CBSE Class X Social Science (087) • Sample Question Paper Set 5 • Academic Session 2026–2027

CBSE Class 10 Social Science (087) Sample Paper Set 5 | 2026-2027 | Adept Yourself
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CBSE CLASS X – SOCIAL SCIENCE (CODE NO. 087)
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER – SET 5 | ACADEMIC SESSION 2026–2027
Time Allowed: 3 Hours Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

  1. The question paper comprises Six Sections: A, B, C, D, E and F.
  2. There are 37 questions in total.
  3. All questions are compulsory.
  4. Section A contains Questions 1–20. Each question carries 1 mark.
  5. Section B contains Questions 21–24. Each question carries 2 marks.
  6. Section C contains Questions 25–29. Each question carries 3 marks.
  7. Section D contains Questions 30–33. Each question carries 5 marks.
  8. Section E contains Questions 34–36. Each case-based question carries 4 marks.
  9. Section F contains Question 37, carrying 5 marks, based on map skills.
  10. Internal choices are provided in selected questions.
SECTION A – MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (20 Marks)
Q1. Which treaty recognised Greece as an independent nation in 1832? [1]
(a) Treaty of Vienna
(b) Treaty of Constantinople
(c) Treaty of Frankfurt
(d) Treaty of Versailles
Q2. Which of the following was one of the important provisions of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact? [1]
(a) Complete independence was immediately granted
(b) Political prisoners not convicted of violence were released
(c) The salt tax was permanently abolished
(d) The Simon Commission was accepted
Q3. Which one of the following crops is known as a beverage crop? [1]
(a) Tea
(b) Maize
(c) Bajra
(d) Gram
Q4. Which system of government is based on the principle of power sharing between a central authority and constituent units? [1]
(a) Federal system
(b) Monarchical system
(c) Unitary system
(d) Military system
Q5. Which one of the following is a conventional source of energy? [1]
(a) Solar energy
(b) Biogas
(c) Coal
(d) Wind energy
Q6. Which of the following is an example of formal credit? [1]
(a) Loan from a moneylender
(b) Loan from a relative
(c) Bank loan
(d) Loan from a trader
Q7. Who invented the printing press in Europe? [1]
(a) Martin Luther
(b) Johann Gutenberg
(c) Erasmus
(d) Marco Polo
Q8. Which mineral is widely used in electrical and electronic industries because of its excellent insulating properties? [1]
(a) Mica
(b) Limestone
(c) Bauxite
(d) Iron ore
Q9. Which feature distinguishes a federal government from a unitary government? [1]
(a) Power is concentrated at one level
(b) State governments derive all powers from the centre
(c) Constitutional division of powers exists between different levels
(d) Local governments have no powers
Q10. Which of the following belongs to the primary sector? [1]
(a) Banking
(b) Agriculture
(c) Transport
(d) Manufacturing
Q11. Why did Mahatma Gandhi relaunch the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1932? [1]
(a) The British accepted all nationalist demands
(b) The government failed to meet nationalist demands and repression increased
(c) The Simon Commission was withdrawn
(d) The Khilafat Movement was revived
Q12. Which soil develops in areas of high temperature and heavy rainfall and is suitable for crops such as cashew? [1]
(a) Laterite soil
(b) Alluvial soil
(c) Black soil
(d) Arid soil
Q13. Which of the following is an important function of political parties? [1]
(a) They appoint judges directly
(b) They contest elections and put forward policies
(c) They control the Election Commission
(d) They abolish elections
Q14. Which of the following is a major limitation of informal credit? [1]
(a) It is always available at low interest
(b) It is regulated by the RBI
(c) It may involve very high interest rates
(d) It requires no repayment
Q15. What is liberalisation in the context of globalisation? [1]
(a) Increasing restrictions on imports
(b) Removing or reducing restrictions on foreign trade and investment
(c) Closing domestic markets
(d) Nationalising all industries
Q16. Which statement correctly explains the role of pressure groups? [1]
(a) They contest elections to form governments
(b) They seek to influence government policies without directly seeking political power
(c) They replace political parties
(d) They appoint members of Parliament
Q17. Which of the following events occurred first? [1]
(a) Quit India Movement
(b) Lahore Congress Session
(c) Poona Pact
(d) Civil Disobedience Movement
Q18. Which industry is known as the basic industry because it provides machinery and materials for other industries? [1]
(a) Iron and steel industry
(b) Sugar industry
(c) Textile industry
(d) Jute industry
Q19. Assertion (A): Power sharing is desirable in a democracy.
Reason (R): Power sharing reduces the possibility of conflict among social groups. [1]

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
Q20. Assertion (A): Banks play an important role in the process of credit creation.
Reason (R): Banks use a major portion of their deposits to provide loans. [1]

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
SECTION B – VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (8 Marks)
Q21. Why did the Balkan region become a major source of nationalist tension in Europe? Give two reasons. [2]
Q22. What is resource planning? Mention one reason why it is necessary in India. [2]
Q23. State any two prudential reasons for power sharing. [2]
OR
State any two moral reasons for power sharing.
Q24. Why is cheap and affordable credit important for development? [2]
SECTION C – SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (15 Marks)
Q25. Explain three factors that contributed to the growth of nationalism in Europe. [3]
Q26. Explain any three technological improvements that have helped increase agricultural production in India. [3]
OR
Explain any three institutional measures adopted to improve agriculture in India.
Q27. Explain three major features of the Belgian model of power sharing. [3]
Q28. Distinguish between the organised and unorganised sectors on any three bases. [3]
Q29. Explain three ways in which consumers in India have benefited from globalisation. [3]
SECTION D – LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (20 Marks)
Q30. Describe the contribution of cultural processes to the development of nationalism in India. [5]
OR
Explain the circumstances that led to the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Q31. Explain the importance of different types of soil found in India and suggest measures for soil conservation. [5]
OR
Explain the major problems faced by Indian agriculture and suggest suitable measures to overcome them.
Q32. Explain how democracy accommodates social diversity. [5]
OR
Explain the major functions performed by political parties in a democracy.
Q33. Explain the role of globalisation in changing the production process of Indian companies. [5]
OR
Explain the different ways in which consumers are exploited in the marketplace and discuss the importance of consumer awareness.
SECTION E – CASE-BASED INTEGRATED UNITS (12 Marks)
Q34. Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow: [4]

In the nineteenth century, nationalism in Europe developed through a combination of political and cultural processes. Romantic artists and poets promoted a sense of shared heritage and common history. Folk songs, folk poetry and folk traditions were collected and popularised to create a common national identity. Language also became an important symbol of national unity. In many regions, nationalist movements sought to establish independent nation-states based on shared cultural and historical identities.

(a) What was the role of Romanticism in nationalism? [1]

(b) Name one cultural element used to promote national identity. [1]

(c) Explain two ways in which culture contributed to the growth of nationalism in Europe. [2]
OR
Explain the importance of language in creating a national identity. [2]
Q35. Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow: [4]

Minerals are indispensable for industrial development. Iron ore is the basic mineral for the iron and steel industry, while bauxite is used to produce aluminium. Minerals occur in different types of geological formations and are unevenly distributed across regions. Since mineral resources are finite and non-renewable, their conservation is essential. Recycling metals, using substitutes where possible and adopting efficient technologies can reduce pressure on mineral resources.

(a) Why are minerals important for industrial development? [1]

(b) Name the mineral used for producing aluminium. [1]

(c) Explain two measures for conserving mineral resources. [2]
OR
Why is mineral distribution uneven in India? Give two reasons. [2]
Q36. Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow: [4]

Consumers often face situations in which sellers provide incomplete information about products or services. They may be charged excessive prices, sold defective goods or denied proper after-sales service. Consumer awareness helps people make informed choices. The Consumer Protection Act provides mechanisms for addressing consumer grievances. Quality marks such as ISI, Agmark and Hallmark help consumers identify products meeting specified standards.

(a) Why is consumer awareness important? [1]

(b) What does the ISI mark indicate? [1]

(c) Explain two ways in which consumers may be exploited in the marketplace. [2]
OR
Explain two rights available to consumers. [2]
SECTION F – MAP SKILL-BASED QUESTION (5 Marks)
Q37.(a) History Map Item – 2 Marks

Identify the following places on the outline political map of India:

A. The place associated with the movement of plantation workers led by Gandhi in 1917.
B. The place where Gandhi organised the Satyagraha related to indigo cultivation. [2]

(b) Geography Map Item – 3 Marks

Locate and label ANY THREE of the following:
(i) Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant – Maharashtra
(ii) Rourkela Iron and Steel Plant – Odisha
(iii) Mumbai Major Sea Port – Maharashtra
(iv) Visakhapatnam Major Sea Port – Andhra Pradesh [3]
CBSE CLASS X SOCIAL SCIENCE (087) – SOLUTIONS & MARKING SCHEME – SET 5
SECTION A – ANSWERS
Q1. (b) Treaty of Constantinople [1]
Q2. (b) Political prisoners not convicted of violence were released [1]
Q3. (a) Tea [1]
Q4. (a) Federal system [1]
Q5. (c) Coal [1]
Q6. (c) Bank loan [1]
Q7. (b) Johann Gutenberg [1]
Q8. (a) Mica [1]
Q9. (c) Constitutional division of powers exists between different levels [1]
Q10. (b) Agriculture [1]
Q11. (b) The government failed to meet nationalist demands and repression increased [1]
Q12. (a) Laterite soil [1]
Q13. (b) They contest elections and put forward policies [1]
Q14. (c) It may involve very high interest rates [1]
Q15. (b) Removing or reducing restrictions on foreign trade and investment [1]
Q16. (b) They seek to influence government policies without directly seeking political power [1]
Q17. (b) Lahore Congress Session [1]
The Lahore Congress Session was held in 1929, before the Poona Pact (1932) and Quit India Movement (1942).
Q18. (a) Iron and steel industry [1]
Q19. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. [1]
Q20. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. [1]
SECTION B – ANSWERS
Q21.
  • The Balkan region consisted of many ethnic and religious groups with competing nationalist aspirations.
  • The disintegration of the Ottoman Empire and rivalry among European powers intensified nationalist conflicts in the region.
[2]
Q22. Resource planning is the identification, assessment and systematic management of available resources. It is necessary because resources are unevenly distributed and need to be used carefully for sustainable development. [2]
Q23.
  • Power sharing reduces the possibility of conflict between different social groups.
  • It ensures political stability by preventing the concentration of power in one group.
OR
  • People have a right to be consulted in decisions that affect them.
  • Power sharing is the true spirit of democracy because citizens and social groups should have a voice in governance.
[2]
Q24. Affordable credit enables people to invest in agriculture, businesses and other productive activities. It reduces dependence on costly informal lenders and can increase income and employment. [2]
SECTION C – ANSWERS
Q25.
  • The French Revolution spread ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity.
  • The rise of liberalism encouraged demands for constitutional government and individual rights.
  • Common language, culture and historical traditions helped people develop a shared national identity.
[3]
Q26.
  • Use of high-yielding variety seeds has increased agricultural productivity.
  • Modern irrigation methods have reduced dependence on rainfall.
  • Mechanisation through tractors, harvesters and other equipment has improved efficiency.
OR
  • Land reform measures were introduced to improve the conditions of cultivators.
  • Crop insurance protects farmers against certain production risks.
  • Institutional credit provides farmers access to loans at regulated rates.
[3]
Q27.
  • Belgium has a central government in which Dutch- and French-speaking ministers have equal representation.
  • Many powers have been given to regional governments, which are not subordinate to the central government.
  • Brussels has a separate government with equal representation of both major linguistic communities.
[3]
Q28.
  • Employment: Organised sector workers generally have greater job security, while unorganised workers often lack secure employment.
  • Rules: Organised sector establishments follow government regulations; unorganised sector activities often have limited regulation.
  • Benefits: Organised workers may receive paid leave, provident fund and other benefits, whereas unorganised workers often lack such protections.
[3]
Q29.
  • Consumers have access to a wider variety of goods from different countries.
  • Increased competition has encouraged improvements in quality and product choice.
  • Consumers can benefit from new technologies, improved products and competitive prices.
[3]
SECTION D – ANSWERS
Q30. Cultural Processes and Nationalism in India:
  • The image of Bharat Mata helped personify the nation as a mother figure.
  • Folk songs and folk tales were collected and popularised to create a sense of shared heritage.
  • Nationalists revived and celebrated Indian folklore and traditions.
  • Symbols such as the tricolour flag became expressions of national unity.
  • History and reinterpretation of India’s past helped develop pride in the nation’s cultural heritage.
OR Withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement:
  • The movement encouraged the boycott of government institutions and foreign goods.
  • It spread to different social groups, but participation often took different forms.
  • At Chauri Chaura in February 1922, a violent incident occurred in which a police station was attacked and policemen were killed.
  • Gandhi believed that the movement had become violent and that people were not yet prepared for disciplined non-violent struggle.
  • He therefore withdrew the movement in February 1922.
[5]
Q31. Soils and Soil Conservation:
  • Alluvial soil is widespread in the northern plains and is suitable for many crops.
  • Black soil is particularly suitable for cotton cultivation and retains moisture.
  • Laterite soil develops under high rainfall and temperature conditions.
  • Soil erosion can be reduced through contour ploughing and terrace farming.
  • Afforestation, strip cropping and shelter belts also help conserve soil.
OR Problems of Indian Agriculture:
  • Small and fragmented landholdings reduce economies of scale.
  • Many farmers remain dependent on uncertain monsoon rainfall.
  • Inadequate storage and transport can lead to post-harvest losses.
  • Farmers may face difficulties in obtaining affordable institutional credit.
  • Better irrigation, technology, storage, crop diversification and institutional credit can improve agricultural conditions.
[5]
Q32. Democracy and Social Diversity:
  • Democracy provides representation to different social and cultural groups.
  • Power sharing prevents domination by any single social group.
  • Constitutional rights protect minorities and disadvantaged communities.
  • Political competition allows different groups to express their interests.
  • Democratic negotiation and accommodation help manage social differences peacefully.
OR Functions of Political Parties:
  • Political parties contest elections.
  • They put forward policies and programmes for voters.
  • The winning party or coalition forms the government.
  • Parties that do not form the government act as opposition.
  • They shape public opinion and connect citizens with government.
[5]
Q33. Globalisation and Production:
  • MNCs establish production units or collaborate with companies in different countries.
  • Indian companies have entered into joint ventures and adopted advanced technologies.
  • Outsourcing has connected Indian producers with international markets.
  • Competition from global producers has encouraged companies to improve quality and efficiency.
  • Indian producers increasingly participate in international production networks.
OR Consumer Exploitation and Awareness:
  • Sellers may charge prices higher than the prescribed or appropriate price.
  • Consumers may be sold defective or adulterated goods.
  • Manufacturers may provide incomplete or misleading information.
  • Consumer awareness helps buyers check quality, price, expiry dates and standard marks.
  • Consumer organisations and legal mechanisms provide avenues for seeking redressal.
[5]
SECTION E – ANSWERS
Q34.
  • (a) Romanticism promoted emotions, cultural heritage and a shared historical identity, strengthening nationalist feelings. [1]
  • (b) Folk songs / folk tales / language / poetry / traditions. [1]
  • (c) Folk traditions created a sense of common heritage, while shared language and cultural symbols helped unite people around a common identity. [2]
OR: Language helped people recognise a common cultural identity and became an important means of resisting cultural domination. [2]
Q35.
  • (a) Minerals provide essential raw materials and energy resources required by industries. [1]
  • (b) Bauxite. [1]
  • (c) Recycling metals reduces the need for fresh extraction, while efficient technology and substitutes can reduce mineral consumption. [2]
OR: Mineral deposits depend on geological structures and processes, and different rock formations contain different minerals in varying quantities. [2]
Q36.
  • (a) It enables consumers to make informed choices and protect themselves against exploitation. [1]
  • (b) The ISI mark indicates that an industrial product conforms to specified standards. [1]
  • (c) Consumers may be sold defective or adulterated goods, or may be charged excessive prices. Misleading information can also result in exploitation. [2]
OR: Consumers have the right to information and the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices. [2]
SECTION F – MAP WORK SOLUTIONS
Q37(a).
  • A – Ahmedabad, Gujarat
  • B – Champaran, Bihar
[2]
Q37(b).
  • Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant – Maharashtra
  • Rourkela Iron and Steel Plant – Odisha
  • Mumbai Major Sea Port – Maharashtra
  • Visakhapatnam Major Sea Port – Andhra Pradesh
Any three. [3]

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