ADEPT YOURSELF
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CBSE CLASS X – SOCIAL SCIENCE (CODE NO. 087)
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER – SET 6 | ACADEMIC SESSION 2026–2027
General Instructions:
- The question paper comprises Six Sections: A, B, C, D, E and F.
- There are 37 questions in total.
- All questions are compulsory.
- Section A contains Questions 1–20. Each question carries 1 mark.
- Section B contains Questions 21–24. Each question carries 2 marks.
- Section C contains Questions 25–29. Each question carries 3 marks.
- Section D contains Questions 30–33. Each question carries 5 marks.
- Section E contains Questions 34–36. Each case-based question carries 4 marks.
- Section F contains Question 37, carrying 5 marks, based on map skills.
- Internal choices are provided in selected questions.
SECTION A – MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (20 Marks)
Q1.
Which treaty recognised Greece as an independent nation in the nineteenth century?
[1]
Q2.
Who designed the Swaraj flag during the period of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
[1]
Q3.
Which of the following is mainly a kharif crop?
[1]
Q4.
Which of the following subjects belongs to the Union List?
[1]
Q5.
Which one of the following is a conventional source of energy?
[1]
Q6.
Which of the following is an example of a formal source of credit?
[1]
Q7.
Who developed the first printing press in Europe?
[1]
Q8.
Which mineral is indispensable for electrical and electronic industries because of its excellent insulating properties?
[1]
Q9.
Which of the following is a key feature of Indian federalism?
[1]
Q10.
Which sector includes activities such as fishing, forestry and mining?
[1]
Q11.
Why did Gandhiji launch the Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act?
[1]
Q12.
Which soil develops in areas of high temperature and heavy rainfall?
[1]
Q13.
Which of the following is an important function of political parties?
[1]
Q14.
What is meant by the term ‘credit’?
[1]
Q15.
What does liberalisation of foreign trade mean?
[1]
Q16.
Which of the following is an outcome of democracy?
[1]
Q17.
Arrange the following events in chronological order:
I. Simon Commission arrives in India
II. Champaran Satyagraha
III. Non-Cooperation Movement begins
IV. Salt March [1]
I. Simon Commission arrives in India
II. Champaran Satyagraha
III. Non-Cooperation Movement begins
IV. Salt March [1]
Q18.
Which industry is known as a basic industry because it supplies raw material to many other industries?
[1]
Q19.
Assertion (A): Power sharing is desirable in a democracy.
Reason (R): It reduces the possibility of conflict between different 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.
Reason (R): It reduces the possibility of conflict between different 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 formal credit system.
Reason (R): Banks accept deposits and provide loans at regulated rates of interest. [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.
Reason (R): Banks accept deposits and provide loans at regulated rates of interest. [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 British government impose restrictions on Indian newspapers during the nineteenth century?
[2]
Q22.
Differentiate between intensive subsistence farming and commercial farming.
[2]
Q23.
Why is power sharing among different social groups considered desirable?
[2]
OR
Why was the linguistic reorganisation of states considered a positive step for Indian federalism?
Q24.
Why do borrowers from informal sources of credit often face unfavourable conditions?
[2]
SECTION C – SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (15 Marks)
Q25.
Explain three effects of the First World War on the Indian economy and society.
[3]
Q26.
Explain any three technological improvements that helped increase agricultural production in India.
[3]
OR
Explain any three characteristics of plantation agriculture.
Q27.
Explain any three advantages of decentralisation in India.
[3]
Q28.
Explain three differences between organised and unorganised sectors.
[3]
Q29.
Explain any three ways in which globalisation has benefited consumers in India.
[3]
SECTION D – LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (20 Marks)
Q30.
Explain how the idea of nationalism developed in Europe after 1830. Discuss the role of culture, language and symbols.
[5]
OR
Explain the impact of print culture on religious debates and social reforms in India.
Q31.
Explain the different methods of soil conservation used in India. Discuss any five measures.
[5]
OR
Explain the importance of multipurpose river valley projects. Also discuss any two criticisms associated with them.
Q32.
Explain the major features of the Indian party system.
[5]
OR
Explain how democracy accommodates social diversity.
Q33.
Explain how self-help groups help poor households, particularly women, obtain credit and improve their economic condition.
[5]
OR
Explain the role of multinational corporations in the process of globalisation.
SECTION E – CASE-BASED INTEGRATED UNITS (12 Marks)
Q34. Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
[4](a) How did print help in spreading ideas? [1]
(b) Name one form of printed material used to circulate political ideas. [1]
(c) Explain two ways in which print supported social and religious reform. [2]
Print created new possibilities for the circulation of ideas. Books, newspapers, journals and pamphlets reached an expanding reading public. Reformers used print to discuss social practices and religious ideas, while political groups used newspapers to spread their views. At the same time, colonial authorities feared that printed material could encourage criticism of government policies. As a result, newspapers and publishers sometimes faced restrictions and censorship.
(b) Name one form of printed material used to circulate political ideas. [1]
(c) Explain two ways in which print supported social and religious reform. [2]
OR
Why did colonial authorities impose restrictions on newspapers? [2]
Q35. Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
[4](a) Why do different crops require different climatic conditions? [1]
(b) Name one major commercial crop mentioned in the source. [1]
(c) Explain two environmental problems associated with modern farming methods. [2]
Agriculture remains an important economic activity in India and provides livelihood to a large section of the population. Different crops require different climatic conditions and soil types. Rice requires high temperature and high rainfall, while wheat grows well in cooler conditions with moderate rainfall. Commercial crops such as cotton, jute, sugarcane and tea are also important. Modern farming methods have increased productivity in many regions, but they have also created concerns about soil degradation, groundwater depletion and excessive use of chemical inputs.
(b) Name one major commercial crop mentioned in the source. [1]
(c) Explain two environmental problems associated with modern farming methods. [2]
OR
Explain two factors that influence the cultivation of a crop. [2]
Q36. Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
[4](a) How do elections make a government accountable? [1]
(b) What is meant by an accountable government? [1]
(c) Explain two ways in which democracy accommodates social differences. [2]
Democracy is expected to produce a government that is accountable to citizens. Regular elections enable people to choose representatives and remove governments that fail to perform satisfactorily. Democratic governments are also expected to respond to public demands and follow procedures that allow citizens to participate. However, democracy does not automatically guarantee economic equality. Social and economic inequalities may continue, and disadvantaged groups may require special measures to ensure equal opportunities.
(b) What is meant by an accountable government? [1]
(c) Explain two ways in which democracy accommodates social differences. [2]
OR
Why does democracy not automatically guarantee economic equality? [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 Peasant Satyagraha of 1918 led by Mahatma Gandhi.
B. The place where the Congress Session of December 1929 was held. [2]
(b) Geography Map Item – 3 Marks
Locate and label ANY THREE of the following:
(i) Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant – Maharashtra
(ii) Narora Nuclear Power Plant – Uttar Pradesh
(iii) Visakhapatnam Major Sea Port – Andhra Pradesh
(iv) Paradip Major Sea Port – Odisha [3]
Note: For visually impaired candidates, identification of the above locations may be attempted through an alternative map-related question.
Identify the following places on the outline political map of India:
A. The place associated with the Peasant Satyagraha of 1918 led by Mahatma Gandhi.
B. The place where the Congress Session of December 1929 was held. [2]
(b) Geography Map Item – 3 Marks
Locate and label ANY THREE of the following:
(i) Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant – Maharashtra
(ii) Narora Nuclear Power Plant – Uttar Pradesh
(iii) Visakhapatnam Major Sea Port – Andhra Pradesh
(iv) Paradip Major Sea Port – Odisha [3]
Note: For visually impaired candidates, identification of the above locations may be attempted through an alternative map-related question.
CBSE CLASS X SOCIAL SCIENCE (087) – SOLUTIONS & MARKING SCHEME – SET 6
SECTION A – ANSWERS
Q1.
(b) Treaty of Constantinople [1]
Q2.
(c) Mahatma Gandhi [1]
Q3.
(c) Rice [1]
Q4.
(c) Defence [1]
Q5.
(c) Firewood [1]
Q6.
(c) Commercial bank [1]
Q7.
(b) Johannes Gutenberg [1]
Q8.
(a) Mica [1]
Q9.
(b) Constitutional division of powers [1]
Q10.
(a) Primary sector [1]
Q11.
(c) It allowed detention without trial [1]
Q12.
(b) Laterite soil [1]
Q13.
(b) They nominate candidates for elections [1]
Q14.
(b) An agreement in which money is borrowed with a promise to repay [1]
Q15.
(b) Removing or reducing restrictions on foreign trade [1]
Q16.
(b) Accountable and responsive government [1]
Q17.
(a) II → III → I → IV [1]
Champaran Satyagraha – 1917; Non-Cooperation Movement – 1920; Simon Commission – 1928; Salt March – 1930.
Champaran Satyagraha – 1917; Non-Cooperation Movement – 1920; Simon Commission – 1928; Salt March – 1930.
Q18.
(a) Iron and steel [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.
- Newspapers increasingly criticised colonial policies and created public awareness.
- The British government feared that such criticism could encourage political opposition and nationalist activity.
Q22.
- Intensive subsistence farming: Practised on small plots using intensive labour and high inputs, mainly to meet the needs of the farmer’s family.
- Commercial farming: Crops are grown mainly for sale in the market, often using modern inputs and larger-scale production.
Q23.Power sharing among social groups reduces the possibility of conflict and provides representation to different communities. It also strengthens political stability and democratic participation.
OR
Linguistic reorganisation recognised the diversity of languages and allowed people speaking the same language to administer their own states. It strengthened national unity by accommodating regional identities. [2]
OR
Linguistic reorganisation recognised the diversity of languages and allowed people speaking the same language to administer their own states. It strengthened national unity by accommodating regional identities. [2]
Q24.Informal lenders often charge high interest rates and may impose strict or exploitative conditions. Borrowers usually have little legal protection and may become trapped in a cycle of debt.
[2]
SECTION C – ANSWERS
Q25.
- The war created enormous expenditure for the British government, which increased taxes and prices.
- Prices of essential goods increased sharply, causing hardship for ordinary people.
- Forced recruitment and economic difficulties created resentment among rural communities.
Q26.
- Use of HYV seeds increased crop productivity in suitable regions.
- Irrigation facilities reduced dependence on rainfall.
- Use of fertilisers, pesticides and modern agricultural machinery increased production.
- Plantation agriculture is generally practised on large estates.
- A single crop is usually cultivated on a large scale.
- It requires significant capital, labour and modern processing facilities, with production generally aimed at the market.
Q27.
- Local governments can make decisions about local needs.
- It increases people’s participation in democratic decision-making.
- Local problems can be identified and addressed more efficiently.
Q28.
- Organised sector: Follows government rules; unorganised sector often operates outside many formal regulations.
- Organised sector: Workers generally receive job security and benefits; unorganised workers often lack such protection.
- Organised sector: Working hours and conditions are more regulated; unorganised workers may face irregular employment and uncertain conditions.
Q29.
- Consumers have access to a wider variety of goods and services.
- Increased competition can improve quality and encourage competitive pricing.
- Consumers can access new technologies and products introduced by global companies.
SECTION D – ANSWERS
Q30.Development of Nationalism in Europe:
- The rise of nationalism was linked with the spread of liberal ideas and the demand for national self-determination.
- Romantic artists and writers promoted a common cultural identity through songs, poetry and folklore.
- Language became an important tool for creating a sense of shared national identity.
- National symbols, flags and allegories represented the nation as a unified community.
- Popular uprisings and political movements increasingly demanded independent nation-states.
- Printed texts made religious ideas available to a much larger reading public.
- Reformers used newspapers and pamphlets to criticise social practices.
- Different religious groups debated their beliefs through printed material.
- Women and reform-minded readers gained access to new ideas and discussions.
- Print encouraged public debate on issues such as caste, education and social customs.
Q31.Methods of Soil Conservation:
- Contour ploughing: Ploughing parallel to the contours reduces the speed of water flow.
- Terrace farming: Steps on slopes reduce soil erosion and conserve water.
- Strip cropping: Strips of crops are planted to interrupt the flow of wind and water.
- Shelter belts: Rows of trees reduce wind erosion in dry regions.
- Afforestation: Planting trees protects soil and improves its fertility.
- They provide irrigation facilities to agricultural areas.
- They generate hydroelectricity.
- They help control floods and supply water to towns and industries.
- Large projects may displace people from their homes and livelihoods.
- They may disturb river ecosystems and cause ecological changes.
Q32.Major Features of the Indian Party System:
- India has a multi-party system because of its social and regional diversity.
- Both national and regional parties participate in elections.
- Coalition governments may be formed when no single party obtains a majority.
- Political parties compete in elections and offer different policies and programmes.
- Opposition parties play an important role in questioning and scrutinising the government.
- Democracy provides equal political rights to citizens.
- Different social groups can organise themselves and express their demands.
- Power-sharing arrangements provide representation to diverse communities.
- Constitutional rights protect minority interests.
- Democratic negotiation allows differences to be resolved peacefully.
Q33.Role of Self-Help Groups:
- Members pool their savings regularly and create a common fund.
- Members can obtain small loans from the group without depending entirely on moneylenders.
- Groups often provide loans at reasonable rates of interest.
- Women gain greater financial independence and participate in economic decisions.
- Self-help groups can support small businesses and income-generating activities.
- MNCs establish production units or offices in different countries.
- They bring capital, technology and management practices to host countries.
- They collaborate with local producers and suppliers.
- They organise production through international networks.
- They connect local producers and markets with the global economy.
SECTION E – ANSWERS
Q34.
- (a) Print allowed ideas, opinions and information to reach a large number of readers. [1]
- (b) Newspapers / journals / pamphlets / books. [1]
- (c) Print enabled reformers to criticise harmful social practices and spread new religious and social ideas. It also encouraged public debate and discussion. [2]
Q35.
- (a) Crops have different temperature, rainfall, soil and growing-season requirements. [1]
- (b) Cotton / jute / sugarcane / tea. [1]
- (c) Excessive irrigation may cause groundwater depletion, while excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides can degrade soil and pollute water. [2]
Q36.
- (a) Citizens can vote governments out of power if they are dissatisfied with their performance. [1]
- (b) An accountable government is one that is answerable to citizens for its decisions and actions. [1]
- (c) Democracy gives different groups political representation and provides constitutional rights. It also allows groups to express demands and negotiate peacefully. [2]
SECTION F – MAP WORK SOLUTIONS
Q37(a).
- A – Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- B – Lahore, Punjab (now in Pakistan)
Q37(b).
- Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant – Maharashtra
- Narora Nuclear Power Plant – Uttar Pradesh
- Visakhapatnam Major Sea Port – Andhra Pradesh
- Paradip Major Sea Port – Odisha