Latest CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus 2025-26 – Get the official syllabus with a chapter-wise breakdown, marking scheme, and expert study tips. Download the official PDF at the end!
Overview of CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus 2025-26
The Class 10 CBSE syllabus for Social Science (SST) is crucial for board exams and sets the foundation for higher classes. The 2025-26 syllabus includes competency-based questions, increased focus on application-based learning, and internal assessments.
| Board | CBSE |
| Class | 10 |
| Session | 2025-26 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Content-Type | Syllabus/Curriculum |
| Official Website | https://cbseacademic.nic.in |
Course Structure: Class X (2025-26)
Annual Examination
Total Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal Assessment) = 100
| Subject | Marks (Theory) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| History | 20 (18 + 2 Map) | India and the Contemporary World-II |
| Geography | 20 (17 + 3 Map) | Contemporary India-II |
| Political Science | 20 | Democratic Politics-II |
| Economics | 20 | Understanding Economic Development |
| Total | 80 | |
| Internal Assessment | 20 | |
| Grand Total | 100 |
Detailed Syllabus
History: India and the Contemporary World-II (20 Marks)
Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
- French Revolution’s impact on nation-states.
- Social movements and the idea of nationalism.
- Causes of the First World War.
Chapter 2: Nationalism in India
- Nationalistic movements and collective belonging.
- Gandhi’s strategies in movements like Khilafat and Non-Cooperation.
- Effects of the First World War on India.
Chapter 3: The Making of a Global World
- For Board Exam: Subtopics 1 to 1.3 (Pre-Modern World to Conquest, Disease, and Trade).
- Interdisciplinary Project (5 Marks, Internal): Subtopics 2 to 4.4 (19th Century to Globalization).
- Global changes, interconnectedness, and colonialism’s impact.
Chapter 4: The Age of Industrialisation
- For Periodic Assessment Only: Pre- and post-industrialization features, impact on colonies like India.
Chapter 5: Print Culture and the Modern World
- Development of print from East Asia to Europe and India.
- Handwritten manuscripts vs. print technology.
- Impact of the print revolution.
Geography: Contemporary India-II (20 Marks)
Chapter 1: Resources and Development
- Importance of resource planning and development.
- Land utilization issues and solutions.
Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources
- Conservation of forests and wildlife for sustainability.
- Impact of grazing and wood cutting.
Chapter 3: Water Resources
- Need for water conservation.
- Role of multipurpose projects.
Chapter 4: Agriculture
- Role of agriculture in the economy.
- Challenges faced by farmers.
Chapter 5: Minerals and Energy Resources
- Conventional vs. non-conventional energy.
- Sustainable use of resources.
Chapter 6: Manufacturing Industries
- Environmental impact and sustainable development.
- Relation between raw materials and industry location.
Chapter 7: Lifelines of National Economy
- For Board Exam: Map pointing only.
- Interdisciplinary Project (5 Marks, Internal): With History Ch. 3 and Economics Ch. 4.
Political Science: Democratic Politics-II (20 Marks)
Chapter 1: Power-Sharing
- Need for power-sharing in democracy.
- Examples: Belgium, Sri Lanka, India.
Chapter 2: Federalism
- How federalism works in India.
- Policies strengthening federalism.
Chapter 3: Gender, Religion, and Caste
- Role of gender, religion, and caste in democracy.
- Are these differences healthy?
Chapter 4: Political Parties
- Role and importance of political parties.
- Right to vote and its significance.
Chapter 5: Outcomes of Democracy
- Success factors: governance, economy, equality, freedom.
Economics: Understanding Economic Development (20 Marks)
Chapter 1: Development
- Setting developmental goals.
- Per capita income and economic conditions.
Chapter 2: Sectors of the Indian Economy
- Economic activities in different sectors.
- Organized vs. unorganized sectors and employment.
Chapter 3: Money and Credit
- Money as a medium of exchange.
- Sources of credit and self-help groups.
Chapter 4: Globalisation and the Indian Economy
- For Board Exam: What is globalization? Factors enabling it.
- Interdisciplinary Project (5 Marks, Internal): Production across countries, WTO, fair globalization.
Chapter 5: Consumer Rights
- Project Work Only: Not in the theory exam.
Map Work
History: Nationalism in India
- Congress Sessions: Calcutta (1920), Nagpur (1920), Madras (1927).
- Satyagraha Movements: Kheda, Champaran, Ahmedabad Mill Workers.
- Jallianwala Bagh, Dandi March.
Geography
- Resources and Development: Major soil types.
- Water Resources: Dams (e.g., Bhakra Nangal, Sardar Sarovar).
- Agriculture: Major areas of rice, wheat, sugarcane, tea, etc.
- Minerals and Energy Resources: Iron ore mines, coal mines, oil fields, power plants.
- Manufacturing Industries: Cotton textiles, iron and steel plants, software parks.
- Lifelines of National Economy: Major sea ports, international airports.
Question Paper Design (Theory)
Total Marks: 80
| Subject | Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| History | 20 | 25% |
| Geography | 20 | 25% |
| Political Science | 20 | 25% |
| Economics | 20 | 25% |
Types of Questions
| Type | Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| MCQs (1 mark) | 20 | 25% |
| Short Answer (2 marks) | 8 | 10% |
| Long Answer (3 marks) | 15 | 18.75% |
| Case Study (4 marks) | 12 | 15% |
| Long Answer (5 marks) | 20 | 25% |
| Map Pointing | 5 | 6.25% |
Competency Levels
| Competency | Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Remembering & Understanding | 24 | 30% |
| Applying | 11 | 13.25% |
| Analysing, Evaluating, Creating | 40 | 50% |
| Map Skills | 5 | 6.25% |
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
- Periodic Assessment (Pen-Paper Test): 5 marks
- Multiple Assessment (Quiz, Debate, etc.): 5 marks
- Subject Enrichment (Project on Consumer Rights/Social Issues/Sustainable Development): 5 marks
- Portfolio (Classwork, Reflections, etc.): 5 marks
Prescribed Textbooks
- History: India and the Contemporary World-II (NCERT)
- Geography: Contemporary India-II (NCERT)
- Political Science: Democratic Politics-II (NCERT)
- Economics: Understanding Economic Development (NCERT)
- Disaster Management: Together, Towards a Safer India-Part III (CBSE)
Best Study Tips for CBSE Class 10 SST
- Understand the Structure: Divide your study time equally among History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics (25% each). Focus slightly more on weaker areas.
- Create a Timetable: Allocate specific days or hours for each subject and chapter. Include time for revision and practice.
- Use NCERT Textbooks: Stick to NCERT books as they align perfectly with the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Prioritize Map Work: Practice map-pointing regularly—it’s an easy 5 marks if done well. Keep a labeled map handy for quick revision.
- Make Notes: Summarize key points, dates, events, and definitions in your own words for quick recall. Use bullet points or mind maps.
Bonus: CBSE Class 10 SST Important Questions & Answers
Download CBSE Class 10 SST Syllabus 2025-26 PDF
Click the button below to download the official CBSE syllabus PDF for 2025-26.
📂 Download CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus PDF
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the weightage of map work in the exam?
Map work is worth 5 marks (6.25% of the theory paper)—2 marks from History and 3 marks from Geography.
Which chapters are not fully assessed in the board exam?
History: "The Age of Industrialisation" (assessed in periodic tests only).
Economics: "Consumer Rights" (project work only).
Parts of "The Making of a Global World" and "Globalisation" are for interdisciplinary projects (internal assessment).
Are NCERT books enough for preparation?
Yes, NCERT textbooks for History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics cover the entire syllabus and are sufficient for scoring well.
Do I need to study everything in the NCERT books?
No, skip topics marked for periodic assessment (e.g., Age of Industrialisation) or projects (e.g., Consumer Rights) for the board exam. Focus on board-assessed chapters.
Are case study questions tough?
They’re manageable if you understand the chapter concepts. Practice analyzing passages and linking them to key ideas (12 marks total).
Can I use additional reference books?
NCERT is enough, but books like Oswaal or Arihant sample papers can help with extra practice. Avoid overloading with too many resources.
MUST SEE: CBSE Class 10 Notes
Very Useful to teachers as well as students to get brief idea on syllabus especially map skills.
Thank you
P.Sridhar Kumar
Social Teacher
Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan
TPT Branch, TPT Colony
Visakhapatnam.
Cell: 9849186075.