CBSE Class 10 · Social Science · board exam 2027
CBSE Class 10 Social Science Question Paper 2023
The board’s 2023 question paper, set 32/1/1 — all 37 questions as printed; 20 objective answers from the board’s own key; full model answers for 3 written questions, how the answer begins for 12 more. Each question names its chapter, where that chapter’s most-asked questions are.
Full marks 80 · Time 3 h
Section A · Objective questions (20)
Match the following attributes of Germania with their significance and choose the correct option : Attributes : Significance a. Broken chains I. Heroism b. Breastplate with eagle II. Readiness to fight c. Crown of oak leaves III. Strength d. Sword IV. Being freed Options : a b c d (A) I II III IV (B) IV III I II (C) II I IV III (D) III IV II I
- (A) I II III IV
- (B) IV III I II ✓
- (C) II I IV III
- (D) III IV II I
Answer (the board’s key): (B)
Which one of the following aspects was common between the writings of B.R. Ambedkar and E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker ?
- (A) Wrote on the caste system in India ✓
- (B) Highlighted the experiences of women
- (C) Raised awareness about cultural heritage
- (D) Motivated Indians for their national freedom.
Answer (the board’s key): (A)
Who among the following set up the first iron and steel industry in India?
- (A) J.R.D. Tata ✓
- (B) Purshottam Das
- (C) R.G. Saraiya
- (D) Thakur Das
Answer (the board’s key): (A)
Arrange the following in chronological order and choose the correct option : I. The Bretton Woods conference established the International Monetary Fund. II. The Second World War broke out between the Axis and Allied groups. III. A car manufacturer Henry Ford adopted the 'Assembly Line Method' for production. IV. The Western economies organized themselves as a group – 'The Group of 77'.
- (A) III, II, I and IV ✓
- (B) I, II, III and IV
- (C) IV, III, II and I
- (D) IV, II, III and I
Answer (the board’s key): (A)
Identify the crop with the help of the following information and choose the correct option. This is the second most important Cereal Crop. This is a Rabi crop. It requires a cool growing season and bright sunshine at the time of ripening. It requires 50 to 75 cm annual rainfall.
- (A) Wheat ✓
- (B) Maize
- (C) Rice
- (D) Sugarcane
Answer (the board’s key): (A)
In which of the following States Tungabhadra Dam is located ?
- (A) Tamil Nadu
- (B) Kerala
- (C) Andhra Pradesh
- (D) Karnataka ✓
Answer (the board’s key): (D)
Which of the following pair is correctly matched ?
- (A) Alluvial Soil – Gangetic Plain ✓
- (B) Black Soil – Himalayan Region
- (C) Arid Soil – Western Ghats
- (D) Laterite Soil – Desert Area
Answer (the board’s key): (A)
Which of the following countries has the highest 'Life Expectancy' at the birth ?
- (A) Nepal
- (B) Bangladesh ✓
- (C) India
- (D) Pakistan
Answer (the board’s key): (B)
Which one of the following organization is providing data regarding employment in India ?
- (A) National Statistical Office ✓
- (B) Niti Ayog
- (C) National Informatics Centre
- (D) Public Service Commission
Answer (the board’s key): (A)
Which one of the following is a major benefit to an MNC when it works on joint production with a local company ?
- (A) MNC shares its latest technology with the local company.
- (B) MNC decides all parameters and prices of the product. ✓
- (C) MNC shares its institutional policy with local company.
- (D) MNC built good and familial relations with the local company.
Answer (the board’s key): (B)
Which one of the following pair is correctly matched ?
- (A) Primary Sector – Fishermen ✓
- (B) Secondary Sector – Priest
- (C) Tertiary Sector – Basket Weaver
- (D) Quaternary Sector – Gardener
Answer (the board’s key): (A)
Assume there are four families in a locality. If the monthly income of each family is ₹ 10,000, ₹ 20,000, ₹ 30,000 and ₹ 40,000, then what is the average income of the locality ? Choose the correct option from the following :
- (A) ₹ 25,000 ✓
- (B) ₹ 30,000
- (C) ₹ 20,000
- (D) ₹ 10,000
Answer (the board’s key): (A)
Kanta works in an office. She gets her salary regularly at the end of every month. In addition to the salary, she also gets other benefits laid down by the government. In which of the following sector Kanta is working ?
- (A) Organised Sector ✓
- (B) Unorganised Sector
- (C) Primary Sector
- (D) Quaternary Sector
Answer (the board’s key): (A)
Which one of the following is a formal source of credit ?
- (A) Relative
- (B) Trader
- (C) Money lender
- (D) Cooperative Society ✓
Answer (the board’s key): (D)
Consider the following statements on Power Sharing and choose the correct option : I. It deepens democracy. II. It helps to reduce conflicts among social groups. III. It is a way to ensure political stability. IV. It brings socio-economic struggles. Options :
- (A) I, II and III ✓
- (B) II, III and IV
- (C) I, III and IV
- (D) I, II and IV
Answer (the board’s key): (A)
Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the Statements and choose the correct option : Assertion (A) : Elections are the spirit of democracy. Reason (R) : Elections expand Political participation. Options :
- (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 the not correct explanation of (A).
- (C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
- (D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Answer (the board’s key): (A)
Match Column – A with Column – B and choose the correct option : Column – A (Subjects) I. Defence II. Police III. Marriage IV. Computer Software Column – B (List/Subjects) 1. Concurrent List 2. Union List 3. State List 4. Residuary Subjects Options : I II III IV
- (A) 4 3 1 2
- (B) 3 4 1 2
- (C) 4 1 3 2
- (D) 2 3 1 4 ✓
Answer (the board’s key): (D)
Which one of the following is the most popular form of government in the contemporary world ?
- (A) Dictatorial Government
- (B) Constitutional Monarchy
- (C) Military Government
- (D) Democratic Government ✓
Answer (the board’s key): (D)
Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the appropriate option : Assertion (A) : Women in different parts of the World organized themselves and agitated for equal rights. Reason (R) : Women's movement aimed at equality in personal and family life as well.
- (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 the not correct explanation of (A).
- (C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
- (D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Answer (the board’s key): (A)
Which one of the following matters do NOT deal with the 'Family Laws' ?
- (A) Marriage
- (B) Adoption
- (C) Inheritance
- (D) Finance ✓
Answer (the board’s key): (D)
Section B · Written questions (17)
(a) Explain Romanticism as a cultural movement in Europe. OR (b) Explain Frederic Sarrieu's dream in the context of democratic and social republics in France during 1848.
Medha Ma’am
AskMedha’s AI teacher
Model answer · Romanticism and nationalism
- 1.(a) Romanticism was a cultural movement in Europe in which Romantic artists and poets generally criticized the glorification of reason and science. Instead, they focused on emotions, intuition and mystical feelings.1 mark
- 2.Through their art, poetry, folk songs and folk dances, their effort was to create a sense of a shared collective heritage, a common cultural past, as the basis of a nation.1 mark
- Write both sides of the first point: they criticized "the glorification of reason and science" and "focused instead on emotions, intuition and mystical feelings".
- End with the aim of the movement: "a shared collective heritage, a common cultural past, as the basis of a nation".
Marks split as in the board’s published marking scheme
Mention any two features of Plantation agriculture.
Explain any two provisions that make India a secular state.
Medha Ma’am
AskMedha’s AI teacher
Model answer · Secular state, constitutional provisions
- 1.First, there is no official religion for the Indian state. Sri Lanka gives a special status to Buddhism, Pakistan to Islam and England to Christianity, but our Constitution does not give a special status to any religion.1 mark
- 2.Second, the Constitution provides to all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion, or not to follow any. So every citizen is free to choose a religion or to follow none.1 mark
- Write the exact phrase "no official religion for the Indian state" and add that the Constitution "does not give a special status to any religion".
- For freedom of religion, write all three verbs, "profess, practice and propagate", and add "or not to follow any".
Marks split from a structure derived from past papers (checked twice); not CBSE’s official scheme
Imagine that you are the village Head. Suggest any two activities that you think should be taken up to increase the income of the villagers.
Medha Ma’am
AskMedha’s AI teacher
Model answer · Raising villagers' income
- 1.As the village Head, I would first promote activities like poultry farming, animal husbandry and beekeeping. Villagers can do these alongside farming. Landless rural labourers in particular could then earn extra income all year, and not only in the crop season.1 mark
- 2.Second, I would encourage people to set up small-scale and cottage industries, such as handloom and handicrafts, in the village. This would give villagers more days of work and better wages. It would increase employment and income opportunities without people having to move to cities.1 mark
- For the second activity, write "small-scale and cottage industries" and give examples such as "handloom and handicrafts".
- End each paragraph by saying how the activity raises income or employment.
Marks split from a structure derived from past papers (checked twice); not CBSE’s official scheme
Explain the implication of print culture on the religious reforms in India during 19th century.
How the model answer begins
1. Print culture made religious issues open to everyone. From the early nineteenth century, printing led to intense debates around religious issues. Social and religious reformers clashed with the Hindu orthodoxy over…
The full answer from Medha Ma’am →How has Information Technology affected Electronic Industry ? Explain.
How the model answer begins
1. Information Technology has widened the electronics industry in India. Today the electronics industry covers a wide range of products, and Bengaluru has become the electronic capital of India.
The full answer from Medha Ma’am →'The question of sustainability of development raises many fundamentally new issues about the nature and process of development.' Explain it with examples.
Explain any three functions of Political Party.
How the model answer begins
1. Parties form and run governments. Parties contest elections, and the party that wins forms the government. Parties recruit leaders, train them and make them ministers, who take the big policy decisions and implement…
The full answer from Medha Ma’am →(a) Explain any three functions of the Reserve Bank of India. OR (b) Explain the role of banks with regard to money which they accept from the public.
How the model answer begins
1. (i) Issues currency notes: The Reserve Bank of India issues currency notes on behalf of the central government. As per Indian law, no other individual or organisation is allowed to issue currency.
The full answer from Medha Ma’am →(a) Analyse the implications of First World War on the economic and Political situation of India. OR (b) Analyse the role of folklore and symbols in the revival of nationalism in India during late 19th century.
How the model answer begins
1. The First World War created a new economic and political situation in India. It led to a huge increase in defence expenditure, and the British government paid for this with war loans and increasing taxes on the Indian…
The full answer from Medha Ma’am →(a) 'Efficient means of Transport are pre-requisite for fast development.' Justify the statement. OR (b) 'Roadways have an edge over Railways.' Justify the statement.
How the model answer begins
1. Efficient means of transport are prerequisites for fast development because the pace of development of a country depends upon the production of goods and services as well as their movement over space. Goods and services…
The full answer from Medha Ma’am →(a) "There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world." Support the statement with examples. OR (b) "Democracy can address all socio-economic and political problems." Support the statement with arguments.
How the model answer begins
1. There is overwhelming support for democracy because democracy gives people the freedom to select their government without any domination or pressure, unlike other forms of government such as rule by a monarch or…
The full answer from Medha Ma’am →(a) Analyse the impact of globalization in India. OR (b) Analyse the ways to make globalization fair.
How the model answer begins
1. (a) Consumers, especially the well-off in cities, have more choice of better-quality goods at lower prices, raising their living standards. OR (b) Labour laws must be implemented properly so that workers get their…
The full answer from Medha Ma’am →Read the given case and answer the questions that follow : (34.1) How was the marketing of goods done in India by the British ? [1] (34.2) How were the new consumers created through advertisement during colonial India ? [1] (34.3) Identify the messages conveyed through advertisements during industrialization. [2]
How the model answer begins
1. The marketing of goods by British producers in India was done through advertisements printed in newspapers, magazines, hoardings, posters on walls, and calendars.
The full answer from Medha Ma’am →Read the given case and answer the questions that follow : (35.1) Why is sustainable energy a key to sustainable development ? [1] (35.2) Why is consumption of energy rising in all over India? [1] (35.3) Explain 'Energy saved is energy produced'. [2]
How the model answer begins
1. (35.1) Sustainable energy is a key to sustainable development because energy is a basic requirement for economic development. Sustainable energy rests on two things: promotion of energy conservation and increased use of…
The full answer from Medha Ma’am →Read the given extract and answer all questions : DECENTRALISATION IN INDIA [passage] (36.1) Explain Decentralization in democracy. (1) (36.2) Explain the importance of Local self Government in democracy. (1) (36.3) Describe any two steps taken by Indian government for decentralization. (1 x 2 = 2)
How the model answer begins
1. (36.1) When power is taken away from Central and State governments and given to local government, it is called decentralisation.
The full answer from Medha Ma’am →(a) Two places (A) and (B) have been marked on the given outline political Map of India. Identify them with the help of given information and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them : (2) (A) The place where the session of INC was held in September, 1920. (B) The place where Mahatma Gandhi broke Salt Law. (b) On the same outline Map of India, locate and label any three of the following with appropriate symbols and write their names : (3) (i) Hirakud Dam (ii) Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant (iii) Pune Software Technology Park (iv) Paradip Sea Port Note : For Visually Impaired Candidates only, in lieu of Question No. 37. (5 x 1 = 5) Answer any five questions : (37.1) Write the name of the state where the session of Indian National Congress was held in September, 1920. (1) (37.2) Write the name of the state where Gandhiji broke the Salt Law. (1) (37.3) Write the name of the place where Salal Dam is located. (1) (37.4) Write the name of the state where Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant is located. (1) (37.5) Write the name of the state where Pune Software Technology Park is located. (1) (37.6) Write the name of the state where Paradip Sea Port is located. (1)
How the model answer begins
1. (a) A. The place where the session of the Indian National Congress was held in 1927 is Madras (Chennai). It is marked and labelled on the line drawn near it on the east coast of Tamil Nadu. B. The place where Mahatma…
The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
The same preparation, with Medha Ma’am — on your phone
Every question of every chapter with its model answer, practice questions in the board’s own shapes, 60 minutes of class a day, written answers marked, a test every Sunday and a WhatsApp report to parents.
Medha Ma’am is an AI teacher, not a live tutor. Every answer is checked twice; a person takes responsibility.