The CBSE Class 10 Social Science (SST) Syllabus 2026–27 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 2026–27 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 2026-27: The Central Board of Secondary Education has released the latest and revised CBSE Class 10 SST Syllabus 2026-27 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 2026-27 for Social Science.
Complete CBSE Class 10 Social Science (SST) Syllabus Analysis 2026–27 in a clear tabular format, based on the latest exam pattern, chapter-wise coverage, and weightage.
| Subject | Book Name | Chapters Included (Board Focus) | Marks | % Weightage | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| History | India and the Contemporary World-II | The Rise of Nationalism in Europe, Nationalism in India, The Making of a Global World (1.1–1.3), Print Culture & Modern World + Map Work | 18 + 2 | 25% | Conceptual + theory-based, focus on nationalism & print culture |
| Geography | Contemporary India-II | Resources & Development, Forest & Wildlife, Water Resources, Agriculture, Minerals & Energy, Manufacturing Industries, Lifelines of Economy + Map | 17 + 3 | 25% | Diagram + map-based, highly scoring |
| Political Science | Democratic Politics-II | Power Sharing, Federalism, Gender Religion & Caste, Political Parties, Outcomes of Democracy | 20 | 25% | Direct theory + case study questions |
| Economics | Understanding Economic Development | Development, Sectors of Indian Economy, Money & Credit, Globalisation (selected topics) | 20 | 25% | Short + concept-based, easy scoring |
All four subjects carry equal weightage (25%) in the board exam.
| Subject | High Weightage Chapters | Medium Weightage | Low Weightage / Internal |
|---|---|---|---|
| History | Nationalism in India, Nationalism in Europe | Print Culture | Global World (partial), Industrialisation (internal) |
| Geography | Agriculture, Minerals, Manufacturing | Resources, Water | Forest (short questions) |
| Political Science | Federalism, Political Parties | Power Sharing | Outcomes (case-based) |
| Economics | Sectors, Money & Credit | Development | Globalisation (partial) |
| Question Type | No. of Questions | Marks | % Weightage | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCQs (1 mark) | 20 | 20 | 25% | NCERT line-by-line |
| 2 Marks | 4 | 8 | 10% | Definitions & short concepts |
| 3 Marks | 5 | 15 | 18.75% | Concept explanation |
| Case Study (4 Marks) | 3 | 12 | 15% | Application-based |
| Long Answer (5 Marks) | 4 | 20 | 25% | Detailed writing |
| Map Work | 1 | 5 | 6.25% | Practice maps daily |
Competency-based questions (case study + application) form a major part of the paper.
| Component | Marks | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Periodic Tests | 10 | Based on school exams |
| Project Work | 5 | Easy scoring |
| Notebook / Activity | 5 | Maintain proper notes |
| Area | Difficulty Level | Scoring Potential | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| History | Medium | Moderate | Focus on storytelling & timelines |
| Geography | Easy–Moderate | High | Maps + diagrams |
| Civics | Easy | Very High | Learn keywords |
| Economics | Easy | Very High | Concepts + examples |
The CBSE Class 10 Social Science (SST) syllabus for 2026-27 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 2026-27 | |||
| 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 | |
The SST Syllabus Class 10th CBSE 2026-27 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 |
|
| Section 1: Events and Processes Chapter II: Nationalism in India |
|
| Section 2: Livelihoods, Economies and Societies Chapter III: The Making of a Global World |
|
| Section 2: Livelihoods, Economies and Societies Chapter IV: The Age of Industrialization |
|
| Section 3: Everyday Life, Culture and Politics Chapter V: Print Culture and the Modern World |
|
| 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 |
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.
Chapter – 3 Nationalism in India – (1918 – 1930) for locating and labelling / Identification
I. Indian National Congress Sessions:
II. Satyagraha movements:
III. Jallianwala Bagh
IV. Dandi March
Chapter 1: Resources and Development (Identification only)
Chapter 3: Water Resources (Locating and Labelling)
Dams:
Chapter 4: Agriculture (Identification only)
Chapter 5: Minerals and Energy Resources Minerals (Identification only)
Iron Ore mines
Coal Mines
Oil Fields
Power Plants (Locating and Labelling only)
Thermal
Nuclear
Chapter 6: Manufacturing Industries (Locating and Labelling Only)
Software Technology Parks
Chapter 7: Lifelines of National Economy
Major Ports: (Locating and Labelling)
Haldia International Airports:
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 | |
Download CBSE Class 10 SST Syllabus 2026-27 full detailed PDF by clicking on the below link:
Social_Science SST PDF Link
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)
CBSE has made minor updates each year. The 2026–27 syllabus retains the same structure, but some chapters may have small content adjustments. Always refer to the latest official syllabus PDF from CBSE.
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.
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)
Key chapters are:
Resources and Development
Water Resources
Agriculture
Minerals and Energy Resources
Manufacturing Industries
Lifelines of National Economy
Map work is also compulsory.
Chapters include:
Power Sharing
Federalism
Gender, Religion and Caste
Political Parties
Outcomes of Democracy
Main chapters:
Development
Sectors of the Indian Economy
Money and Credit
Globalisation and the Indian Economy
Consumer Rights (often for project/assignment)
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)
Generally:
History (1–2 marks): Nationalism in India (events/places)
Geography (3–4 marks): Rivers, dams, minerals, major industries, soil types, etc.
Yes, project work is part of the Internal Assessment (20 marks), which includes:
Project file
Multiple assessments (class tests, portfolios, etc.)
Subject enrichment activities
Based on trend:
Nationalism in India (History)
Resources & Development, Agriculture (Geography)
Power Sharing, Federalism (Political Science)
Sectors of the Indian Economy, Money & Credit (Economics)
Yes. CBSE follows a single annual exam pattern (no term-wise division).
You should use NCERT textbooks only. Board questions are directly based on NCERT.
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
Yes, CBSE includes case-based questions in History, Geography, Civics, and Economics.
These test your understanding + application of concepts.
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