There is no change in the Question Paper Design and Assessment Pattern for Academic Session 2026-27. 1 SOCIAL SCIENCE (087) SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER CLASS: X (2026-2027) Time Allowed: 3 Hours Maximum Marks: 80 General Instructions: 1. There are 38 questions in the Question paper. All questions are compulsory. 2. The question paper has the following four Sections and has MCQs, VSA, SA, LAs and CBQ. • Section A-History-20 Marks • Section B-Geography-20 Marks • Section C- Political Science-20 Marks • Section D- Economics-20 Marks 3. Very Short Answer Type Questions (VSA), carry 2 marks each. Answers to each question should not exceed 40 words. 4. Short Answer Type Questions (SA), carry 3 marks each. Answers to each question should not exceed 60 words. 5. Long answer type questions (LA), carry 5 marks each. Answers to each question should not exceed 120 words. 6. There are case based questions (CBQ) with three sub questions and are of 4 marks each. Answers to each question should not exceed 100 words. 7. The map-based questions carry 5 marks with two parts- Q9. In Section A-History (2 marks) and Q19. In Section B -Geography (3 marks) 8. There is no overall choice in the question paper. However, an internal choice has been provided in a few questions. Only one of the choices in such questions must be attempted. 9. NOTE that a separate question has been provided for Visually Impaired candidat es in lieu of questions having visual inputs, map etc. Such questions are to be attempted by Visually Impaired candidates only. Q No. SECTION A HISTORY (20 marks) Marks 1 Most conservative regimes set up in 1815 introduced strict censorship laws. What was the primary purpose of these laws? a. To regulate information written about the rulers and their policies. b. To control the growing demand for modernising the army. c. To restrict the spread of ideas of liber ty and freedom expressed through newspapers and other publications. d. To prevent the circulation of views suggesting that modernisation could strengthen traditional institutions. Options: A. Only a and b B. Only a and c C. Only b and d D. Only c and d 1 There is no change in the Question Paper Design and Assessment Pattern for Academic Session 2026-27. 2 2 The Picture shows a procession from which of the following movements? C hoose the correct option: (Source: India and Contemporary World-II) A. Non-Cooperation Movement B. Civil Disobedience Movement C. Khilafat Movement D. Quit India Movement 1 Note: The following question is for students with Visual Impairment In lieu of QNo.2 Who among the following people established the 'Swaraj Party’? A. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bipin Chandra Pal B. Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai C. Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose D. C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru 3 Read the statements given below and choose the correct answer: Statement I: A good example of thriving pre- modern commercial and cultural ties connecting far flung regions of the world are silk routes. Statement II: The significance of Chinese silk cargoes traveling the silk route to the west is indicated by the term "silk routes”. A. Statement (I) is correct and (II) is incorrect B. Statement (I) is incorrect and (II) is correct C. Both (I) and (II) are correct D. Both (I) and (II) are incorrect 1 4 Arrange the following events in chronological order, from the earliest to the latest. I. Print culture created the conditions for the French Revolution. II. Martin Luther’s writings led to the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. III. Menocchio reinterpreted the message of the Bible. IV. Johann Gutenberg invented the Printing press. 1 There is no change in the Question Paper Design and Assessment Pattern for Academic Session 2026-27. 3 Choose the correct option- A. III II I IV B. I II III IV C. IV III II I D. IV II III I 5 ‘Most powerful weapon of the Spanish conqueror was not a conventional military weapon at all.’ Justify the statement by giving two reasons. 2 6A ‘The female figures become an allegory of the nation during the 19th century in Europe.’ Elaborate on the statement with examples. 3 OR 6B Assess the role of the Greek War of Independence in shaping nationalist consciousness among educated Europeans in the nineteenth century. 3 7A Evaluate the economic consequences of the Non -Cooperation Movement for colonial rule in India. 5 OR 7B Analyse how Indian merchants and industrialists associated themselves with the Civil Disobedience Movement, highlighting the forms of support they extended and the reasons for their participation. 5 8 Read the following text and answer the questions that follow: Print comes to India The printing press first came to Goa with Portuguese missionaries in the mid - sixteenth century. Jesuit priests learnt Konkani and printed several tracts. By 1674, about 50 books had been printed in the Konkani and Kanara languages. Catholic priests printed the first Tamil book in 1579 at Cochin, and in 1713 the first Malayalam book was printed by them. By 1710, Dutch Protestant missionaries had printed 32 Tamil texts, many of them translations of older works. The English language press did not grow in India till quite late. From 1780, James Augustus Hickey edited the Bengal Gazette, a weekly magazine that claimed to be independent of colonial influence. This marked the beginning of English newspaper printing in India. Source-India and the Contemporary World – II, NCERT. Class 10,Chapter 5 4 8.1. Identify the newspaper that marked the beginning of English newspaper printing in India. 1 8.2 Explain how James Augustus Hickey demonstrated independence through his newspaper. 1 8.3. Evaluate how the early printing activities contributed to the spread of knowledge in India before English newspapers became popular. 2 There is no change in the Question Paper Design and Assessment Pattern for Academic Session 2026-27. 4 9 MAP SKILL-BASED QUESTION (Map is given at page no 12) Two places A and B have been marked on the given outline map of India. Identify them and write their correct names on the lines marked on the map. A) The place where a violent massacre took place on 13th April, 1919. B) The place where Gandhi ji led indigo peasants against the oppressive plantation system 2 Note: The following question is for Candidates with Visual Impairment only in lieu of Q. No. 9 A) The place where the Civil Disobedience Movement was launched. B) The place where Gandhiji organised ‘Satyagraha’ in favour of cotton mill workers SECTION B GEOGRAPHY (20 marks) 10 A mineral deposit , that is known but cannot be used currently due to lack of technology, fits into which category of resources? A. Renewable resource B. Developed resource C. Potential resource D. Reserve 1 11 Which of the following options is the correct match? Column I Column II 1. Equitable distribution of resources X. Ensures long-term survival of all life forms 2. Sustainable existence Y. Prevents concentration of resources in a few hands 3. Resource planning Z. Balances current development with conservation for the future Choose the correct option- A. 1-Y, 2-X, 3-Z B. 1-Z, 2-Y, 3-X C. 1-X, 2-Z, 3-Y D. 1-Y, 2-Z, 3-X 1 There is no change in the Question Paper Design and Assessment Pattern for Academic Session 2026-27. 5 12 Which of the following statements about placer deposits are correct? (a) They are commonly found in valley floors and at the base of hills (b) They mainly contain minerals that easily dissolve in water (c) Gold and platinum are typical minerals found in such deposits (d) They are formed due to deposition by running water Choose the correct option as answer- A. (a), (b), (d) B. (b), (c), (d) C. (a), (b), (c) D. (a), (c), (d) 1 13 A steel company requires iron ore with the best physical properties for high-quality steel production. Which mining region would be the most suitable choice, based on the nature of iron ore found there? A. Maharashtra–Goa belt B. Odisha–Jharkhand belt C. Durg–Bastar–Chandrapur belt D. Ballari–Chitradurga belt 1 14 Despite India’s strong capacity in spinning, the weaving sector continues to produce relatively lower -quality fabric. Which of the following is the most appropriate reason? A. Overdependence on imported cotton yarn B. Limited use of high-quality yarn due to decentralised weaving structure C. Excessive mechanisation of weaving mills D. Decline in traditional weaving skills 1 15 In the following question, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason(R). Choose the appropriate answer from the options given below as the correct answer: Assertion (A): Bengaluru has developed as one of the leading centres of the Information Technology and electronics industry in India. Reason (R): The city is located close to major ports, which has been the primary factor encouraging the growth of electronics and IT industries there. 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 1 There is no change in the Question Paper Design and Assessment Pattern for Academic Session 2026-27. 6 16 A drought-prone district wants to adopt a sustainable water conservation method using traditional knowledge. Suggest two suitable rainwater harvesting practices that could be implemented. 2 17A A farmer plans to shift from food crops to plantation crops and is to choose between tea and coffee. Highlight the difference in the conditions associated with their growth. 5 OR 17B Farmers in a region experiencing moderate rainfall, cool winters, and assured irrigation plan to move from mixed cropping to the cultivation of a single cereal crop. Should they opt for rice or wheat? Support your answer with appropriate reasons based on crop requirements. 5 18 Read the given text and answer the following questions: Role of Communities in Forest Conservation In many parts of India, especially in tribal and mountainous regions, local communities depend on forests for fuel, fodder, and livelihood. Over time, people realised that uncontrolled exploitation by contractors and commercial interests was destroying for ests and threatening their survival. This led to community -led conservation efforts where people actively protected forests through traditional practices and movements. One such movement began in the Himalayan region, where villagers protected trees by hug ging them, highlighting the importance of people’s participation in conservation. Source- Contemporary India – II,NCERT, Chapter 2 4 18.1 State any one objective of community-based forest conservation. 1 18.2 How does people’s participation lead to more effective forest resource management? Elaborate with the help of two examples. 2 18.3 Name the forest conservation movement referred to in the given source. 1 19 MAP SKILL-BASED QUESTION On the outline map of India locate and label the following with suitable symbols I (a) One of the largest water resource projects of India, built over the Narmada River in Gujarat. OR (b) The dam in the Sutluj -Beas river basin being used both for hydel power production and irrigation. 1 II Any two of the following: i. An Iron and steel plant in Tamil Nadu ii. A cotton textile industry in the capital city of Maharashtra iii. Meenambakkam international airport 1X2= 2 There is no change in the Question Paper Design and Assessment Pattern for Academic Session 2026-27. 7 Note: The following question is for Candidates with Visual Impairment only in lieu of Q. No. 19. Answer any three of the following questions: i. Name one of the largest water resource projects of India, built over the Narmada River in Gujarat. ii. Specify the name of an Iron and Steel plant in Tamil Nadu. iii. State the location of the cotton textile industry in the capital city of Maharashtra. iv. Where is the Meenambakkam international airport located? 3 SECTION C POLITICAL SCIENCE (20 marks) 20 In the following question, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason(R). Choose the appropriate answer from the options given below as the correct answer: Assertion (A): Power sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties, pressure groups and movements control or influence those in power. Reason (R): It ensures that power does not remain in one hand. Choose the correct option- A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). C. (A) is true, but (R) is false. D. (A) is false, but (R) is true. 1 21 From a prudential viewpoint, which of the following arguments best supports the idea of power sharing? A. t is morally correct B. It upholds democratic ideals C. It reduces the chances of social unrest D. It guarantees equal economic growth for all sections. 1 22 A political party conducts regular elections, yet the same leaders continue to hold power for decades and key decisions are made by a small group. This situation best reflects: Choose the correct option- A. A federal party structure B. Lack of internal democracy C. Dynastic succession D. Strong ideological unity 1 There is no change in the Question Paper Design and Assessment Pattern for Academic Session 2026-27. 8 23 Which of the following options best signifies the cartoon given below-? (Source-NCERT-Democratic Politics II) A. Most of the resources are utilised by the poor countries. B. Most of the resources are utilised by the developing countries. C. Most of the resources are utilised by the developed countries D. Most of the resources are utilised by the land owners. 1 Note: The following question is for Candidates with Visual Impairment In lieu of No. 23 Which of the following has been successfully eliminated by democracies? A. Economic inequalities among people. B. The idea of political inequality C. Conflicts among people. D. Differences of opinion about how marginalised sections are to be treated. 1 24 How the powers were shared between the central and state government in Belgium to avoid the division of the country? Explain. 2 25 Why is a democratic system of government regarded as the best form of governance in terms of involving the maximum number of citizens as stakeholders in political power? Explain with suitable arguments. 2 26 The focus on caste in politics can sometimes give an impression that elections are all about caste and nothing else . H owever, that is far from true. Analyze this statement by giving three valid arguments. 3 27A Explain any five provisions of the constitutional amendments of 1992 which strengthened the third tier of democracy in India? 5 OR 27 B ‘The Constitution declared India as a Union of States. Although it did not use the word federation, the Indian Union is based on the principles of federalism.’ What makes India a federal country? 5 There is no change in the Question Paper Design and Assessment Pattern for Academic Session 2026-27. 9 28 Read the given text and answer the following questions: Need for political parties Political parties are easily one of the most visible institutions in a democracy. For most ordinary citizens, democracy is equal to political parties. If you travel to remote parts of our country and speak to the less educated citizens, you could come across people who may not know anything about our Constitution or about the nature of our government. But chances are that they would know something about our political parti es. At the same time, this visibility does not mean popularity. Most people tend to be very critical of political parties. They tend to blame parties for all that is wrong with our democracy and our political life. Parties have become identified with social and political divisions. Therefore, it is natural to ask if we need political parties at all? About a hundred years ago, there were few countries in the world that had any political party. Now there are few that do not have parties. Source- NCERT. Democratic Politics–II. Class X 4 28.1 Modern democracies cannot exist without political parties. Analyse the given statement by giving one reason to support your answer. 1 28.2 Highlight any two functions of a political party. 2 28.3 Why has India opted for a Multi-Party System? Give any one reason to support your answer. 1 SECTION D ECONOMICS (20 marks) 29 Why do citizens of a country often hold different opinions about the goals of national development? A. People living in different conditions may prioritise different needs and goals. B. Many citizens fail to understand how development plans are made. C. National development follows only one universally accepted definition. D. Everyone is expected to agree with a single idea of development. 1 30 Recognise and choose the correct entries to fill in the blanks in the table that show economic activities, examples, and interdependence. Column A (Economic Activity) Column B (Example) Column C (Inter -dependence on Other Economic Activities) Primary 1 _____________ Provides inputs for secondary activities Secondary Manufacturing of garments 2 _________________ Tertiary Banking, transport, communication Supports both primary and secondary sectors Choose the correct option- 1 There is no change in the Question Paper Design and Assessment Pattern for Academic Session 2026-27. 10 A. 1: Manufacturing of furniture, 2: Supports tertiary sector B. 1: IT services, 2: Provides raw materials to secondary sector C. 1: Farming/mining, 2: Relies on raw materials from primary sector D. 1: Banking/transport, 2: Relies on outputs from tertiary sector 31 A country’s GDP is ₹900 crores. The primary sector contributes ₹300 crores, and the tertiary sector contributes ₹400 crores. What is the contribution of the secondary sector, and which sector contributes the most to GDP? Choose the correct option- A. ₹200 crore, tertiary sector B. ₹200 crore, primary sector C. ₹300 crore, tertiary sector D. ₹200 crore, secondary sector 1 32 Why is money described as a medium of exchange? A. It is used to compare the value of different goods. B. People accept it in return for goods and services, making trade easier. C. Money helps individuals save their wealth safely for the future. D. It enables record-keeping of every transaction made in the economy. 1 33 Which of the following factors is NOT included in the terms of credit? A. Interest rate B. Mode of repayment C. Collateral D. Inflation rate 1 34 In the following question, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason(R). Choose the appropriate answer from the options given below as the correct answer: Assertion (A): Multi-National Companies help in integrating production and markets across countries. Reason (R): They set up production units in one country and export goods and components to other countries. Choose the correct option- 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 1 There is no change in the Question Paper Design and Assessment Pattern for Academic Session 2026-27. 11 35 Ravi noticed that in many villages of India, more people are working on farms than actually needed, and yet many of them do not get proper wages or regular work. What could be the reason behind such a situation? Suggest any two ways to tackle this problem effectively. (1+2= 3) 36 Explain how Self-Help Groups (SHGs) help banks to minimize risk when providing loans to poor women, who do not have any collateral. 3 37 Improvements in technology and liberali zation together have accelerated globalization. Evaluate. 3 38A While s tudying the table given below for their Social Science project, two classmates A and B, n otice significant differences in the Literacy Rate and Infant Mortality Rate while comparing the development indicators of three states. Analyse how the development levels of these states differ and suggest the inferences A and B can draw. What areas should each state focus on to improve th eir overall development? Table: Comparison of Development Indicators State Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000 live births) (2020) Literacy Rate (%) (2017–18) Net Attendance Ratio (Secondary Stage) (%) 2017–18 H 28 82 73 K 6 94 94 B 27 62 69 Adapted from-Sources: Economic Survey 2023–24, National Sample Survey Organisation (Report No. 585), National Statistical Office, Government of India; National Family Health Survey (NFHS -5) 2019-21 IIPS, Mumbai. (1+2+ 2=5) OR 38B Study the table given above and answer: Which of the three states is likely to have a better human development standard than the others? Justify explaining any two reasons for your answer. Why is it important to pay attention to indicators like Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Literacy Rate, and Net Attendance Ratio to bring about an overall development of any state. (1+2+ 2=5) There is no change in the Question Paper Design and Assessment Pattern for Academic Session 2026-27. 12 Map for Q. no. 9 (Section A) & Q. no. 19 (Section B)