red, Laterite, Arid, Forest)

•        Soil Erosion and Conservation: Methods to prevent soil degradation

•        Sustainable development and resource management

Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources

•        Biodiversity: Flora and fauna of India

•        Conservation of Forest and Wildlife: Need and importance

•        Types and Distribution of forest and wildlife resources

•        Community and Conservation: Role of stakeholders

•        Project Tiger, Project Rhino, and other conservation initiatives

•        Deforestation causes and consequences

Chapter 3: Water Resources

•        Water Scarcity: Causes of water scarcity in India

•        Need for Water Conservation and Management

•        Multi-purpose River Projects: Dams and their effects

•        Rainwater Harvesting: Traditional and modern methods

•        Hydraulic structures in ancient India

•        Water disputes between states and sustainable water management

Chapter 4: Agriculture

•        Types of Farming: Primitive subsistence, intensive subsistence, commercial

•        Major Crops: Rice, wheat, millets, maize, pulses

•        Cash Crops: Sugarcane, oilseeds, tea, coffee, cotton, jute, rubber

•        Food Security: Issues and government initiatives (PDS, MSP, FCI)

•        Technological and Institutional Reforms: Green Revolution, White Revolution

•        Impact of Globalization on Indian agriculture

Chapter 5: Minerals and Energy Resources

•        Types of Minerals: Metallic and non-metallic minerals

•        Distribution of Minerals: Iron ore, manganese, bauxite, mica, limestone

•        Conventional Energy Sources: Coal, petroleum, natural gas, electricity

•        Non-conventional Energy Sources: Solar, wind, biogas, tidal, geothermal

•        Conservation of Minerals and Energy: Need and methods

•        Sustainable mining practices

Chapter 6: Manufacturing Industries

•        Importance of Manufacturing: Contribution to national economy

•        Types of Industries: Agro-based, mineral-based, chemical-based

•        Major Industries: Textiles, iron and steel, automobiles, IT, cement

•        Industrial Pollution and Environmental Degradation

•        Industrial location: Factors affecting industrial location

•        Government policies for industrial development

Chapter 7: Lifelines of National Economy

•        Transport: Roadways, railways, pipelines, waterways, airways

•        Communication: Personal and mass communication, internet, satellite

•        International Trade: India's trading partners, balance of payments

•        Tourism as a Trade: Importance and promotion of tourism

•        Role of transport and communication in economic development

•        Digital India and modern communication revolution

Section C: Political Science - Democratic Politics - II (20 Marks)

Chapter 1: Power Sharing

•        Case Study of Belgium and Sri Lanka: Ethnic composition and accommodation

•        Why Power Sharing is Desirable: Prudential and moral reasons

•        Forms of Power Sharing: Horizontal and vertical distribution of power

•        Federal division of power between union and state governments

•        Community government and linguistic diversity

•        Coalition governments and political alliances

Chapter 2: Federalism

•        What is Federalism: Key features of federal system

•        Federalism in India: Union, state, and concurrent lists

•        Union Territories and their governance

•        How Federal is Indian Federation: Unique features of Indian federalism

•        Decentralization in India: Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies

•        Language Policy and linguistic states

Chapter 3: Democracy and Diversity

•        Social Divisions: Origin and political implications

•        Social Differences and Politics: Caste, religion, and politics

•        Politics of Social Divisions: Case studies from different countries

•        Gender and Politics: Women's representation in politics

•        Religion and Politics: Communalism, secularism

•        Caste and Politics: Caste-based parties and reservations

Chapter 4: Gender, Religion and Caste

•        Gender Division: Patriarchy and gender inequality

•        Women's Political Representation: Legal and political measures

•        Religion and Communalism: Communal politics in India

•        Secular State: Meaning and importance of secularism

•        Caste and Politics: Politicization of caste

•        Caste inequalities today and affirmative action

Chapter 5: Popular Struggles and Movements

•        Nepal's Democracy Movement: People's struggle for democracy

•        Bolivia's Water War: Struggle against privatization

•        Democracy and Popular Struggles: Role of pressure groups

•        Mobilization and Organizations: Trade unions, student organizations, NGOs

•        Movements and Outcomes: Success and failures

•        Democracy beyond elections: Continuous participation

Chapter 6: Political Parties

•        Why Political Parties: Meaning and necessity of parties

•        Functions of Political Parties: Contesting elections, making policies, making laws

•        Types of Party Systems: One-party, two-party, multi-party systems

•        National and Regional Parties: Criteria and examples

•        Challenges to Political Parties: Internal democracy, dynastic succession, money power

•        Electoral reforms and party reforms

Chapter 7: Outcomes of Democracy

•        How to Judge Democracy: Expectations from democracy

•        Accountable, Responsive and Legitimate Government

•        Economic Growth and Development: Democracy and economic outcomes

•        Reduction of Inequality and Poverty

•        Accommodation of Social Diversity: Dignity and freedom

•        Democracy as a Better Form of Government: Comparison with other systems

Chapter 8: Challenges to Democracy

•        Thinking about Challenges: Global and Indian challenges

•        Challenges of Expansion: Deepening of democracy

•        Challenge of Deepening: Strengthening democratic institutions

•        Political Reforms: Electoral, party, and legislative reforms

•        Role of Citizens in strengthening democracy

•        Redefining democracy for better governance

Section D: Economics - Understanding Economic Development (20 Marks)

Chapter 1: Development

•        What Development Promises: Different people, different goals

•        Income and Other Goals: Material and non-material aspects

•        National Development: What does it mean and how to achieve it

•        Comparing Countries: Per capita income, HDI, IMR, literacy rate

•        Sustainability of Development: Resource depletion and future generations

•        Development indicators beyond income

Chapter 2: Sectors of the Indian Economy

•        Economic Activities and Sectors: Primary, secondary, and tertiary

•        GDP and Sectoral Contribution: How GDP is calculated

•        Rise of Tertiary Sector: Service sector growth in India

•        Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sectors: Interdependence

•        Comparing the Three Sectors: Employment generation

•        Division of Sectors: Organized and unorganized, public and private

Chapter 3: Money and Credit

•        Money as a Medium of Exchange: Evolution and modern forms

•        Modern Forms of Money: Currency and deposits

•        Role of Banks: Loans, deposits, and credit creation

•        Two Different Credit Situations: Formal and informal sources

•        Terms of Credit: Interest rate, collateral, documentation

•        Self-Help Groups and microfinance initiatives

Chapter 4: Globalization and the Indian Economy

•        What is Globalization: Production, markets, and technology

•        Factors of Globalization: Technology, liberalization, WTO

•        Impact on Producers and Consumers: Winners and losers

•        Struggle for a Fair Globalization: Labor rights, environmental concerns

•        Role of Government in making globalization fair

•        WTO, IMF, and World Bank: Role and criticism

Chapter 5: Consumer Rights

•        Consumer Movement: Need and evolution in India

•        Consumer Rights: Right to safety, information, choice, redressal

•        Consumer Protection Act (COPRA): Provisions and importance

•        Three-tier Quasi-judicial Machinery: District, State, National forums

•        Role of Consumer Organizations: Awareness and protection

•        Responsibilities of Consumers: Informed choices and rational behavior

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Exam Pattern 2026-27

Theory Examination Pattern (80 Marks, 3 Hours)

Note: Internal choice will be provided in all sections except MCQs. Map work is compulsory and carries significant marks. Practice map pointing regularly.

Internal Assessment (20 Marks)

Important Dates & Academic Calendar 2026-27

Important: Visit the official CBSE website (cbse.gov.in) regularly for date sheet announcements, sample papers, and marking scheme updates.

Expert Study Tips for 95+ Score in Social Science

1. Subject-wise Study Strategy

History Preparation Tips

•        Create timelines for each chapter to understand chronological order of events

•        Make flowcharts showing cause and effect relationships

•        Prepare character sketches of important leaders and freedom fighters

•        Use mnemonics to remember dates, events, and movements

•        Practice map pointing for important historical places

•        Connect historical events with current affairs for better understanding

•        Read NCERT thoroughly - 80% questions come directly from textbook

Geography Preparation Tips

•        Map work is crucial - practice daily, use blank maps for practice

•        Create comparison tables for soils, crops, minerals, industries

•        Draw diagrams for dam projects, soil profiles, rainfall patterns

•        Learn latitude-longitude of important places for map questions

•        Make separate notes for resources, industries, and transport

•        Study statistical data - production figures, state-wise distribution

•        Practice physical and political maps of India regularly

Civics/Political Science Tips

•        Understand concepts clearly - democracy, federalism, power-sharing

•        Learn case studies mentioned in NCERT (Belgium, Sri Lanka, Bolivia, Nepal)

•        Practice comparing and contrasting different political systems

•        Make separate notes on political parties - national and regional

•        Understand current political scenarios and relate with textbook concepts

•        Learn examples from Indian democracy for every concept

•        Know the Constitutional provisions related to each topic

Economics Preparation Tips

•        Understand basic economic concepts - GDP, per capita income, development indicators

•        Learn calculation methods for various economic parameters

•        Create comparison charts - organized vs unorganized, public vs private sectors

•        Memorize important economic terms and definitions accurately

•        Understand role of various institutions - RBI, banks, WTO, World Bank

•        Practice numerical problems related to credit and banking

•        Relate concepts with real-life economic situations in India

2. Effective Revision Techniques

•        Create one-page summaries for each chapter - revise before exams

•        Make flashcards for important dates, definitions, and terms

•        Practice previous year question papers (minimum last 10 years)

•        Take mock tests regularly under timed conditions

•        Revise map locations daily - both physical and political features

•        Group study helps in discussing case studies and current affairs

•        Use colored pens to highlight important points in notes

•        Revise each chapter at least 3 times before board exams

3. Time Management & Study Schedule

•        Allocate equal time to all four subjects - don't neglect any

•        History and Geography need more time due to factual content

•        Study Civics and Economics for conceptual clarity

•        Dedicate 30 minutes daily exclusively for map practice

•        Reserve weekends for revision and solving previous year papers

•        Last 60 days: Focus only on revision and practice papers

•        Create a realistic timetable and stick to it consistently

4. Resources for Preparation

•        NCERT Textbook - primary and most important resource (mandatory)

•        NCERT Exemplar - for additional practice questions

•        CBSE Sample Papers - released by board (must solve)

•        Previous Year Question Papers - understand exam pattern

•        CBSE Marking Scheme - learn answer writing style

•        Standard Atlas - for geography and map practice

•        Current Affairs - newspapers and magazines for contemporary examples

Scoring Tips & Answer Writing Strategies

General Answer Writing Guidelines

•        Read the entire question paper carefully in first 15 minutes

•        Attempt questions in order of difficulty - easy ones first

•        Underline keywords in questions to understand what is asked

•        Write answers in point-wise format with proper numbering

•        Use subheadings wherever possible for better presentation

•        Always write in neat handwriting - presentation matters

•        Leave proper margins (1.5 cm on left side)

•        Never leave questions blank - attempt all questions

Question-wise Strategy

MCQs (1 mark each) - 20 Questions

•        No negative marking - attempt all MCQs

•        Use elimination method for difficult questions

•        Don't spend more than 20 minutes on all MCQs

•        Read all options carefully before selecting

•        Look for keywords that make options incorrect

•        Mark difficult ones for review later if time permits

Short Answer Questions (3 marks)

•        Write answers in 3-4 points or 6-8 lines

•        Each point should be complete and clear

•        Use examples wherever applicable

•        Time allocation: 4-5 minutes per question

•        Include relevant terms and definitions

•        Highlight important words by underlining

Long Answer Questions (4-5 marks)

•        Write in 5-7 well-explained points or 10-12 lines

•        Start with a brief introduction (1 line)

•        Develop the main content with proper explanation

•        Include examples, case studies mentioned in NCERT

•        Draw diagrams if question demands (maps, flowcharts)

•        End with a conclusion if appropriate

•        Time allocation: 7-8 minutes per question

Source-based Questions (4 marks)

•        Read the source (passage/image/data) 2-3 times carefully

•        Underline key information in the source material

•        Answer strictly from the source unless asked for outside knowledge

•        Write concise answers - no need to copy entire source

•        For interpretation questions, use your analytical skills

•        Time allocation: 6-7 minutes per question

Map Questions (5 marks) - CRITICAL

•        Practice map pointing daily - this is easy scoring

•        Use sharp pencil for marking locations

•        Mark locations with small dots (not big circles)

•        Write serial numbers clearly beside each mark

•        For identification questions, write answers in answer sheet

•        Don't write on the map except serial numbers

•        Carry scale, divider, and pencil to exam hall

•        Revise political and physical maps thoroughly

Subject-specific Scoring Tips

History Answers

•        Always mention specific dates of important events

•        Write names of leaders and their contributions clearly

•        Use historical terms accurately - don't write in casual language

•        Mention causes and consequences of events

•        Include relevant quotes if you remember them

•        Connect events with their larger historical context

Geography Answers

•        Always mention specific examples - states, regions, rivers, mountains

•        Include statistical data wherever possible (production, rainfall, etc.)

•        Draw diagrams for soil profiles, dams, industrial locations

•        Write types clearly - different types of soils, crops, industries

•        Mention latitude-longitude for location-based questions

•        Use geographical terms accurately - alluvial, laterite, loamy, etc.

Civics/Political Science Answers

•        Define political terms clearly - democracy, federalism, coalition

•        Always give examples from Indian politics or case studies

•        Mention Constitutional provisions where relevant

•        Use political terminology correctly

•        For comparison questions, make proper comparison tables

•        Connect concepts with real-world political scenarios

Economics Answers

•        Define economic terms accurately at the start

•        Use correct economic terminology - GDP, per capita income, HDI

•        Include numerical examples if question demands calculations

•        Mention role of institutions - RBI, banks, WTO, government

•        Give real-life examples from Indian economy

•        For comparison questions, create clear comparison structure

Time Management in Exam

•        MCQs: 20-25 minutes (all 20 questions)

•        3-mark questions: 15-20 minutes (4 questions)

•        4-mark questions: 35-40 minutes (5 long + 4 source-based)

•        5-mark map questions: 20-25 minutes (3 questions)

•        Revision: Reserve 20-25 minutes at the end

•        Total: 180 minutes (3 hours) - plan accordingly

•        If stuck, move to next question - return later

Presentation & Formatting Tips

•        Use blue or black pen only (pencil only for maps and diagrams)

•        Start each answer on a new page or after sufficient gap

•        Write question numbers clearly in margin

•        Underline headings and important terms

•        Leave one line gap between answers

•        Strike through mistakes with single line (no scribbling)

•        Don't use whitener - examiners don't prefer it

•        For diagrams: Use pencil, ruler, and label properly

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Social Science Exam

Content-Related Mistakes

•        Mixing up dates - Clearly differentiate between 1857 Revolt, 1885 Congress formation, 1919 Jallianwala Bagh, etc.

•        Confusing leaders and their contributions - Know which leader is associated with which movement

•        Wrong map locations - Practice maps daily to avoid this easy-to-avoid mistake

•        Incorrect definitions - Economics and Civics terms must be accurate

•        Mixing geographical features - Don't confuse rivers, mountains, soil types

•        Wrong examples - Use only examples mentioned in NCERT or authentic ones

•        Incomplete answers - Not writing sufficient points for marks allotted

•        Factual errors - GDP figures, literacy rates, production statistics must be accurate

Map-Related Mistakes

•        Not practicing maps daily - biggest mistake in Social Science

•        Using pen instead of pencil on maps

•        Marking wrong locations - practice with atlas regularly

•        Making big circles instead of small dots for marking

•        Writing names on map - only serial numbers should be on map

•        Not carrying necessary items - pencil, scale, divider to exam

•        Confusing similar names - Amarkantak vs Anaimalai, Rourkela vs Ranchi

•        Not labeling clearly - serial numbers must be legible

Answer Writing Mistakes

•        Writing in paragraph form instead of points - makes it hard to read

•        Exceeding word limit for short answers - wastes time

•        Too brief answers for long questions - insufficient content

•        Not answering what is asked - read question carefully

•        Copying entire passages from source-based questions

•        Illegible handwriting - can cost you marks

•        Grammatical errors - affects overall impression

•        Not using proper terminology - use subject-specific terms

•        Missing internal choice - always check for options

•        Leaving questions unattempted - never leave blanks

Exam Day Mistakes

•        Not reading instructions carefully - leads to silly errors

•        Starting without planning - spend 15 minutes reading entire paper

•        Poor time management - spending too much time on one question

•        Panic during exam - stay calm, move to next question if stuck

•        Not utilizing internal choice - check all options before deciding

•        Rushing through MCQs - read all options carefully

•        Not revising answers - always keep 20 minutes for final check

•        Getting stuck on difficult question - attempt easier ones first

Study-Related Mistakes

•        Relying only on guides instead of NCERT - biggest preparation mistake

•        Not solving previous year papers - essential for understanding pattern

•        Ignoring current affairs - needed for examples in answers

•        Not making notes - aids in quick revision

•        Selective studying - can't predict questions, study everything

•        Last-minute cramming - start preparation early

•        Not practicing map work - easiest marks to score

•        Neglecting internal assessment - 20 marks weightage

High-Scoring Topics & Chapters

Focus on these topics for maximum marks with moderate effort:

History - High Scoring

•        Nationalism in India - Frequently asked, lots of sub-topics

•        Print Culture - Interesting chapter with good scoring potential

•        Age of Industrialization - Well-structured content, easy to score

Geography - High Scoring

•        Map Questions - 15 marks, easiest to score if practiced well

•        Resources and Development - Straightforward, factual chapter

•        Agriculture - Clear categorization, easy to remember

•        Minerals and Energy - Factual content with specific examples

Civics - High Scoring

•        Federalism - Clear concepts, good scoring chapter

•        Political Parties - Current and relevant, interesting examples

•        Power Sharing - Short chapter but conceptually important

Economics - High Scoring

•        Money and Credit - Practical concepts, relatable examples

•        Sectors of Indian Economy - Clear categorization, straightforward

•        Consumer Rights - Short, factual, high-scoring chapter

Essential Map Items for Practice

History Maps - Important Locations

•        Indian National Movement: Chauri Chaura, Dandi, Champaran, Kheda, Bardoli, Amritsar

•        Major Sessions: Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, Lahore, Karachi, Lucknow

•        Centers of Revolts: Delhi, Meerut, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, Gwalior

•        Important Places: Sabarmati Ashram, Wardha, Sevagram, Dandi

Geography Maps - Physical Features

•        Mountains: Himalayas, Aravalli, Vindhya, Satpura, Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats

•        Rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Indus, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Narmada, Tapti

•        Dams: Bhakra Nangal, Hirakud, Nagarjuna Sagar, Tehri, Sardar Sarovar

•        Soil Types: Regions of Black, Red, Laterite, Alluvial, Arid, Forest soils

•        Minerals: Iron ore (Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh), Coal (Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal)

•        Ports: Kandla, Mumbai, Marmagao, New Mangalore, Kochi, Tuticorin, Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, Paradip, Haldia, Kolkata

•        Airports: Major international airports in metro cities

•        Industrial Regions: Mumbai-Pune, Bangalore, Hugli, Ahmedabad-Baroda

•        National Parks: Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, Ranthambore, Gir, Sunderbans

Final 30 Days Preparation Strategy

•        Days 30-21: Complete third revision of all chapters, focus on weak areas

•        Days 20-15: Solve 5-7 sample papers under timed conditions (3 hours)

•        Days 14-10: Revise important dates, definitions, maps daily

•        Days 9-5: Solve previous year papers and analyze mistakes

•        Days 4-3: Quick revision using one-page summaries and flashcards

•        Day 2: Light revision only - go through important points, maps

•        Day 1: Rest well, organize exam essentials, sleep early

•        Exam Day: Reach center 30 minutes early, stay calm and confident