CBSE 2025-26

Class -X
Time : 3HRS 80 MARKS

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Read the following instructions carefully and follow them:
1. This question paper contains 37 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. Question paper is divided into SIX sections - Sections A, B, C, D, E and F.
3. Section A question number 1 to 20 are multiple choice type questions. Each question carries 1 mark
4. Section B-question number 21 to 24 are Very Short Answer type questions. Each question carries 2 marks.
Answer to these questions should not exceed 40 words
5. Section C-question number 25 to 29 are Short Answer type questions. Each question carries 3 marks. Answer
to these questions should not exceed 60 words.
6. Section D-question number 30 to 33 are Long Answer(LA) type questions. Each question carries 5 marks.
Answer to these questions should not exceed 120 words.
7. Section E-question number 34 to 36 are Case-based/Source-based questions with three sub-questions. Each
question carries 4 marks.
8. In Section F-question number 37 is Map skill based question with two parts-37(i) History (2 marks) and 37(ii)
Geography (3 marks). This question carries total 5 marks.
9. In addition to this, NOTE that a separate question has been provided for the Visually Impaired Candidates in
lieu of questions having visual inputs, Map etc. Such questions are to be attempted by the Visually Impaired
Candidates only.

SECTION-A
(Multiple Choice Questions) (20×1=20)

1 Why was the silk route considered a good example of vibrant pre-modern trade? Choose the most appropriate
option from the following: 1
(a) Due to movement of silk cargoes
(b) Due to flow of silver and gold
(c) Due to linkage of China with Australia
(d) Due to trade and cultural exchange

2. How did the British East India Company use Print Culture to promote its interests in India? Choose the
correct option from the following: 1
(a) By censoring the Indian newspapers
(b) By funding the regional language newspapers
(c) By encouraging the development of independent Press
(d) By using print media to spread eastern culture

3. Look at the given picture and identify the name of the painter of this painting from the following options:
1

(a) Rabindranath Tagore

(b) Abanindranath Tagore
(c) Debindranath Tagore
(d) Satyendranath Tagore

Note: The following question is for the Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q. No. 3.
Who amongst the following organised the 'Depressed Class Association' in 1930? 1
(a) B.L. Yadav (b) C.R. Das
(c) M.R. Jayeker (d) B.R. Ambedkar

4. Arrange the following events in the chronological order and choose the correct option: 1
I. The Treaty of Vienna
II. The beginning of Napoleonic wars
III. Proclamation of the Prussian King William I as German Emperor
IV. Proclamation of Victor Emmanuel II as the King of Italy
Options:
(a) I, III, IV and II
(b) II, IV, I and III
(c) II, I, IV and III
(d) III, II, IV and I

5. A researcher is examining a soil type which is formed by the weathering of volcanic rock and is rich in
minerals. Which one of the following soils is it? 1
(a) Laterite soil
(b) Alluvial soil
(c) Black soil
(d) Desert soil

6. Identify the crop with the help of information given in the box. 1
* This crop is a major cash crop in India.
* It is cultivated mainly in the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
* It is known for its aroma.
Options:
(a) Tea (b) Coffee
(c) Jute (d) Cotton

7. Match Column-I with Column-II and choose the correct option: 1

Column-I (Minerals) Column-II (Features)

A. Copper (i) Used in manufacturing of steel and paints

B. Bauxite (ii) Used in electric and electronic industries

C. Mica (iii) Used in electric cables and utensils

D. Manganese (iv) Used in aluminium production

Options:
A B C D
(a) (i) (iii) (iv) (ii)
(b) (ii) (i) (iii) (iv)
(c) (iv) (ii) (i) (iii)
(d) (iii) (iv) (ii) (i)

8. Two statements are given below. They are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements and
choose the correct option: 1
Assertion (A): The French speaking community was rich in comparison to Dutch speaking community in
Belgium.
Reason (R): Dutch speaking community got the benefit of economic development and education much later.
Options:
(a) Both, (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both, (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect
(d) (A) is incorrect but (R) is correct.

9. How does the Indian federal structure promote balance governance across the nation Choose the most suitable
option from the following: 1
(a) By allowing states to exercise complete autonomy on all issues.
(b) By ensuring a division of power between centre and states.
(c) By allowing all decision making processes under the Union Government.
(d) By giving more powers to local governments in comparison to states.

10. Which of the following is an example of horizontal power sharing in Indian democracy? 1
(a) Division of power between Central and State Governments.
(b) Division of power between Rural and Urban Governments.
(c) Division of power among Administration, Judiciary and Army.
(d) Division of power among Legislative, Executive and Judiciary.

11. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched" 1

List-I (Regional Parties) List-II (Regions)

(a) Rashtriya Janta Dal Uttar Pradesh

(b) Janta Dal (Secular) Bihar
(c) Rashtriya Lok Dal Assam
(d) Biju Janta Dal Odisha

12. In a democratic country the government adopts environment friendly policies with the help of citizens and
experts. Which one of the following is a positive outcome of this process?
1
(a) The government is capable of determining policies on its own.
(b) Citizens feel empowered to determine policies.
(c) Corporates protect their own interest in determining policies.
(d) Market forces also influence the government for their interests.

13. In which year the Constitution amendment providing for 33% representation of women in the local self
governance system in India was made? Choose the correct option: 1

(a) 1990 (b) 1984

(c) 1992 (d) 1988

14. Read the table given below carefully and answer the question that follow: 1
Data of few Countries
Country Gross National Life Expectancy at Mean Years of HDI Rank in the
Income (GNI) per birth Schooling of world (2021-22)
capita (2017 PPP) People aged 25 and
in US $ above

A 12,578 76.4 10.8 73

B 6,590 67.2 6.7 132

C 3,851 65.7 6.4 149

D 4,624 66.1 4.5 161

E 3,877 68.4 5.1 143

F 5,472 72.4 7.4 129

Which of the following countries has high per capita income, life expectancy at birth and high rank in human
development index?
(a) A (b) C
(c) E (d) F

15. The World Bank's development report is prepared on the basis of which of the following:
1

(a) Per Capita Income (b) Health Services

(c) Literacy (d) Freedom

16. Choose the odd one out from the following options regarding the sectors of economy: 1
(a) Pilot, Driver, Gardener
(b) Fisherman, Teacher, Lawyer
(c) Engineer, Professor, Farmer
(d) Doctor, Teacher, Lawyer

17. Choose the correct option to fill the blank: 1

Sector Criteria Used

Primary, Secondary and Tertiary _________________________________

Organized and Unorganized Sectors Nature of Employment Activities

Options:
(a) Nature of social activities
(b) Nature of political activities
(c) Nature of production activities
(d) Nature of government activities

18. Read the following sources of loan carefully and choose the correct option related to formal sources of
credit. 1
(i) Commercial Bank
(iii) Government.
(ii) Landlords
(iv) Money Lender
Options:
(a) (i) and (iii) are correct. (b) (ii) and (iv) are correct.
(c) (i) and (ii) are correct. (d) (ii) and (iii) are correct.

19. The growth of digital technology has greatly influenced globalization.

Which of the following is its main benefit? 1
(a) Increased Communication Cost (b) Limited Access to Information
(c) Enhanced Connectivity (d) Slower Transaction Speed

20. Read the following developmental goals and choose correct option of goals related to a student studying in
university. 1
(i) Good opportunities for research.
(ii) Opportunities to pursue higher education abroad.
(iii) Opportunities for independence.
(iv) Opportunities for good employment.
Options:
(a) Only (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct.
(b) Only (ii), (iii) and (iv) are correct.
(c) Only (i), (ii) and (iv) are correct.
(d) Only (i), (iii) and (iv) are correct.

SECTION-B
(Very Short Answer Type Questions) (4×2=8)

21. Why was the Indian subcontinent significant to trade networks before European intervention ? Explain.
2
22. Suggest any two ways to increase women's representation in leadership roles. 2

23. (A) "Planning is the widely accepted strategy for judicious use of resources." Explain the statement.
2
OR
(B) "An equitable distribution of resources has become essential for a sustained quality of human life." Explain
the statement. 2

24. Explain the role of public facilities for quality of life. 2

SECTION-C
(Short Answer Type Questions) (5x3=15)

25. (A) Describe the steps taken by French revolutionaries to create a sense of national unity and belonging.
3
OR
(B) Describe the historical factors that contributed to the emergence of nationalist tensions in the Balkans.
3

26. Examine the measures taken by the government to make agriculture profitable in India. 3

27. How did the trade policy implemented in 1991 stimulated the globalization in India? Explain with example.
3

28. Describe any three features of Multiparty System. 3

29. Analyse the significance of Primary Sector in Indian economy. 3

SECTION-D
(Long Answer Type Questions) (4×5=20)

30. (A) Explain with examples the significance of the Non-cooperation Movement in the Indian national
movement. 5
OR
(B) How did the Civil Disobedience Movement become a mass movement ? Explain with examples.
5

31. (A) "It would be beneficial to develop sustainable way to meet the growing energy demand in India."
Support the statement by giving suitable arguments. 5
OR
(B) "We have to use a planned and sustainable manner to conserve our minerals." Support the statement by
giving suitable arguments. 5

32. (A) "Democratic governance is responsive to the expectations of citizens." Justify the statement with
suitable arguments. 5
OR
(B) "Democracy accommodates social diversity better than dictatorship." Justify the statement with suitable
arguments. 5

33. (A) Imagine you are a part of a 'Self Help Group' (SHG). Explain the working system of the Self Help
Group (SHG) to the new member. 5

OR
(B) Imagine that you are the Village Development Officer of a village. Explain the usefulness of formal sources
of credit for the farmers. 5

SECTION-E
 (Case-based/Source-based Questions) (3x4=12)

34. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
New Forms of Publication
By the end of the nineteenth century, a new visual culture was taking shape. With the setting up of an increasing
number of printing presses, visual images could be easily reproduced in multiple copies. Painters like Raja Ravi
Varma produced images for mass circulation. Poor wood engravers who made woodblocks set up shop near the
letterpresses, and were employed by print shops. Cheap prints and calendars, easily available in the bazaar, could
be bought even by the poor to decorate the walls of their homes or places of work. These prints began shaping
popular ideas about modernity and tradition, religion and politics, and society and culture.

By the 1870s, caricatures and cartoons were being published in journals and newspapers, commenting on social
and political issues. Some caricatures ridiculed the educated Indians fascination with Western tastes and clothes,
while others expressed the fear of social change. There were imperial caricatures lampooning nationalists, as well
as nationalist cartoons criticising imperial rule.

34.1 How did the development of printing technology impact visual culture? 1
34.2 How did Raja Ravi Varma contribute to the mass circulation of art in India? 1
34.3 How did visual culture shape the memory of the 19th century social landscape? Explain.
2

35. Read the given source and answer the questions that follow:
Sacred Groves a wealth of diverse and rare species:

Nature worship is an age old tribal belief based on the premise that all creations of nature have to be protected.
Such beliefs have preserved several virgin forests in pristine form called Sacred Groves (the forests of God and
Goddesses). These patches of forest or parts of large forests have been left untouched by the local people and any
interference with them is banned.

Certain societies revere a particular tree which they have preserved from time immemorial. The Mundas and the
Santhal of Chota Nagpur region worship mahua (Bassia latifolia) and kadamba (Anthocaphalus cadamba) trees,
and the tribals of Odisha and Bihar worship the tamarind (Tamarindus indica) and mango (Mangifera indica) trees
during weddings. To many of us, peepal and banyan trees are considered sacred.

Indian society comprises several cultures, each with its own set of traditional methods of conserving nature and
its creations. Sacred qualities are often ascribed to springs, mountain peaks, plants and animals which are closely
protected. You will find troops of macaques and langurs around many temples. They are fed daily and treated as
a part of temple devotees. In and around Bishnoi villages in Rajasthan, herds of blackbuck (chinkara), nilgai and
peacocks can be seen as an integral part of the community and nobody harms them.

35.1 How do sacred groves show the inter-connectivity of spirituality and ecology? 1
35.2 How do tribal practices promote conservation of forests? 1
35.3 Why is conservation of wildlife important for all of us? Explain. 2

36. Read the following source and answer the questions that follow:
Local Self Government

The local government structure goes right up to the district level. A few gram panchayats are grouped together to
form what is usually called a panchayat samiti or block or mandal. The members of this representative body are
elected by all the panchayat members in that area. All the panchayat samitis or mandals in a district together
constitute the zilla (district) parishad. Most members of the zilla parishad are elected. Members of the Lok Sabha
and MLAs of that district and some other officials of other district level bodies are also its members. Zilla parishad
chairperson is the political head of the zilla parishad.

Similarly, local government bodies exist for urban areas as well. Municipalities are set up in towns. Big cities are
constituted into municipal corporations. Both municipalities and municipal corporations are controlled by elected
bodies consisting of people's representatives. Municipal chairperson is the political head of the municipality. In a
municipal corporation, such an officer is called the mayor.

This new system of local government is the largest experiment in democracy conducted anywhere in the world.
36.1 Explain the relationship between gram panchayats and panchayat samitis. 1
36.2 How is the structure of municipal corporation different from municipality? 1
36.3 How does the local government structure promote democracy? Examine. 2

SECTION-F
(Map Skill Based Question) (2+3=5)
37. (i) Two places (A) and (B) have been marked on the given political outline map of India. Identify them with
the help of the following information and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them:
(a) The place where the Session of Indian National Congress was held in 1927. 1
(b) The place where Gandhiji broke the Salt Law. 1

Note: The following questions are for the Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q. No. 37(1).

(a) Name the place where the Session of Indian National Congress was held in 1927. 1
(b) Name the place where Gandhiji broke the Salt Law. 1

37. (ii) On the same political outline map of India, locate and label any three of the following with suitable
symbols:
(a) A major dam on the Chenab river. 1
(b) Nuclear Power Plant located in Uttar Pradesh. 1
(c) A major Software Technology Park located in Karnataka. 1
(d) A major Sea Port located in Odisha. 1

Note: The following questions are for the Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q. No. 37(ii).
Attempt any three questions:
(a) Name the place where the major dam is located on the Chenab river. 1
(b) Name the place where Nuclear Power Plant is located in Uttar Pradesh. 1
(c) Name the place where a major Software Technology Park is located in Karnataka. 1
(d) Name the place where a major Sea Port is located in Odisha. 1