The CBSE Class 10 Social Science Sample Paper 2026 with Solutions is an essential academic resource for students preparing for the upcoming board examinations. Social Science is a multidisciplinary subject that includes History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics, making systematic preparation crucial for scoring well. Sample papers designed as per the latest CBSE syllabus and exam pattern 2025–26 help students understand the structure of the question paper, mark distribution, and the level of difficulty expected in the final examination.
Practising sample papers enables students to assess their conceptual clarity, improve answer-writing skills, and manage time effectively during exams. The inclusion of accurate and detailed solutions further enhances learning by explaining the correct approach to answering various types of questions, such as case-based questions, source-based questions, maps, and long-answer questions. These solutions help students identify common mistakes and strengthen weak areas.
Moreover, CBSE Class 10 SST sample papers promote confidence by familiarising students with competency-based questions and real-life application problems, which are increasingly emphasised by CBSE. Regular practice with these sample papers not only boosts performance but also reduces exam anxiety. Hence, using sample papers with solutions is a smart and strategic step toward achieving excellent results in the Class 10 Social Science board examination 2026.
CBSE Class 10 SST Sample Paper 2026
The CBSE Class 10 Social Science Sample Paper 2026 has been released by the board to help students understand the new exam pattern and practice effectively for the board exams. The SST paper is now divided into four separate subject-wise sections within one question paper — History, Geography, Political Science (Civics), and Economics — each carrying 20 marks for a total of 80 marks in the theory component.
Exam Pattern of SST Sample Paper Class 10 2026
The sample paper contains 38 compulsory questions with a variety of question types such as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Very Short Answer (VSA), Short Answer (SA), Long Answer (LA), and Case-Based Questions (CBQs). Map-based questions are included, too, with specific marks assigned to History and Geography map tasks. Each question type has a specified word limit (e.g., 40 words for VSAs, 60 for SAs, and 120 for LAs) to guide students on expected responses. The sample paper also comes with a marking scheme/solution, which helps students check answers and understand how marks are awarded.
Class 10 SST Sample Paper 2026 with Solutions PDF
The Class 10 SST Sample Paper 2026 PDF is designed as per the latest CBSE exam pattern and syllabus for the 2025–26 session. It covers all four sections—History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics—with a balanced mix of MCQs, short answers, long answers, and case-based questions. The sample paper follows the blueprint, internal choices, and competency-based question format prescribed by CBSE. It helps students understand question trends, the marking scheme, and time management. Practicing this paper improves concept clarity, answer-writing skills, and exam confidence, making it a useful resource for effective board exam preparation. Students who face any difficulty in downloading the sample paper PDF from the portal can obtain it directly using the direct link shared in the table below.
| CBSE Social Science SST Sample Paper Class 10 2026 | |
| CBSE Class 10 Social Science Sample Paper 2026 | SocialSciencepaper-SQP |
| Solution Key of SST Paper | SocialSciencepaper-MS |
CBSE Class 10 SST Sample Question Paper 2026
Here, students can see the complete marks and question distribution for 4 sections –
| Divisions | Marks | No. of Questions | Typologies of Questions | Total Marks |
| Section A: History | 20 Marks | Q1 – Q9 | MCQs, VSA, SA, LA, Map | 1 × 4, 2 × 1, 3 × 1, 5 × 1, 4 × 1, 1 + 1 = 2 |
| Section B: Geography | 20 Marks | Q10 – Q19 | MCQs, VSA, SA, LA, Map | 1 × 6, 2 × 1, 5 × 1, 4 × 1, 1 + 1 + 1 = 3 |
| Section C: Political Science | 20 Marks | Q20 – Q28 | MCQs, VSA, SA, LA | 1 × 4, 2 × 2, 3 × 1, 5 × 1, 4 × 1 |
| Section D: Economics | 20 Marks | Q29 – Q38 | MCQs, VSA, SA, LA | 1 × 6, 3 × 3, 5 × 1 |
| Total | 80 Marks | 38 Questions |
CBSE Class 10 SST Sample Paper 2026 for History
Check the Class 10 History Sample questions with answers here:
SECTION A
HISTORY (20 marks)
1. Match the following and choose the correct option:
| COLUMN I | COLUMN II |
| A. Frederic Sorrieu B. Statue of Liberty C. Foreground in front of the Statue of Liberty D. Sorrieu’s utopian vision. |
1. Torch of enlightenment 2. Shattered remains of absolutist Institutions 3. Democratic and Social Republics 4. French Artist |
1.A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
2.A-2, B-4, C-4, D-1
3.A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
4.A-4, B-1, C-3, D-4
2. Identify and name the leader shown in the picture given below: –
A. Lala Lajpat Rai
B. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
C. Gopal Krishan Gokhale
D. Raja Rammohan Roy
Note: The following question is for Visually Impaired Candidates only in place of Q. No. 2
Which one of the following is the appropriate reason for the formation of the Swaraj Party?
A. To ask for Poorna Swaraj for Indians.
B. To return to Council Politics.
C. To ask Dominion State for India.
D. To oppose the Simon Commission.
3. Thousands of people fled Europe for America in the 19th century due to –
A. Widespread poverty and deadly diseases
B. Frequent famines and poor living conditions
C. Continuous wars and political instability
D. Harsh climate and repeated natural disasters
4. Louise-Sebastien Mercier proclaimed, “Tremble, therefore, tyrants of the world!
Tremble before the virtual writer!” Who are referred to as the tyrants in this context?
A. Educated classes who wanted to change society
B. Absolutist institutions like the monarchy and the church
C. Authors of the new books
D. Printing press
5A. “The Silk Route was a good example of vibrant pre-modern trade and cultural links between distant parts of the world.” Explain the statement with any two examples. (2)
OR
5B. ‘Sometimes the new crops could make the difference between life and death.’. Explain the statement with any two examples.
6 A. ‘A variety of cultural processes played an important role in developing a sense of nationalism in India’. Support the statement with suitable examples. (3)
OR
6 B. Salt March became an effective tool of resistance against colonialism.’ Analyse the statement with suitable reasons.
Social Science Sample Paper 2026 for Geography
Check the Class 10 Geography Sample questions with answers here:
SECTION B
GEOGRAPHY (20 marks)
10. What is essential for resource development to contribute to overall development?
A. The availability of resources alone is enough.
B. The presence of foreign invaders and their governance.
C. Technological development and institutional changes.
D. Only human resources can contribute to development.
11. Identify the appropriate option to fill in the empty boxes:
A. Black soil, Red, and Yellow soils
B. Laterite soil, Black soil.
C. Red & Yellow soils & Black soil.
D. Black soil & Laterite soil.
12. A total of 628 tigers died in India during the past five years due to natural causes and other reasons, including poaching, according to government data. Meanwhile, 349 people were killed in tiger attacks during this period, with one state alone recording 200 deaths.
Which of the following is the most significant indirect consequence of poaching on the tiger population?
A. Reduction in the prey species, dwindling tigers’ food supply.
B. Increase in human-wildlife conflicts in protected areas
C. Rise in the tiger population.
D. Decrease in tourism revenue in national parks
13. Based on the classification of forests, which of the following statements would most likely apply to places like Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala?
A. These places mostly have forests managed as reserved or protected forests for conservation.
B. They rely on unclassed forests and local community management for forest conservation.
C. They have forest resources and primarily focus on industrial development.
D. There are no classified forests, and forest management is entirely left to private ownership.
14. Which one of the following states has made rooftop water harvesting compulsory in India?
A. Haryana
B. Punjab
C. Assam
D. Tamil Nadu.
15. Which of the following statements best evaluates the overall goal of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchaye Yojana?
A. Addressing the negative ecological effects of large dams by reducing water usage.
B. To provide better irrigation systems and sustainable water conservation practices for farmers.
C. Shifting farmers from traditional crops to more commercial, water-intensive crops.
D. Preserve the natural river flow and prevent the fragmentation of aquatic ecosystems.
16. Rice is grown as a commercial crop in Haryana and Punjab, but as a subsistence crop in Odisha. Using your understanding of geographical factors and economic practices, explain why rice cultivation differs in these regions.
17A. Person P is willing to establish a mineral-based industry. He has been advised to set up a bauxite industry in Odisha as a suitable way to make a profitable venture. Analyse the possible reasons behind the advice given to her.
OR
17B. ‘Coal is the most important and abundant fossil fuel in India.’ Justify the statement by evaluating the significant role it plays in the growth of the Indian economy in its different forms.
SST Class 10 Sample Paper 2026 for Political Science
Check the Class 10 Political Science Sample questions with answers here:
SECTION C
POLITICAL SCIENCE (20 marks)
20. Which of the following statements are true with respect to the ethnic composition of Belgium?
I. 59 percent of the total population of Belgium lives in the Wallonia region and speaks French.
II. 40 percent live in the Flemish region and speak Dutch.
III. One percent of the Belgians speak German.
IV. In the capital city, Brussels, 80 percent of the people speak French, while 20 percent speak Dutch.
Choose the correct option:
A. I and II
B. III and IV
C. I, II, and III
D. I and IV
21. The cartoon below depicts Germany’s government that was formed after the 2005 elections. It included the two major parties of the country, namely the Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democratic Party. The two parties have historically competed with each other. Which of the following options best explains the cartoon?
A. Coalition Government.
B. Two-Party System.
C. Democratic government.
D. Bi-party system.
Note: The following question is for Visually Impaired Candidates only in place of Q. No. 21
Consider the following statements on Power Sharing and choose the correct statement(s) –
I. Imposing the will of the majority community over others.
II. It helps in reducing the possibility of conflict between the social groups.
III. Power Sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of the political order.
IV. It brings socio-political opposition among parties.
Choose the correct option:
A. I and II
B. I and III
C. II and IV
D. II and III
22. Consider the following case and choose the correct option. Suppose the Government of India plans to issue new currency notes of different denominations to curb the influence of black money. The Government of one
state is opposed to this policy of the Central Government. Can the state government stop the Union government from implementing this policy?
A. Yes, because Currency is the subject of the State List
B. No, because Currency is a subject of the Union List
C. Yes, because the approval of both governments is necessary to implement this change.
D. No, because any such change must be approved by the local government also.
23. Two statements are given as Assertion (A) and Reason(R). Study the statements carefully and identify the correct alternative:
ASSERTION (A): Exclusive attention to caste can produce negative results in democracy.
REASON (R): It can divert attention from other important issues, thus leading to tensions, conflicts, and even violence.
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
CBSE SST Sample Paper 2026 for Economics
Check the Class 10 Economics Sample questions with answers here:
SECTION D
ECONOMICS (20 marks)
29. Underemployment is caused when –
A. More workers are employed than are actually required
B. Fewer workers are employed than actually required
C. Workers are paid more than their actual output
D. Jobs are given only to highly educated workers
30. What can be inferred about the limitations of using per capita income (average income) to compare well-being across countries? Choose the correct option as the answer.
A. It shows how equally or unequally income is distributed among the people in a country.
B. The only measure needed to understand a country’s development is per capita income.
C. It gives a basic idea of economic well-being but hides the income inequality.
D. It only reflects the industrial growth of a country and does not consider other important factors.
31. Which of the following examples best demonstrates how the tertiary sector supports both the primary and secondary sectors?
A. Farmers grow vegetables and sell them directly to consumers, with no transportation or storage involved.
B. A factory makes shoes and uses raw materials like leather to create the product, relying on transport and retail stores to distribute the shoes.
C. A bakery bakes bread and uses delivery services to send the bread to local shops for sale, without any direct involvement of raw materials.
D. A company produces furniture from wood, but does not require any transport or retail services to sell the product.
32. Which one of the following issues currency notes in India?
A. Finance Ministry.
B. Reserve Bank of India.
C. State Bank of India.
D. Central Bank of India.
33. Person Z tries to explain how the requirement of a double coincidence of wants in a barter system limits trade and exchange. Which of the following justifications do you think will be used by him/her?
A. It complicates trade, as each person must have what the other person wants, limiting the pool of potential trade partners.
B. The barter system allows trade to be conducted more efficiently since both parties already know what they need from the transaction.
C. It increases the number of exchanges because people can trade for exactly what they want.
D. The system creates value for goods by ensuring that both parties have a direct need for each other’s goods.
Related Sample Paper Links:
FAQs
1. Is the CBSE Class 10 SST Sample Paper 2026 released?
Yes, CBSE releases the official Class 10 Social Science Sample Paper for 2026 on its academic website before the board exams. It is based on the latest syllabus and exam pattern.
2. Is the CBSE Class 10 SST Sample Paper 2026 based on the new syllabus?
Yes, the CBSE Class 10 SST Sample Paper 2026 strictly follows the revised syllabus prescribed for the 2025–26 academic session, including updated chapters and reduced content (if any).
3. What subjects are included in the Class 10 Social Science sample paper?
The Class 10 SST Sample Paper includes questions from:
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History
-
Geography
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Political Science
-
Economics
All four sections are covered as per the prescribed weightage.
4. What is the exam pattern of CBSE Class 10 SST 2026?
The CBSE Class 10 SST exam 2026 is based on:
-
Competency-based questions
-
Case-study questions
-
Short and long answer questions
-
Map-based questions
The sample paper reflects this updated pattern.
5. How many marks is the Class 10 SST board exam 2026?
The CBSE Class 10 Social Science theory exam is conducted for 80 marks, while 20 marks are allotted for internal assessment.
6. Are case-study questions compulsory in Class 10 SST 2026?
Yes, case-based questions are compulsory in the CBSE Class 10 SST exam 2026, as shown in the official sample paper. These test analytical and application-based learning.
7. Does the SST sample paper include map work?
Yes, the CBSE Class 10 SST Sample Paper 2026 includes map-based questions, mainly from History and Geography, carrying fixed marks.
8. Are competency-based questions asked in SST Class 10 2026?
Yes, CBSE has increased the focus on competency-based questions, including:
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Assertion–Reason
-
Case-based questions
-
Source-based questions
These are clearly visible in the sample paper.
9. How many questions are there in the CBSE Class 10 SST Sample Paper?
The number of questions varies by section, but the paper generally includes:
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MCQs
-
Very short answers
-
Short answers
-
Long answers
-
Case-study based questionsAll questions together make up 80 marks.
10. Is the CBSE Class 10 SST Sample Paper enough for board preparation?
The sample paper is very important but not sufficient alone. Students should also practice:
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Previous year question papers
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Competency-based questions
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NCERT textbook questions
11. From where can I download CBSE Class 10 SST Sample Paper 2026?
You can download it from:
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CBSE official website
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CBSE academic portal
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Trusted educational platforms and schools
12. Does CBSE repeat questions from the sample paper?
CBSE may not repeat exact questions, but the question pattern, difficulty level, and question types are often similar to the sample paper.
13. How should I use the SST sample paper for best results?
To use it effectively:
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Attempt it like a real exam
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Follow time limits
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Analyze mistakes
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Revise weak chapters accordingly
14. Is NCERT enough for Class 10 SST 2026?
Yes, NCERT textbooks are sufficient for CBSE Class 10 SST, as all questions in the sample paper are directly or indirectly based on NCERT content.
15. Will there be internal choices in Class 10 SST 2026?
Yes, CBSE generally provides internal choices in some questions, and the sample paper also reflects this flexibility.
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