As students of Class 10 gear up for their board exams, understanding the updated exam format of Social Science is critical. For the academic session 2025-26, CBSE has introduced a more structured paper pattern for Social Science — dividing the subject into four distinct sections and clarifying marks for each. This article unpacks the full pattern, section-wise marks, map-based questions, and how students can strategize their preparation.
CBSE Class 10 Social Science Exam: Exam Overview
The Social Science Board paper will carry 80 marks for theory and an additional 20 marks for internal assessment.
Students will have 3 hours to complete the theory paper.
The question paper consists of 38 compulsory questions.
The entire paper is split into four equal sections, each worth 20 marks, covering:
Section A — History
Section B — Geography
Section C — Political Science
Section D — Economics
CBSE Class 10 Social Science Exam: Section-Wise Structure & Question Types
Here’s how the four sections are structured and how question types are distributed:
Section A: History (20 marks)
MCQs: 4 × 1 mark = 4 marks
Very Short Answer (VSA): 1 × 2 marks = 2 marks
Short Answer (SA): 1 × 3 marks = 3 marks
Long Answer (LA): 1 × 5 marks = 5 marks
Case-Based Question (CBQ): 1 × 4 marks = 4 marks
Map-Based Question: 1 × 2 marks = 2 marks
Total: 20 marks
Section B: Geography (20 marks)
MCQs: 6 × 1 mark = 6 marks
VSA: 1 × 2 marks = 2 marks
Long Answer (Choice-Based): 1 × 5 marks = 5 marks
CBQ: 1 × 4 marks = 4 marks
Map-Based Question: 1 × 3 marks = 3 marks
Total: 20 marks
Section C: Political Science (20 marks)
MCQs/Assertion-Reason: 4 × 1 mark = 4 marks
VSA: 2 × 2 marks = 4 marks
Short Answer: 1 × 3 marks = 3 marks
Long Answer (Choice-Based): 1 × 5 marks = 5 marks
CBQ: 1 × 4 marks = 4 marks
Total: 20 marks
Section D: Economics (20 marks)
MCQs: 6 × 1 mark = 6 marks
Short Answers: 3 × 3 marks = 9 marks
Long Answer (Choice-Based): 1 × 5 marks = 5 marks
Total: 20 marks
Map-Based and Visual Skills
Map-based questions CBSE Class 10 Social Science Exam remain an important part of the Social Science paper. For 2025-26:
History section includes a 2-mark map skill question.
Geography section includes a 3-mark map skill question.
Total map skill marks: 5 marks.
Unit-Wise Weightage
Understanding CBSE Class 10 Social Science Exam which units carry more marks helps prioritise revision. Here are the primary unit-wise distributions for the Social Science paper:
| Unit | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| History (“India & the Contemporary World II”) | 18 + 2 (map) | 20 |
| Geography (“Contemporary India II”) | 17 + 3 (map) | 20 |
| Political Science (“Democratic Politics II”) | — | 20 |
| Economics (“Understanding Economic Development”) | — | 20 |
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Key Changes & What Students Should Note
Each of the four major parts (History, Geography, Political Science, Economics) now carries equal weight (20 marks each) — making the paper more balanced.
The question types are varied (MCQ, VSA, SA, LA, case-based, map-based) to test knowledge, application, analysis and map skills.
No overall choice of questions in the paper, though internal choices are available in some questions.
Students with visual impairments will be given alternate questions in place of map-based or diagram-based items.
Preparation Tips Based on the Pattern
Practice all question types: especially MCQs, case-based questions and map-based tasks because they appear in each section.
Map practice is key: While only 5 marks, map skills often decide the difference—set aside dedicated time for map work.
Balanced preparation across all four subjects: Since each carries 20 marks, neglecting any section could cost 20 marks.
Time-management: 3 hours for 38 questions means you have around 4–5 minutes per question, depending on length—practice under timed conditions.
Focus on depth when required: For Long Answer (LA) items of 5 marks, break answers into clear points or sub-headings to structure your response.
Case-based and application questions: They demand reasoning and application of concepts—don’t rely only on pure memorisation.
Review internal assessment (20 marks): Projects, assignments, and periodic tests play a key role — maintain consistent performance throughout the year.
Conclusion
The 2025-26 CBSE Class 10 Social Science exam pattern shows a clear emphasis on balanced subject weightage, varied question formats and applied skills (case-based, map-based). Familiarising yourself with the structure and focusing preparation accordingly can give you a stronger advantage. Remember: preparation strategy aligned with the pattern is as important as the content itself.
