CBSE Class 10 Social Science Sample Papers 2025-26

Preparing for the CBSE Class 10 Social Science exam can feel difficult for many students. The subject includes four parts – History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics – and together they make the syllabus quite large. Each chapter has facts, events, dates, and concepts that students need to remember. Many students also feel nervous because the question paper is often long and needs good writing practice. But there is a simple way to reduce this stress and make preparation easier – by practicing with the CBSE Social Science sample papers 2025-26.

Every year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) releases sample papers for all subjects, including Social Science. These papers are designed according to the latest exam pattern and syllabus. The Social Science sample paper class 10 2025-26 gives you a clear idea of the types of questions that will appear in the board exam. It includes multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, long-answer questions, case-based questions, and map work. Along with the sample paper, CBSE also provides the marking scheme and solutions, so students know how answers are checked and how marks are given.

Practicing these papers is very important. They help you understand the exam pattern, manage time better, and identify your weak areas. For example, some students may find map questions tricky, while others may struggle with long History answers. By solving sample papers, you will know which areas need more revision. They also help improve your writing style, presentation, and speed, which are very important for scoring high marks in the exam.

Another benefit of solving sample papers is that they build confidence. When you practice in exam-like conditions with a timer, you get used to the pressure and learn how to complete the paper within 3 hours. Many toppers say that solving at least 10–15 sample papers before the final exam can increase your marks by 10–15.

The CBSE Social Science sample paper 2025-26 is like a mirror of the real exam. It not only helps in revision but also reduces last-minute stress. If you practice regularly, check your answers with the marking scheme, and improve your mistakes, you can easily score 90+ marks in Social Science.

What is the CBSE Class 10 Social Science Sample Paper 2025-26?

The Social Science sample paper class 10 (2025-26) is a practice exam paper released by CBSE every year before the board exams. Its purpose is to give students a clear idea of the latest exam pattern, question types, marking scheme, and difficulty level.

The paper is prepared by CBSE experts and is closely aligned with the official curriculum. Every year, CBSE releases:

• Term 1 sample papers (objective & MCQ-based)
• Term 2 sample papers (descriptive & application-based)
• Complete annual exam papers for final board practice

Along with the sample paper, CBSE also publishes the answer key/marking scheme. This helps students understand not just the correct answers, but also how marks are awarded, which is crucial for writing answers in the board exam.

Download Free CBSE Social Science Sample Papers 2025-26

Why are Sample Papers So Important?

• They reduce exam anxiety by showing exactly what to expect
• They help students practice within the real exam format
• They allow for self-assessment by checking answers against CBSE’s marking scheme
• They improve time management and speed

Importance of Solving CBSE Social Science Sample Papers

Many students revise NCERT books multiple times but still struggle in the exam hall because they don’t know how to apply knowledge in the exam format. That’s where solving sample papers comes in.

Here are the key benefits:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern

Social Science has a variety of questions — MCQs, very short answers, case studies, source-based, map work, and long descriptive answers. Practicing sample papers familiarizes you with all these types so there are no surprises in the real exam.

2. Improve Time Management

The exam is 3 hours long, but Social Science requires lengthy writing and explanation. Many students fail to finish the paper. By practicing with a timer set for 3 hours, you learn how to divide time between sections and attempt all questions.

3. Identify Weak Areas

When solving a sample paper, you quickly notice which sections are tough for you — for example, long answers in History, map work in Geography, or case-based questions in Economics. This helps in targeted revision.

4. Build Writing Practice

Unlike MCQ subjects, Social Science answers need to be written in detail. Solving papers gives you writing practice, improves answer presentation, and helps you learn how much to write for 2-mark, 3-mark, or 5-mark questions.

5. Boost Confidence and Marks

Students who solve 10–15 sample papers usually score 10–15 marks higher than those who don’t. Regular practice eliminates fear, reduces stress, and builds confidence.

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme (2025-26)

Before jumping into practice, you must clearly understand the exam structure.

Total Marks: 80 (Board Exam) + 20 (Internal Assessment)

Internal Assessment (20 Marks): Project work, periodic tests, portfolio, and multiple assessments.

Section-Wise Strategy for Social Science

Each part of Social Science has its own challenges. Here’s how you can tackle them using sample papers.

1. History (20 Marks)

• Focus on important events, dates, and themes (Nationalism in Europe, Nationalism in India, Industrialisation, Globalisation).
• Use sample papers to learn how to write long answers — stick to points and avoid unnecessary details.
• Practice map-based questions on Nationalism and Trade Routes.

2. Geography (20 Marks)

• Revise case studies and diagrams.
• Practice map work — rivers, minerals, industries, and soil types.
• Use sample papers to answer application-based questions like resource management and environmental issues.

3. Political Science (20 Marks)

• Revise key topics: Federalism, Democracy, Power-sharing, Outcomes of Democracy.
• Expect assertion-reason questions and case studies.
• Practice 2-mark answers for quick recall questions.

4. Economics (20 Marks)

• Focus on Development, Money and Credit, Globalisation, and Consumer Rights.
• Sample papers often include real-life case-based questions.
• Practice writing to-the-point answers with examples.

How to Solve CBSE Social Science Sample Papers Effectively

Merely solving papers is not enough — you must solve them the right way.

Step-by-Step Approach:

1. Simulate Real Exam Conditions – Sit in a quiet place, keep only writing material, and set a timer for 3 hours.
2. Attempt the Paper Seriously – Don’t treat it casually. Write full answers, not just rough outlines.
3. Follow Correct Answer Format – Write in points, use headings, underline key terms, and make neat maps/diagrams.
4. Check with Marking Scheme – Compare your answers with CBSE’s official solutions to see mistakes.
5. Note Weaknesses – Keep a notebook where you write mistakes (e.g., missed dates, incomplete maps).
6. Revise and Reattempt – Re-solve similar questions until you can write perfect answers.

Common Question Types in CBSE Social Science Sample Papers

Tips to Score 90+ in Social Science

1. Revise NCERT First – Every CBSE exam is based strictly on NCERT. Read line by line.
2. Practice Daily – Solve one sample paper or previous year paper every day.
3. Make Short Notes – Summarize each chapter in 1–2 pages.
4. Master Map Work – Practice daily; map questions are easy scoring.
5. Write in Points – Avoid long paragraphs; examiners prefer point-wise answers.
6. Highlight Key Words – Always underline important terms and years.
7. Focus on Case Studies – Practice source-based and case-based questions regularly.
8. Revise Multiple Times – Instead of reading once for hours, revise in short, repeated intervals.

Example Structure of Social Science Sample Paper 2025-26

Why Use Sample Papers with Solutions

While solving is important, checking with solutions is equally essential:

• Learn the ideal answer structure CBSE expects
• Understand how marks are awarded (keywords, headings, maps, examples)
• Avoid writing unnecessary details
• Build confidence before the real exam