QUESTION PAPER

2026 BOARD EXAM

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Board Paper 2026 — Set 5

2026

Social Science

Class 10

CBSE EXAMINATION PAPER-2026

SOCIAL SCIENCE

(Solved)

Time allowed : 3 hours

Maximum Marks : 90

General Instructions :

Read the following instructions carefully and follow them :

  1. This question paper contains 44 questions. All questions are compulsory.
  2. This question paper is divided into 5 sections.
  3. Section A – questions number 1 to 4 are case based questions
  4. Section B – questions number 5 to 24 are multiple choice questions
  5. Section C – questions number 25 to 30 are very short answer
  6. Section D – questions number 31 to 36 are short answer
  7. Section E – questions number 37 to 44 are long answer
  8. There is no overall choice given in the question paper. However, an internal choice has been provided in few questions.
  9. Use of calculator is NOT allowed.

Section A

Question 1.

Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow :

The sense of collective belonging

As the national movement developed, nationalist leaders became more and more aware of such icons and symbols in unifying people and inspiring in them a feeling of nationalism. Another means of creating a feeling of nationalism was through reinterpretation of history. By the end of the nineteenth century many Indians began feeling that to instill a sense of pride in the nation, Indian history had to be thought about differently. The British saw Indians as backward and primitive, incapable of governing themselves. In response, Indians began looking into the past to discover India’s great achievements. They wrote about the glorious developments in ancient times when art and architecture, science and mathematics, religion and culture, law and philosophy, crafts and trade had flourished. This glorious time, in their view, was followed by a history of decline, when India was colonised. These nationalist histories urged the readers to take pride in India’s great achievements in the past and struggle to change the miserable conditions of life under British rule.

(1) Why did nationalists feel the need to rewrite Indian history ?

[1 Mark]

(2) How did icons help to unite Indians during the freedom struggle ?

[1 Mark]

(3) How did nationalist histories portray India’s past and present ?

[2 Marks]
Question 2.

Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow :

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

Floods have not only devastated life and property but also caused extensive soil erosion. Sedimentation also meant that the flood plains were deprived of silt, a natural fertilizer, further adding on to the problem of land degradation. It was also observed that the multipurpose projects induced earthquakes, caused water-borne diseases and pests and pollution resulting from excessive use of water. Irrigation has also changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water intensive and commercial crops. This has great ecological consequences like salinisation of the soil.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana has been started which ensures access to some means to protective irrigation for all agricultural farms in the country, thus bringing much desired rural prosperity. Some of the broad objectives of this programme are to enhance the physical access of water on the farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (har khet ko pani), improve on farm water, use efficiency to reduce wastage and increase availability both in duration and extent, irrigation and other water saving technologies (per drop more crop) and introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc.

(1) Explain the role of floods in land degradation.

[1 Mark]

(2) How has irrigation changed cropping pattern ?

[1 Mark]

(3) Explain any two objectives of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana’.

[2 Marks]
Question 3.

Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow :

Forms of Power-sharing

The idea of power-sharing has emerged in opposition to the notions of undivided political power. For a long time, it was believed that all power of a government must reside in one person or group of persons located at one place. It was felt that if the power to decide is dispersed, it would not be possible to take quick decisions and to enforce them. But these notions have changed with the emergence of democracy. One basic principle of democracy is that people are the source of all political power. In a democracy, people rule themselves through institutions of selfgovernment. In a good democratic government, due respect is given to diverse groups and views that exist in a society. Everyone has a voice in the shaping of public policies. Therefore, it follows that in a democracy, political power should be distributed among as many citizens as possible

(1) How are pressure groups part of the power sharing mechanism ?

[1 Mark]

(2) How does power sharing contribute to the spirit of democracy ?

[2 Marks]

(3) How does power sharing promote stability of political order ?

[1 Mark]
Question 4. On the same outline map of India given for Q. No. 9, locate and label any three of the following with suitable symbols
Diagram 1 – CBSE Class 10 Social Science 2026 Set 5

(1) An International Airport located in Maharashtra

[1 Mark]

(2) A software technology park located in Uttar Pradesh

[1 Mark]

(3) A nuclear power plant located in Gujarat

[1 Mark]

(4) The dam constructed on Satluj river

[1 Mark]

Section B

Question 5.

Arrange the following events in chronological order and choose the correct option

I. Salt Satyagraha

II. Kheda Satyagraha

III. Rowlatt Satyagraha

IV. Ahmedabad Mill Workers Satyagraha

[1 Mark]
  • (A) II, I, III, IV
  • (B) II, IV, III, I
  • (C) III, II, IV, I
  • (D) II, I, IV, III
Question 6.

Two statements are given below. They are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements carefully and choose the correct option :

Assertion (A) : The discovery of sea routes to Asia and America shrank the pre-modern world in the sixteenth century.

Reason (R) : During this period European entry into Indian ocean expanded trade.

[1 Mark]
  • (A) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
  • (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) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Question 7.

Identify this image of the allegorical figure of a European nation during the nineteenth century from the following options :

[1 Mark] Diagram 2 – CBSE Class 10 Social Science 2026 Set 5
  • (A) Marianna
  • (B) Britannia
  • (C) Germania
  • (D) Helvetia
Question 8.

Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched ?

[1 Mark] Diagram 3 – CBSE Class 10 Social Science 2026 Set 5
  • (A) Tarabai Shinde – Istri Dharam Vichar
  • (B) Jyotiba Phule – Amar Jiban
  • (C) Raja Rammohan Roy – Sambad Kaumudi
  • (D) Bal Gangadhar Tilak – Gulamgiri
Question 9.

Identify the soil with the help of the following informations given in the box and choose the correct option : • It is made up of extremely fine material.

• It is rich in soil nutrients.

• It is ideal for growing cotton.

[1 Mark]
  • (A) Alluvial Soil
  • (B) Black Soil
  • (C) Arid Soil
  • (D) Laterite Soil
Question 10.

In which of the following States of India, has the largest area under permanent forests ?

[1 Mark]
  • (A) Gujarat
  • (B) Maharashtra
  • (C) Madhya Pradesh
  • (D) Uttar Pradesh
Question 11.

Identify the correct option related to major crops grown in the ‘Kharif’ cropping season in India :

[1 Mark]
  • (A) Paddy, Peas, Mustard
  • (B) Paddy, Jowar, Maize
  • (C) Paddy, Maize, Gram
  • (D) Paddy, Mustard, Gram
Question 12.

Choose the appropriate option to fill in the blank :

[1 Mark] Diagram 4 – CBSE Class 10 Social Science 2026 Set 5
  • (A) Igneous minerals
  • (B) Non-Ferrous minerals
  • (C) Ferrous minerals
  • (D) Energy minerals
Question 13.

Which of the following is an example of ‘current fallow land’ ?

[1 Mark]
  • (A) Land left without cultivation for five agricultural years.
  • (B) Land left without cultivation for three agricultural years.
  • (C) Land left without cultivation for one agricultural year
  • (D) Land left without cultivation for two agricultural years.
Question 14.

. Match Column-I with Column-II and choose the correct option :

[1 Mark] Diagram 5 – CBSE Class 10 Social Science 2026 Set 5
  • (A) a-iv b-ii c-iii d-i
  • (B) a-iii b-ii c-i d-iv
  • (C) a-ii b-iv c-iii d-i
  • (D) a-iv b-iii c-ii d-i
Question 15.

Two statements are given below.

They are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements carefully and choose the correct option :

Assertion (A) : Belgium’s power sharing arrangements were designed to accommodate its linguistic and cultural divisions.

Reason (R) : Belgian leaders recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities.

[1 Mark]
  • (A) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  • (B) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
  • (C) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
  • (D) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Question 16.

Look at the given cartoon carefully and answer the question that follow : Which of the following concepts is best illustrated in the cartoon ?

[1 Mark] Diagram 6 – CBSE Class 10 Social Science 2026 Set 5
  • (A) Stagnation of economic development amongst nations
  • (B) Inclusive economic growth amongst nations
  • (C) Uneven distribution of wealth amongst nations
  • (D) Balanced economic growth amongst nations
Question 17. Find the odd one out regarding the Political Parties of India :
[1 Mark]
  • (A) Bharatiya Janata Party & Aam Aadmi Party
  • (B) Indian National Lok Dal & Jananayak Janata Party
  • (C) National’s People’s Party & United Democratic Party
  • (D) Rashtriya Janata Dal & Loktantrik Samajwadi Party
Question 18.

Read the given statements regarding urban local government and choose the correct option :

I. Municipalities are setup in towns.

II. Big cities have Municipal Corporation.

III. Municipal chairperson is the head of Block Samiti.

IV. The officer in Municipal Corporation is called as Mayor

[1 Mark]
  • (A) Only I, II and III are correct.
  • (B) Only II, III and IV are correct
  • (C) Only I, III and IV are correct.
  • (D) Only I, II and IV are correct.
Question 19.

Study the given data and answer the question that follow : By how many of the following points does State B’s literacy rate exceeds from State A in 2017-18 ?

[1 Mark] Diagram 7 – CBSE Class 10 Social Science 2026 Set 5
  • (A) 14
  • (B) 16
  • (C) 10
  • (D) 12
Question 20.

Identify the sector of economy with the help of information given in the box :

• Ownership of assets and delivery of services in the hands of private individuals

•. Activities are guided by the motive to earn profitss.

[1 Mark]
  • (A) Private Sector
  • (B) Public Sector
  • (C) Joint Sector
  • (D) Cooperative Sector
Question 21.

Read the following case and choose the correct option :

Megha has taken a loan of Rs 5 lakhs from bank to purchase a house. The annual rate on the loan is 12% and loan is to be repaid in 5 years in monthly instalments.

The 12% interest charged by the bank to Megha is related to which of the following ?

[1 Mark]
  • (A) Cost of Credit
  • (B) Collateral
  • (C) Duration of Loan
  • (D) Documentation
Question 22.

Which of the following is the main purpose of a trade barrier in global trade ? Choose the correct option.

[1 Mark]
  • (A) To regulate foreign trade into the country
  • (B) To control the production of domestic industries
  • (C) To stop foreign trade between countries
  • (D) To promote the growth of foreign companies in a country
Question 23.

Which of the following is an example of a renewable resource ?

[1 Mark]
  • (A) Crude Oil
  • (B) Natural Gas
  • (C) Ground Water
  • (D) Coal
Question 24.

Choose the correct option to fill in the blank :

Infant Mortality Rate indicates the number of children that die before the age of _____ year(s) per 1000 live births in that particular year.

[1 Mark]
  • (A) One
  • (B) Three
  • (C) Four
  • (D) Two

Section C

Question 25.

Why did many Europeans migrate to America after sixteenth century ? Explain.

[2 Marks]
Question 26.

How did trade and long distance travel contribute to the spread of diseases during ancient period ? Explain.

[2 Marks]
Question 27.

Two places ‘A’ and ‘B’ have been marked on the given political outline map of India. Identify them with the help of the following informations and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them.

(a) The place where Gandhiji launched satyagraha, for the Indigo planters.

(b) The place where the session of Indian National Congress was held.

[2 Marks] Diagram 8 – CBSE Class 10 Social Science 2026 Set 5
Question 28.

Explain the measures made by government to improve Indian agriculture.

[2 Marks]
Question 29.

Suggest two ways to improve womens’ participation in sports leadership roles.

[2 Marks]
Question 30.

“Democracy is a better form of government compared with any other alternative.” Examine the statement.

[2 Marks]

Section D

Question 31.

“Print culture created the favourable conditions for the French Revolution.” Explain the statement with examples.

[3 Marks]
Question 32.

“Throughout the nineteenth century, there were a series of innovations in printing technology.” Explain the statement with examples.

[3 Marks]
Question 33.

How does the ‘system of three lists’ function in Indian federalism ? Explain with examples.

[3 Marks]
Question 34.

“Advancement in technology has stimulated the globalization process.” Justify the statement with suitable arguments.

[3 Marks]
Question 35.

Explain the role of Reserve Bank in Indian economy.

[3 Marks]
Question 36.

“Different persons can have different developmental goals.” Explain the statement with examples.

[3 Marks]

Section E

Question 37.

Examine the nationalist tensions emerged in the Balkan region by the end of nineteenth century.

[5 Marks]
Question 38.

Examine the role of Giuseppe Mazzini in the unification of Italy during the nineteenth century.

[5 Marks]
Question 39.

“Conserving energy is essential for sustainable development.” Support the statement with suitable arguments.

[5 Marks]
Question 40.

“Minerals are found in various forms and types, each having distinct properties.” Support the statement with suitable arguments.

[5 Marks]
Question 41.

Explain the importance of political parties in Indian democracy.

[5 Marks]
Question 42.

Explain the challenges faced by the political parties in India.

[5 Marks]
Question 43.

Describe the importance of tertiary sector in the economy

[5 Marks]
Question 44.

Describe the features of organized sector of the economy.

[5 Marks]

Paper Details

CBSE Board Exam 2026

Class

Class 10

Subject

Social Science

Year

2026

Set

Set 5

Other Years — Social Science

2022 Set-1

2022 Set-2

2022 Set-3

2022 Set-4

2023 Set-1

2023 Set-2

2023 Set-3

2023 Set-4

2023 Set-5

2024 Set-1

2024 Set-2

2024 Set-3

2024 Set-4

2024 Set-5

2025 Set-1

2025 Set-2

2025 Set-3

2025 Set-4

2025 Set-5

2025 Set-6

2026 Set-1

2026 Set-2

2026 Set-5