The CBSE Syllabus for Class 9 Social Science is designed to make students understand the roots of society, politics, economics, and geography. This article provides a comprehensive look at the social science class 9 syllabus, with chapter-wise details, internal assessment criteria, term-wise structure, and a free PDF download link. It is ideal for students looking to master their academic preparation for both Term 1 and Term 2.
In class 9, the CBSE syllabus diverges into four main units of humanities, each exploring different areas of Social studies. These include:
Each of these units explores different areas of social studies, from events of historical importance in the world to important geographical features of India. The students are evaluated via a series of theory exams and internal assessments with a maximum of 80 and 20 marks, respectively.
History-India and the Contemporary World - I
Section I: Events and Processes
Chapter-1 The French Revolution
Learning Outcomes-The students will be able to
Infer how the French Revolution had an impact on the European countries in the making
of nation states in Europe and elsewhere.
Illustrating that, the quest for imperialism triggered the First World War.
Examine various sources to address imbalances that may lead to revolutions
Chapter 2- Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Compare the situations that led to the rise of Russian and French Revolutions.
Examine the situations that led to the establishment of Lenin’s communism and Stalin’s
collectivization.
Analyse the role played by the varied philosophers and leaders that shaped the revolution.
Chapter 3-Nazism and the Rise of Hitler.
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Analyse the role of “Treaty of Versailles” in the rise of Hitler to power.
Analyse the genocidal war waged against the “undesirables” by Hitler.
Compare and contrast the characteristics of Hitler and Gandhi
Section II: Livelihoods, Economies and Societies
Chapter 4- Forest Society and Colonialism
Interdisciplinary Project with Chapter 5 of Geography “Natural Vegetation and Wildlife”
Learning Outcomes- Refer Annexure II
Chapter 5- Pastoralists in the Modern World
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Examine the situations that have created nomadic societies highlighting the key factors
played by the climatic conditions and topography.
Analyse varying patterns of developments within pastoral societies in different places in
India.
Comprehend the impact of colonialism on Pastoralists in India and Africa.
Geography- Contemporary India - I
Chapter 1- India – Size and Location
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Examine how the location of an area impacts its climate and time with reference to longitude
and latitude.
Explore and analyses the trading and cultural relationships of India with its neighbouring
countries.
Evaluate the situation & reasons that made 82.5E* longitude as Time meridian of India.
Examine how location of India enables its position as a strategic partner in the subcontinent.
Justify the reasons for the differences in climatic conditions, local and standard time.
Chapter 2- Physical Features of India
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Justify how the Physical Features of India influences the livelihoods, culture, and the
biodiversity of the region.
Examine the geological process that played a crucial role in the formation of diverse
physical features in India.
Analyse the conditions and relationships of the people living in different physiographic
areas.
Chapter 3- Drainage
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Examine the information about different lakes and infer on their contribution to Indian
ecology.
Present creative solutions to overcome the water pollution and also to increase the
contribution of water bodies to the Indian economy.
Identify the river systems of the country and explain the role of rivers in human society
Chapter 4- Climate
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Analyse and infer the effect of monsoon winds on rainfall of the Indian subcontinent.
Analyse the temperatures between plateau region, Himalayan region, desert region and
coastal region.
Enumerate and summarise the reasons for the wide difference between temperatures at
different geographical locations of India
Chapter 5- Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
Interdisciplinary project with chapter no IV of History “Forest, Society and Colonialism
Learning Outcomes- -Refer annexure II
Chapter-6. Population
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Analyse and infer the reasons behind the uneven distribution of population in India with
specific reference to UP & Rajasthan and Mizoram and Karnataka
Enlist the factors that affect the population density
Political Science-Democratic Politics - I
Chapter 1- What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Examine the concept of structural components of Democracy and its forms/ features.
Compare and Contrast working of democracies of India and some other countries and
discuss differences and similarities in each country.
Analyse and infer on the different historical processes and forces that have contributed for
the promotion of democracy
Chapter 2- Constitutional Design
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Discuss and describe the situation that led to creation of Indian Constitution
Enumerate the essential features that need to be kept in mind while drafting a constitution.
Examine the guiding values that created the Indian constitution
Comprehend the roles and responsibilities as citizens of India.
Chapter 3- Electoral Politics
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Analyse the implications of power of vote and power of recall.
Summarise the essential features of the Indian Electoral system.
Examine the rationale for adopting the present Indian Electoral System.
Chapter 4- Working of Institutions
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Examine the roles, responsibilities, and interdependency of all the 3 organs of the Government.
Appreciate the parliamentary system of executive’s accountability to the legislature.
Summarise and evaluate the rule of law in India.
Chapter 5- Democratic Rights
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Summarise the importance of fundamental rights and duties in the light of the nation’s glory.
Analyse and recognise the role of a responsible citizen while performing their prescribed
duties versus claiming rights.
ECONOMICS
Chapter 1- The Story of Village Palampur
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Enlist the requirements of production and comprehend the interdependence of these requirements.
Correlate farming and non-farming activities to economic growth.
Comprehend how the significance of conditions of farming and the factors of production impact economic development.
Find solutions to foster an equitable society.
Chapter 2- People as Resource
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Evaluate the reasons that contribute to the quality of population.
Observe different government schemes and see their effect on the people there.
Chapter 3- Poverty as a Challenge
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Comprehend the reasons for poverty in the rural and urban areas.
Evaluate the efficacy of the government to eradicate poverty.
Correlate the link between education and poverty.
Chapter 4- Food Security in India
Learning Outcomes- The students will be able to
Comprehend various aspects of food security that will ensure continuity of supply
Enumerate the different features of PDS that directly address FSI.
Analyse and infer the impact of the Green Revolution.
Analyse causes and effect of famines in food security during pre and post independent India.
Map work is a crucial part of the CBSE Syllabus for Class 9 Social Science, which includes locating and identifying major locations of historical and geographical importance across India and the world, including:
Internal assessments are crucial for evaluating the diverse skills of students throughout the academic year. This includes various methods, the syllabus for which is something like this:
Although the official books are quite useful for understanding the topics of the CBSE class 9 social science syllabus, incorporating other study materials can enhance a rounded and more in-depth knowledge of the subject. These resources are particularly useful for revising key areas, practising various question types, and strategising Term 1 and Term 2 examinations.
Keep track of the latest CBSE syllabus to organise your studies effectively and boost your exam preparation. Make sure to download the official syllabus PDF for reliable guidance.
(Session 2025 - 26)