CBSE Syllabus for Class 10 Social Science
Social Science is a major subject in Class 10 that forms the foundation of your perception about society, politics, geography, and economics. Doing well in this subject not only enhances your overall percentage but also sets the base for higher-level and advanced studies in the humanities. If you're a Class X student keen on acing the board exams, the first thing you need is the CBSE Class 10 Social Science syllabus. This is why we bring you the complete syllabus for social science to help you get your best score in the finals.
1.0Overview of Class X Social Science Syllabus
The CBSE class 10th social science syllabus is categorised into four major branches namely:
- History (India and the Contemporary World – II)
- Geography (Contemporary India – II)
- Political Science (Democratic Politics – II)
- Economics (Understanding Economic Development)
Each of these branches is tested through a theory-based final examination, along with the map and project work. The social studies CBSE Class 10 Syllabus is designed to impart critical thinking, analytical reasoning, socio-economic awareness, and understanding of the political landscape in India to students.
2.0Breakdown of CBSE Syllabus for Class 10 Social Science
3.0Detailed CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus 2025-26
HISTORY: India and the Contemporary World - II
Chapter I -The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
Learning outcome- The students will be able to
- Infer how French Revolution had an impact on the European countries in the making of abnation state.
- Comprehend the nature of the diverse social movements of the time.
- Analyse and infer the evolution of the idea of nationalism which led to the formation of nation states in Europe and elsewhere.
- Evaluate the reasons which led to the First World War.
Chapter 2 Nationalism in India
Learning outcome- The students will be able to
- Illustrate various facets of Nationalistic movements that ushered in the sense of Collective Belonging.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies applied by Gandhiji and other leaders in the movements organised by him.
- Summarise the effects of the First World War that triggered the two defining movements
(Khilafat &Non- Cooperation Movement) in India
Chapter 3-. The Making of a Global World
Subtopic 1. The pre-modern world
Subtopic 2. 19th century 1815 -1914
Subtopic 3. The inter- war economy
Subtopic 4. Rebuilding of the world economy: the post war era.
Inter disciplinary Project with chapter 7 of Geography: Lifelines of National Economy and
chapter 4 of Economics: Globalisation and the Indian Economy
Refer Annexure III B
Learning outcome- The students will be able to
- Summarise the changes that transformed the world in different areas.
- Depict the global interconnectedness from the Pre-modern to the present day.
- Enumerate the destructive impact of colonialism on the livelihoods of colonised people.
Chapter 4-The Age of Industrialisation
Learning outcome- The students will be able to
Enumerate economic, political, social features of Pre and Post Industrialization.
Analyse and infer how the industrialization impacted colonies with specific focus on India
Chapter 5. Print culture and the Modern World
Learning Outcome- The students will be able to
Enumerate the development of Print from its beginnings in East Asia to its expansion in Europe and India.
- Compare and contrast the old tradition of handwritten manuscripts versus print technology.
- Summarise the role of Print revolution and its impact
Geography: Contemporary India – II
Chapter 1- Resources and Development
Learning Outcome- The students will be able to
Enumerates how the resources are interdependent, justify how planning is essential in judicious utilisation of resources and the need to develop them in India.
- Infer the rationale for development of resources.
- Analyse and evaluate data and information related to non-optimal land, utilization in India
- Suggest remedial measures for optimal utilization of underutilized resources
Chapter 2- Forest and Wildlife Resources
Learning Outcome- The students will be able to
- Examine the importance of conserving forests and wildlife and their interdependency in
- maintaining the ecology for the sustainable development of India.
- Analyse the role of grazing and wood cutting in the development and degradation
- Summarise the reasons for conservation of biodiversity under sustainable development.
- Discuss how developmental works, grazing wood cutting have impacted the forests
- Use art integration to summarise and present the reasons for conservation of biodiversity in India under sustainable development.
Chapter 3-Water Resources
Learning Outcome- The students will be able to
- Examine the reasons for conservation of water resource in India.
- Analyse and infer how the multipurpose projects are supporting the requirement of water.
Chapter 4- Agriculture
Learning Outcome
- Examine the crucial role played by agriculture in our economy and society.
- Analyse the challenges faced by the farming community in India.
- Identifies various aspects of agriculture, including crop production, types of farming etc.
Chapter 5- Minerals and Energy Resources
Learning Outcome- The students will be able to
- Enumerate the impact of manufacturing industries on the environment and develop strategies
- for sustainable development of the manufacturing sector.
- Differentiate between various types of manufacturing industries based on their input materials,
- processes, and end products, and analyse their significance in the Indian economy.
- Analyse the relation between the availability of raw material and location of the industry
Chapter 7- Life Lines of National Economy
Interdisciplinary project with chapter 3 of History: The making of a Global world and chapter 4 of
Economics: Globalisation and the Indian Economy
Learning Outcome- Refer Annexure III-B
Political Science: Democratic Politics - II
Chapter 1- Power – sharing
Learning Outcome- The students will be able to
- Enumerate the need for power sharing in democracy.
- Analyse the challenges faced by countries like Belgium and Sri Lanka ensuring effective
- power sharing.
- Compare and contrast the power sharing of India with Sri Lanka and Belgium.
- Summarise the purpose of power sharing in preserving the unity and stability of a country
Chapter 2-Federalism
Learning Outcome- The students will be able to
- Infer how federalism is being practised in India.
- Analyse the policies and politics that has strengthened federalism in practice.
Chapter 3- Gender, Religion and Caste
Learning Outcome- The students will be able to
- Examine the role and differences of Gender, religion and Caste in practicing Democracy.
- Analyse that different expressions based on the differences, are healthy or otherwise in a Democracy
Chapter 4- Political Parties
Learning Outcome- The students will be able to
- Understand the process of parties getting elected.
- Know the significance of the right to vote and exercise the duties as citizens of a nation.
- Examine the role, purpose and no. of Political Parties in Democracy.
Chapter 5- Outcomes of Democracy
Learning Outcome- The students will be able to
- Enumerates how the success of democracy depends on quality of government, economic
- well- being, inequality, social differences, conflict, freedom and dignity.
Economics: Understanding Economic Development
Chapter- 1. Development
Learning Outcome- The students will be able to
- Enumerate and examine the different processes involved in setting developmental Goals.
- Analyse and infer how the per capita income depicts the economic condition of the nation.
- Evaluate the development goals with reference to their efficacy, implemental strategies,
- relevance to current requirements of the nation.
- Compare the per capita income of some countries and infer reasons for the variance.
- Analyse the multiple perspectives on the need of development.
Chapter 2- Sectors of the Indian Economy
Learning Outcome- The students will be able to
- Analyse and infer how the economic activities in different sectors contribute to the overall
- growth and development of the Indian economy.
- Propose solutions to identified problems in different sectors based on their understanding.
- Summarise how the organised and unorganised sectors are providing employment
- Enumerate the role of the unorganised sector in impacting Per Capita Income currently and
- propose suggestive steps to reduce the unorganised sector for more productive
- contributions to GDP.
- Enumerate and infer the essential role of the Public and Private sectors
Chapter 3- Money and Credit
Learning Outcome- The students will be able to
- Enumerate how money plays as a medium exchange in all transactions of goods and
- services from ancient times to the present times.
- Analyse and infer various sources of Credit.
- Summarise the significance and role of self-help groups in the betterment of the economic
- condition of rural people/ women.
Chapter- 4. Globalisation and the Indian Economy
Subtopics: What is Globalisation?
Factors that have enabled Globalisation.
Interdisciplinary Project with chapter 3 of History: “The making of a Global World”
. And chapter
7 of Geography: “Lifelines of National Economy”
Subtopics:
i. Production across the countries
ii. World Trade Organisation
iii. The Struggle for a Fair Globalisation
Refer Annexure III-B
Learning Outcome- The students will be able to
Enumerate the concept of globalisation and its definition, evolution, and impact on the global
economy.
Evaluate the key role of the key major drivers of globalisation and their role in shaping the
global economic landscape in various countries.
Comprehend the significance of role of G20 and its significance in the light of India's role.
5. Project work - Consumer Rights OR Social Issues OR Sustainable Development
Learning Outcome- Refer Annexure III
Map Work
The CBSE final exam for social sciences includes map-related questions from geography and history, as well. Students need to locate and label the major places of industrial and historical importance. The syllabus for the map work is:
4.0Internal Assessment
The internal assessment in social science is divided into four different types, each designed to test different skills of students and carry 5 marks each, meaning the internal assessment carries a total of 20 marks.
5.0Beyond Textbooks: Study Aids for a Steady Prep
While the Social Science course sticks mostly to NCERT textbooks, combining extra resources can significantly reinforce your preparation for exams. Here is a list of study aids that can help you ace your final social science board exam.
- NCERT Solutions: Before delving into any extra books, first solve and understand every question in the NCERT book itself. A major portion of the exam comes from these books. The NCERT solutions can be found on various digital platforms as well as study guides available in the market.
- CBSE Support Material: The book contains chapter-wise summaries, key definitions, previous year papers, and a number of solved and unsolved sample papers.
- Sample Papers & PYQs: Practice official CBSE sample papers and past year question papers to get an idea of paper structures and key topics. Note that the CBSE releases a number of sample papers every year to give students a basic idea of the final exam.
- Revision Notes & Flashcards: Take bullet-type notes for chapters such as 'Outcomes of Democracy' or 'Minerals & Energy' to revise quickly just before the exam.
- Reference Books: There are a number of reference books available in the market as well as online, which can give extra practice for the final exam with MCQs, short answers, and HOTS questions. Some of these are:
a. All-in-One Social Science Class 10 CBSE by Arihant.
b. Oswaal Books
c. S Chand for Social Science by N.K. Chowdhry.
d. Xam Idea by VK Global
6.0Quick Tips to Ace the Social Science Exams
- Take help from other study aids, but stick to the NCERT books as your foundation.
- Prepare chapter-wise summary notes to facilitate revision.
- Utilise flowcharts and diagrams for subjects such as sectors of the economy or outcomes of democracy.
- Practice the map work regularly with last year's and sample question papers.
- Practice writing for structured answers, particularly for long questions, and get them checked with your teacher to review any mistakes.
- And lastly, keep yourself updated with official CBSE notifications to monitor changes in exam patterns or syllabus.
To score above par, make your preparation smarter, not harder, starting from understanding the CBSE class 10th social science syllabus.