CBSE Class 10 Social Science Sample Question Paper 2025 with Solution

CBSE Class 10 Social Science (087) Sample Question Paper 2024-25 with Marking Scheme / Solution – PDF Download

Time allowed : 3 hours
Maximum Marks : 80
General Instructions :Read the following instructions carefully and follow them :
(i) This question paper contains 37 questions. All questions are compulsory.
(ii) Question paper is divided into SIX sections – Section A, B, C, D, E and F.
(iii) Section A – Question number 1 to 20 are Multiple Choice type questions. Each question carries 1 mark.
(iv) Section B – Question number 21 to 24 are Very Short Answer type questions. Each question carries 2 marks. Answer to these questions should not exceed 40 words.
(v) Section C – Question number 25 to 29 are Short Answer type questions. Each question carries 3 marks. Answer to these questions should not exceed 60 words.
(vi) Section D – Question number 30 to 33 are Long Answer type questions. Each question carries 5 marks. Answer to these questions should not exceed 120 words.
(vii) Section E – Question number 34 to 36 are Case-based/Source-based questions with three sub-questions. Each question carries 4 marks.
(viii) Section F – Question number 37 is Map Skill based question with two parts – 37(a) from History (2 marks) and 37(b) Geography (3 marks). This question carries total 5 marks.
(ix) In addition to this, NOTE that a separate question has been provided for Visually Impaired Candidates in lieu of questions having visual inputs, Map etc. Such questions are to be attempted by Visually Impaired Candidates only.

SECTION – A
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (20X1=20 Marks)

1. Why did nationalists in late-nineteenth-century India focus on recording and preserving folklore?
(A) To create new forms of artistic expression that reflected modern India.
(B) To restore a sense of pride in traditional culture and national identity
(C) To use folklore as a tool for economic development and modernization.
(D) To promote a uniform culture that could be adopted across all Indian regions.

2. Interpret the following pie diagram and choose the correct option for the following question?
cbse-class-10-social-science-087-sqp-2025-with-solution-examsmantra
What is the significance of 43 percent land under plains?
(A) It provides facilities for agriculture and industry.
(B) It provides facilities for tourism.
(C) It ensures perennial flow of some river.
(D) It possesses rich reserves of minerals, fossil fuels and forests.

Note: The following question is for Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q. No. 2.
Transformation of things available in our environment involves an interactive relationship between _______ . Choose the correct option from below.
(A) Nature and technology
(B) Nature, technology, and institutions
(C) Nature and institutions
(D) Environment and human beings

3. Read the data given below and answer the question.

StateInfant mortality rate per 1000 live births(2018)Literacy rate% (2017-18)
A3082
B794

As per the data given above, why state B has a low infant mortality rate?
(A) It has high per capita income.
(B) It has better infrastructure than state A
(C) It has good teachers and schools.
(D) It has health care and education for all.

4. Match list I and II and select the correct answer using the codes below in the lists:

List IList II
1. Reserved Forestsa. North Eastern States
2. Protected Forestsb. Andhra Pradesh
3. Unclassed Forestsc. Haryana

Options:
(A) 1 (a), 2 (b), 3 (c)
(B) 1 (c), 2 (b), 3 (a)
(C) 1 (a), 2 (c), 3 (b)
(D) 1 (b), 2 (c), 3 (a)

5. Conservation of forest is a key to the survival of human mankind. Some of the practices undertaken in India in this direction is Joint Forest Management. Identify the correct information related to Joint Forest Management.
1. It involves local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests.
2. The programme has been in formal existence since 1980.
3. Jharkhand passed the first resolution for Joint Forest Management.
4. The members of local village communities are entitled to intermediary benefits like non timber forest producers.
Options:
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 4 only
(D) 3 and 4 only

6. The people of Belgium have successfully dealt with their country’s power sharing problem and is leading a happy and peaceful life. Which route to federation have they opted for?
(A) Coming together
(B) Cooperative Federation
(C) Holding Together
(D) Competitive Federation

7. Match list I with list II and select the correct answer using the codes below in the lists:

List IList II
1. Ethnica. Either only one or two level government
2. Majoritrianismb. a violent conflict opposing groups within a country
3. Civil warc. Belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country
4.Unitary systemd. a social division based on culture

(A) 1.d), 2.a), 3. c), 4. b)
(B) 1.b), 2.d), 3. a), 4. c)
(C) 1.c), 2.a), 3. b), 4. d)
(D) 1.d), 2.c), 3. b), 4. a)

8. Mr. X has taken credit to make candles during the festive season. Choose the correct options that defines the importance of credit from the given options:
i. it plays a vital and positive role in meeting his target and accelerating his income
ii. the credit helps him to meet the ongoing expenses of production
iii. the credit helps him complete the production on time
iv. it helps him in exercising restraint and get into the habit of taking more credit
(A) Only 4
(B) 3 and 4
(C) 1, 2 and 3
(D) Only 2

9. The North-eastern States of India like Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh enjoys special status in the Constitution of India because:
(A) The area has lush green forests.
(B) Literacy rates are very high.
(C) Due to their social and historical circumstances.
(D) As the people speak lot of different languages

10. Napoleon in the given picture is depicted as a postman. What do each letter falling from his bag represent?
-image-
(A) Number of wars he fought
(B) Letters he posted to the monarchs
(C) Territories lost by him
(D) Areas conquered by him

Note: The following question is for Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q.10
Which of the following symbol does the “broken chains “stand for?
(A) Freedom.
(B) Strength
(C) Willingness to make peace.
(D) Heroism

11. Which of the following factors significantly contribute to the process of globalisation?
Select the correct options.
1. Expansion of Multinational Corporations (MNCs).
2. Advancements in information and communication technology.
3. Nationalisation and trade barriers.
4. Cross-border movement of people for jobs and education.
Options:
(A) Statements 1 and 2 are appropriate.
(B) Statements 1, 2 and 3 are appropriate.
(C) Statements 2, 3 and 4 are appropriate
(D) Only statement 3 is appropriate

12. Which of the following statements about Federalism in the Indian Constitution are correct?
1. India is declared as a Union of States.
2. Power-sharing between the Union and State governments is a basic feature.
3. The power-sharing arrangement is easy to change.
4. Changes in power-sharing require a 1/3rd majority in both houses of Parliament.
Options
(A) 1 and 2
(B) 2 and 3
(C) 1 and 3
(D) 2 and 4

13. Arrange the following events in the correct chronological order leading up to the Civil Disobedience Movement:
1. Boycott of the Simon Commission
2. Poorna Swaraj resolution passed
3. Letter with 11 demands sent to Viceroy Irwin
4. Salt March
Options:
(A) 4, 3, 2, 1
(B) 2, 1, 3, 4
(C) 1, 4, 3, 2
(D) 1, 2, 3, 4

14. In Indian Economy, the three sectors (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary) are interdependent. However, the share of employment in the primary sector remains high. Most appropriate explanation for this could be:
I. Government policies preferentially treat the primary sector
II. Indian economy is largely agrarian and majority of population is dependent on agricultur
III. Inadequate service sector jobs force people to continue working in primary sectors
IV. Primary sector provides raw material for the secondary and tertiary sector.
Choose the correct option
(A) Only I and II are true
(B) Only II and III are true
(C) Only III and IV are true
(D) All are true

15. Consider the statements given below and choose the correct answer
Statement I: By the 1870s, caricatures and cartoons were being published in Indian journals and newspapers, commenting on social and political issues
Statement II: Some caricatures praised the educated Indians’ fascination with Western tastes and clothes, while others were looking forward to social change.
(A) Statement (I) is correct and (II) is incorrect.
(B) Statement (I) is incorrect and (II) is correct.
(C) Both (I) & (II) are incorrect.
(D) Both (I) & (II) are correct

16. The frequent stories of _______ remind us that no system is entirely without shortcomings, even democracies. Identify the issue being referred to from the options given.
(A) Poverty
(B) Black Marketing
(C) Terrorism
(D) Corruption

17. Which of the following is the main factor that led to the rise of multiple political parties at the same level in India?
(A) A federal political system
(B) Varied economic conditions.
(C) Linguistic and regional diversity
(D) Low levels of literacy and political awareness

18. The result of greater foreign investment and greater foreign trade has been ______ across countries. Find the correct option from below.
(A) greater bifurcation of production and markets
(B) greater segregation of production and markets
(C) greater differentiation of production and markets
(D) greater integration of production and markets

19. Which of the following is the true meaning of ‘Equal treatment of women’ as a necessary ingredient of a democratic society?
(A) Women are always treated with respect and dignity.
(B) It is now easier for women to legally wage struggle for their rights.
(C) Most societies across the world are now women dominated.
(D) Women are now treated as equals in the political arena.

20. Consider the statements given below and choose the correct answer.
Statement I: A communal mindset can lead to efforts to secure political influence for a specific religious group.
Statement II: Members of the majority community may seek to create a separate political entity as a response to such dynamics.
(A) Statement (I) is correct and (II) is incorrect.
(B) Statement (I) is incorrect and (II) is correct
(C) Both (I) & (II) are incorrect
(D) Both (I) & (II) are correct

SECTION – B
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (4X2=8 Marks)

21. “Agriculture and industry are not exclusive of each other. They move hand in hand”. Justify your answer with examples.

Ans: “Agriculture and industry are not exclusive of each other. They move hand in hand”. Justify your answer with examples.
Agriculture and industry are not exclusive of each other. They move hand in hand. For instance, the agro-industries in India have given a major boost to agriculture by raising its productivity. They depend on the latter for raw materials and sell their products such as irrigation pumps, fertilisers, insecticides, pesticides, plastic and PVC pipes, machines and tools, etc. to the farmers.

22. (A) ‘The silk routes are a good example of vibrant pre -modern trade and cultural links between distant parts of the world. ’Substantiate the statement with illustrations.

OR

(B) “New crops can significantly impact survival and well-being.” Provide evidence to support this statement.

Ans: 1. Europe’s poor began to eat better and live longer with the introduction of the humble potato.
2. Ireland’s poorest peasants became so dependent on potatoes that when disease destroyed the potato crop in the mid-1840s, hundreds of thousands died of starvation. Thus new crops can significantly impact survival and well-being.

23. India with vast population and diversity represents a classic example of power sharing that exemplifies the very spirit of democracy. Justify the statement.

Ans: Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. A legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the system.

24. “Local Government is an effective way to uphold the democratic principle of decentralization.” Justify this statement with valid points.

Ans: When power is taken away from Central and State governments and given to local government, it is called decentralisation. The basic idea behind decentralisation is that there are many problems and issues which are best settled at the local level.

SECTION – C
(Short Answer Type Questions) (5×3 = 15)

25. ‘By the seventeenth century, as urban culture bloomed in China, the uses of print diversified’. Explain the statement by giving suitable examples.

26. (A) Mr. Y from a city in India visits a rural area and finds five people working in a small agricultural farm. More than two people are not required to work in the farm and removing the other three will not affect production. How can one solve this problem of underemployment in rural areas? Explain.

OR

(B) Sunil and Raman did their graduation from the same college. Sunil got employed in an unorganised sector and was not satisfied whereas Raman got employed in an organised sector and was happy and satisfied. Identify three reasons for Sunil’s dissatisfaction as compared to Raman.

27. Define agricultural term used for cultivation of fruits and vegetables? Write its features with reference to India.

28. Women empowerment has greatly improved their status in society over the years. Give any three examples to prove the statement.

29. Over the forty years between 1973-74 and 2013-14, while production in all the three sectors has increased, it has increased the most in the tertiary sector. As a result, in the year 2013-14, the tertiary sector has emerged as the largest producing sector in India replacing the primary sector. Why do you think tertiary sector has become so popular in India? Support your answer giving any 3 reasons

SECTION – D
(Long Answer Type Questions) (4×5 = 20)

30. (A) Analyse the measures adopted to prevent soil erosion caused due to natural forces.

OR

(B) ‘”Mohan recently bought a farm and wants to grow crops such as sugarcane, cotton, and jowar. He is unfamiliar with the local soil types and climatic conditions.” Help him identify the appropriate soil type and its properties for successful farming.

31. (A) ‘Romanticism, a cultural movement sought to develop a particular form of nationalist sentiment.’ Justify the statement with suitable arguments.

OR

(B) ‘The Treaty of Vienna depicted the spirit of conservatism.’ Substantiate the statement with key features of the treaty.

32. (A) Political parties are a necessary condition for a democracy.’ Analyse the statement with relevant points.

OR

(B) “Political parties today face several challenges that impact their democratic functioning.” Justify this statement.

33. (A) Miss X wants to start a savoury food store in her village. She wants to supplement her income to raise the standard of living of her family. How, do you think, self-help groups can help, support your answer with reasons?

OR

(B) Money by providing the crucial intermediate step eliminates the need for double coincidence of wants. Justify the statement highlighting the significance of the modern form of money in India.

SECTION – E
(Case-based/Source-based Questions) (3×4 = 12)

34. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

Emboldened with this success, Gandhi ji in 1919 decided to launch a nationwide Satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act (1919). This Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the united opposition of the Indian members. It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities, and allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years. Mahatma Gandhi wanted non-violent civil disobedience against such unjust laws, which would start with a hartal on 6 April.

i. Why did the British introduce the Rowlatt Act?

ii. Examine the effect of this Act on Indians.

iii. How did Mahatma Gandhi respond to the Rowlatt Act? Provide one reason for his reaction.

35. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

Given the abundance and renewability of water, it is difficult to imagine that we may suffer from water scarcity. The moment we speak of water shortages; we immediately associate it with regions having low rainfall or those that are drought prone. We instantaneously visualise the deserts of Rajasthan and women balancing many ‘matkas’ (earthen pots) used for collecting and storing water and travelling long distances to get water. True, the availability of water resources varies over space and time, mainly due to the variations in seasonal and annual precipitation, but water scarcity in most cases is caused by over-exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to water among different social groups.

i. Give any one reason that could contribute to water scarcity in the future?

ii. Why a resident of Rajasthan would choose to install a submersible water pump?

iii. Why is water conservation crucial? Discuss any one key for effective water management and conservation.

36. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT Once it is realised that even though the level of income is important, yet it is an inadequate measure of the level of development, we begin to think of other criterion. There could be a long list of such criterion but then it would not be so useful. What we need is a small number of the most important things. Health and education indicators, such as the ones we used in comparison of Kerala and Punjab, are among them. Over the past decade or so, health and education indicators have come to be widely used along with income as a measure of development. For instance, Human Development Report published by UNDP compares countries based on the educational levels of the people, their health status and per capita income. It would be interesting to look at certain relevant data regarding India and its neighbours from Human Development Report 2006.

i. On what basis the UNDP compares countries on Human Development?

iii. Mention other aspects that should be considered in measuring human development.

SECTION – F
(Map Skill Based Questions) (2+3 = 5)

37 (a) 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 drawn near them.

CBSE-Class-10-Social-Science-SQP-2024-25

A. The place where the Peasant Satyagraha took place.
Ans: Kheda-Gujarat.

B. Indian National congress session was held at this place in Sept. 1920.
Ans: Calcutta

Note: The following question is for Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Question 37 (a). A. Name the place where the Peasant Satyagraha took place B. Name the place where the Indian National Congress session was held in Sept 1920.

37 (b) On the same outline map of India locate and label any three of the following with suitable symbols.

i. A software Technology Park in Maharashtra.
Ans: Pune
ii. A coal mine in Jharkhand.
Ans: Bokaro
iii. The tallest dam in India.
Ans: Tehri Dam
iv. A seaport located in West Bengal.
Ans: Haldia

Note: The following question is for Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q. No. 37 (b)
Answer any three of the following.

i Name the tallest dam built in India.
Ans: Tehri Dam
ii Name a seaport in west Bengal.
Ans: Haldia
iii Name the coal mine in Jharkhand.
Ans: Bokaro
iv Name the Software Technology Park present in the state of Maharashtra
Ans: Pune

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