CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus 2025-26: Check Curriculum, Units, & Marks

Posted: Jun 15, 2026 04:36 PM IST
Updated: Aug 16, 2026 09:08 PM IST
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The Central Board of Secondary Education has officially released the updated CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2025-26 for academic planning. Social Science is a compulsory subject at the secondary stage, requiring thorough preparation across multiple disciplines. Students can access the comprehensive curriculum details directly on www.cbseacademic.nic.in to align their studies with the board's expectations.

Additionally, students awaiting past performances or tracking academic milestones can review outcomes via the CBSE Class 10 Result 2025 portal.

Overview of the Social Science Curriculum

The CBSE Class 10 SST curriculum for 2025-26 is divided into four key disciplines: History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics. A total of 215 teaching periods are allocated across these subjects, culminating in an 80-mark board examination, supplemented by a 20-mark internal assessment structure.

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

Unit-wise Detailed Breakdowns

Unit 1: India and the Contemporary World – II

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

Unit 2: Contemporary India – II
Themes Learning Objectives
1. Resources and Development Evaluate the significance, interdependence, and strategic planning of natural resources in India.

Summarize the rationale for resource development and understand the factors contributing to non-optimal land utilization in India.

Analyze the urgent necessity for the conservation of natural resources.

Examine the role of resource planning in meeting the current developmental requirements of India.
2. Forest and Wildlife Assess the importance of forest and wildlife conservation and their role in maintaining ecological balance for sustainable development.

Analyze how grazing and wood extraction impact environmental development and degradation.

Comprehend the underlying reasons for biodiversity conservation within the framework of sustainable development in India.
3. Water Resources Examine the critical reasons for water resource conservation in India.

Analyze and infer how multipurpose river valley projects meet the growing water demands in India.
4. Agriculture Examine the pivotal role agriculture plays in the Indian economy and society.

Analyze the multifaceted challenges currently faced by the Indian farming community.

Understand agricultural aspects, including crop production, farming systems, modern techniques, and the ecological impact of farming.
5. Minerals and Energy Resources Comprehend the formation, geographical location, utility, and economic importance of various minerals.

Analyze the role of natural resources in economic development and the importance of sustainable resource distribution.

Distinguish between conventional and non-conventional energy sources.
6. Manufacturing Industries Categorize manufacturing industries based on raw materials and output, while analyzing their contribution to the Indian economy.

Examine the environmental impact of manufacturing industries and propose strategies for sustainable industrial growth.

Analyze the relationship between raw material availability and industrial location.
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

Unit 3: Democratic Politics – II
Themes Learning Objectives
1. Power Sharing Examine how democratic systems address demands for power sharing.

Analyze the challenges faced by nations like Belgium and Sri Lanka in ensuring equitable power sharing.
2. Federalism Comprehend the theory and practical application of federalism in India.

Analyze the policies and political dynamics that have strengthened Indian federalism.
3. Gender, Religion and Caste Examine the roles of gender, religion, and caste in the practice of Indian democracy.

Analyze whether expressions of social diversity are healthy or detrimental in a democratic society.
4. Political Parties Examine the purpose and functional role of political parties in a democracy.

Evaluate the contributions of national and regional political parties to the health of Indian democracy.
5 Outcomes of Democracy Understand the expected versus actual outcomes of democracy regarding government quality, economic well-being, equality, and dignity.

Analyze the gaps between democratic ideals and reality across social, economic, and political dimensions.

Unit 4: Economics

Unit 4: Economics
Themes Learning Objectives
1. Development Examine the significance of setting suitable developmental goals in nation-building.

Examine the importance of per capita income and compare developmental indicators across countries.

Analyze the Human Development Index (HDI) in relation to Per Capita Income (PCI).

Examine the urgent need for sustainable development.
2. Sectors of the Indian Economy Evaluate how different economic sectors contribute to the overall growth of the Indian economy.

Identify sectoral challenges and propose viable solutions.

Examine the roles of the public and private sectors, the emergence of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and the impact of the unorganized sector on the economy.

Analyze major employment-generating sectors and the challenges in ensuring universal employment.
3. Money and Credit Examine the historical and modern evolution of money as a medium of exchange.

Analyze the various sources of credit.

Identify the role of self-help groups in improving the economic status of rural populations and women.
4. Globalization and the Indian Economy Examine the definition, evolution, and impact of globalization on the global economy.

Explore the primary drivers of globalization and their effect on international economic landscapes.

Examine the significance of the G20 and India's current leadership role within it.

Interdisciplinary Project: Integrating History (Chapter 3: The Making of a Global World) and Geography (Chapter 7: Lifelines of National Economy).
5. Consumer Rights Project work

Internal Assessment Structure

Internal assessment accounts for 20 marks and comprises periodic tests, portfolio maintenance, and subject enrichment activities.

CBSE Class 10 SST Syllabus 2025-26 Internal Assessment
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

Essential Map Work Checklists

Map identification and location play an essential role in the Social Science board examination. Students must thoroughly prepare the following map items:

History Map Work: Indian National Congress Sessions

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

History Map Work: Satyagraha Movements

  • Kheda
  • Champaran
  • Ahmedabad mill workers

Geography Map Work: Dams

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

Geography Map Work: Iron Ore Mines

  • Mayurbhanj
  • Durg
  • Bailadila
  • Bellary
  • Kudremukh

Geography Map Work: Coal Mines

  • Raniganj
  • Bokaro
  • Talcher
  • Neyveli

Geography Map Work: Oil Fields

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

Geography Map Work: Thermal Power Plants

  • Namrup
  • Singrauli
  • Ramagundam

Geography Map Work: Nuclear Power Plants

  • Narora
  • Kakrapara
  • Tarapur
  • Kalpakkam

Geography Map Work: Software Technology Parks

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

Geography Map Work: Major Ports

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

Geography Map Work: 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)

Next Steps for Candidates

After reviewing the updated syllabus and map lists, students should maintain a consistent study schedule adhering to the chapter learning objectives. Ensure that periodic assessments, portfolios, and project works are completed well ahead of school deadlines. Keep track of forthcoming exam dates, practice map markings regularly, and prepare for upcoming admit card announcements and revision timelines.

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