CBSE Class 10 SST Syllabus 2025-26, Get Social Scieence Free PDF

The CBSE Class 10 Social Science (SST) Syllabus 2025–26 plays a crucial role in helping students build a clear understanding of India’s history, democratic processes, economic development, and global interactions. Designed according to the latest CBSE curriculum, the syllabus ensures that learners develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper awareness of the world around them. It covers four major disciplines—History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics—each contributing to a student’s holistic understanding of society and human development.

In the 2025–26 academic session, CBSE continues its focus on competency-based learning, application-oriented questions, and real-life connections. The SST syllabus not only prepares students for the board exam but also strengthens their foundational knowledge for competitive exams and higher studies. Topics such as nationalism, resources and development, democratic politics, and the Indian economy help students relate classroom learning to everyday issues.

The syllabus also emphasizes map work, project activities, and case-based questions to enhance experiential learning. By studying Social Science, students gain insights into social behaviour, governance, environmental challenges, and economic choices—making it an essential subject for developing responsible and informed citizens. The updated syllabus ensures balanced content, clarity, and effective exam preparation for Class 10 students.

CBSE Class 10 SST Syllabus 2025-26

CBSE Class 10 SST Syllabus 2025-26: The Central Board of Secondary Education has released the latest and revised CBSE Class 10 SST Syllabus 2025-26 at the official website www.cbseacademic.nic.in. Social science is made a compulsory subject till the secondary stage as it is an integral component of general education. It also helps the learners to understand the environment in its totality, which in turn creates more responsible citizens with the necessary attributes and skills for being able to participate and contribute effectively to the process of development and nation-building. The Social Science curriculum comprises content mainly from History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics. In this article, we have provided a detailed framework of topics covered under the CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2025-26 for Social Science.

SST Syllabus Class 10 CBSE 2025-26

The CBSE Class 10 Social Science (SST) syllabus for 2025-26 consists of four main topics: History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics. The syllabus includes details on the number of periods allocated to each topic and the marks assigned to them for the board exam. Additionally, the chapters and sections under each of these topics are also listed. The structure helps students understand what to focus on for their exams and how much time and effort should be given to each subject to prepare effectively.

Social Science Syllabus 2025-26
Units Name No. of Periods Marks
I History (India and the Contemporary World – II) 60 20
II Geography (Contemporary India – I) 55 20
III Political science (Democratic Politics – I) 50 20
IV Economics (Understanding Economic Development) 50 20
Total 215 80

CBSE Class 10 SST Syllabus

The SST Syllabus Class 10th CBSE 2025-26 includes four main subjects: History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics. In History, students study events like the rise of nationalism and world wars. Geography teaches about India’s resources, farming, and industries. Political Science explains how democracy works, the role of the government, and how citizens can participate. Economics focuses on understanding money, development, and how economies function. The syllabus is designed to help students learn about important topics related to both India and the world. It also includes map work and projects to make learning more engaging and practical. Overall, it helps students understand the world around them in a simple and interesting way.

Unit 1: India and the Contemporary World – II
Themes Learning Objectives
Section 1: Events and Processes

Chapter I: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

  1. Examine the impact of the French Revolution on the European countries in the making of the Nation state.
  2. Explore the nature of the diverse social movements of the time. (1830-1848).
  3. Examine the ways by which the idea of nationalism emerged and led to the formation of nation states.
  4. Comprehend how World War I was triggered by the scramble for colonies in the Balkan states.
Section 1: Events and Processes

Chapter II: Nationalism in India

  1. Explore various facets of Nationalistic movements that ushered in the sense of Collective Belonging
  2. Discuss the impact of the first world war on triggering two defining movements (Khilafat & Non-cooperation Movement) in India.
  3. Assess/ appraise the role of Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders in the two movements (NCM & CDM).
Section 2: Livelihoods, Economies and Societies

Chapter III: The Making of a Global World

  1. Explore various aspects of how the world changed profoundly in the 19th century in terms of Economic, Political, Social, Cultural and technological areas.
  2. Analyse the destructive impact of colonialism on the economy and the livelihoods of colonised people
  3. Interdisciplinary Project with Chapter 7 of Geography: Life Lines of National Economy and chapter 4 of Economics:Globalization and the Indian Economy
Section 2: Livelihoods, Economies and Societies

Chapter IV: The Age of Industrialization

  1. Examine economic, political, social features of Pre and Post Industrialization.
  2. Analyse the impact of Industrialisation in the colonies with specific focus on India.
Section 3: Everyday Life, Culture and Politics

Chapter V: Print Culture and the Modern World

  1. Examine the development of Print from its beginnings in East Asia to its expansion in Europe and India 
  2. Analyse the impact of the spread of technology and consider how social life and culture changed with coming of print
Unit 2: Contemporary India – II
Themes Learning Objectives
1. Resources and Development Examine the significance, interdependence, utilization development need of Planning of resources in India.

Summarise the rationale for development of resources  Comprehends the reasons for non-optimal utilization of land in India.

Analyse the need to conserve all the resources

Examine the significant role for resource planning in the light of the present requirements in India

2. Forest and Wildlife Examine the importance of conserving forests and wild life and their interdependency in maintaining the ecology for the sustainable development of India.

Analyse the role of grazing and wood cutting in the development and degradation

Comprehends the reasons for conservation of biodiversity in India under sustainable development.

3. Water Resources Examine the reasons for conservation of water resource in India.

Analyse and infer how the Multipurpose projects are supporting the requirement of water in India.

4. Agriculture Examine the crucial role played by agriculture in our economy and society.

Analyses the challenges faced by the farming community in India.

Comprehends the various aspects of agriculture, including crop production, types of farming, modern agricultural practices, and the impact of agriculture on the environment

5. Minerals and Energy Resources Comprehends the formation of different types of minerals, location, their uses, importance for human life and the economy.

Analyses the importance of minerals and natural resources for economic development of the country their distribution, and sustainable use.

Distinguishes between conventional and nonconventional sources of energy.

6. Manufacturing Industries Distinguishes between various types of manufacturing industries based on their input materials, processes, and end products, and analyse their significance in the Indian economy.

Examines the impact of manufacturing industries on the environment, and develop strategies for sustainable development of the manufacturing sector.

Analyses the relation between the availability of raw material and location of the Industry

7. Life Lines of National Economy Inter disciplinary project with chapter 3 of History: The making of a Global world and chapter 4 of Economics: Globalization and the Indian Economy
Unit 3: Democratic Politics – II
Themes Learning Objectives
1. Power Sharing Examines and comprehends how democracies handle demands and need for power sharing.

Analyse the Challenges faced by countries like Belgium and Sri Lanka ensuring effective power sharing

2. Federalism Comprehend the theory and Practice of Federalism in India.

Analyse the policies and politics that has strengthened federalism in practice.

 3. Gender, Religion and Caste Examines the role and differences of Gender, religion and Caste in practicing Democracy in India.

Analyses the different expressions based on these differences are healthy or otherwise in a democracy

4. Political Parties Examine the role, purpose and no. of Political Parties in Democracy.

Evaluates the contributions made by national and regional political parties in making or otherwise of Indian democracy.

5 Outcomes of Democracy Comprehends the expected and actual outcomes of democracy in view of quality of government, economic wellbeing, in equality, social differences, conflict, freedom and dignity.

Analyses the reasons behind gap that occurs in conversion of expected outcomes into actual outcomes of democracy in various respects: quality of government, economic wellbeing, inequality, social differences and conflict and finally freedom and dignity

Unit 4: Economics
Themes Learning Objectives
1. Development Examine the significance of designing suitable developmental goals in shaping the nation.

Examine the importance of per capita income and compare the per capita income of various countries to infer about reasons for the variance

Analyse the HDI in relation to PCI.

Examine the need for Sustainable development

2. Sectors of the Indian Economy Analyse and evaluate the economic activities in different sectors and how they contribute to the overall growth and development of the Indian economy.

Identify problems in different sectors and propose solutions based on their understanding of the sectors.

Examine and infer the essential role of the Public and Private sectors the present trends of PPP and efficacy of the initiativeExamines the role of Unorganised sector in impacting PCI currently and proposes suggestive steps to reduce the unorganised sector for more productive contributions to GDP.

Analyse the major employment generating sectors and observe the challenges faced in an effort to provide employment to all.

3. Money and Credit Examine money as a medium of exchange in all transactions of goods and services since ancient times to the present times.

Analyse the different sources of credit.

Identify the significance and role of self-help groups in the betterment of the economic condition of rural people/women

4. Globalization and the Indian Economy Examine the concept of globalization and its definition, evolution, and impact on the global economy.

Explore the details of the key drivers of globalization and their role in shaping the global economic landscape in various countries.

Examines the significance of role of G20 and its significance in the light of India’s present role

Inter disciplinary Project with chapter 3 of History: “The making of a Global World” and chapter 7 of Geography: “Lifelines of National Economy”

5. Consumer Rights Project work

Social Science Class 10 Syllabus 2025-26- Maps

The CBSE Class 10 Social Science syllabus for maps includes important locations from History and Geography. In History, students need to identify important places related to events like the Indian National Movement. In Geography, they must locate rivers, mountains, mineral resources, and industries on a map of India. The map questions are easy and help students understand India’s physical and political features. Regular practice of maps can improve scores in exams.

A. HISTORY (Outline Political Map of India)

Chapter – 3 Nationalism in India – (1918 – 1930) for locating and labelling / Identification

I. Indian National Congress Sessions:

  • Calcutta (Sep. 1920)
  • Nagpur (Dec. 1920)
  • Madras (1927)

II. Satyagraha movements:

  • Kheda
  • Champaran
  • Ahmedabad mill workers

III. Jallianwala Bagh

IV. Dandi March

B. GEOGRAPHY (Outline Political Map of India)

Chapter 1: Resources and Development (Identification only)

  • Major soil Types

Chapter 3: Water Resources (Locating and Labelling)

Dams:

  • Salal
  • Bhakra Nangal
  • Tehri
  • Rana Pratap Sagar
  • Sardar Sarovar
  • Hirakud
  • Nagarjuna Sagar
  • Tungabhadra

Chapter 4: Agriculture (Identification only)

  • Major areas of Rice and Wheat
  • Largest / Major producer states of Sugarcane, Tea, Coffee, Rubber, Cotton and Jute

Chapter 5: Minerals and Energy Resources Minerals (Identification only)

Iron Ore mines

  • Mayurbhanj
  • Durg
  • Bailadila
  • Bellary
  • Kudremukh

Coal Mines

  • Raniganj
  • Bokaro
  • Talcher
  • Neyveli

Oil Fields

  • Digboi
  • Naharkatia
  • Mumbai High
  • Bassien
  • Kalol
  • Ankaleshwar

Power Plants (Locating and Labelling only)

Thermal

  • Namrup
  • Singrauli
  • Ramagundam

Nuclear

  • Narora
  • Kakrapara
  • Tarapur
  • Kalpakkam

Chapter 6: Manufacturing Industries (Locating and Labelling Only)

Software Technology Parks

  • Noida
  • Gandhinagar
  • Mumbai
  • Pune
  • Hyderabad
  • Bengaluru
  • Chennai
  • Thiruvananthapuram

Chapter 7: Lifelines of National Economy

Major Ports: (Locating and Labelling)

  • Kandla
  • Mumbai
  • Marmagao
  • New Mangalore
  • Kochi
  • Tuticorin
  • Chennai
  • Vishakhapatnam
  • Paradip

Haldia International Airports:

  • Amritsar (Raja Sansi – Sri Guru Ram Dass jee)
  • Delhi (Indira Gandhi)
  • Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji)
  • Chennai (Meenam Bakkam)
  • Kolkata (Netaji Subhash Chandra
  • Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi)

CBSE Class 10 SST Syllabus 2025-26 Internal  Assessment

The CBSE Class 10 Social Science internal assessment includes periodic tests, subject enrichment activities, portfolio work, and class participation. It carries 20 marks. Periodic tests check students’ understanding through written exams. Subject enrichment activities include map work, projects, or case studies. The portfolio includes assignments, quizzes, and other creative work. Active participation in class discussions and activities also adds to the marks. Regular practice and completing assignments on time help in scoring well.

Description Marks
Periodic Assessment Pen Paper Test, Quiz, Debate, Role Play, Viva, Group Discussion, Visual Expression, Interactive Bulletin Boards, Gallery Walks, Exit Cards, Concept Maps, Peer Assessment, SelfAssessment, etc. 10
Portfolio Classwork, Work done (Activities / Assignments), Reflections, Narrations, Journals, etc.,Achievements of the student in the subject throughout the year, Participation of the student in different activities like Heritage India Quiz 5
Subject Enrichment Activity Project Work 5
Total Internal Assessment 20

Objectives of CBSE 10th SST Syllabus 2025-26

  1. Develop an understanding of the processes of change and development-both in terms of time and space, through which human societies have evolved.
  2. Develop an understanding of contemporary India with its historical perspective, of the basic framework of the goals and policies of national development in independent India, and of the process of change with appropriate connections to world development.
  3. Deepen knowledge about and understanding of India’s freedom struggle and of the values and ideals that it represented, and to develop an appreciation of the contributions made by people of all sections and regions of the country.
  4. Help learners understand and cherish the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution and to prepare them for their roles and responsibilities as effective citizens of a democratic society.
  5. Help learners understand and cherish the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution and to prepare them for their roles and responsibilities as effective citizens of a democratic society.
  6. Facilitate the learners to understand and appreciate the diversity in the land and people of the country with its underlying unity.
  7. Develop an appreciation of the richness and variety of India’s heritage-both natural and cultural and the need for its preservation.
  8. Develop scientific temperament by promoting the spirit of enquiry and following a rational and objective approach in analysing and evaluating data and information as well as views and interpretations

CBSE Class 10 SST Syllabus 2024-25 PDF Download

Download CBSE Class 10 SST Syllabus 2025-26 full detailed PDF by clicking on the below link:

Social_Science_Sec_2025-26 PDF Link

FAQs

1. How many subjects are included in Class 10 Social Science?

Class 10 SST includes four subjects:

  • History (India and the Contemporary World–II)

  • Geography (Contemporary India–II)

  • Political Science / Civics (Democratic Politics–II)

  • Economics (Understanding Economic Development)

2. Is there any change in the SST syllabus for 2025–26?

CBSE has made minor updates each year. The 2025–26 syllabus retains the same structure, but some chapters may have small content adjustments. Always refer to the latest official syllabus PDF from CBSE.

3. How many chapters are there in SST Class 10?

There are 20 chapters in total (combined across all four subjects).
However, only selected chapters may be included for board exams if CBSE issues a reduced syllabus.

4. What are the main chapters in History for 2025–26?

Important chapters include:

  • The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

  • Nationalism in India

  • The Making of a Global World

  • The Age of Industrialisation

  • Print Culture and the Modern World (often included as a map/topic chapter)

5. What chapters are included in Geography?

Key chapters are:

  • Resources and Development

  • Water Resources

  • Agriculture

  • Minerals and Energy Resources

  • Manufacturing Industries

  • Lifelines of National Economy

Map work is also compulsory.

6. What topics are important in Civics (Political Science)?

Chapters include:

  • Power Sharing

  • Federalism

  • Gender, Religion and Caste

  • Political Parties

  • Outcomes of Democracy

7. What are the chapters in Economics for Class 10?

Main chapters:

  • Development

  • Sectors of the Indian Economy

  • Money and Credit

  • Globalisation and the Indian Economy

  • Consumer Rights (often for project/assignment)

8. What is the exam pattern for SST Class 10?

The SST paper is of 80 marks + 20 internal assessment, with:

  • MCQs

  • Short answer questions

  • Long answer questions

  • Case-study based questions

  • Map-based questions (History + Geography)

9. How many map questions are asked in the exam?

Generally:

  • History (1–2 marks): Nationalism in India (events/places)

  • Geography (3–4 marks): Rivers, dams, minerals, major industries, soil types, etc.

10. Is project work compulsory in Class 10 SST?

Yes, project work is part of the Internal Assessment (20 marks), which includes:

  • Project file

  • Multiple assessments (class tests, portfolios, etc.)

  • Subject enrichment activities

11. Which chapters are most important for board exams?

Based on trend:

  • Nationalism in India (History)

  • Resources & Development, Agriculture (Geography)

  • Power Sharing, Federalism (Political Science)

  • Sectors of the Indian Economy, Money & Credit (Economics)

12. Is the syllabus the same for term exams and boards?

Yes. CBSE follows a single annual exam pattern (no term-wise division).

13. What books should I use for SST Class 10?

You should use NCERT textbooks only. Board questions are directly based on NCERT.

14. How should I prepare for SST effectively?

  • Make chapter-wise notes

  • Learn timelines, important events, and definitions

  • Practice map work regularly

  • Solve previous year papers and sample papers

  • Revise NCERT diagrams, tables, and case studies

15. Are case-study questions asked in Class 10 SST?

Yes, CBSE includes case-based questions in History, Geography, Civics, and Economics.
These test your understanding + application of concepts.

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