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CBSE Social Science Question Paper 2026
Class 10 · Code 32/5/3 · Series NML5K SET–3 · Date: 07-03-2026
80Max Marks
3 HrsDuration
38Questions
4 SectionsA · B · C · D
32/5/3Paper Code
Section A: History (Q1–9)
Section B: Geography (Q10–19)
Section C: Political Science (Q20–28)
Section D: Economics (Q29–38)
Q11 MarkMCQ
Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Column A (Writer) — Column B (Contribution)
(A) Bal Gangadhar Tilak – Gulamgiri
(B) Jyotiba Phule – Amar Jiban
(C) Raja Rammohan Roy – Sambad Kaumudi
(D) Tarabai Shinde – Istri Dharam Vichar
Column A (Writer) — Column B (Contribution)
(A) Bal Gangadhar Tilak – Gulamgiri
(B) Jyotiba Phule – Amar Jiban
(C) Raja Rammohan Roy – Sambad Kaumudi
(D) Tarabai Shinde – Istri Dharam Vichar
- (A) Bal Gangadhar Tilak – Gulamgiri
- (B) Jyotiba Phule – Amar Jiban
- (C) Raja Rammohan Roy – Sambad Kaumudi
- (D) Tarabai Shinde – Istri Dharam Vichar
Q21 MarkMCQ (Image)
Identify the allegorical figure of a European nation shown in the image (a female figure in robes with wings):
- (A) Britannia
- (B) Marianna
- (C) Helvetia
- (D) Germania
Q31 MarkMCQ
Arrange the following events in chronological order:
I. Salt Satyagraha II. Kheda Satyagraha III. Rowlatt Satyagraha IV. Ahmedabad Mill Workers Satyagraha
I. Salt Satyagraha II. Kheda Satyagraha III. Rowlatt Satyagraha IV. Ahmedabad Mill Workers Satyagraha
- (A) II, I, III, IV
- (B) II, IV, III, I
- (C) III, II, IV, I
- (D) II, I, IV, III
Q41 MarkA-R
Assertion (A): The discovery of sea routes to Asia and America shrank the pre-modern world in the sixteenth century.
Reason (R): During this period European entry into the Indian Ocean expanded trade.
Reason (R): During this period European entry into the Indian Ocean expanded trade.
- (A) Both A and R true; R is correct explanation
- (B) Both true; R not correct explanation
- (C) A true, R false
- (D) A false, R true
Q52 Marks
(a) Why did many Europeans migrate to America after the sixteenth century? Explain.
OR
(b) How did trade and long distance travel contribute to the spread of diseases during the ancient period? Explain.
OR
(b) How did trade and long distance travel contribute to the spread of diseases during the ancient period? Explain.
Q63 Marks
(a) "Print culture created the favourable conditions for the French Revolution." Explain with examples.
OR
(b) "Throughout the nineteenth century, there were a series of innovations in printing technology." Explain with examples.
OR
(b) "Throughout the nineteenth century, there were a series of innovations in printing technology." Explain with examples.
Q75 Marks
(a) Explain the process of the formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
OR
(b) Explain the process of German Unification during the nineteenth century.
OR
(b) Explain the process of German Unification during the nineteenth century.
Q84 MarksSource Based
The Sense of Collective Belonging
As the national movement developed, nationalist leaders became more and more aware of such icons and symbols in unifying people... By the end of the nineteenth century many Indians began feeling that to instil a sense of pride in the nation, Indian history had to be thought about differently. The British saw Indians as backward and primitive... Indians began looking into the past to discover India's great achievements. They wrote about the glorious developments in ancient times when art and architecture, science and mathematics, religion and culture had flourished...
(1) How did icons help to unite Indians during the freedom struggle? (1 mark)
(2) Why did nationalists feel the need to rewrite Indian history? (1 mark)
(3) How did nationalist histories portray India's past and present? (2 marks)
(2) Why did nationalists feel the need to rewrite Indian history? (1 mark)
(3) How did nationalist histories portray India's past and present? (2 marks)
Q92 MarksMap Work
(a) The place where Gandhiji launched satyagraha for the Indigo planters. (1 mark)
(b) The place where the session of Indian National Congress was held (1920, Maharashtra). (1 mark)
(b) The place where the session of Indian National Congress was held (1920, Maharashtra). (1 mark)
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Q101 MarkMCQ
Which of the following is an example of 'current fallow land'?
- (A) Land left without cultivation for five agricultural years
- (B) Land left without cultivation for three agricultural years
- (C) Land left without cultivation for two agricultural years
- (D) Land left without cultivation for one agricultural year
Q111 MarkMCQ
In the classification of minerals, Coal belongs to which category?
(Metallic Minerals → Iron ore; Non-Metallic → Mica; ? → Coal)
(Metallic Minerals → Iron ore; Non-Metallic → Mica; ? → Coal)
- (A) Non-Ferrous minerals
- (B) Igneous minerals
- (C) Energy minerals
- (D) Ferrous minerals
Q121 MarkMCQ
Identify the correct option related to major crops grown in the Kharif cropping season in India:
- (A) Paddy, Peas, Mustard
- (B) Paddy, Mustard, Gram
- (C) Paddy, Jowar, Maize
- (D) Paddy, Maize, Gram
Q131 MarkMCQ
In which of the following States of India has the largest area under permanent forests?
- (A) Uttar Pradesh
- (B) Madhya Pradesh
- (C) Gujarat
- (D) Maharashtra
Q141 MarkMCQ
Identify the soil: extremely fine material · rich in soil nutrients · ideal for growing cotton:
- (A) Alluvial Soil
- (B) Black Soil
- (C) Laterite Soil
- (D) Arid Soil
Q151 MarkMCQ
Match National Parks with States:
a. Sariska b. Sunderban c. Corbett d. Bandhavgarh
i. Madhya Pradesh ii. Uttarakhand iii. West Bengal iv. Rajasthan
a. Sariska b. Sunderban c. Corbett d. Bandhavgarh
i. Madhya Pradesh ii. Uttarakhand iii. West Bengal iv. Rajasthan
- (A) a-iii, b-ii, c-i, d-iv
- (B) a-iv, b-ii, c-iii, d-i
- (C) a-iv, b-iii, c-ii, d-i
- (D) a-ii, b-iv, c-iii, d-i
Q162 Marks
Explain the measures made by the government to improve Indian agriculture.
Q175 Marks
(a) Explain the main characteristics of minerals.
OR
(b) Explain the difference between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.
OR
(b) Explain the difference between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.
Q184 MarksSource Based
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
Floods have not only devastated life and property but also caused extensive soil erosion. Sedimentation meant flood plains were deprived of silt... Irrigation has also changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water intensive and commercial crops, leading to salinisation of the soil. PMKSY ensures access to protective irrigation for all farms — 'har khet ko pani' and 'per drop more crop'...
(18.1) Explain the role of floods in land degradation. (1 mark)
(18.2) How has irrigation changed cropping pattern? (1 mark)
(18.3) Explain any two objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. (2 marks)
(18.2) How has irrigation changed cropping pattern? (1 mark)
(18.3) Explain any two objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. (2 marks)
Q193 MarksMap Work
Locate and label any three of the following with suitable symbols on the outline map of India:
(i) The dam constructed on Satluj river
(ii) A nuclear power plant in Gujarat
(iii) A software technology park in Uttar Pradesh
(iv) An International Airport in Maharashtra
(i) The dam constructed on Satluj river
(ii) A nuclear power plant in Gujarat
(iii) A software technology park in Uttar Pradesh
(iv) An International Airport in Maharashtra
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Q201 MarkMCQ
Which statements about urban local government are correct?
I. Municipalities are set up in towns.
II. Big cities have Municipal Corporation.
III. Municipal chairperson is the head of Block Samiti.
IV. The officer in Municipal Corporation is called Mayor.
I. Municipalities are set up in towns.
II. Big cities have Municipal Corporation.
III. Municipal chairperson is the head of Block Samiti.
IV. The officer in Municipal Corporation is called Mayor.
- (A) Only I, II and III are correct
- (B) Only I, II and IV are correct
- (C) Only I, III and IV are correct
- (D) Only II, III and IV are correct
Q211 MarkMCQ
Find the odd one out regarding Political Parties of India:
- (A) Bharatiya Janata Party & Aam Aadmi Party
- (B) Indian National Lok Dal & Jananayak Janata Party
- (C) National's People's Party & United Democratic Party
- (D) Rashtriya Janata Dal & Loktantrik Samajwadi Party
Q221 MarkMCQ (Cartoon)
A cartoon shows "Economic Growth and Income Distribution Gains 2000–2006" where the Rich figure is very large, Middle is smaller, and Poor is smallest. Which concept is best illustrated?
- (A) Inclusive economic growth amongst nations
- (B) Stagnation of economic development amongst nations
- (C) Uneven distribution of wealth amongst nations
- (D) Balanced economic growth amongst nations
Q231 MarkA-R
Assertion (A): Belgium's power sharing arrangements were designed to accommodate its linguistic and cultural divisions.
Reason (R): Belgian leaders recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities.
Reason (R): Belgian leaders recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities.
- (A) Both A and R true; R is correct explanation
- (B) Both true; R not correct explanation
- (C) A true, R false
- (D) A false, R true
Q242 Marks
Suggest any two ways to promote women in various professional fields.
Q252 Marks
"Democracy is a better form of government compared with any other alternative." Examine the statement.
Q263 Marks
How does the 'system of three lists' function in Indian federalism? Explain with examples.
Q275 Marks
(a) Analyse the role of political parties in ensuring good governance.
OR
(b) Analyse the need of Political Parties in India.
OR
(b) Analyse the need of Political Parties in India.
Q284 MarksSource Based
Forms of Power-Sharing
The idea of power-sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political power. For a long time, it was believed that all power must reside in one person or group. But with democracy, this changed. One basic principle is that people are the source of all political power... In a good democratic government, due respect is given to diverse groups. Political power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible.
(28.1) How does power sharing promote stability of political order? (1 mark)
(28.2) How are pressure groups part of the power sharing mechanism? (1 mark)
(28.3) How does power sharing contribute to the spirit of democracy? (2 marks)
(28.2) How are pressure groups part of the power sharing mechanism? (1 mark)
(28.3) How does power sharing contribute to the spirit of democracy? (2 marks)
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Q291 MarkMCQ
Identify the sector of economy: Ownership of assets and delivery of services in the hands of private individuals · Activities guided by the motive to earn profits:
- (A) Private Sector
- (B) Public Sector
- (C) Joint Sector
- (D) Cooperative Sector
Q301 MarkMCQ
State B's literacy rate (2017-18) = 94; State A's literacy rate = 82. By how many points does State B's literacy rate exceed State A's?
- (A) 12
- (B) 10
- (C) 16
- (D) 14
Q311 MarkMCQ
Which of the following is the main purpose of a trade barrier in global trade?
- (A) To promote the growth of foreign companies in a country
- (B) To control the production of domestic industries
- (C) To regulate foreign trade into the country
- (D) To stop foreign trade between countries
Q321 MarkMCQ
Megha takes a loan of ₹5 lakhs from a bank. Annual rate = 12%. The 12% interest charged is related to which of the following?
- (A) Collateral
- (B) Cost of Credit (Rate of Interest)
- (C) Duration of Loan
- (D) Documentation
Q331 MarkMCQ
Which of the following is an example of a renewable resource?
- (A) Natural Gas
- (B) Crude Oil
- (C) Coal
- (D) Ground Water
Q341 MarkMCQ
Infant Mortality Rate indicates the number of children that die before the ___ year(s) per 1000 live births:
- (A) One
- (B) Two
- (C) Three
- (D) Four
Q353 Marks
"Advancement in technology has stimulated the globalisation process." Justify the statement with suitable arguments.
Q363 Marks
Explain the different terms of credit.
Q373 Marks
"Different persons can have different developmental goals." Explain the statement with examples.
Q385 Marks
(a) Explain the efforts done by the Indian government towards "Right to Work".
OR
(b) Explain the difference between organised and unorganised sectors.
OR
(b) Explain the difference between organised and unorganised sectors.
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Section-wise MCQ Answer Key — Quick Reference
All MCQs at a glance with correct option and key reason
| Q No. | Section | Answer | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | History | C | Raja Rammohan Roy founded Sambad Kaumudi newspaper (others are wrong matches) |
| Q2 | History | D | Germania is the allegorical female figure representing Germany (winged figure in armour) |
| Q3 | History | B | Chronological: Kheda (1917) → Ahmedabad Mill Workers (1918) → Rowlatt (1919) → Salt (1930) |
| Q4 | History | A | Both A and R true; European trade in Indian Ocean did shrink the pre-modern world — R correctly explains A |
| Q10 | Geography | D | Current fallow = land left uncultivated for one agricultural year (not two or more) |
| Q11 | Geography | C | Coal is an Energy mineral (used as fuel) — not metallic or non-metallic |
| Q12 | Geography | C | Kharif crops: Paddy, Jowar, Maize (sown in June-July with monsoon). Mustard/Peas/Gram are Rabi crops |
| Q13 | Geography | B | Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under permanent/reserved forests in India |
| Q14 | Geography | B | Black soil — fine material, rich in nutrients, ideal for cotton. Also called Regur soil |
| Q15 | Geography | C | Sariska-Rajasthan, Sunderban-West Bengal, Corbett-Uttarakhand, Bandhavgarh-MP |
| Q20 | PolSci | B | I, II, IV correct. Statement III is wrong — Block Samiti belongs to rural (Panchayati Raj), not urban local government |
| Q21 | PolSci | D | RJD and Loktantrik Samajwadi Party are distinct parties; others in options are state-level paired parties |
| Q22 | PolSci | C | Cartoon shows rich benefiting most, poor benefiting least from economic growth → uneven distribution |
| Q23 | PolSci | A | Both A and R true; Belgian leaders recognised diversity (R) and designed power sharing to accommodate it (A) |
| Q29 | Economics | A | Private sector — ownership in private hands, profit motive (Public sector has state ownership) |
| Q30 | Economics | A | 94 − 82 = 12 points difference in literacy rate between State B and State A |
| Q31 | Economics | C | Trade barriers (taxes, quotas) regulate the flow of foreign trade, protecting domestic industries |
| Q32 | Economics | B | 12% is the Rate of Interest — the cost of credit / cost of borrowing money |
| Q33 | Economics | D | Ground water is renewable (replenished by rain). Natural gas, crude oil, coal are non-renewable |
| Q34 | Economics | A | IMR = deaths per 1000 live births before the age of 1 year (one year, not two/three/four) |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common searches about CBSE Class 10 SST Board Paper 2026
Where can I find CBSE Class 10 Social Science Answer Key 2026? ▼
The complete CBSE Class 10 Social Science Answer Key 2026 with all 38 questions from History (Q1–9), Geography (Q10–19), Political Science (Q20–28) and Economics (Q29–38) is available free on SkillYog at www.skillyog.com. All answers are verified for 100% accuracy.
What is the correct chronological order in Q3 of SST 2026? ▼
The correct chronological order is Option B — II, IV, III, I: Kheda Satyagraha (1917) → Ahmedabad Mill Workers Satyagraha (1918) → Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919) → Salt Satyagraha (1930).
What is the answer to Q1 (correctly matched pair) in SST 2026? ▼
The answer is Option C — Raja Rammohan Roy founded the Sambad Kaumudi newspaper. The incorrect pairs: Bal Gangadhar Tilak wrote Kesari (not Gulamgiri — which was Jyotiba Phule's); Jyotiba Phule wrote Gulamgiri (not Amar Jiban — which is by Rashsundari Debi); Tarabai Shinde wrote Stri Purush Tulana (not Istri Dharam Vichar).
What is the answer to Q7b (German Unification) in SST 2026? ▼
German unification was led by Otto von Bismarck through his "blood and iron" policy. Prussia fought three wars: against Denmark (1864), Austria (1866), and France (1870-71). In 1871, after defeating France, the German Empire was proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, with King William I of Prussia declared as Kaiser (Emperor).
What are the Kharif crops in India (Q12 SST 2026)? ▼
The correct answer is Option C — Paddy, Jowar and Maize. Kharif crops are sown in June-July at the beginning of the monsoon season and harvested in September-October. They require warm, wet weather. Mustard, Peas and Gram are Rabi (winter) crops, sown in November-December and harvested in April-May.
What is the paper pattern of CBSE Class 10 Social Science 2026? ▼
The paper has 38 questions in 4 sections. Section A (History): Q1–9. Section B (Geography): Q10–19. Section C (Political Science): Q20–28. Section D (Economics): Q29–38. MCQs carry 1 mark each. Short answers carry 2-3 marks. Long answers carry 5 marks. Source-based questions carry 4 marks. Map work carries 3 marks. Total: 80 marks, 3 hours.
What is MGNREGA (Q38 SST 2026)? ▼
MGNREGA stands for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. It is a government scheme that guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households. It provides work in activities like road construction, water conservation and land development, making employment a legal right for rural workers and helping reduce rural poverty.
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